Author's Note: I'm back! Story's back! We're back! And Happy Thanksgiving week if you're in the States! I wanted to hurry up and send this out as my Thanksgiving gift to you all (before I get busy with the holiday weekend). I also had a hard time writing this one because of a certain man, who you will find out soon enough. I felt so bad for him and didn't know if that's how Kag wanted to treat him, but that was how it went down so... can't turn back time. Also wiith my work and everything, it has taken me a while to update. But I'm back and I hope you enjoy this chapter. Lā Ho'omaika'i! (Happy Thanksgiving!)

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha

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RTR

susu-anon: Haha! Three reviews? I love it! I'm glad to see/read your enthusiasm and your desire for me to update. I get it. I would want to know what happens next too lol. Anyways, I love how you see the fluff in the main characters. I'll also build more with other relationships as well now that I have the main foundations setup with the group and their relationships out. Did you end up grabbing that glass of wine while reading? ^-^ I honestly never really thought about their language barrier but now that I think about it. Yes. Kag speaks both because she's a gentlemen's girl who services men- both main clients and guests of clients. The group, yes, because they're getting bigger in the States but also because they all learned English growing up as it is heavily pushed in school. Of course, it's not the greatest English, maybe broken English at times, but they speak and understand enough to get around in the States like how they did in Waikiki and on Maui. But yeah, Kikyo will have her moment or two. She always has to have it, even in the main anime. But thanks for your reviews. I loved them. So to your last review, here is the update hehe :) Hope you enjoy

Guest: Sorry, I know that's not your name but just wanted to give you a shoutout and thank you for your review. You and I and all the other readers just want Inu/Kag together already. I get it haha! I hope you enjoy this chapter.

anime-geek: Kikyo, Kikyo... yes she has some issues that girl. So does Kag, which we'll get into later, but yeah, Kik is just breaking Inu's heart. Well, not really, but in the sense of sleeping with Naraku and expecting Inu to be hers... not gonna happen sista! And yes, I love thick girls (since I am one lol) but also because they are so beautiful in their own right. As for Kag's fetish of men... hmmm... I won't say much on that yet. But I hope you keep seeing the subtle things she does and just take notes of them. It all has to do with her upbringing and how environments shape who we become (but never who we have to remain as). I hope you enjoy this chapter!

hive-chan: Yes, I won't have a bad ending for Kikyo. I do sympathize with her too and all the bad rap she's had ever since the anime. She's really not a bad person, just bad choices and bad attitudes, but that's all a part of growing and learning from our past mistakes. Which will happen to her. I'm glad you like the dynamics of how Inu/Mir treats Kag when it comes to Naraku. I think it's just so cute and family-oriented in how they protect her and how Mir wants to make sure she doesn't end up like one of Naraku's "victims". Well... I hope you like this chapter.

val-rommel: Yes! I'm glad you found this one to be worthy of your glass of wine in front of the fire. I didn't see it as such as I wrote it but when I re-read it, then I felt the butterflies of the two of them having this intimate moment together lol. They're so cute! But this triangle between Kag/Inu/Sai will get even juicier in this chapter so keep your hat on. To your question: no. Kag won't tell Inu about her being at Midnite. That won't come until later and I won't spoil it on "how" it will come out. But obviously it will, it has to, but there will be a lot of twists on how it comes out to him. Not sure how long she can hide it from him if they do become a couple. Anyway... I hope you like this chapter.

Rosie B: Oh wow. Your music choice seems to fit with the chapters :) I'm glad you liked the last one. Yeah Kik is feeling a little too much, too envious and jealous, while Kag is not sure how she feels about Inu and Sai. She's... definitely not like other women, that's for sure. But thanks for your review and I hope you like this next one!

MinxieXCX: I'm glad you're back and caught up with the chapters. Silver hoop earrings? Hmmm... I'll see what she thinks. I (for one) don't really care for them lol. We'll see if she likes them. But thanks for your review on the girls' costumes and getups. I really try to dress them to impress while also keeping with chic and their own styles. Enjoy this chapter!

xsophiex: World tour? Ooooo that's a little too far in the future for me right now. I've briefly gave it a thought but that was it. Right now I'm focused on getting this music video out, this new album that Kikyo is dropping and the concert. It's a lot for her so I'm not sure if she's even looking into a world tour. But yes, you're right, it is inevitable that they will have to and I think it'll come down the line. Kag's hair? Yes, she literally has sapphire blue hair- like a deep blueish black hair. The entire thing is sapphire blue that she has to dye once a month or when her roots get the best of her. She is a natural brunette, with dark brown/black hair. But she dyes it sapphire blue (to match her eyes and hence her stage name). Haha! Kag's sex kitten? Yes! She definitely has a wild streak within her. But I won't give too much away. I love writing sex scenes. They're one of my faves :) Anyway, thanks for your review. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

inusitter: Sorry but you might have to wait a little more for the performance. A lot has to happen before because a lot will happen after. So... hold your horses! :) But in the meantime... I know you'll enjoy it along the way. Or at least I hope you do. :) Enjoy this chapter!

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'It's so warm…'

Kagome moved, feeling a heavy weight draped over her body, making her brain start to wake up from its sleep. She cracked open her eyes, feeling the effects of last night's partying still upon her. She felt lethargic and she needed a glass of water to help with this dryness in her mouth. The warmth upon her made her look down and she smiled, warmth filling her.

Inuyasha was draped over her beneath the blanket, his leg draped over her left leg while her right leg was over his, the blanket covering below their waist. She was turned into his embrace, leaning on her side as she held him, as he held her. The two of them were nestled against each other, as if throughout the night they had needed to be as close to each other as possible.

'I can't believe I slept here… with him.' Inuyasha was breaking all of her rules, all of the things she's ever known about herself and what she thought she would want in her life. She looked down at his face lying on her chest, smiling at him. 'He's so cute.' She never thought she would have ever, ever, slept with a man. She never thought she would've ever been this intimate with a man. But with Inuyasha, she couldn't deny that she had feelings for him. Deep feelings for him. Feelings that made her forget all about reason and common sense. Feelings that made her want to stay here, with him, when she should be running far from Tokyo, far from all this spotlight that's she's receiving from working for Kikyo. He is one of the main reason why she stayed. Not only because she wanted this job, which was always her dream. But if she was honest with herself…

Kagome reached for one of Inuyasha's ears, finding those furry ears too hard to resist. If she was honest with herself, she stayed for him. Her fingers just touched the tip of his ear before they flicked from her touch, earning a nuzzle from Inuyasha. He groaned, nuzzling into her breasts, making her giggle. The sound woke him up, blinking his eyes open, looking at her through sleepy eyes.

"Sorry I woke you," she said, looking embarrassed. She dropped her hand back to his shoulder, feeling his warm skin, his body bare to her touch.

Inuyasha cleared his throat, getting his bearings, tightening his hold on her. He thought he had been dreaming at first. The first thing he sensed when he began to wake was Kagome's scent. He thought he was dreaming but then remembered that she had slept with him and he had fallen asleep with her in his arms. Now that his mind was starting to wake, her scent hit him hard and he had his morning 'friend', now aroused not only because it was a natural reaction but also because he never woke to Kagome's scent before. It hit him hard, the scent of jasmines almost, the scent of Kagome. No other scent enticed him as much as Kagome's, that was how he knew she was his. Her scent was intoxicating to him.

He groaned and shook his head, "You didn't wake me."

Kagome blushed, feeling his erection heavy on her thigh. He only had his prayer beads on his chest and his shorts, but she had nothing but her underwear and his t-shirt, which at the moment was tangled and bunched up high above her hips. He wasn't touching her, just holding her, but the feel of his erection made her nervous and anxious.

"Don't worry, Kagome. I won't take advantage of you," he said with a smirk, closing his eyes, remembering those very words she used on him last night. "Just give me a couple of minutes. It'll go away." At least he hoped.

Kagome felt her heart race. He could sense her emotions so easily which made her wonder how well he knew her. With his eyes closed and his face so serene and calm, she thought he looked so young lying on her. He was so handsome with striking male features, so adorable with his cute dog ears and so young in his features. Sometimes it was hard to see all of that when he was fully being her demanding boss. Here, in his most vulnerable state, she saw his defenses go down and he was at peace.

"Inuyasha… can I touch your ears?" His ears twitched at the request, making her giggle. "Do they have a mind of their own?"

"Sometimes, I guess." He kept his eyes closed the whole time, just wanting to revel in this moment before it was over. He knew eventually they would have to go back to reality, where he was her boss and they were not together. But in this moment, he would believe that they were. He just wanted to feel her arms around him, to feel her within his arms just a little bit longer. "Go ahead."

"What?" she asked, confused.

"Touch them."

Kagome blinked and smiled, moving her hand back up to feel his ear. This time, it didn't flinch from her touch, and she moved her index and thumb finger along the edges, hoping that she wasn't hurting him. 'They're so soft.' "Does it hurt when I touch them?"

"No. Feels good actually. Makes me want to go back to sleep…" he said sleepily, starting to drift off.

Kagome smiled at him, feeling his hold on her soften as he began to lull back asleep. Her heart constricted. This man… this hanyou, was breaking down her walls. She had fallen hard for him. And a deep part of her heart truly wanted to be with him. She frowned, refusing to be sad. She had him, for now, and she would hold him as long as she could before she had to go back to the real world. A world that was cruel. A world where men only sought power and pleasure. A world that cared nothing for her.

She stopped rubbing his ear and wrapped her hand around him, holding him tighter to her, placing her cheek on top of his head. "I think I'm falling for you, Inuyasha," she whispered. She needed him to know. Whatever the repercussions were after she told him, she would deal with it later. But she needed him to know how much he meant to her, how he made her feel like she wasn't invisible. He made her feel like a human being, like someone who mattered. He saw her.

Inuyasha stirred, his ears twitching as he shifted in her arms, making her loosen her hold on him as he brought his head back to look up at her. "What did you say?" He thought he was dreaming. He needed to hear her say it again, to look at her while she said it. Kagome, the woman who was so hard to read, the woman who didn't want anyone to know who she was and anything that involved her past. She was now opening herself up to him.

Kagome smiled at him tenderly, wishing she could freeze this moment, the way he looked at her expectantly. He truly was handsome, especially now when he was in his bed, vulnerable and sleepy. She would remember this moment forever. The only time she was ever comfortable with a man to sleep with him. "I'm falling for you," she whispered, afraid of saying it now that he was looking at her so intensely.

Inuyasha felt his heart pound hard, his blood rushing in his veins. Her declaration just made him want to claim her even more. He wanted to kiss her and tell her he felt the same. No. He felt more for her than he has ever felt for anyone else. "Kagome…" He moved onto his elbow, running his other hand through her hair, moving it back from her face. She looked so beautiful to him. His heart ached just looking at her. "Be with me."

Kagome's face froze, fear stealing in, the precious moment gone in a second. She looked away from him, paralyzed with fear. 'No.' She hadn't meant for it to go this far.

"What's wrong?" Inuyasha asked, sensing her fear.

Kagome shook her head, making Inuyasha take his hand back. "We can't, Inuyasha. You're… my boss," she said, trying to use the obvious reason.

"So? What does that have to do with anything?" Now he was irritated. Really. What did their professional relationship have anything to do with their personal relationship? "Just because I'm your boss means we can't be anything more than that?"

She didn't want to anger him, especially while she was beneath him in a vulnerable state. But she couldn't tell him the reason why. Besides, he deserved better than her. "Inuyasha…" she looked at him, seeing his irritation. His hair was a little messy and his prayer beads caught her eye, making her look down at his chest. 'Inuyasha…' She reached up, grabbed at his prayer beads and tugged, making his eyes widen. He obeyed, moving down as she brought her other hand up behind his neck, making his eyes widen. Kagome gazed at his lips. 'I wish we could… I wish I could be yours.' Inuyasha's lips sealed over hers and she closed her eyes, feeling his weight settle onto her. He wrapped his other hand around her, bringing her into his chest tightly, deepening their kiss. Inuyasha licked her lips and she immediately welcomed him in. The two of them drowned in each other's kisses, taking their time, expressing to each other what they had a hard time putting into words. At least for her, Kagome was telling him everything that she could in her kiss. She poured herself into the kiss, giving him more than he realized, telling him more than she ever told anyone before. This would be the last time they would be this close, like this. She couldn't risk him falling for her. She didn't want him to fall for her the way that she had fallen for him. He couldn't.

