Chapter 17
Sesshomaru was gone. It was 7am and she expected him to be in the kitchen already dressed in his suit drinking espresso but the shattering reality of his absence told her that he wasn't in the apartment and that he would never return. Her throat felt like tiny shards were cutting into it as she fell into a quiet sob. She sat at the edge of his bed, pulling one of his pillows to her chest as she peered into the emptiness of his closet. She had cried so much, her nose became stuffy and she felt a terrible headache coming on. Why did she tell him to leave? She shook as she wailed into the pillow. She didn't mean it. How could he just leave so easily? Did he ever care? Maybe he didn't feel as strongly as he did. Whether or not he expected her to go to work, she wouldn't go. She couldn't bear to see him, to work beside him feeling the way she did. She had a lot of money saved up to buy her time before she got another job but right now, all she could do was just cry.
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Every time the elevator sounded down the hall, Sesshomaru's heart leapt in his chest hoping to see Kagome walking to her desk, praying that she was late because she stopped for donuts and coffee. But it was almost noon and she still hadn't showed up and dread seeped in when he thought she wouldn't ever. He wanted to call her, check in, wonder if she was coming in but he couldn't bring himself. It hurt too much to hear the disdain in her voice. How could he lose that feeling of warm loving tenderness in just one day? He missed her so much and the possibility that she meant what she said, that she wanted him out of his life, he prayed she didn't mean it. That it was just done out of anger. He glanced at his phone more times than he could keep track, hoping to see a text from her, asking for them to talk but the hours passed well into the evening and she never did.
Shurran knocked on his door. "I'm sorry, sir. May I come in?"
"Shurran, now isn't the time." Sesshomaru dismissed, not wanting to meet her eyes because he was starting to resent her for being the reason that him and Kagome may never be.
"I know, but I feel really horrible about last night. I was-"
Sesshomaru snapped his head at her. "I am in a diligent position right now and would appreciate it if you'd leave me be."
At that moment, Hiten and Koura knocked on the door and he dropped his head into his palm.
"What is it?"
"Sorry to interrupt, sir." Hiten paused to scowl at Shurran. "but we'd like to bring something to your attention."
"Hiten, Koura, I am very-"
Koga walked in holding a bag of Wendy's. "Anyone talk to Kagome? She's not answering her phone."
"That's it!" Sesshomaru slammed his fist on the table and stood up. "Will you all just leave now!"
Everyone jerked back and looked at each other wide eyed as the usually calm and collected youkai fumed at his desk.
"Shurran, we can forget everything. There is nothing else to discuss. " he looked toward Hiten and Koura "You two and I will speak tomorrow morning. " he then scowled at Koga. " and I do not know where Kagome is, alright?" he bitterly glanced at everyone and pointed to the door. "Please!"
"Yes, sir." Shurran bowed as she left. Koura and Hiten nodded and followed behind her.
Koga kept a concerned gaze on Sesshomaru. "Something happened?"
"Koga!"
"Fine, don't bite my head off. I was just asking where Kagome was….and to think…I was going to let you in on these fries." Koga clutched the bag. "Oh, when you're not all cranky…tell Kagome I found my own apartment. You guys can stop by once I get my couch." he grabbed a handful of fries and stuffed them into his mouth. "Here's to no more stupid soap operas and petty arguments or Sango's nagging."
Sesshomaru didn't like how unnerved he was, how easy it was for him to blow up. His emotions were becoming out of control. It could have been that he had terrible sleep in the last two days, not having Kagome beside him. He kept looking over at her empty desk wondering where she was, if she was alright, if she missed him as much as he missed her. He closed his laptop and decided to leave for the day. He needed to keep his mind busy.
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Inuyasha stopped in front of Kagome's door, preparing himself to ask her about Sesshomaru but when he knocked, she didn't answer. He heard a faint meow and wondered when did she get a cat?
"Son of a bitch…" he mumbled as he turned around noticing an old lady with rollers in her hair peak out of her door.
"They're not home…" she rasped then hacked a nasty couch into her robe.
"Yeah, I figured that much, old bag." he murmured.
"Ugh..." the old lady gasped. " Kids these days…" she said to herself. " No manners!" she yelled out as she slammed her door.
Inuyasha stormed out of the building toward his car and got in. He turned it on and fell in deep thought as he looked back at the building and darted his gaze back to the steering wheel. "They?" he said as he stood dazed. Was Sesshomaru living with Kagome this entire time?
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Kagome entered the coffee shop and scanned around for Sango and Miroku. They weren't at the usual booth. She was happy when she got the call asking to hang out because she needed to keep her mind off Sesshomaru. He never called her wondering why she was not at work.
