Almost Twelve Roses

Chappie 6: How Can I?

Author: Funnyfan

last time

"Kagome, do you love this guy?"

… … … … … … … … … …

"There's no such thing as falling out of love."

… … … … … … … … … …

It had been years since she had seen Sesshomaru, in person.

… … … … … … … … … …

"He can't. He's far too childish."

"What a coward!"

"How pathetic!"

"And he's heir to Taishio Inc. What a disappointment!"

"What a weakling!"

"He's already messed up his chances!"

"Fool!"

Now

"Ah, Kagome, Sesshomaru, nice to see you again." Dr. Naru greeted. Kagome smiled friendly-like and Sesshomaru stared in disgust at the doctor. "Sesshomaru, if you could go with these doctors. We've taken your advice and hired some specialists on Kagome's condition. They will listen to all your questions and what not." Sesshomaru gave him a curt nod and followed the doctor Dr. Naru pointed out. All the way down the hall Kagome could hear Sesshomaru issuing orders and demanding answers.

Kagome sighed in relief as she walked down the hall towards Dr. Naru's office. She had suggested long ago that Sesshomaru should have been put in another room so they could actually get a report on her condition without shouting matches and outrageous demands. He, Sesshomaru, somehow, unfortunately for Kagome, got time to 'himself', or as Kagome put it 'annoy Kagome time'. She didn't know how he got away from all his shadows but she wanted, more than ever, for it to go back to them following him.

For the past two weeks all her and Sesshomaru had been doing, was arguing. Sesshomaru would do or say something that'd make Kagome mad, Kagome would yell, Sesshomaru would make some sort of snide comment, infuriating Kagome even more. It was the same pattern, everyday. It was a shouting match for superiority, snide remarks being swapped back and forth like table tennis. They hadn't had an actual civil moment, and Kagome was beginning to wonder if that was even possible for Sesshomaru. As far as things had gone with her and Sesshomaru, she was still glad she had lost her memory of him.

He had gone every where with her. And when he went with her for doctor appointments he was attempt to intimidate the doctors into making her remember him. It was so embarrassing. Thus her current setting…

All that happened next was Dr. Naru telling her the same things as last time. And the time before that, and before that. It never changed. She was gradually getting her memories back. Yes, it was possible to get them through dreams. No, she didn't need Sesshomaru following her around. Yes, she was still expected to get a large slate of dreams thrown on her. Yes, there was a possibility it'd hurt.

"How much longer is it going take to remember everything?" Kagome asked. She had never thought of asking this question before. She stared at the doctor, waiting patiently.

"Ah, yes, well, it can vary. There's a possibility you can remember everything within another couple months. However, it's almost possible it may take another six months or year. Possibly more." Dr. Naru read through his notes. So far, from what Kagome had told him, she was remembering things and an exceptionally fast rate. Meaning, she was more likely to remember everything within two to three months. Well, almost everything.

It was a rather sad predicament for the girl. From what he had heard from her family members and friends her and Sesshomaru had been in love for years and had finally gotten together and, so the rumors were spread, a wedding was supposed to be happening soon. How unfortunate, but from what he'd seen with Sesshomaru he wasn't going to stand living without her. And even though he had a brash way of showing it, it seemed he wanted her as soon as possible.

A couple more months, huh? Kagome had been thinking about what her doctor said for the past three days. If she remembered everything, would she get to go home? Would she remember Sesshomaru in any way? Would she fall in love with him? Kagome shook the thoughts from her head. No. Dr. Naru already said she wouldn't remember Sesshomaru, at least not in that way. So, even if she did remember Sesshomaru, she would never love him.

Carefully, breaking from her thoughts, she glanced around the corner. No sign of him or that damn pesky fruity gremlin of his. She glanced down the other hall and saw Rin running down it, waving fiercely at Kagome. Kagome cursed her un-spy-like abilities. She was trying to sneak out. Sesshomaru had been on her ass every day for the past two and a half weeks, she needed some Kagome time.