A tear slid down her cheek as Inuyasha brought both hands up on either side of her face, holding her. He pulled back, noticing the tear, wiping it away with his thumb. "Kagome… tell me what's wrong." He didn't understand. He felt like she was holding back so much from him. Why couldn't she trust him? Why did she feel like she had to lie to him and not tell him the truth? He didn't understand why she was fighting this.

Kagome smiled apologetically at him, running her hand against his cheek as she released his prayer beads and placed her hands on his shoulders, almost as if to push him away. "We can't be together."

Inuyasha felt his heart stop. An image of Kiyomi flashed in his mind, her silver hair flowing behind her in the wind, a frown on her face. Inuyasha reared back, moving to sit, feeling sick in his gut.

Kagome moved, sitting up as well, scooting back so that her back rested against the wall, grabbing the pillow and hugging it against her chest. She stared at Inuyasha's back, wondering what he was thinking. He was silent and unmoving. "Inuyasha?" She stared at the back of his head, wondering what was wrong. Again, it was like that day back at the warehouse. Things had been going so well between them and all of sudden… because of her… it went so wrong. She was always the reason for the problem in people's lives. She was always the problem. That was why she wouldn't be the problem in his life.

Inuyasha turned his head, not looking back at her, but she could see the side of his face. "You confuse the hell out of me."

Kagome frowned, ducking her head against the pillow, squeezing it within her arms. "I'm sorry." She brought her knees up, wanting to leave but not wanting to leave him like this. She didn't want to ruin their friendship. But she had a feeling that she already had. "We… we just can't be together."

"Then why tell me you have feelings for me?" The question came out harsher than he wanted it to, but right now, he was fed up with being toyed with. Images of Kiyomi came back to his mind again, making him regret that he ever heard her say those words. Kiyomi was the last person he ever wanted to see on the face of this earth.

Kagome flinched, turning her head into the pillow so that he couldn't see her. "I needed you to know."

Inuyasha didn't have anything to say to that. 'She needed me to know her feelings?' What good was it if she wasn't willing to act on her feelings or know what he was feeling for her? He sighed, defeated. He just didn't understand her. "I have feelings for you too, Kagome." He brought his head down, sitting cross-legged, resting his elbow on his knee so he could rest his forehead in the palm of his head. He needed to drink water and rinse his face. He didn't have a hangover but he also wasn't expecting to have a deep conversation like this. She wasn't willing to give him any answers and he just wanted to move, to get some of this restless energy out. Inuyasha sighed, lifting his head up, prepared to leave the bed.

"You can't have feelings for me, Inuyasha."

Kagome's voice was so small that he couldn't help but turn to look at her. She was huddled against the wall, her head turned with her cheek against his pillow. She looked so small, her voice so small, he found himself wanting to hold her despite the fact that she was angering him. What gave her the right to tell him how to feel?

"I'm sorry I told you… I'm sorry you're angry with me. But I needed to tell you. I needed you to understand that I'm falling for you. I needed you to know that I can't fall for you, that you can't fall for me, that we can't be together. But I needed you to know how much you mean to me and that with you…" Kagome clutched at the pillow, needing its comfort. "You make me feel… safe."

Inuyasha turned around, hearing Kagome's small voice, his heart breaking for her. He couldn't help himself. He reached out and grabbed her, tossing his pillow aside as she stared at him with surprised eyes, and brought her into his arms. He had her between his legs as he surrounded her with all of him. "Kagome…" He poured his strength into her, willing her to open up to him. Her body felt small in his arms as he cradled her against him, holding her like a child. She wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed him, obviously needing him more than he thought she did. "Tell me, Kagome. Does it have something to do with whoever you're running from?"

She immediately froze. That was all he needed to confirm his suspicion. "I remember in Hawai'i you said that someone was going to find you because you went viral. You said 'he' was going to find you. Who is 'he'?"

Kagome squeezed Inuyasha tighter. She wouldn't tell him. She wouldn't drag him into her mess and then one day end up getting him killed. She wouldn't be the reason he died. Which was why they couldn't be together. "You remembered." She tried to change the subject.

"Of course. I will never forget that night I found you on the bathroom floor. I had never seen you like that before. You were…"

"Broken," she finished.

Inuyasha nodded, resting his cheek on top of her head. And that was the first time in his life that he ever felt that helpless. He waited in silence, hoping that she would tell him who she was running from or at least open up about her past. But she remained quiet. After a few beats, Inuyasha didn't pressure her into telling him anything that she didn't want to. At the same time, he was determined to find out who it was that was threatening her. He was determined to find out more about her past and get to know her. He would gain her trust and hopefully one day he would gain her. He still knew instinctively that she was his. But his human side also needed that trust, to build that foundation in their relationship where she knew about him and he knew about her. His human side needed that intimate relationship. Kagome was the only for him. His demon knew that without a doubt. He had never felt this way before and he would be damned if she was going to reject him because of someone chasing her.

"I think we should just remain friends for now and get to know each other. We can go on dates and you can see if you like me or not," he offered.

Kagome smiled, moving back so she could look up at him. "Like courting?" she asked, smiling up at him with amusement.

Inuyasha smiled down at her. "Sure. Courting? Dating? Whatever you want to call it."

Kagome smiled sadly. He wasn't going to back down. He still wanted to be with her and he was willing to court her to make her see that he wasn't going anywhere. Her heart yearned for that, she desired to wanted by him. Just him. No one else. He was the only one who got through all of her walls. But for both of their sakes, she knew it would be safer for them to not pursue this.

"Don't answer," he said just as she opened her mouth to speak. "I can sense your hesitancy. I know you have your doubts and your fears. But I'm not going anywhere, Kagome. And I'll prove that to you."

Kagome closed her eyes and placed her head back against his chest, pained. 'Inuyasha…' He tightened his hold on her, pouring his strength into her. Little did he know, for her, she could feel every strength, love and protection that he was offering her. Her eyes burned and she let herself cry in his arms, her tears wetting his chest, wishing she could tell him everything. Things would be so much easier between them if she could. 'Inuyasha…'

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"Good morning!"

Sango waved at Kagome as Kagome walked into the kitchen still wearing only Inuyasha's shirt. Her hair was brushed and up in a pony tail and she looked a little sheepish as she smiled at Sango.

"Good morning. Ummm… can I use your toothbrush?"

"Oh! Yes. We have a couple extra ones." Sango placed the chopsticks down and turned to Miroku who sat at the island with his cup of coffee and his phone in hand. "Honey, can you watch the stove?"

"Sure," Miroku said, tapping away on his phone with his thumb.

Sango smiled at Kagome and led the way towards her bedroom, the two of them walking into her bathroom. "So… how did you sleep?" she asked with curiosity.

Kagome shrugged. "Fine. I couldn't sleep last night so I went outside for a bit. I drank a little more to help me go to bed."

"Really?" Sango asked, looking at Kagome with worry. "Was everything okay?"

"Yeah," she said, waving her hand. "I just… I don't sleep over people's houses so it was a little strange for me not to be home in my own bed, you know?"

Sango moaned. "I understand. I love my bed too." She grabbed one of her new toothbrushes and turned to hand it to Kagome.

"Oh. And I couldn't fit your clothes you gave me last night so Inuyasha ended up letting me use his shirt instead," she said, grabbing the extended toothbrush. "Thanks."

"I see that," Sango said suspiciously with a wicked grin. "Where did you sleep last night?" she led on, knowing the answer.

Kagome smiled tightly, her eyes gleaming in playfulness. "Why?"

Sango made a face. "Oh no… only because this morning when I woke up I saw that your door was open. I went in to make sure you were okay but you weren't there," she said, crossing her arms, a suspicious smirk on her face. "You weren't in the other guest bedroom or the family room or the living room or outside or the bathroom," she said, checking all the places off her list as Kagome giggled at her thoroughness to check on her. "So I assume the only place you could've been was in Inuyasha's room." She arched her eyebrow, her eyes boring into Kagome's, seeking the truth even though she knew it.

Kagome shrugged, turning to head out of Sango's bathroom. "I slept with him last night." Sango's mouth dropped open at Kagome's matter-of-fact statement as she brushed her off.

"Oh no, no, no, no!" Sango ran after her, snatching the back of Inuyasha's shirt in one hand to halt Kagome's movements and with her other hand she slammed her bedroom door shut. Kagome gasped as she was pulled back, making her turn to Sango to see the girl's shock. "What do you mean you 'slept with him'? Did you guys do it last night?" she asked, totally shocked. She didn't think Kagome was that kind of a girl. But then again, she and Inuyasha had a chemistry that was on fire and everyone thought the two of them should be together.

Kagome frowned, shaking her head as the two women looked at each other, keeping their voices down even though the walls were soundproof. "No. I didn't sleep with him like that," Kagome said, knowing Sango would have thought so. "We just slept together. I couldn't sleep, like I said, and he let me sleep with him. It's not a big deal," she said, feeling uncomfortable. She moved to reach for the doorknob but Sango stopped her, placing a hand on Kagome's shoulder.

"Kagome…" The seriousness in Sango's voice made her stop and turn to look at Sango, bringing her hand back as she straightened. Sango looked somber, almost worried, which made Kagome wonder what was wrong. "Inuyasha doesn't just sleep with anyone." She frowned, making a face, confused as to what Sango was saying and why she felt like she had to say anything. 'The three of them are close.' She had to remind herself that they were good friends and Sango was probably just trying to protect her friend.

Sango brought her hand back to her side, wanting Kagome to understand. "Inuyasha has never brought a woman home before. Ever. He has never dated anyone. Not since I've known him." Sango bit her lip, not wanting to tell Kagome more than she should. "The fact that he let you just sleep with him… something must be going on between you two."

Kagome frowned, looking down at the toothbrush in her hand. "Nothing is."

"Kagome…" Sango frowned and reached out, needing to hug her. She wrapped her arms around Kagome, surprising the girl, and gave her a gentle squeeze. "I know you don't trust me. I know you don't open up much to people. In all this time I've gotten to know you, that's as much as I know about you. I know how secretive you are, which is fine. But I just want you to know that I want to be your friend. You going out with us last night and sleeping over makes me feel like we are getting closer. I just hope you know that all of us: Inuyasha, Miroku and myself, are here for you. We're all friends and we just want you to include yourself in our friendship."

Sango released her faster than she expected and stepped back, giving her some space. Kagome smiled at Sango, appreciating her kindness. Sango looked like she really did understand her a little. Sango probably knew by now that she had trouble with physical touch, especially from men after what she did to Miroku. But still, Sango had wanted to be her friend, along with the others in the group.

Sango frowned, her eyes going to Kagome in seriousness. "Inuyasha has been through a lot. I know only what he has chosen to share with me and Miroku. And because he's my best friend… I don't want to see him get hurt. Even from you." Kagome frowned, watching Sango choose her words carefully, taking her time in saying what she wanted to say. "Please don't play with him. He deserves better. Much better. He doesn't deserve someone to toy with him."

Kagome reached out and placed a hand on Sango's arm, stilling her from continuing on. "Sango…" she said softly, her eyes compassionate on the girl. "I totally agree with you. Inuyasha deserves much better." Her throat closed and she released Sango, trying to keep her facade as she smiled at Sango encouragingly and turned to head out of Sango's room.