"Rin wants to know what Kagome is doing. Is she hiding?" Rin flashed her bright eyes at Kagome and Kagome flinched under her childish gaze. She hated to do it, but she had to lie to the kid. She'd never have her break if she didn't. She'd make it up to the young girl later, she promised herself.

Putting her fingers to her lips she whispered a hush, "Shh." Rin covered her mouth and quietly questioned Kagome. "Me and lord Sesshomaru are playing hide-and-seek and he's it. I'm hiding, shh, don't tell you saw me. Kay?" Rin gave a quick and enthusiastic nod. Ensured Rin wouldn't tell Sesshomaru she rushed down the hall, victory sparkling in her eyes. She was FREE.

Lazily she walked down the sidewalk. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and she wore her shades to block out its rays. A slight breeze blew past her every couple minutes cooling her down. This felt so good to her. She felt better than she had in weeks, no, months. Sesshomaru had bored the hell out of her, and now she was actually enjoying herself. Perhaps some shopping was in order for the full extent of her 'vacation away from Sesshomaru'.

First, she decided, coffee was in order. She hadn't been to a coffee shop for, she couldn't remember, understandably enough, but she had the urge to buy mocha of some sort. She may not remember when she started drinking coffee, but she undoubtedly wanted some.

For some reason, as she walked down the street she felt herself feet stop in front of a café and steered her into the shop. She sat down and glanced around. Had she been her once before? Everything looked so familiar. The spot she was sitting in felt so familiar. She glanced around the room and took everything in. It was a nice café, not tacky but not over industrialized either. It was, quaint. A waitress came and took her order.

As she sipped her café mocha, after thanking the waitress, she continued to scan the room. It felt like she was supposed to be here on this day. It was almost like she was supposed to be waiting for someone. But who could it be? Surely not Sesshomaru, he wouldn't 'lower' himself to eating or drinking coffee at a place like this. Not Sesshomaru, no, everything for him had to be the best, by his standards. She sighed in contentment at the comfortable setting the café drew out.

"Hey Kagome, miss me?" Kagome turned questioningly around and glanced back at whom she assumed was talking to her. A man with long black hair tied into a ponytail and crystal blue eyes stood behind her, smiling enchantingly at her. Normally, she was sure, women would have fell to their knees, provided they were standing, had this young man smiled so charmingly at them. But, for some reason, it didn't sweep Kagome off her feet. He looked familiar, like an old friend. "Where's dog breath?" he questioned as he looked around. "Mutt face normally comes when we have our get-togethers." Kagome looked up at him cluelessly.

"Um, who are you again?" Kagome asked politely. His eyes shot back to her frame and she could feel him searching her own eyes to see if she was joking.

"What you get hit in the head and forget me?" the man asked, and laughed at his joke. Kagome smiled awkwardly.

"Around those lines." Kagome said and she felt his eyes on her once more, searching her for an answer.

"Wow, that's insane." Koga said after hearing Kagome's story. She had actually known what happened after she was hit but she heard the story told so many times by her family and friends that she knew it off by heart. Kagome nodded.

"So how do you fit into my life, if I may be so bold as to ask." Kagome asked. She had been wondering how he knew her the second he showed up. How could she, Kagome, know someone as good looking as Koga?

"Oh, we used to date." Koga said proudly and flashed Kagome a brilliant smile and his eyes flashed happily.

"Rin, have you seen Kagome?" Sesshomaru asked. He'd been looking for her since that morning. She had disappeared after breakfast and he hadn't seen her since. She had snuck out before, but he normally found her within the hour. She obviously wasn't playing with Rin since Rin stood before him Kagome-less. He had already phoned Sango and she had informed him she was busy working and hadn't seen Kagome for a while. InuYasha and his father were busy working and so undoubtedly she wasn't with them.

Rin looked at Sesshomaru innocently. "Rin can't tell Lord Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru would be cheating. Rin knows the rules of hide-and-seek." Rin grinned goofily and skipped past Sesshomaru.

So, they were playing hide-and-seek were they? It was a game of cat and mouse. A smile spread across his face. They hadn't played this game for a long time. And he'd forgotten how fun he'd had being the cat. Kagome couldn't hide forever and he would find her.