Kagome walked across the hall to the bathroom and stepped inside, locking herself in. She headed over to the cushion stool in the corner and slowly sat down, lost in her thoughts. "Inuyasha…" she whispered. 'You deserve so much better than I can give you.' Sango was right. She wasn't angry with her at all, even though none of this was Sango's business to begin with. Sango and Miroku both had a past with Inuyasha that she could never dispute or try to understand. They were close friends and roommates, which made their relationship even more intimate. Who was she to go against what Sango thought would be best for her best friend? Kagome stood slowly and took off Inuyasha's shirt. She would have to stop this with him. She would have to stop flirting with Inuyasha, stop thinking that they were or ever could be together. She would have to build those walls back up, which were always easy for her. She took off her underwear and decided to take a shower, needing to wash away all of Inuyasha from her body and her mind. She stepped into the huge tile shower and turned the water on to warm, thinking of everything she needed to do. It was easy for her to think instead of to feel. Feelings were always too much to understand and too much to control. But she could control her thinking and the things she needed to do. She went through all the motions she needed to do today. 'Work.' She needed to get back to work and drown herself back into her old life. This new life was too much for her: the fame, the friends, the intimacy. It was all too fast and nothing that she ever wanted. She didn't ask for any of this, definitely not the fame, but she got it anyway. And now she lost all control. Nothing was in her control anymore. But her work. Her clients. That, she could control. And that was what she needed right now. She made up her mind to go home right after this shower and head off to work, hours early, needing to drown herself in dancing.

Outside, Inuyasha walked into the kitchen after taking a shower. He nodded his head at Miroku who was at the stove making an omelet with chopsticks. There were two omelets already made on the plate next to him. Miroku looked up with a smile as Inuyasha walked behind him, heading straight for the fridge.

"Good morning."

"Morning," Inuyasha said, grabbing the filtered water and an empty glass, heading to the island to pour him a cup of water. "You two knocked out early."

"Well… I wouldn't say we knocked out," Miroku said with a smirk, even though Inuyasha couldn't see him. "But we did go to sleep right after. It was a long day."

"Tell me about it." Inuyasha sat and drank his water, reflecting on the entire day. It had been one hell of a day. From leaving the house early to head to the airport. To heading to Osaka for all of the business and operational things to do with the concert, not to mention the fans they had to meet and take pictures with. Then, heading back to Tokyo for a chill night out that didn't go as smoothly as he had hoped. Kikyo had first irritated him with her pestering and her attitude. He really needed to talk to her and get to the bottom of what her problem really was. She claimed that she loved him. If that was true, then it even more solidified his resolve to make it clear to her that he couldn't be with her. Her love was not what he wanted. Not the kind of love that went to him and to Naraku at the same time. Naraku. Inuyasha felt his demon stir at the thought of Naraku. He still remembered seeing Naraku's hand on Kagome's shoulder and how her reaction to him had caused a reaction from his demon. His demon was so attuned to her that it had wanted to sink its claws into Naraku's throat for ever making Kagome feel uncomfortable like that. Maybe Naraku didn't know that Kagome didn't like to be touched, but he knew. And his demon knew. And his demon wanted to protect what was rightfully his. Inuyasha sighed.

"So…" Miroku said, calling his attention. "What happened between you and Kagome last night?"

Inuyasha stared at Miroku's back, the boy knowing him after all these years. Sometimes it was easier to let everything out when one didn't stare at him, as if they were looking into his soul. He always felt vulnerable, because there was a time when he was vulnerable with someone he truly loved and they didn't care at all. Miroku kept his back to him, giving him the space and the opportunity to speak if he wanted to.

"It was a long night."

"I know. You want to talk about it?"

Inuyasha shrugged, turning in his stool as he looked outside. The curtains were pulled back at the opposite end of the living room to allow the sun to shine in. He stared at Tokyo Tower. "Maybe."

"Good morning, Inuyasha," Sango said, entering the kitchen, smiling at the back of his head. He threw a wave over his shoulder and gave her a 'good morning'. "Thanks, honey," she said, grabbing the chopsticks from him and kissing him on the cheek. "I'll make one more for the four of us and then we can have breakfast."

Miroku nodded and turned to walk over to Inuyasha, the two of them wearing black t-shirts but Miroku chose to wear white jeans pants while Inuyasha wore dark red. Miroku walked over to Inuyasha and smiled, giving a nudge with his head. Inuyasha got the hint as Miroku led the way outside. Miroku opened the sliding door and walked out with Inuyasha following behind him, closing the door. The two of them stood at the railing, gazing out at the city and the sounds of the streets as the world came alive.

"So… what happened last night?" Miroku started, turning to look at Inuyasha with a smile.

Inuyasha shrugged. "I don't know." Really he didn't. Miroku frowned as he watched his friend, looking confused and lost, trying to piece together what had happened. Inuyasha didn't know what to tell Miroku aside from what he thought had happened last night. "Last night… I found Kagome out here drinking."

"Really?" That shocked Miroku. He turned to look out at the city, thinking back to the incident with Naraku and then how awkward it was for her after that. Kagome hadn't known anything about Naraku until they had told her on the drive home. And even then, he wasn't sure how she felt about Naraku after that. But it would've been a shock to anyone who heard about Naraku's past. "Was it because of Naraku?"

"I don't know. I couldn't sleep last night so I was going to make me something to eat when I noticed her bedroom door open. She wasn't in there and the house was dark, so I got worried. I went into the kitchen and noticed she was out here, sitting in the dark. When I came out to check on her, she was crying." Miroku hummed, wondering to himself what had happened with Kagome. He knew that girl had so many secrets, which he wasn't going to pry. She valued her secrecy and her privacy and he wasn't about to break her trust. What little trust she had in him. Honestly, Miroku really didn't know that much about Kagome aside from the fact that she's a nice person, she loves to dance and she enjoys having fun with the group. Oh, and the little thing about men touching her.

"I took her to my room to give her one of my shirts since Sango's clothes didn't fit her and then she went back to her room." Inuyasha didn't know how much he should tell Miroku without his friend making a big deal of something that really wasn't. He sighed, defeated. "Anyway… she eventually… came back to my room." He waited a beat, hoping Miroku wouldn't overreact. "We slept together last night."

Miroku immediately turned to face Inuyasha. "What?!"

Inuyasha glared at him. "Don't push it." He looked inside to see that Sango was still at the stove, getting the plates and cups ready from the cabinets. They didn't have long before she would call them in. "We didn't do anything. We just slept together."

Miroku placed his hands up, knowing that everything in Inuyasha's house was soundproof, from the walls to the windows and the sliding glass. The Fujimoto family were very sensitive to sound and Inuyasha needed to have his home with soundproof walls and glass to help him feel comfortable in his own home while living in one of the busiest and loudest cities in the world. So he wasn't worried that Sango could hear them. He just was shocked that Inuyasha had slept with Kagome. "Wait, wait. Let me get this straight," he said, his hands still up. "You two just slept together? With her in your shirt? And I take it with you in… nothing?"

Inuyasha glared at him, rolling his eyes. "I had shorts on."

"That's a first." He knew that his best friend liked to sleep with either nothing on or his briefs. The three of them lived with each other long enough to have seen a lot of things and to know a lot of things about one another. That was why he valued his friendship with Inuyasha so much. "So you two did nothing? You just slept?"

Inuyasha nodded, staring out at the city. "We just slept."

Miroku frowned, confused. He stared at him a few more seconds, waiting for Inuyasha to say something, but he didn't. Miroku sighed, placing his hands on the railing. "What are you going to do now?"

"I don't know," Inuyasha said in a rush. He didn't want to think about what he was going to do now. He closed his eyes, placing his elbows on the railing so that he could rest his head on the palms of his hands, defeated. "This morning… she told me that she was falling for me."

"What?!" Miroku looked at him with shock, seeing his friend was obviously in deep pain and confusion, clearly lost. "She told you that?"

"Yeah," Inuyasha whispered, remembering her whispered words. The feelings he got after she confessed, he was overwhelmed with joy and hope. What he felt for her was deeper than anything he has ever felt for anyone. And he was hopeful now that she had said that to him. "But… when I asked her to be with me… she refused."

The sliding glass opened and Sango peeked her head out, making Miroku look back at her but Inuyasha kept his head in his hands. "Breakfast is ready."

Miroku smiled apologetically at her. "Go ahead and start without us. Give us a few more minutes."

Sango glanced at Inuyasha's back and back at Miroku with a frown, knowing a little as to what they might be talking about. "Okay. Kagome's still in the bathroom so we'll wait for you guys." With that, she frowned as she left them alone, hoping that Miroku could help Inuyasha as she closed the glass door.

Miroku focused his attention back on his friend. "Why did she refuse you?"

"How the hell should I know?" he said harshly, bringing his head up as he stared out at the city, glaring at the buildings.

"Inuyasha…" he said softly, knowing Inuyasha's defense was to get angry and push people away. He had a harsh exterior sometimes, but behind that was a very loving and caring hanyou. People just needed to get to know him better. "Did Kagome say why she didn't want to be with you? I know you two have been hitting it off. I think you two would be great for each other. But there are a lot of secrets that Kagome carries. Did she say anything about why she didn't want to be with you?"

Inuyasha shook his head, listening to the reasoning voice of his friend. "She confuses the hell out of me…"

Miroku frowned at the pain in his friend's voice. He had never seen Inuyasha like this. Distraught. Over a woman! "Inuyasha, women are confusing. But they are worth every moment of confusion. They make everything less confusing actually," he said, looking out at the city. The two of them stood side by side, in solid companionship, drawing strength and comfort from one another without having to say anything.

After a few moments, Inuyasha spoke. "I think it has something to do with a guy."

Miroku turned to look at Inuyasha and the two of them locked eyes. "Do you remember back in Hawai'i when Kagome wasn't answering her phone or anything?" Miroku nodded his head. "I found her broken and crying. She had been… overreacting about the videos of her going viral. But the reason, from what I got out of it, was that she's running from someone. She said 'he's going to find me'. But I don't know who this 'he' is."

"You think it's an ex?"

Inuyasha nodded, turning to look out, not liking the fact that she had been with someone but also not liking the fact that someone was threatening her. "I think so. At the least, it's someone she knows. And 'he'… is after her."

"That's why she turned you down," Miroku assumed, trying to fit the puzzle together. Inuyasha simply shrugged.

"I think that's it but I don't know. She kept telling me that we shouldn't be together. That we can't. She wouldn't answer me after that and she ended up changing the conversation. But I told her that I would court her. That I wouldn't give up on her."

"Wow…" Miroku said, knowing that was huge for Inuyasha to do. "After Kiyomi… you've never chased after a woman like this before."

"I never cared about a woman like this before," he defended. "Not even with Kiyomi."

Miroku hummed again, thinking it over. This was serious. To him, as a human, he knew of the differences between demons and humans and what it meant to be with someone, whether that be marriage or dating or just fooling around. For demons, everything was stronger, more intense, the bond between a male and female almost being unbreakable with some species. And from what he learned from Inuyasha's parents, inu-youkai mate for life. That's why Izayoi and Rin had stopped aging years ago. For Inuyasha, this was a serious decision. If he was going to start courting Kagome, even after she rejected him, it could only mean one thing.

"Kagome is your mate."

Inuyasha shrugged, resting his arms on the railing as he clasped his hands together. "It really doesn't matter, does it? At least for her it doesn't matter. And if it doesn't matter for her… it's never going to work out. Kiyomi made me see that relationships can't work just one-sided."

Miroku sighed and placed his hand on Inuyasha's shoulder, giving it a light squeeze. "Don't give up on her, Inuyasha. Kagome seems like a good girl. She sort of reminds me of you. Hard to pierce through at first, but when you get past her walls, she probably loves and trusts hard. That's why she has those walls to begin with. She just doesn't want to get hurt because she's been hurt before. Sound like someone you know?" he asked, making Inuyasha turn to look at him with an arched eyebrow and a bored glare. "I'm assuming this guy she's running from has a lot to do with it. So don't give up on her. Pain and hurt makes people do foolish things."

Inuyasha turned to smile at Miroku, taking comfort in his friend's wisdom. He made a lot of sense, thinking about his own personal struggles with his walls and his past. Miroku had a point. Kagome had so many walls that, if he wanted her to be with him, he would have to break down those walls and show her that she could trust him. He would have to prove to her that she really was safe in his care. Inuyasha smirked, shaking his head, defeated. "Thanks, Miroku."

Miroku smiled at Inuyasha and squeezed his shoulder one last time before he grew serious. "Well… now that your problems have been laid out on the table. There's something I want to tell you."

Inuyasha arched an eyebrow, watching his friend grow serious and nervous, moving from one foot to the other as he tried to find his words. The same space Miroku gave, Inuyasha gave to him. He waited, not forcing Miroku to get out with it, but giving him time.

"I'm going to ask Sango to marry me."

"Woah…" Inuyasha said, taken aback, but then he felt happy for his friends. "Congratulations, man. When you gonna do it?"

"Well…" he said shyly. "That's where I'll need your help."

Inuyasha arched an eyebrow, smirking at the thought of coming up with some fun, cool way to pop the question to Sango. "What are you thinking?" he asked, coming to his full height to cross his arms and lean his hip against the railing.

Miroku smiled. "I want to do it at the concert."

"Really?" he asked, stunned. His eyes grew wide at the shock of it. "Does Kikyo know?"

"Nope. That's where I'll need your help," Miroku said, as if Inuyasha could solve the problem.

Inuyasha chuckled, staring at Miroku knowingly. "And you think Kikyo will listen to me after last night?"

Miroku shrugged, waving his hand. "That's nothing. She listens to you whether you two are fighting or not."

"We're not fighting, Miroku. We're in a huge disagreement of the facts."

"Perspectives," Miroku said with a finger in the air. "Your perspective against hers on how your 'relationship' was defined. But it's not my business and it's not what I want to talk about," he said with a shake of his head. "I was going to bring it up to Kikyo tomorrow and ask her for her permission if I could do it either before or after the concert."

"In front of all the fans?" Inuyasha watched as Miroku's eyes shined, a huge smile stealing his face.

"Yeah. I think it's appropriate. We got together because of our family's friendships and because of our ambitions to pursue our dreams. I think it's only fitting…"

"And a bit over the top," Inuyasha interrupted with a chuckle. "But you're right. I think it'll be cool. I can help with breaking the news to Kikyo and Naraku and we'll see what can be done about it. I think it'll be a good idea to do it in the beginning as a show opener and then Kikyo can have her grand ending that she wanted with her butterfly canons."

Miroku smiled, thinking he was right. "That's true. It's her concert so she'll want the grand ending."

The sliding door opened, interrupting the two of them, as they both looked to see Sango standing there with a small smile on her face.

"You guys hungry yet?"

Miroku frowned, noticing Sango's expression, and walked up to her. "Yeah, we're done. What's up? Did something happen?"

Sango shook her head, frowning. She turned to let them in and walked towards the kitchen where she had set the omelets on their own plates with glasses of water next to each plate. There were only three of them. "Kagome left."

Inuyasha shut the door and turned to look at Sango's back, stunned.

"Wait. What? Kagome left?" Miroku asked, turning around to look back at his friend, concerned.

Sango nodded, grabbing a plate in each hand to bring them over to the dining table. "Yeah. She left a couple minutes ago. She said she had to go home and head to work since she had to take off yesterday. She has a lot to catch up on and she needed to go in." Sango placed the plates on the table as Miroku went to grab the cups and Sango went back to grab her own plate and cup.

Inuyasha walked over to the table, lost in his own thoughts. 'She just… left?' He was lost in thought. Lost in his emotions. He couldn't understand her. She was… like a butterfly. He couldn't catch her even if he tried. Was it really worth him to chase after her like this? To court her when she didn't want it?

Miroku frowned as he sat down, staring at his friend in worry. 'Inuyasha…' He couldn't imagine what his friend was feeling. Miroku sighed and thanked Sango for making breakfast, deciding to talk to Kagome later about it. For now, there was nothing they could do.

-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-

She used her keys to let herself in and locked the door behind her. Kagome sighed, alone at last, needing to be alone for a couple of hours to regain herself and to figure herself out. She was a mess. She could feel herself wanting to run, needing to get away, that deep flight within her coming to the surface, making her anxious and antsy. What happened between her and Inuyasha, along with what Sango said, made her feel even more agitated and restless. Not to mention it made her feel unworthy and unseen.

Kagome flipped on the lights of the club and made her way to the secret door next to Onigumo's stairs. She opened it and turned on the lights, walking down the hall until she got to the dressing room.

'It's quiet.' She needed quiet. She needed to think about what happened and she needed to feel a sense of control. She walked over to her makeup chair and dropped her duffle bag down that contained two pairs of extra clothes just in case she decided to sleep in the club tonight. Right now, she didn't have a sense of comfort or any real plan of action. She just needed to feel. She needed to feel in control.

Picking out her phone from her bag, she began to group text Ayumi and Midoriko. It was only eleven in the morning and she was already here at work, six hours before anyone really showed up to work. "Hey girls. I'm at the club. Needed to blow off some steam. Join me if you can? I really need to talk." She sent the text and put her phone on the counter. Looking at herself in the mirror, she sighed.

There were so many emotions that she was feeling, that she was denying herself to feel, that she didn't want to spend too much time even thinking about how she felt. She frowned and turned, leaving her things on the chair and heading towards the other door that exited in the main part of the club. She had already dressed with yoga pants and a sports bra underneath her shirt, which she took off on her way to the DJ booth. She flipped on all the switches, turning the booth on and went for the iPad. All the girls knew how to operate the music in case they came in to practice. It was easy to figure it out after Hakaru, the club's DJ, showed them how to turn the booth on, control the sound and play the music off the iPad. She scrolled through the list of genres and had a few songs in mind, creating a playlist for now, songs that she was in the mood to dance to and let off steam.

A few minutes later, the music blared through the dead, empty club. The only lights on were the dim ones that lined the side of the walls. It was enough for her to see the pole and the stage, which was all she needed. Kagome walked towards the main stage, dropping her shirt on the edge before she lifted herself up. She let her body adapt to the music, swaying and moving a bit to get acquainted with the beat. The song from Rihanna pulsed through her blood, making her feel alive, putting a smile to her face as she swayed her hips back and forth, feeling herself. This was what made her alive. This was what she loved to do and this was what she could control.

Kagome grabbed the pole and lifted herself up, climbing slowly to the top in a circle, letting the beat of Rihanna's song "Skin" pulse through her body. Her body could do nothing but respond with sensuality. She could feel her body come alive, flush with heat at the lyrics as Rihanna sang.

'With my body screaming now

I know you hearin' it

You got me moaning now'

At the top, she wrapped one leg around the pole while the other extended out straight, using her arms to run along her body. She just wanted to feel. She let her head drop, her hair cascading down as her body twirled slowly down the pole, arching her back, dipping her head.

'I got a secret that I wanna show you

I got a secret so Imma drop 'em to the floor, oh'

She got to the bottom, lying down on the floor with her legs spread wide open above her with the pole in the middle. She brought her feet down on either side of the pole and pressed her butt up against it, rubbing her clit up the pole, feeling the feverish heat engulf her skin, letting the intensity of the sensation take away all thought and emotions. Nothing else mattered. Not Inuyasha. Not Sango. Nothing. No one could hurt her here.

'No teasin'

You waited long enough

Go deep

Imma throw it at ya

Can't catch it'

Kagome wrapped her legs around the pole between her legs and pulled herself up to her feet sexily, keeping her head thrown back until she reached her full height. She walked around the pole, gaining momentum as she held on with one hand while dipping her body out away from the pole. Such a sensual dance, and none other with the pole. The pole was an extension of her body, another body limb that she was able to take to new heights. Her walk was sexy, her hips swayed side to side as she let her body have a mind of its own.

'Don't hold back

You know I like it rough

Know I'm feelin' ya, huh

Know you liking it, huh'

She smiled to herself, feeling seductive. She held onto the pole as she kicked her legs out to twirl around two times before she did a carousel spin, using her core to hold herself up, keeping her legs extended until they touched the ground and she was in a split.

'So why you standing over there with your clothes on?

Baby strip down for me

Go and take 'em off

Don't worry baby

Imma meet you half way

'Cuz I know you wanna see me'

She used her legs to kick around so that she was lying on her back, her legs wrapped around the pole to pull herself closer. She was aroused. Her thoughts, damn her, drifted back to Inuyasha. The way his body felt against hers. He was all hard, all muscle, against her soft body. She wanted him with every fiber of her being, but the thought alone frightened her. More than anything, having him frightened her. He was something, someone, that she couldn't have. And curse her for thinking of him sexually but she couldn't help herself. Her skin was flush as the beat pounded through her veins, pulsing through her sex. She again ground her clit against the pole, needing the relief, as her hands went to her breasts. But it wasn't enough. She needed more. She needed release.

'Almost there

So baby don't stop what you're doing, uh huh

Softer than them other

Boy I know you wanna touch

Breathing down my neck

I can tell ya wanna huh'

Frustrated, Kagome felt tears sting her eyes, breathing heavily, heavily aroused. She left the pole and crawled to the edge of the stage, jumping down and headed towards the dressing room. She needed relief. She was going to give herself that relief in the bathroom. Alone. Which was always the way she liked it and the way she was going to have it. She couldn't handle being with a man. Not after what happened to her. But those hormones were there, started young, and she had always masturbated to help relieve the tension. Masturbation was her coping mechanism, when she was stressed or feeling helpless or especially now, feeling out of control and aroused. Her body needed to be pleasured. She was in control of her own pleasure. The sound of the music drowned out as she walked into the dressing room, thankful that no one was here.

-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-

"Kagome!"

Ayumi walked in with Midoriko behind her, locking the door. The music blared since they opened the door and walked in, thankful for the soundproof doors that helped to drown the music from the outside world. Ayumi looked around at the entrance and the bar area, not noticing Kagome. The two of them walked in further and noticed the girl on the circular stage. Kagome had her hands on her hips as she dipped back and forth in front of the pole, running her arms up her body as her eyes were closed in bliss. Ayumi and Midoriko stopped and watched the free show from the bar. Men would pay to come here and watch this, but here they were, watching one of the club's best dancers put on a show for them. Kagome was beautiful up there, in her own little world. Every time she danced it was like no one else was in the room. She danced with such passion and emotion. Every move had emotion, every move came from her heart or whatever she was feeling in the moment. All her dances expressed whatever she was feeling. Right now, the girls could see nothing but passion and sex in her moves and in her face. Kagome was a sex dream up there on the stage, leaning her body back against the pole only to drop her head back as her hands ran back down, over her breasts and down her stomach to stop at her crotch. She went to her knees, flipping her hair and head down, as her butt went up in the air in time with the beat. She truly was a sight to behold.

"Dang gurl! Who you dancing for?!" Midoriko yelled out loud enough for Kagome to hear her. Kagome flipped her head up, flushed and taken aback for a moment at the sudden interruption. Once she recognized them, she just smiled at the two of them as sweat dripped down her face.

"Hey guys!"

Ayumi shook her head with disbelief as she went over to the DJ booth to lower the music down. Midoriko walked up towards the stage, dropping her bag down on one of the tables near the stage. Kagome came to sit at the edge as the music lowered and Ayumi made her way towards them.

"You really had no idea we were here," Ayumi mentioned.

"No, sorry. I was in my own world," Kagome confessed.

"Clearly," Midoriko said with wide, knowing eyes. "Who were you dancing for? Could it have been for a certain silver-haired hottie?"

Kagome giggled at Midoriko's googly eyes, shaking her head. "Not like he would ever see me dance like that."

Ayumi shrugged. "Hey. Never say never."

"Ayumi…" Kagome said, growing serious. "This side of my life can never be known to anyone. Especially not to them."

Midoriko rose her hands up, shrugging. "I don't think they would treat you any differently, Kagome. Some people just have society's ideas of what and who we are, but they don't know us. They don't even know the kind of job we have. They just lump us all into one category and think we're all whores or that we have no respect for ourselves at all. What do they know," she said, a little frustrated at how society always looked down on women in this type of work. Even though their club was for the rich and upper class who came to either relax or to do business deals, there were some times when they chose to do more with the men. But that was their choice. Onigumo always gave them the choice. He gave more power of choice to Kagome than anyone else but that was because of how protective he was of her. She was his favorite and she did have a lot from her past that no one knew about but him.

"You're right," Kagome said with a nod, smiling at Midoriko's reaction. "But still… I don't wish for them to know this side of me. And if this was to get out in the world that one of Kikyo's dancers was also a gentleman's girl… I think I would lose my job. She wouldn't want to have that kind of reputation because of me. And I wouldn't want that for her either."

Ayumi grabbed a chair and pulled it up to face Kagome and Midoriko, smiling up at Kagome. "So… what happened? I'm assuming you're here blowing off steam because something happened."