"Ready or not, here I come." Sesshomaru announced quietly and began his search around the mansion.

"We use to…what?" Kagome asked her mouth agape.

"Date," Koga answered, taking a drink of his coffee. "All the time. But then you found Sesshomaru. We broke up a while back." He took another sip of coffee. "But we agreed we could have our little get-togethers with each other once a month. Except for last month…" Kagome gasped. Did she stand him up?

"Oh my, gosh, Koga I'm so sorry! Did I stand you up? I'm really sorry!" Kagome said quickly. She had been meeting with this man for what sounded like years, and she missed their get-together. Just like that. He hadn't even complained about it either.

"Oh, no. Don't worry, that day was already planned to be broken. We made arrangements a ways back. No need to apologize." Koga flashed another smile at Kagome. Kagome smiled back, though her smile was meant to dazzle him but to show she was grateful. "So you and ass face together still?" Koga asked, he guzzled the rest of his warm coffee and motioned for the waitress.

"Who? Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked. Koga nodded his head as he ordered another coffee. He gave her a sideways glance. She really had forgotten everything. Normally she would have given him a hard look and said 'Koga…' hmmm; maybe this could work to his advantage.

"Really? Why not? You getting back together?" Koga asked. Kagome shook her head.

"Yeah right, with that pompous ass? Not a chance!" Kagome grumbled. Koga's eyes sparked.

"So, you willing to go out with me again?" Koga asked. Kagome's eyes shot at him and this time it was her looking to see if he was lying.

Sesshomaru growled. How could he forget? How could he not remember this day? It happened every month. It has for the past couple years. He didn't know why he let it, but he did. This entire time, when he was looking all around the mansion, he knew where she was. She wasn't at the house. She was no where close to the mansion. She had snuck off to see him. That sneaking, conniving, bastard. He was in for hell what he got there. Damn, mangy wolf!

Swiftly he turned the corner. Now where was that café? He wondered. He looked up and down the streets searching for a familiar sign. Smiling triumphantly as he spotted their usual meeting place Sesshomaru parked and jumped out of the car. Locking it he sped into the café.

Kagome walked down the side walk, Koga walking along beside her. She hadn't known what to say and so far, from what she known of Koga, he was a nice person. His first impression was far more impressive than Sesshomaru's. However, she didn't think she knew him enough to actually date him, and she wasn't even sure she was allowed to date anyone while in Taishio's home. She would have to ask. But the answer she gave him seemed to satisfy him enough.

She had told him she'd have to think about it, and that she thought she should hang around with him more and get to know him better. Koga thought this was a brilliant idea and had already thought of the arcade as a fun place to go. Kagome had gladly accepted. Though she still needed to talk to Taishio. Would he be mad at her? No, he wouldn't get mad at her about that. Kagome smiled to herself.

"Want a ride home? I normally give you one back to the mansion." Koga asked as they arrived at his parking spot, three blocks down from the café. Kagome shook her head.

"No, I still have time to burn and I want to shop." Koga nodded his head and gave Kagome a good-bye hug. As he drove off Kagome waved. As soon as he was gone Kagome let her arm fall and began to walk along the sidewalk, in hopes of finding a mall or store of some sort that sold clothing. Even though she wasn't sure if she was going to buy anything, she wanted to try things on. But that didn't sound even close to fun by-herself. Whipping out her cell phone she dialed Sango's number. Something she had memorized through the boring hours of being with Sesshomaru.

"Kagome?" Sango's voice questioned.

"The one and only." Kagome smiled into the phone. She knew Sango couldn't see it but it shone in her voice.

"You know Sesshomaru is out looking for you right?" Sango asked. Kagome sighed and answered in the negative. "So he hasn't found you yet, huh?" Sango questioned, even though she knew the answer. "Perfect! Where are you?" Kagome smiled. Looking around she found a street sign.

"Blue Blossom St." Kagome announced. Kagome could hear Sango getting into her car as she talked on the phone.

"I'll be right there Kagome!" Sango said cheerfully and hung up.

"I was under the impression you didn't know where Kagome was." Sango glanced over her shoulder and her eyes widened at who was behind her.