Kagome nodded, looking down at her feet as she kicked her heels one at a time against the stage. She felt comfortable with these two women now. They had gotten closer over the past several months as she felt like she could share with them the new life she had as a dancer outside of this place. She shared with them what it was like to dance for the world, to be out there and to have this new group of friends. But she also felt like she could talk to them about things that happened with that group of friends. The three of them really had gotten closer ever since she started working for Kikyo.

"Well… something did happen last night."

"You took off," Ayumi wondered. "Onigumo just said it was for work."

Kagome nodded. "We're going down to Osaka every Saturday. So we flew out early yesterday morning and came back around sunset."

"Wow. That sounds like fun," Midoriko commented as she went to grab a chair to sit next to Ayumi, facing Kagome.

Kagome shrugged. "It was." She looked down at her feet again, thinking about all of yesterday's events when she had spent the past two hours trying to forget about yesterday's events. She placed her palms behind her and leaned back onto them. "It was fun being with the group. We took a tour bus from the airport to Yanmar Stadium and we got introduced to the place. It's huge!"

"I bet!" Ayumi said, her eyes shining with wonder. "Were you guys able to go onto the stage and everything?"

"Well, the stage isn't ready yet. They're still constructing it. But we did go down onto the field where they were setting it all up. And that… was amazing." Kagome smiled, truly happy and filled with gratitude. "I wish you guys could've been there." She slid her arms down to the side of her so that she laid on her back, gazing up at the ceiling. "Standing in the middle of that field…" 'With Inuyasha…' "was just surreal." She remembered the feeling of humility and awe as she stood there with him, gazing around at all the empty seats. One day those seats would be full and that stadium would be filled with cheers. It gave her both butterflies and fear but she was anxious for it, excited for it.

"Wow…" Ayumi said, leaning forward so that her elbows were on her knees. "I can't imagine. That's so many people."

"I would probably be too scared to go out there," Midoriko confessed with a smile. "That many people is just not my thing."

"It wasn't mine either," Kagome reminded them as she came back to sit up. "But when you're up there and when you're just doing your thing," she said, closing her eyes as she listened to the soft music playing in the background. "You sort of forget how many people are out there and you're just dancing."

"No, honey, that's just you," Midoriko reminded. "You didn't even hear us call out to you when we came in. You didn't even notice we were here."

Ayumi giggled as Kagome looked apologetic at them, a little embarrassed that she was caught dancing like that. "Midoriko's right. You always were that way. You always dance like no one is watching and you get into your own world. I think that's why people like to watch you. You can bring your moves and the music to life." Ayumi admired that about Kagome. She had such a passion for dancing, like it was her second nature, and she admired Kagome's ability to get lost in her body and in her dancing.

Kagome shrugged, smiling as she kicked her feet again. "Yeah, well, sometimes it's not that helpful."

"So what else did you guys do down there?" Midoriko asked, wondering what else is involved in all this touring and famous celebrity things. It was a whole different world that Kagome was now a part of.

Kagome smiled at them. "We went for lunch and came back to do meet-and-greets. They have this area outside of the stadium where there's ticket booths setup and a cute little lawn area. We have our photo signs and banners setup everywhere in this lawn area where people can buy their tickets to the show and take photos to help spread the word on social media."

"Banners?"

Kagome nodded at Ayumi. "Yeah, we had a photoshoot last week. We took group photos and individual photos."

"Oh that's right," Midoriko cut in. "Kagura was talking about it. She said she heard that there were photos of you with the group all over Instagram and Facebook." Kagome's blood froze at the mention of it. It would always be her initial, gut reaction to her being out there in the public eye. She wondered if she would ever be used to the fact that her face would be out there for the entire world to use and to see. Probably never. So long as he was still out there looking for her. She would never sleep easy.

"I guess… people started to spread the word then," she commented, even though it was just yesterday that they were there. Word spread fast on the internet.

"That must've been fun," Ayumi suggested, wondering what changed Kagome's mood. She looked sad and scared, her feet kicking stopped and her body language changed. Ayumi noticed the bodies of people, as it was her job, and she could read body language easily, especially in men.

Kagome nodded, biting her bottom lip. Now came the hard part. "We flew back and Sango suggested we go out to have a couple drinks. That turned into a night out partying at RUSH."

"RUSH?" Midoriko's eyes widened. "That club is always popping. And it's always busy."

Kagome nodded her head. "Yeah. Inuyasha's family owns it."

Ayumi burst out laughing. "Of course he does." She had to admire that guy. He was not only good looking but he was also rich and famous. What was there not to like about Inuyasha?

"Yeah we were there for a couple of hours. The whole group came along with Kikyo and her manager." The thought about what happened with Naraku and his whole backstory was something that she was not going to go into with them. "But we ended up leaving and headed back to Inuyasha's place."

"Wait. You went to his house?" Midoriko had her hands in the air, shocked. Ayumi crossed her arms, a smile stealing her face. This was what she wanted from Kagome, for her to open up to people and to let them in.

"Well, we went there before the club to get dressed. And I left my stuff there so we had to go back to grab it. But then they all convinced me that I should sleep over… so I did."

"And you slept over his place," Ayumi commented with a knowing smile.

Kagome squinted her eyes at her with a smile of her own. "It's not what you're thinking. Besides… Inuyasha, Miroku and Sango live together."

Midoriko's eyes widened as she nodded her head slowly. "So then… you two weren't alone."

Kagome's pause only made them lean forward in their chairs, knowing there was more to the story. "Kagome?" Ayumi pressed, knowing this was probably why she was needing to blow off steam. Kagome was always controlled. She had her moments but very little frazzled her, besides men. Men were always a hot issue with Kagome. And Ayumi could only wonder what happened between Inuyasha and Kagome at his house. She turned to look at Midoriko who caught her look, the two of them knowing something happened. They waited until she was comfortable telling them. Sitting in silence, they listened to the soft song playing in the background, Akon's voice filling the silence of the room.

Kagome took a breath, feeling comfortable enough to tell them. She needed them to know. She needed someone to know how she felt. She didn't even know how she felt, honestly. "It was a… long night. But I ended up sleeping with him. We… just slept," she said, not looking up at them to see their shocked faces. "I couldn't sleep in someone else's house. I felt comfortable with him and I sort of barged in on him, asking to sleep with him. Then, this morning, I told him how I felt. That I, that I was falling for him. And then he asked me to be with him."

"He asked you out?" Ayumi asked, shocked that it all happened so fast. She could believe in the way it happened because Kagome always had to be in control of things, especially with men. To hear that she was the one who walked in on Inuyasha and she wanted to sleep with him, that didn't surprise Ayumi. That was Kagome being in control. What surprised her was the fact that Kagome wanted to sleep with a man. Even if it was just sleep. She wasn't a woman who wanted to be touched by men, not in all her years of knowing Kagome and seeing her work in the club. She had clear boundaries with all of her clients and she only allowed what she could control from them. If Kagome felt comfortable enough to sleep with Inuyasha then it meant that she trusted him. She trusted a man.

"Yeah." She quieted, replaying the scene over and how devastated he was, how he turned his back to her. She couldn't see him and she couldn't tell how he was feeling, but she got the impression that she had hurt him. Though she didn't really know why. It wasn't that he felt anything towards her. How could he? He didn't know her. He couldn't like someone he didn't know and he definitely couldn't be in love with her. "He did tell me that he had feelings for me too."

Kagome thought through the morning again, replaying the scenes in her mind, remembering how shocked and horrified she was to learn that he had feelings for her.

"I… I don't know what to do with that. I told him that we couldn't be together. We just… can't. I think he got mad at me. I think I hurt him when I… rejected him. But there was nothing else I could do. We really can't be together," she said, looking up to her friends, her eyes pleading with them to understand even though they really didn't know why. "He remembered what happened in Hawai'i when I was a mess after finding out I went viral. He remembered what I said, that I was running from someone. Now he's intent on courting me and I guess he wants to show me that I can trust him. That I can feel safe with him." Kagome brought her legs up, her knees to her chest as she wrapped her arms around them, resting her chin on top. "I already feel safe with him."

"Then what's holding you back?" Midoriko asked softly, feeling sorry for Kagome. She truly was afraid for her life if she wasn't willing to be with Inuyasha when it was obvious that he was the only man she had ever let that close to her. Midoriko didn't know the whole story of Kagome's past but she could imagine and put the puzzle pieces together to figure out the big picture.

Kagome's eyes stared at the ground, lost in thought. "I am running from someone. I can't have him find me. I can't be with Inuyasha because… he would find me one day. And Inuyasha would be in danger. Because of me…" That was her greatest fear and she gave life to it.

Ayumi frowned, knowing what Kagome had shared with her before gave her a small hint that she was running from someone. From a man. Whom she could only think would be an ex, someone abusive and threatening. She was so secretive with her past, and her privacy, that Ayumi knew it was a man who was threatening her future and her life. She couldn't blame Kagome for not wanting to drag anyone into her business. But she also knew, coming from a past like that, that it was easier to get help and to move forward. There was nothing that could be done by living in fear.

"Kagome… I know you're running from an ex. I was the same way too. I had an abusive lover, at one time or another in my life, but I've learned and grown from them. For me, I had to learn to love myself and value myself. I had to see that I deserved better." Kagome's eyes slowly moved to hers and she smiled encouragingly. "You need to ask for help. You cannot run for the rest of your life. You can't live in limbo and you can't be frozen in time. You're not moving forward and you're not moving back. You're just… stuck."

Kagome frowned at Ayumi's words. It hit her and made so much sense. Ayumi was right. She doesn't plan for her future and therefore, she had nothing to live for. She wasn't going to go back to what she used to have, that was for sure. So where did that leave her? Nowhere but stuck in the present. She was a victim to her past and a victim to her present. She was waiting for something to happen, waiting for him to find her, as if she expected him to. 'He will…' She knew he will. He did before. He will again. But did that mean she should wait around until he did?

"Ayumi's right, Kagome. I can't say I've been through the same experiences as you two but I've had my share of men. Who cares if your ex finds you? Right now… I'm sure Onigumo knows about him, right?" Kagome looked at her and slowly nodded her head against her knees. "And I'm sure Jinenji will be there to protect you. You have us too. You need help. We're here to help you. But you also can't let him dictate the way you live your life now. He's not here. He's not in control. You are." She knew Kagome valued her control and so she used that to get her point across. "You need to do what makes you happy. You taking this job with Kikyo was a huge step for you and it made you happy. It makes you happy doing what you love to do. We all can see that. Now you just need to do what makes you happy when it comes to relationships."

Kagome said nothing but listened to her friends' advices. They both had great insight, which was something she needed. She needed someone to tell her what she was doing wrong or what she needed to do. She was lost when it came to men, when it came to emotions and what to do. She was more of a 'reactor'. She reacted to situations, to emotions, and she controlled her reactions. But when it came to men… she was at a loss.

"Listen, Kagome," Ayumi started, catching the girl's attention. Kagome stared at Ayumi's unusual eyes that she loved. Her beautiful white irises surrounded the dark pupils, making her eyes so intense, like she was looking into her soul. "I know you feel something for Inuyasha. I see you also feel something for Sai. I don't know how you are with Inuyasha but I see how you are with Sai. You open up more to him than you do to any other client. But if Inuyasha is something more, then I would say that you need to open up to him too. You need to let him show you that you can trust him. You cannot sacrifice your happiness in the possibility that your ex might find you. You just need to live your life and be happy."

Kagome smiled at the authority in Ayumi's voice, helping her to chase away her doubts at Ayumi's advice. Midoriko nodded her agreement. "I think Ayumi's right, Kagome. Inuyasha is hot. I think you just need to get to know him and let him get to know you before you completely shut that door. You don't know if he will be good for you."

"He is good for me," Kagome said softly. "I'm just not good for him."

"That's where you're wrong," Ayumi said. "You are a good person, Kagome. You just need to show people who you are. You live behind walls and facades. Even here, we are all different people with different names and a different persona. Even though our persona is like another version of ourselves, it's still like living in a fantasy world. The part of ourselves that we fear letting out in the outside world is what we do here in the club because we can control the men's reaction and how they treat us if they knew who we really were. But even though you may be different as Sapphire, you are still you, Kagome. You are a good person. You need to let others see that about you."