"Why, hello there Sesshomaru. How goes the search for Kagome?" Sango laughed awkwardly and gave him a lopsided grin. His fierce glare made her shudder.

"You will take me to Kagome." Sesshomaru ordered and Sango hesitantly nodded her head. Kagome was going to kill her. "I'll follow." He said and walked back to his own vehicle.

Following behind Sango, Sesshomaru growled to himself. She hadn't been at the café and according to the waitress he had just missed her. From what he heard from the waitress, Koga had in fact been with Kagome. And it seemed Koga had found out about Kagome's memory loss and he was sure the lying twit had something up his sleeve. In reality he wasn't in the mood to deal with Koga just yet. He had spent the majority of his day in a wild Kagome chase and hadn't had any luck. In other words, he was pissed. And Koga being there would only make things worse.

Kagome moaned loudly as she walked down the halls. She'd be 'grounded' by the great and all mighty Sesshomaru. She wasn't allowed to leave the house without him, his father, or InuYasha. No friends and her family could just come and visit. Kagome had argued with him that he wasn't being fair and that he hadn't even told her she wasn't allowed to leave the house. She nearly strangled him when he said she couldn't even go out with her family. That was unfair, and Kagome would go out with her family if she wanted to. Sesshomaru couldn't stop her.

Though he thought he could. He had even gone so far as to tell all the maids, butlers, chauffeurs, and every other person in the house that she wasn't to leave without him by her side. Kagome laughed at his amateur attempt to keep her cooped up. They weren't guarding the doors and even if they were, there were always the windows. She needed to come up with a plan soon too, her play-date was coming up that week and she wasn't about to miss it. She loved the arcade and it was way more fun that what Sesshomaru usually came up with.

Which reminded her, she still needed to talk to Taishio. She didn't know whether or not she was allowed to date anyone else. Had she actually been banned from dating anyone other than Sesshomaru? It seemed their relationship didn't seem to be going any where other than down hill. And to Kagome, it was suffocating. He didn't let her do anything and she felt like he was trying to cage her in. She hated it. It was another thing to add to the list of reasons why she didn't mind forgetting him.

She quickly ran across the hall and looked around dramatically. She was completely and totally bored inside this house. So, she had made her own fun, pretending to be a spy of some sort. It was obvious she still needed work on it when InuYasha popped out of no where beside Kagome.

"Gah!" Kagome squawked. InuYasha's eye brow rose and he gave Kagome a funny look. "I'm bored okay?"

"I've been looking for you every where. I haven't had a chance to talk to you in almost a month. Damn Sesshomaru," InuYasha growled.

"Why didn't you come save me?" Kagome whined, jokingly.

"Anyway, I need to tell you that Sesshomaru still thinks you don't remember us being demons." InuYasha smiled at Kagome's shocked face.

"Is that why your ears aren't up?" Kagome questioned. InuYasha's face reddened and he nodded his head.

"We want Sesshomaru to be more controlling." Kagome looked at him funny.

"Of what?"

"Himself." Kagome snorted at InuYasha.

"Sesshomaru always seems to be in control." Kagome sighed aloud. It was true, Sesshomaru always liked to be in control, making time spent with him feel like slavery.

If you only knew how wrong you were, Kagome.

"So you're saying I don't have to stay in this house?" Kagome asked her eyes sparkled as she waited for the answer. Taishio nodded his head.

"Of course not, you're a guest not a prisoner, as much as Sesshomaru makes it out to be." Taisho couldn't believe what he was hearing. Sesshomaru had, grounded Kagome in the house. When did he decide he was in charge of Kagome? He inwardly sighed; Sesshomaru had decided he was in charge of Kagome a long time ago.

"And that I don't have to date Sesshomaru and I can date whoever I want?" Kagome asked again. She had finally gotten a chance to talk to Taishio without Sesshomaru, or anyone else hovering over her shoulder. She hadn't had a moment's piece since the incident with Koga. She would have snuck out had it not been for the fact that Sesshomaru installed cameras every where and actually stationed people around the house so she couldn't leave. So, she missed her play-date with Koga, something she had been looking forward to.

More play-dates had been scheduled along the following week but had all been cancelled thanks to Sesshomaru. He seemed to be every where. And with his days off over, and now back to work, Kagome was free from his lurking shadow. Now she finally had a chance to talk to Taishio. She had asked if she were seriously not allowed to leave the house and if she was allowed to see other people since Sesshomaru and her relationship was basically the same of a third grader.

"Of course my dear! What ever made you think we'd force you into loving Sesshomaru? That would be just plain cruel. Sesshomaru isn't the easiest fellow to get along with." Kagome nodded her head to that. Excitement welled up in her body. Even though she hadn't been on one of her play-dates, yet, she had still talked to Koga and he sounded like a really nice guy. Someone she was willing to date. And now that she had the okay from the big boss upstairs, she was good to go. All she had to do was call Koga and make the arrangements. Though, she preferred to go on a few play-dates just to be on the safe side. There had to have been some reason why she had dumped Koga. Or perhaps it was Sesshomaru. Maybe he was the reason she broke up with Koga.

Kagome shook her head. There was no way it was because of Sesshomaru. Sure Sesshomaru was far better looking, but Koga had a far better personality. And for Kagome, personality came first, especially in this case. She didn't know how she did it before, but she was starting to worry about how she was before she forgot him. Had she hit her head when he asked her out? She had to have.

"Thank you so much InuTaishio!" Kagome jumped up and hugged him.

"It's up to you who you date. Sesshomaru can't force himself on you." Taishio added. What had his son done? Instead of 'wooing' Kagome, Sesshomaru's words not his; he was pushing her away, and towards another man. "Who may I ask have you got your eye on?" Taishio questioned, curiosity getting the better of him. Kagome beamed at him.

"His name is Koga. I've just met him, so we're just going to hang out for a while." Kagome smiled as she spoke each sentence.

"Very nice, well, I have a meeting five minutes ago, so I must leave you. I shall see you at dinner, yes?" Taishio asked. Kagome shook her head.

"No, Souta is taking me out for supper. Just me and him." Kagome beamed proudly.

Taishio waved Kagome off and groaned when she was finally out of sight. Damn! Damn! Damn! Taishio cursed. Shit! Shit! Shit! Koga was a bastard. He should have warned her about him. He should have said no. The last time they had gone out, it was horrible. Mind you, it wasn't as bad as Sesshomaru, but either way Kagome ended up in tears, more than once. He calmed himself down. Sesshomaru had made the same mistake, though his was multiplied by thousands, and Taishio guessed it wasn't fair. Though, Sesshomaru's reasons were far different than Koga's. He sighed. He wasn't sure what he should do. He already told Kagome she could, and he wasn't about to go back on that. She wouldn't be too happy. Which reminded him, he was now ten minutes late for a meeting.

Quickly he closed his door and dashed down the hallway. He knew she wouldn't be mad, and probably expected him to be a bit late, but that didn't mean he was going to make her sit there for a quarter of an hour doing nothing. He rushed into a pair of large red doors, turning the golden handles.

"Sorry I'm so –" Taishio stopped and looked around the room. What the hell? He questioned himself and looked around. Sesshomaru sat at the far end of the table with business associates surrounding him at the table. Taishio gulped, Sesshomaru surely would not let this pass with just a curt nod and a fierce glare. "Terribly sorry for intruding, wrong room." Taishio bowed and quickly closed the doors. Quickly he jumped into the room next the previous one and sighed as he closed them behind them. "Sorry I'm late." He glanced up and looked around. He smacked his hand to his head. What the hell kind of rooms did they have?

"Father, is there something you wish to share?" Sesshomaru asked. Taishio bowed low again and quickly apologized again before he slipped out of the room, again. The next door he came to he quickly knocked. The door, moments later, was pushed open and a small figure poked around the corner.

"Ah. InuTaishio it's good to see you. It seems you've beaten your record. You're earlier than normal." Taishio laughed and followed the small figure inside.