Kagome never thought that to be true about herself. Sapphire was her getaway but she was also a part of her. Sapphire was like the wild child within her, a part of her that was hurt and bruised but sought pleasure and relief from men. The very ones who had hurt and bruised her to begin with.

"I'm messed up." Kagome remembered Sango's words from this morning. She knew that Sango was just looking out for the best interest of her best friend, but it did hurt her. A lot more than she wanted to admit to herself. It felt like Sango didn't know her at all, which she didn't honestly. But the fact that Sango thought she was just playing with Inuyasha… she would never. Not intentionally. Sango didn't know her. But who's fault was that? Could she really blame Sango for standing up for Inuyasha and for not really seeing who she was when she didn't let anyone see who she really was? Kagome sighed. She wanted to take a nap and forget about yesterday. "I need to eat and then take a nap before we start."

Midoriko checked her phone. "It's almost two. You want to grab something close by and then come back and sleep?"

Kagome nodded, smiling gratefully at the two of them. "Thank you both. I appreciate you listening. I need to just… I don't know what I'm going to do from here on out. But I heard you both."

Ayumi stood with a smile. "It'll take time. Learning to trust someone and showing someone that they can trust you will take time."

"That's called a 'relationship'," Midoriko said with a smirk as she stood. "We have that together. This, talking like this, is us growing in our trust and our relationship with one another. It's going to have to be the same way with Inuyasha. You're going to have to talk with him, tell him how you feel. Heck, maybe even tell him about your past. But you're going to have to learn to trust him and to show him that he can trust you too."

Kagome remembered Sango's words and that Sango thought she was toying with Inuyasha's emotions. But that made her think if Sango knew about his past and why she was so concerned with their situation. Was he just as mistrusting with others as she was because of an ex? Did he get hurt before? 'Ugh… I don't want to think about him anymore.' Really. She had enough of Inuyasha for the day. She just wanted to take a nap and then get to work. She always could drown herself in her work and in her men, her clients. "Let's go get something to eat." The three of them smiled and left the club together to grab a bite to eat.

-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-

The night was going smoothly. Sai was getting all of his business deals done in the lounge area where all his business partners sat, taking up most of the entire lounge. He and six other men were discussing business deals with each other's companies and other financial things that she didn't even understand. It wasn't her job to understand it anyway. All she had to do was serve him and look pretty at his side.

"Sapphire."

She turned at the sound of her name. Sai smiled at her, his tender smile making her heart turn over. Sai really was a wonderful man, in the short amount of times that he has been with her and as much as she had gotten to know him. Kagome looked at him, taking in the way the suit fit perfectly on his sculpted body. He really was a catch. Rich. Young. Sexy. What was there not to like?

"Yes?"

Sai smiled at her and reached out for her hand, letting her decide whether or not she wanted to touch him. Kagome placed her hand in his as he stood, helping her up with him. The other six gentlemen rose, fixing their suits in the process.

"Gentlemen, it's been a good evening but I have planned for a little quiet time with Sapphire. So if you'll excuse us." The six men said their goodbyes with a bow, making Kagome bow towards them, as she let Sai lead her up towards the Sky. She had chosen to wear a long, pink halter dress that went down to her ankles. It hugged her curves and showed off her breasts. Her blue hair was a stark contrast against the pink but she kept it up in a messy bun, leaving her neck exposed, save for the few strands of hair that hung out of the bun and her drop pearl earrings. She wanted to be elegant tonight, to feel beautiful and to feel wanted. She had such warring emotions within her, so much on her mind, that tonight was for her. Even though she was for Sai, she basked in his attention, as she always did with her clients. Tonight even more so to get rid of any thoughts of Inuyasha.

Sai led them up the stairs and he went to the second door, opening it and turning to smile at her as he pulled her to go in first. Kagome smiled in thanks and walked in, the motion sensor lights going on the minute she stepped in. She heard the door click shut behind her as she walked forward towards the pole platform that was near the left side of the room. She smiled at her reflection as she walked towards the platform, running her hand on the stage before she turned to sit, her eyes going to Sai.

"You wanted a private time with me," she stated, very much pleased.

Sai smiled, standing to face her so that his reflection was in the mirror as well. "Of course. I feel like I haven't seen you since the Fujimoto's charity event."

At the mention of Inuyasha's name her mood suddenly changed and what she wanted not to feel came back to her. Kagome frowned, bowing her head, looking down at her heels in front of her. "It has been a while," she said softly.

"I've been busy with things too and you haven't been at work much." Sai watched her body language and he could tell that something was wrong. She was the one woman he spent his time thinking about and trying to figure out. He really was head over heels for her. He had never been like this with any other women. They had all been temporary flings for him, something to relieve the itch he had or the loneliness he felt. But Sapphire was truly a gift. A woman who deserved so much more than what this establishment could give her. "You've been busy with the group."

Kagome nodded, bringing her hands behind her so she could lean back on them, causing her breasts to jut forward as she crossed her legs. She didn't want to think about Inuyasha. She just wanted to be here with Sai. She wanted to be desired. Her eyes shined at him, smiling suggestively at him. "You've been keeping tabs on me."

Sai shrugged, placing his hands in his pockets, watching the way her body language changed. She was always different here compared to when he saw her performing on television. She looked younger, freer, when she was dancing with Kikyo's group. A totally different person from this nighttime woman that he has grown so accustomed to. He wanted to know both sides of her.

"Drink?" Kagome asked, standing up. Talking about her personal life was not on her mind right now. "Usual?"

"Actually… I would like to try your drink."

Kagome turned to throw a smile over her shoulder, giggling. "You might not like it. It's very sweet."

Sai shrugged, following her towards the other end of the room where the bar remained in the corner, fully stocked for their pleasure. "My tastes have been… changing."

"Is that so?" Kagome hummed as she went to grab two glasses and put a few ice cubes in them as he came up to the other side of the bar, leaning against the counter as he watched her grab the Baileys bottle. "Anything on your mind?"

Sai smiled, shaking his head as he watched her pour the drink with efficiency. "Just you."

"Nothing else?"

"No." Sai looked at Kagome, watching her blue eyes as they danced, paying attention to every movement that she made. She really had no idea the effect she had on him. Probably on all men. She was so alluring, so beautiful. He found himself always thinking about her. Captivated by her. Even during his meeting tonight, all he could focus on was her. The way she served him and the way she stayed by his side the whole night. He had spent hours here in Midnite, needing to do a lot of business with some colleagues who lived in the southern part of Japan. They came all this way and sought a good night out so he had obviously thought about bringing them here, with Onigumo's consent. Guests were allowed in with the accompaniment of a member. All six of his business partners didn't mind in the least. They all had eyes for Sapphire the whole night but her attention was solely on him. Her entire focus was on him and making sure that he was well satisfied, which he was just by her presence alone. 'The things this woman does to me…'

"Come. Sit with me." He got up, grabbed his drink from across the counter, and turned to walk over to the couch that lined the entire back wall of the room. It was a soft cream color with a glass table that spanned the entire length of it.

Kagome followed behind him, going next to him as he sat down with his drink. She took off her heels and sat, bringing up her feet to tuck them under her, leaning into him with her drink. She held it out in front of her with a smile. "Kanpai."

"Kanpai," Sai said with a smile, grateful for this quiet time he could have with her.

"I hope you got all of wishes tonight." She was referring to all of his business deals that took up most of their night, even though he had paid for her the entire night. He was her only client tonight, and the night was almost over. It was one hour until closing.

"Almost." Sai turned so that he could get a good look at her. Her pink, glossy lips caught his attention and his eyes fixed on them.

Kagome stilled, watching as his body language changed, the air between them charging with electricity. Her heart rate accelerated, not due to fear but to anticipation and excitement. She let it wash over her. Just the feeling of it. Something different from what she was feeling for the past 24 hours. Something that she reveled in. This power that she had over men. She loved it. They weren't in control of her. She was in control of them.

Kagome smiled, taking another sip of her drink, his eyes caught on her lips. "Have I pleased you, tonight?"

Sai blinked, the question heating his blood unexpectedly. He groaned, turning his eyes from her mouth. He looked ahead at the door, trying to control his racing thoughts. "Yes. You have. Very much. You are… very beautiful, Sapphire."

She smiled, appreciatively, and leaned forward to place her glass on the glass table in front of her. She rested back against his side, snuggling into him as he brought his hand up and around her, bringing her into him. She took in his scent, the cologne he wore always striking a feminine response in her. She glanced up at him, taking in his strong jaw and the way he wore the suit so fittingly. It suit him. Suits suit him. He looked so dashing and so strong in the suit, like nothing could touch him. He was in his element, a man of power and of his own company. And here, she was in hers.

"You approve of my attire?"

"Very much. The pink makes your eyes stand out." Sai turned to look back down at her, drowning in her eyes. His heart immediately melted at the sight of her against him. With her in his arms, he felt like he was a man who had a sense of purpose. He was falling for her hard. "Sapphire… I think I'm falling for you."

Kagome's heart skipped and she jerked away from him, her face showing her shock and horror. 'No!' This couldn't be happening again. These same words she had just uttered to Inuyasha early this morning and now they were coming back to her. But from a different man. 'Inuyasha…' As much as she wanted to hear those words come from Inuyasha, it was selfish of her and wrong for her to want that from him. From any man. Even from Sai.

"Sai…" She looked away, staring at her drink. Sai moved, placing his drink down on the table in front of him, and turning a bit so that he could give her all of his attention.

"Sapphire, you don't have to say anything. I know this is your job. I know that you women are only doing what you know to get by."

"You don't know anything about me…" she whispered, closing her eyes in pain. Kagome brought her legs down and turned her head from him, bringing her hands into her lap. It cut her that he saw her like that. Someone who couldn't make anything of herself so she just became a lady of the night, as if she had no other choice.

Sai reached out, disregarding her rules, and grabbed her hands, cupping them in his. Her eyes went down to their hands but she didn't pull away, so he took that as her consent. "Sapphire. I didn't mean it in a negative way. You don't know how I see you."

"How do you see me?" she asked, tilting her head to look at him with a sad smile. Sai frowned, wondering why she was so sad. He had a feeling that she didn't want to hear the fact that he was falling for her. But he needed her to know.

"Ka… Sapphire…" He nearly slipped again. "I see you. I see a woman who, by day, is happy and living her dream. I see her smiling on stage and in front of cameras, dancing as if no one was watching, but dancing her heart out." He squeezed her hands, emphasizing his words. "I see a woman who, by night, comes here to get away from it all. The world has been cruel to you and you seek solace here. You're just like the men who come to seek solace in you."

Kagome gasped, her breath caught in her throat, tears stinging behind her eyes. She yanked her hands out from him and quickly stood, leaving her shoes behind as she hurried away from him. Sai got up and followed her. Kagome made her way to the bar, needing to hang onto something. She was losing her grip on reality, feeling like she was hyperventilating. She couldn't get enough air into her lungs. It started with Inuyasha today and now with Sai. This was too much for her. How could two men just sneak their way into her heart? How could she let them? Unlike Inuyasha, Sai knew both sides of her. He had seen her as Kagome, dancing around on television and dressing up for social charity events with the rich and famous. He had seen her as Sapphire, dancing for men on a pole and serving all their needs for those who came to seek solace in her. Just like he said. Sai knew who she was by day and who she was by night. Her heart constricted. He knew. And that gave her such happiness that for once, with someone, she didn't have to hide who she was. He knew her. And yet… he really didn't know her at all.

"Sapphire… I didn't mean to upset you." He reached out and touched her again because he had to, he had to let her know how he felt. He placed his hands on her shoulders, rubbing his thumbs along her soft skin. She didn't pull away or flinch but her body was trembling. "I don't mean any of those things in a bad way. You are… beautiful to me. I don't see anything wrong in you."

Kagome chuckled, making him pause. "You should. You don't know me."