"Yes, well it seems we have double door-ed meeting rooms. F'raid I forgot." Taishio laughed. "So shall we get this meeting into order then Ms. Higurashi?"

Kagome skipped down the halls. She was free, once again. Free from Sesshomaru's grasps, free to leave the house, free to be her own person and not Sesshomaru's. She was FREE. That reminded her, she needed to call Koga. He owed her a day at the arcade.

What the hell was his father doing? They were in the middle of a meeting that was going to decide major finances for the company and he just jumps into the room. His father was an idiot. Not only did he interrupt one of the men from an over seas company but he popped in again while he, Sesshomaru, was talking. Did he think he was funny? Was he playing some sort of joke, or was he just stupid and forgot that the meeting rooms were double door-ed.

Sesshomaru massaged his temples as he continued to listen to the man speak. This was aggravatingly boring. Perhaps this wasn't as important as he had mentioned before, but that didn't change the fact that his father was an idiot. All this man was talking about were the finances now. He already knew what he finances were now. He was the one that controlled him. He knew he was doing a good job at it. This was the great Sesshomaru, he always did things right.

He mentally cringed a bit. Kagome. It had taken a few tries to even get close to being right. He had messed up so many times with Kagome before he couldn't count it on two hands. Perhaps that was an exaggeration, but he couldn't have been far from the truth. He knew he had messed up with Kagome, he knew he wasn't doing any better now then he had been. Maybe last time had been a fluke; maybe Kagome just gave up and didn't really love him. Maybe, no! He wasn't going to think like that. He was superior to so many people and he wasn't going to allow even himself to demean him.

But, should he give up on Kagome? How had he made her fall in love with him last time? It was obvious his 'wooing' wasn't working. Kagome didn't seem to think he was being sincere about his chivalry, truth be-told, he supposed, he wasn't. But what did he care? He wasn't going to give up. No, Kagome would soon be his. He had the perfect plan.

Everything, since what was happening now wasn't helping, was going to be how it had been the first time. Nothing appeared to be working in the least, and he, Sesshomaru, was not a patient man. He had waited far too long the first time; this time was going to be different. Though he was doing it the same way, he knew how everything ended. He knew what her reaction was, and he knew how to cure it. This time around, everything would go faster, without a doubt. In the end, he would win, and Kagome would be his. He had no doubt his plan would work. Kagome would soon be putty in his delicate, fine, hands. She had no choice in the matter. She was going to fall in love with him.

There was nothing that was going to stop him. He had, everything, under control.

"You know, it's bound to happen again." Taishio said calmly. Ms. Higurashi nodded her head and smiled kindly towards him.

"Yes, it's already started." Taishio nodded at her. She was right, it had started.

"Should we intervene?" Taishio questioned and she looked at him in thought. But he needn't think long before she came up with an answer.

"No, they're far too stubborn, it's the only way. They had help last time, and it took years for them to come together." Ms. Higurashi stated knowingly. Taishio nodded his head in agreement and Ms. Higurashi continued. "I think, if they're to fall in love, all over again, they're going to have to do it one their own. If they can't do it on their own, it should never have happened." Kagome smiled sweetly, her kindness shining through.

"Ah, yes. And if they do, we know it's true love." Taishio beamed happily.

"So, I guess this time around, we watch from the sidelines." Ms. Higurashi noted.

"Rooting for them to win." Taishio added. "But," he added. "They have new obstacles in their way."

"Oh?" Ms. Higurashi questioned, though her tone sounded knowing. Taishio smiled.

"Of course you'd know." Taishio laughed. "Koga does seem to be quite the bother. But…"

"He did say he was happy with what ever choice Kagome made, before. And even though he wants more than anything for Kagome to be with him, I'm sure her happiness comes first." Taishio punched a fist into his palm and made triumphant sound.

"AH! I get where you're going!"

Kagome poked her finger into his chest. And he stepped back with each jab. Her eyes were fierce and she glared at him with all her might. Her anger was beyond control. He had gone to far and she couldn't believe it. Growling she continued to shout at him.

"I. Am. Not. Your. Property." Kagome growled out, pushing him into a wall. "So, stop pretending I am!" Kagome shouted.