Sai thought about it, letting the silence consume them for a bit. Kagome had both hands on the bar counter in front of her, leaning onto it for support. She couldn't believe she was having this conversation with him. When did he start to fall for her? When did it become so deep between them? She was just doing her job. He was nothing more than her job. And as she repeated that over and over in her mind… she desperately was trying to convince herself that she didn't want anything more from him.

"You're right." Kagome blinked, listening to him. "I don't know much about you besides what I see on television and what we share together here at night. But what I do know about you… I… I love who you are."

Kagome's eyes widened and she turned to face him, making him drop his hands back to his side. "You are such a light to me. I see your smile on television or even here in person and I can't help but smile. I come here to see you and I pay for you because that's the only way I can see you. I can't help myself but to want to see you. It's not just your beauty, Sapphire, that I'm attracted to. I'm attracted to you. To who you are on the inside. You are a beautiful, kind and smart person. You helped me with my company, with my father, and you teach me more about myself every time we meet together. You are beautiful, inside and out."

"Please stop…" she whispered.

Sai stopped once he saw she started to cry. Tears rolled down her face as she ducked her head from him. Sai frowned, stepping closer to her to cup her chin with one hand, making her look up at him. Even when she was crying she looked beautiful to him. Sai smiled sadly at her, her blue eyes pained. "You are beautiful, Sapphire."

Kagome bit her bottom lip. He didn't know how much she needed a man to see her the way he did. He didn't realize how broken she was inside because of a man. And here was a man who was telling her all she needed to hear. Kagome licked her lips, feeling her tears roll down her cheeks. She reached out, placing her hands on both sides of his face, leaning into him. His eyes widened a bit as he dropped his hand from her chin, his eyes going to her lips. Kagome stared at his lips, bringing her face mere inches from his. "Sai…" She closed the distance between them and pressed her lips against his. The moment she did, he immediately wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her tight against him as if he never wanted to let her go. Kagome scrunched her eyes, the pain in her heart only getting tighter. She allowed herself to feel as she deepened the kiss and his tongue came out to seek entrance. She obliged him and he deepened their kiss more. Kagome moaned, the feel of Sai's arms around her and the feel of his lips against hers was all sensation, all feeling. And she lost herself in him. She could feel his desire, his yearning for her. The way he kissed her told her that he wanted her, that he truly was falling for her. But the longer she kissed him, the more her heart rejected him.

'Inuyasha…' Her thoughts went back to that man with the silver hair and golden eyes who had captured her heart and trust. She desperately wished that it was his arms that were holding her and his voice she heard as he told her all the things that Sai told her. This was just wrong. What was she doing? What did she want? Who did she want? She was so confused and so messed up which was why Inuyasha or Sai couldn't fall for her.

Sai moaned and brought one hand up to cup her head, pressing up against her as he pushed her back against the counter. That one action was all it took.

"Stop!" Kagome pushed him away with all her might, making him stumble back and he fell on his butt. His eyes were wide with shock and fear, worried that he had hurt her. But Kagome was lost in her fear, triggered by his one action. 'Koga!' Her heart beat wildly, her eyes looking around frantically. She saw everything and yet she saw nothing. She was losing herself, losing her control, and her mind couldn't take the onslaught of fear the flooded her. Kagome collapsed to the ground, her entire body trembling, curling herself into a tight ball on the floor.

"Sapphire!"

Sai moved onto his knees and crawled closer to her, reaching out to touch her. The minute he did, she screamed at him.

"Don't touch me!"

He reared back, shocked at her outburst. He had never seen her like this before. Sai went to reach for her again but stopped himself, knowing that her number one rule was to not touch her. He fisted his hands and restrained himself. "Sapphire… Sapphire tell me what's wrong. What did I do?"

But she couldn't hear him. Her body was trembling and it looked like she was having an episode of some sort of PTSD. Whatever it was, she was gone and unreachable. Sai quickly got to his feet and ran to the door, flying it open. He took a step outside and immediately saw her bodyguard standing near the railing. His eyes went to him and he didn't even get a word out before her bodyguard was moving, pushing past him into the room.

Jinenji was next to Kagome in a flash, placing his hands on her, one on her back and one on her arm that was tucked under her. She was huddled into herself, trembling uncontrollably. He sensed her client was standing behind him but he paid him no attention.

"Sapphire," Jinenji called to her. No response. She was hyperventilating, unable to control the shivers up and down her spine. "What happened?" he demanded, looking over his shoulder at Sai.

"I don't know. She just collapsed and yelled at me not to touch her."

"Tell me everything that happened before that." Sai did. He told Jinenji that they had kissed, which she initiated. But that he had deepened and after he had pushed her against the counter, she had shut down.

"She's having a flashback. You triggered her," Jinenji said accusingly. "You were told of her rules." His voice was hard and accusing, not taking any crap from anyone when it came to Kagome.

Sai felt defeated, hearing the harshness in the bodyguard's voice. "I know that. But she was the one who kissed me. And I just… I just thought she was okay with me touching her. She didn't push away."

"She did." Sai said nothing.

Jinenji focused his attention on Kagome huddled in a ball. He bent down so that his mouth was against her ear as he whispered to her. "Kagome… you're safe now. I've got you. You're safe." He began to rub her arm and kept his other hand on her back rubbing at the same time, needing her to get out of her head and to be present in the here and now. "He's not here. You're safe. I've got you." He began to rub her arm with a little more pressure, wanting her to feel it.

"You should leave," Jinenji said, sitting up and turning to look over his shoulder. "Club is closing soon. Sapphire won't be able to service you any longer." With that, Jinenji focused his attention back on Sapphire, crouching down to whisper to her.

Sai couldn't hear anything that the bodyguard was telling her but he felt like he couldn't leave. It was his fault that Sapphire was having this flashback. "You don't know me." She was right. He really didn't know her. He didn't know what he did that had triggered this from her and he didn't know why she was so firm on her rules about touching. But he was determined to know.

Sai stayed for a minute longer, until the bodyguard turned to glare at him, and then he decided that he had overstayed his welcome. He left the two of them alone, taking one last look back at Sapphire who's head began to rise up slowly, and then he closed the door on them.

-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-

"You pushed him."

Kagome nodded her head, taking a sip of her drink. Hojo had made her another drink before he closed the bar down and went home. This time, because it was two in the morning, he added coffee to her Baileys to help her focus. She was grateful. The coffee was waking her up. It had been a long day and she only had an hour nap before work today. Plus, with everything that happened from yesterday, well technically two days ago, up until now… it was just too much for her. Her brain was on overload, her emotions were scattered and her mind was chaotic. It was a deadly cocktail, at least for her.

"I shouldn't have kissed him," she confessed.

"Then, why did you?" Onigumo took a seat next to her on his couch, placing one hand on the back of the couch as he brought his leg up onto the couch between them, turning to her. "You provoked him." His voice remained matter-of-fact even though his words were accusatory.

Kagome frowned, nodding her head, holding the mug up in front of her. She was curled up on his couch, in his office, the two of them alone after all the others left for the night. Ayumi and Midoriko had stayed with her in the Sky for a while, talking her through it and being there for her as much as they could. Even Jinenji had stayed close as the others closed down the club and cleaned up for the night. The three of them had been great to her, giving her their comfort by their presence alone to just sit with her until she rode through her episode. After the doors were locked and the club was clean, she finally had the will and the strength to get up and change out of her attire for the night. She realized that it took her a while to snap out of this episode. She had gone to the dressing room to take a bath but didn't want to be alone. So Ayumi and Midoriko had stayed with her in the bathroom and talked to her about their night, which was comforting to hear. Then, she got dressed and Onigumo summoned her to his office. She had told everyone to go home, that she was fine. The girls had left. But Jinenji was adamant on staying. Right now, he remained outside Onigumo's office, waiting if she should need him.

Kagome curled her side into the couch, a blanket draped over her knees pulled up against her chest, as she rested the hot mug on her knees. "I didn't mean to."

"You kissed him."

Kagome nodded. "I… wanted to."

"Why?"

She shrugged, really not knowing why herself. Today's events were all flooding back to her and it was such déjà vu that this was happening to her tonight. "Last night… I slept with Inuyasha."

Onigumo's eyebrows went up, eyes widening. "You slept with him?"

"Just sleep," she clarified, her eyes going to his. "I slept over his house with his roommates and I couldn't sleep alone. So I ended up sleeping with him in his bed." She didn't want to tell him all the details. They were hers and hers alone. She told Onigumo everything. He knew everything about her. The good and the bad, the ugly and the pain. He knew everything about her. There was nothing she could hide from him and nothing she felt uncomfortable telling him.

"You let him hold you?" Onigumo asked, warily, his eyes growing serious. He never would've thought he would ever see the day where Kagome would be telling him that she had slept in a bed with a man.

Kagome nodded, looking down at her coffee. "Yes. When we woke up, I told him exactly what Sai told me tonight. Which is so ironic. Now I know how Inuyasha felt when I told him." Inuyasha had been angry with her for telling him and asked her why she even told him to begin with if she didn't want to hear his feelings for her. She was being selfish. And Sai was being selfish with her too. Now that she was on the receiving end of it, she understands how Inuyasha felt and she can understand why she couldn't blame Sai for saying his feelings. His intention was not to hurt her with his truth but to tell her how he felt. He needed to. It was how she felt with Inuyasha.

"What did you tell him?"

"I told him that I'm falling for him." She took a sip of her coffee and placed it back on her knees. "He didn't take it well the same way I didn't take it well with Sai. Inuyasha and I… we kissed."

Onigumo stood, walking over to the window to look down at the empty club, now fully lit with white lights. Everything was clean and spotless but his thoughts remained on Kagome. 'She's falling in love with that boy.' He couldn't let that happen.

"Onigumo?"

"Why did you kiss him?"

"Inuyasha?" she asked, wondering who he was talking about. But Onigumo said nothing. He simply waited. She looked back at her coffee. She could tell that he was growing angry with her, upset about something. She didn't want to share too much about Inuyasha. She wanted to protect him from Onigumo, to protect what they had from Onigumo. Whatever they had, she cherished, and she didn't want anyone else to know about it or ruin it.

"I kissed Inuyasha because I wanted to. And it felt… right." Her voice softened as she smiled, resting her head against the couch. The kisses they shared were nothing like she ever felt before. Kagome frowned, thinking about Sai. "The reason I kissed Sai was to see if his kisses were like Inuyasha's."

Onigumo crossed his arms, feeling this Inuyasha was more of a problem than he had originally thought. At this rate, Inuyasha posed a threat to him. And Onigumo had ways of dealing with threats. "So… you were testing your theory. And what did you find?"

Kagome frowned, bringing her head back up to take another sip of her coffee, feeling comfort from the hot liquid laced with alcohol. "I… Sai's kiss is different. I don't… feel anything for his kiss."

"So this Inuyasha… you like him?" Onigumo knew the answer but he wanted to make sure that she knew it for herself and that he confirmed his suspicion.

Kagome nodded, turning to look at Onigumo's back. "Yes." She stopped, finding herself not wanting to tell him any more. It was something about the way he asked his questions, very quietly and without expression, that got her nervous. Onigumo was very territorial, especially with her. And he was a man who was very possessive of his possessions. She was one of his possessions. "I shouldn't have kissed Sai. It only caused me to have a flashback." She tried to talk about Sai so Onigumo wouldn't ask anymore questions about Inuyasha. "When Sai pushed me against the counter, I just… froze. My mind went completely chaotic and I don't remember anything else but screaming and huddling." She remembered fear. So much fear. That one act had caused her to have a flashback and she immediately shutdown. She remembered his face and how he used to throw her against the wall, knocking the breath out of her and causing her to see stars. She could feel the pain in that moment with Sai and her whole body began to shake uncontrollably. She couldn't control herself.

"You've had flashbacks before," Onigumo pointed out, turning around to look at her focused on her coffee cup. "But Jinenji told me that this one took you a while to get out of it."

"Yes. I can't remember how long but I remember Ayumi and Midoriko were there with me. I can't remember what they said. My ears were ringing. I just remember them being physically there."

"You were in an episode for about fifteen minutes." Onigumo walked back to the couch, going to sit back in his spot in front of her, facing ahead and crossing one leg over the other. "Jinenji told me that this one was more serious than all the others you've had."