"You were once mine, and even now, you still are." He stated as he moved back from the wall, forcing her to move back.

"I never was yours. Maybe, back then when I had some sort of brain damage, and supposedly 'loved' you, I shared my life with you, but not now. Not ever! We were over the minute I forgot you." Kagome sneered out.

"I can help you remember," Sesshomaru whispered softly into her ear as he bent down beside her. Kagome's eyes flashed with anger and her hand swung, coldly, and brutally against his cheek. A loud sound of flesh against flesh resounded off the walls. Kagome glared furiously at him as he slowly brought a pale, slender hand to his reddened cheek. A slight look of disbelief was quickly covered up as he set his eyes on Kagome.

"Don't look at me like that. You deserved it you pompous ass!" Kagome said callously. She was about to spin around and leave when he reached out and grabbed her wrist.

"You have no right to hit this Sesshomaru." Sesshomaru had a hard look in his eye and Kagome wasn't sure what it meant. She hadn't actually seen Sesshomaru look so irate and cruel looking before. And for once, since her meeting with Sesshomaru at her house, she was genuinely afraid. She wasn't sure if he was going to hit her or just glare at her and verbally abuse her. "Tell me, Kagome, how I deserved it. Tell me."

Kagome's eyes, for some reason couldn't help but stare at the floor. He was making her feel guilty. She had hit him pretty hard, and even if he was being 'that' way, he didn't need to get hit so hard. She was silent for a moment and her eyes hardened. She was going to fall down this guilt trip. She wasn't going to feel oh so guilty and give in to his love. Defiantly she lifted her head and stared him straight in the eye. His eyes were still hard and guilt stabbing. But she looked at him and glared.

"You know exactly why you deserve that slap." Kagome said plainly. His eyes, nor his facial expression didn't waver and he continued to look at her a moment before he broke the silence.

"I know what you were thinking of, but this Sesshomaru was not going towards that topic. I wouldn't lower myself to go so far with a woman who has yet to remember my old face after so long. I refuse to accept that you have even come close and it would be nothing but farce if I were to say other wise. This Sesshomaru isn't as lowly and despicable as you make me out to be. And even if I was as such, that slap was far harsher then what you think I implied." Sesshomaru's voice was far from indifferent, the way it normally was. Far more heartless then his voice usually intoned. He sounded as though he was actually uncaring of what Kagome had to say next. And indeed he was, for as he spoke his last words he let his hand drop from Kagome's wrist and he swept past her and left the room.

Kagome stood stalk still and stared at the spot Sesshomaru had just left. Had she actually hurt him? She, Kagome Higurashi, hurt him, Sesshomaru? She wanted to laugh, but his seriousness took all that out of her. And so, all she could do was stand on the spot and stare at his old spot. Was he mad at her? She questioned herself, over and over. But, in the end she decided, it wasn't that big of a deal. He could consider that slap an addition of all the things he'd done, since she'd gotten there, and before, that made her annoyed or angry. It was his fault and she wasn't going to apologize.

But, why did she feel so guilty?

Souta smiled as he escorted his sister to the car he'd gotten for his sixteenth birthday, from Sesshomaru, last year. Kagome looked really nice, wearing one of her dresses she'd gotten from him. He wasn't sure if she actually remembered he gave it to her, but it had to show something in her remembering department. Bringing Kagome to the car and closing the door behind her, he got into the driver's seat and backed out, and started to head towards the restaurant.

Kagome looked around nervously. How could Souta afford this place? InuYasha, yes. Sesshomaru, yes. Taishio, yes. Souta, no. She glanced at him and caught him gazing around at all the fancy decorations and expensive tables and chairs. Obviously, if he had the money, he didn't use it much.

"Souta…" Kagome began but the waitress arrived and asked their orders. Souta, who had stared at the menu for a good five minutes when they first got there with a longing look, gave his first. Kagome, who for some reason didn't find the menu that amazing, ordered and took her chance to speak as soon as the waitress left. "Souta, why bring me here?" Kagome asked and glanced around the room again.