"I've never let anyone kiss me before," she pointed out, looking up at him. She gasped. Onigumo stared at her, his eyes hard and angered, making her hold on to her coffee cup tighter. He was angry.

"You've never kissed anyone before."

She gulped, hearing the hardness of his tone. He was not pleased. She decided not to tell him anymore about Inuyasha. It would only trigger him more. "Onigumo… I can kiss anyone I want," she said softly, afraid of speaking up to him.

Onigumo smiled wickedly, leaning towards her. He reached for her, grabbed the back of her head and pulled her to him, their faces above her coffee cup. Kagome winced, his grip keeping her steady, staring into his eyes. His eyes were angry, emotionless, mere inches from hers. "In all your years with me, you have never kissed anyone."

"I never wanted to," she whispered.

"So this Inuyasha… you want to? And Sai? Who do you want to more?" he asked, curious as to who she liked more. He would have to have a talk with Sai. He would not tolerate anyone threatening him.

Kagome looked away from him which only made Onigumo tighten his hold on her hair, tugging a little bit to make her look back at him. Onigumo smirked, seeing her wince at the sharp pain. He wanted to get his point across, the point that he told her countless times but that she seems to always forget. "You like this Inuyasha."

Kagome refused to answer him. 'Inuyasha…' He was hers. She wasn't going to share him with Onigumo.

"Fine. Like him all you want. But remember…" he said, releasing her and sitting back up to his full height. "You are mine, Kagome. I don't know how many times I have to tell you this. Go ahead and like them. Go ahead and give your body to them. But you belong to me," he said, turning to glare at her. "I don't care if you choose Inuyasha or Sai… but you will always belong to me. I will not give you up." He stood, fixing his suit, and turned to head back to his desk. "Ever."

-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-

Later that morning, everyone met back at the warehouse, high after a Saturday of traveling and having fun together. Kagome walked into the warehouse behind Inuyasha and Miroku, Sango following close behind her. She tried to pretend that everything was cool between Inuyasha and herself but every time he looked at her, she felt like something was broken. Again, they had wanted to pick her up this morning and bring her to the warehouse for work. She hadn't fought them on it. Nor did she get any sleep this morning. She stayed up all night at the club with Onigumo until an hour before sunrise. Then, Jinenji walked her home and she drank more coffee until she had to meet Inuyasha them at the park.

Now, she felt different around the three best friends. Whatever happened between her and Inuyasha, and even with Sango, she felt like something was different now. Or maybe it was because she was a little buzzed with coffee and Baileys and she was now at work. She couldn't put a finger on it, although she did feel a little awkward around the three of them.

"Hey guys!" Shiori called out as the four of them came up to the others. Everyone was stretching out on the ground within the main stage tapes, waiting for practice to start. Not everyone was here yet, although the DJs and the stage crew were busy doing their things around the building.

"Morning," Sango said as she dropped her bag and went over to the others. "How was your day yesterday?"

Shiori shrugged, looking down the way at Suikotsu. "Suikotsu asked me out to lunch so we ended up going to Yura Yura."

Sango wiggled her eyebrows at Shiori. "I knew the two of you were hitting it off. The both of you had eyes for each other for a long time."

Shiori blushed, looking down at her hands, choosing to dismiss the topic of conversation. "Anyway… how was your day yesterday?"

Sango shrugged, nudging her head over her shoulder. "We stayed home. Kagome slept over and then she had to head off to work while me and the boys ended up just watching movies together."

Kagome overhead Sango as she talked about their day yesterday and frowned, thinking about that morning again. It was a weekend full of events that made her rethink being here, with the group. The longer she stayed, the longer she would have to work with Inuyasha. And the longer that happened, the more her feelings for him would develop. 'If they aren't already.' She knew that she was already falling for him. But did she love him? Kagome turned to look at Inuyasha who was talking with Miroku and Shippo, Itsuki walking up to them to have a little guy time. She took in his appearance, the sleek and stylish way he dressed, the way it suit him. He was so handsome, so much so that it gave her stomach butterflies at times.

"I have feelings for you too, Kagome." Inuyasha turned and his eyes caught hers, making her catch her breath and turn from him immediately. She headed towards the wall to drop her duffle bag down and stayed by herself on the ground, stretching out. 'How am I going to do this? How are we supposed to work together again after all that?' Her and her big mouth. She shouldn't have told him that she was falling for him. She shouldn't have said anything. Now she ruined her relationship with him, her boss, and the dynamic between them would be different now. Kagome frowned as she spread her legs out and stretched out her hamstrings. 'But… I needed him to know how I felt.' She needed him to know that she felt comfortable with him. That she trusted him. And after what happened last night with Sai… she was sure that she could never be with a man. Ever.

The door opened and she looked up to see Naraku come in, walking briskly towards them with purpose in his steps. He held an iPad in one hand, his eyes scanning the entire room to see who was here. His eyes landed on her near the wall and he smiled, making a slight turn towards her.

Kagome steeled her nerves. Today just wasn't her day.

"Good morning, Kagome," Naraku said, coming to stand in front of her. He looked down at her, standing a little in front of her wide open legs. He smiled at her and crouched down, getting eye-level with her. "How was your day yesterday?"

Kagome straightened, remembering Naraku's history, seeing him in a different light now. She drew her legs in, crossing them, and shrugged. "Eventful, to say the least. Yours?"

Movement caught her eyes and she looked up to see Inuyasha come up behind Naraku, staring down at the back of his head. "Naraku. Not like you to be here without Kikyo."

Naraku closed his eyes and smiled. Kagome watched their interaction, noticing the subtle ways they talked to each other and the ways they acted around one another that she didn't understand or see before, but now she does. Naraku stood and turned to face Inuyasha with a smirk. "She's doing interviews this morning with Akari. So I'm here to manage you guys."

"We don't need managing. I'm capable of doing just that."

Naraku shrugged. "You're still Kikyo's employee."

"So are you," Inuyasha said, his eyes hard on Naraku. "I don't answer to you. I answer to Kikyo. Even if she listens to you."

Naraku smirked and turned to look down at Kagome as the others were now starting to wonder what was happening here in their area of the room. "Anyway…" he said, brushing Inuyasha off. "I came to let you guys know what the plans are for this week. I'm sure you'll be interested in what I have to say."

Kagome was a little intrigued and so she stood, wondering where Kikyo was and why Naraku had to deliver the news while she was away on interviews. "Sure." She turned to see that the others were now coming over to see what Naraku was talking about. As they all stood to face Naraku, Kagome remained close to the wall with Inuyasha across from her and Naraku between them.

"Well… just to let you all know. Kikyo is busy doing a lot of interviews today and this week. She'll be coming in as much as she can to practice with you guys but this week she's busy promoting her music video and filming the music video."

"Oh yeah! Did Kikyo figure out what she wanted to do?" Emi asked, chewing on her gum.

Naraku nodded his head. "She did." He smiled as he turned to look at Kagome. "With much convincing from myself and Akari… Kikyo has agreed on what she wants and she's already started filming the video as of yesterday." Inuyasha arched his eyebrow, remembering all the texts he was getting from Kikyo yesterday wanting to see him and talk to him after what happened at the club Saturday night. She didn't sound busy enough to blow up his phone all day yesterday.

"The music video is going to be shot with Kikyo singing the song but in different scenes and with different costumes. We've already started shooting the scene where she's on a rooftop in Tokyo, singing between all the skyscrapers. We used drones too to get some really cool aerial shots of the entire roof along with the streets and the nearby buildings. The first scene was just the first verse and the chorus so it took us a couple of hours to get what we needed and she was done."

Naraku looked at everyone to see all their intrigued faces, excited to see the end result. "The next scene is going to be of her walking through an alleyway for the second verse into the chorus again. Since the song is a love song and she's talking about finding her love and keeping him, she wanted to have a place of open freedom to searching in the alleyway. She wanted it to rain but I convinced her otherwise that rain would be overdoing it with the emotions. So later today after lunch we're going to shoot the second scene. I think they're shutting down one of the alleys now and setting up all the equipment needed."

"Wow. Kikyo's really got an idea for this one," Miroku commented with a smile.

"Just wait for the ending… that was where Akari and I had to fight her for it." Naraku smirked as he glanced at Inuyasha before speaking to everyone again. "The final scene is where she's entering a dance studio where there's a couple dancing together. She walks onto the dance floor and sings while the couple dances to the bridge and the last two times of the chorus."

Shiori gasped, a smile lighting up her face. "It's Inuyasha and Kagome!" The others caught on and were shocked but excited, watching Naraku's grin confirm their suspicion.

"Yes. Kikyo agreed to have you two," he said, looking to both Kagome and Inuyasha, "dance your duet for the bridge and the final two chorus to end her music video. Akari is over the moon because she feels like this is going to be a huge hit for the fans and for your duet."

The others began to cheer amongst themselves, happy that Inuyasha and Kagome could get a little spotlight with the duet that they all loved. Miroku slapped Inuyasha on the back, jolting the hanyou out of his thoughts. "Hey man. Be happy! You can finally show off those dance skills. I'm sure this video with be a huge hit and you'll be viral on the internet."

Inuyasha shrugged, not really believing it, that Kikyo had given in. He was sure that after Saturday night she was holding a grudge against him or some sort of anger. After she had so adamantly not liked the choreography in the beginning, what changed?

"So… Kikyo just all of a sudden wants the choreography in the video?" Inuyasha asked, a little suspicious.

Naraku arched an eyebrow. "I can persuade Kikyo to do a lot of things."

"Yeah… I'm sure you can," Inuyasha said with a bored look, disgusted.

Naraku shook his head, turning from Inuyasha. "I told you that Akari and I had to do a bit of convincing. But she gave in for the sake of her fanbase. She agreed to our pleas but she only wants you two to be shown during the last repeat of the chorus. So you'll be blurred in the background while she's singing and walking around the studio for the bridge and the first chorus. We might show little glimpses of you two, but not your faces. Not until the final chorus," he said, looking at Kagome.

She was shocked. She wasn't expecting Kikyo to have agreed to use Inuyasha's choreography in the music video. But she was excited for him, nonetheless. Finally, Kikyo would give Inuyasha something that he probably deserved for a long time. Kikyo would give him his moment to shine. Even if she was in the shot of him having it for himself. Kagome felt her nerves getting the best of her now as she refused to look at Inuyasha. She would now be the center of attention once again if this video was going to put Inuyasha out there. She was Inuyasha's dance partner in this video. Only natural people would look at her and wonder who she was and maybe make a big deal out of her too.

"There's more," Naraku announced, getting everyone's attention. "Kikyo also agreed to let your duet be the closing finale of the concert."

"What?" Inuyasha asked, shocked. Kikyo really did go through with it?

Naraku nodded his head with satisfaction. "We persuaded Kikyo that if she teases the fans with these small glimpses of your duet during the music video, then the fans are going to want to see the whole thing eventually. What better timing and what better way than to do it during the concert two weeks after the music video is launched?" He was clearly satisfied and proud of himself that he finally got Kikyo to see the benefits of this. Of course, they were playing on the emotions of the fans, but that's what got the fans coming and on their toes. They first needed to be teased and tempted. Then, they would be coming back for more. That was how they were going to play this choreography that the group loved and that Naraku was sure Kikyo's fans were going to love too. He hated to admit it, but the chemistry between Inuyasha and Kagome was undeniable. Especially when they danced together. Even he had to admit that for the sake of sales. Still… Naraku turned to look at Kagome as Shiori came to her side to give her a hug, the two of them smiling at each other in excitement. 'She really is beautiful. More beautiful than Kikyo' And Inuyasha would be a fool to not make a move on her. Naraku smirked to himself, facing everyone once again, putting that thought in the back of his mind for now.

"Kikyo will finish the second of the three scenes today and the editors are already busy with putting the video together. Tomorrow, Inuyasha, you and Kagome need to come to the dance studio where we'll shoot the last scene and then be done with it."

Inuyasha nodded his head, looking ahead at Kagome, their eyes meeting. "What time and where?"


I hope I didn't break anyone's heart or cause anyone to cry. It was hard for me to write those things about Sai. He's such a good guy, but Kag is still trying to find herself and what she wants. It's an emotional ride, I know, but stay with it. Let me know what you think :)