Souta looked at Kagome and smiled. "Do you recognize it?" he asked. If she did, it was a good thing. Sesshomaru took Kagome here millions of times. This was just a test. His mother and Taishio told him he wasn't allowed to meddle, but last time he was too young to try it, so this time he just wanted to see things close up. Really, it wasn't meddling. But if she remembered, or even recognized it, he would have new to report back to Dr. Naru about.

Kagome shook her head. "I don't recognize it, but it doesn't feel different to be here." Kagome stated matter-o-factly. Souta smiled at that. It was progress. Dr. Naru had asked for him to ask Kagome some things to find out how far she'd progressed in the memory department. So far, from what he noticed, Kagome was doing really well.

"How's it been at Sesshomaru's?" Souta asked. That question fell under the category his mom had made, 'how was Kagome doing?' Kagome made a face that Souta couldn't quite get.

"Peachy." Kagome said with a frown. "The man is unbearable! Are you sure I didn't have some sort of brain damage before?" Souta laughed and shook his head.

The rest of their dinner meeting was like that. Souta asked questions about Kagome's stay and she shared her stories on everything that had happened. Kagome was relieved to finally complain or just tell her stories to some one. Kagome told Souta about Koga and he seemed a bit surprised. He was going to tell her what Koga had done last time, but she might ask about Sesshomaru too, and what he'd done was far worse, unless you were there to see it. Otherwise the story would just make Sesshomaru sound like a heartless freak who took pleasure in other's pain. Okay, that was a bit of an exaggeration, Souta thought, but it still wasn't a nice story.

Souta asked her if she'd remembered anything since he'd seen her last. This brought out another ramble of stories of things Kagome thought were memories and questions of whether they really were or not. She didn't tell him about the dreams she'd been having lately about the shadowy figure with Sango, someone called Miroku and InuYasha. Thinking about her dreams triggered her next question of who this Miroku person was. Souta smiled and said he'd reintroduce them and he and Sango could come up with the explanations.

Their food was eaten with delight and Souta paid the bill, even though Kagome suggested they go dutch. Kagome was brought home by Souta they said their farewells. Both agreed another dinner should be arranged, next time at a less expensive place.

Sesshomaru watched as Kagome pranced, figuratively, to her seat at the breakfast table. She'd been prancing around for more than a week now, and he wanted to know why. She'd been going out around mid day and return after eight. Was she spending time with that bastard Koga? He growled. She better not be. She was his, and Koga better not be touching her. Hell would freeze over before he was willing to let Kagome go.

InuYasha glared lazily at Kagome. It was too early to be awake and Kagome was far past awake. She was almost skipping to the table. Had he not been so tired he'd have growled at her and told her to stop being so happy. It was a pretty peculiar sight since Kagome had started sleeping in 'til ten every morning. But for the past week she'd be happier than usual. He knew it wasn't because of Koga. Even Koga wasn't that good at faking his charm. And it certainly wasn't because of Sesshomaru; he had spent time with her since his time off, or as Kagome so boldly put it, 'annoy Kagome time'. Though, that could've been the reason Kagome had been happy. Anyone would be happy to get away from Sesshomaru after spending that much time with him.

For a second he wondered if it was because she met Miroku and found out him and Sango were engaged. When she'd heard that she was so happy and giddy she made Sango tell her the whole story. It was an, exciting day for the girls. She'd already planned on an outing for her and Miroku so she could re-approve him for Sango.

Taishio smiled as Kagome sat perkily at that table. The way she picked up her fork and ate her eggs showed she was in an immensely good mood again today. She had been for over a week now. He wasn't sure why she was so happy and he secretly hoped it wasn't because of Koga. But he was glad she was smiling. He hadn't seen her so happy since she'd gotten there.

"So, Kagome, why so happy?" InuYasha grumbled through his half tired haze.

"I was hoping you'd ask. I have something to tell you all." Kagome smiled happily and proudly at all of them. Everyone's eyes were on Kagome.

"Rin wants to know what Kagome has to say!" Rin shouted excitedly from beside Kagome.

"It's not as big of a deal as you think, but…I got a job!"

End of Chappie 6