"Hey!" Sango waved from the other side of the coffee shop. She looked at Kagome questionably since she didn't bother removing her sunglasses.
"You're not going to be a douche and keep those glasses on, are you?"
"Ugh, leave me be. I didn't put makeup on and I don't want people to see me like this." It was true, she looked like shit from crying. Hell, she even cried on the way to the coffee shop. The last thing she needed were nosy friends asking her what was wrong only to make her fall into another sloppy sobfest.
"So no work today?"
"Um…no. I quit."
Miroku and Sango looked at each other briefly.
"Why?" Sango asked.
"Just looking for something else."
"Everything ok with Sesshomaru?" Sango persisted.
"Yeah, everything is good. Why?"
"Just making conversation." Said Sango.
"You're losing weight. Have you been eating?"
"Sango, stop mothering me please."
Miroku and Sango chuckled.
"Well, I guess I have to get used to it." Said Sango and Kagome stared at her.
"What, you're acting weird."
"How is a pregnant girl supposed to act?" Sango bit her lip and stifled a grin between her and Miroku.
"I don't know...not weird like…" Kagome stopped not realizing what she heard. "Wait…what'd you say?"
Sango remained quiet allowing Kagome's late reactions to kick in.
"Sango….did you just say that you were pregnant?"
Sango smiled and nodded.
"Oh my god…ewww" Kagome removed her sunglasses and opened her eyes wide at her and Miroku. Both their smiles faded.
"Ew is right, jeez, Kagome you look like poop. What happened?"
"Huh? Nothing…I'm just getting over a cold." She lied.
"Kagome…"
"Oh my god, you guys are going to be parents!" Kagome tried to change the subject.
"and what do you mean by Ew?" Sango spat defensively.
"I'm just kidding, but seriously, never thought you would ever have kids."
"Why not?"
"I don't know, because you always hated kids."
"I hate other peoples' kids."
"You're making Miroku's dream come true here. You're bearing one of his children." Kagome teased.
Sango's face went serious. "It's…not Miroku's."
"What?" Miroku glared at her and both she and Kagome started to crack up.
"Not funny." Miroku scoffed.
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Sesshomaru sipped his cabernet as he stared out of his balcony window. He gripped the railing and looked across the street at the expanse greenery of Central Park.
"What do you think?" the realtor asked, waiting inside for him to sign the lease.
"It's…big." he said to himself. "But it will do. "
After he signed the lease, the realtor let himself out and Sesshomaru stood by the balcony watching the sun set behind the skyscrapers. This condo was more suitable for him than Kagome's tiny apartment, but he found himself missing the homeliness to it. Or was it because Kagome made it feel that way? He turned to face the living room and fantasized having Kagome on the couch with him, curling herself into him as they watched TV. He shook his head and finished the rest of his wine, grabbing his car keys deciding to drive around with no destination in mind.
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"I'm so sorry that my car stalled at your place, guys. Thanks for the ride. I'll pick it up tomorrow and take it to the mechanics." said Kagome.
"Don't worry about it, Kagome." Miroku said as he adjusted his rearview mirror.
Sango snorted. "Get rid of the piece of shit and get a new car. Tell your rich boyfriend to buy you one."
Kagome gulped. That comment felt like it ripped off a Band-Aid to a nasty wound, but Sango didn't know any better. She got out of the car and watched them drive away. As she turned to go up the path, she noticed two men in a black car staring at her. When she paused to stare at them, they pulled out of the parking stop and disappeared down the block. She shrugged not putting any mind to it and made her way inside.
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Did all people who experienced heartache result to drinking and making bad decisions? Sesshomaru was starting to think so as he too, became such cliché, drinking a bottle of Maker's Mark as he drove aimlessly. Though he had no destination in mind, he found himself driving ironically toward Kagome's apartment. Her car wasn't there when he pulled up and he took another shot of whiskey before parking his car a block away. What the hell are you doing? Are you really going to walk up four flights of steps just to sit in the apartment and take in her scent? Yep, that's what he was going to do and he would blame it all on the whiskey. He even devised an escape plan in case she showed up. He would use the fire escape and sneak through the backway.
Just for a little while, he told himself. He had to return his key anyway. He mentally scoffed at his poor excuse.
He straightened his posture as he ambled down the path, looking over his shoulder to see if anyone was around. He cleared his throat as he made it up the steps wondering when he would tell himself to turn around but it didn't seem like he would. He continued toward the door and was about to take out his keys to open it when he heard the television. He concentrated on the sounds inside the apartment and heard the sink running in the kitchen, Kagome scolding the cat to get off the table. Sesshomaru could smell the scent of the house through the crack of the door and leaned himself against the wall and slid to the floor in a crouching position. He buried his head into his hands and sighed. He was so tired. He could hear Kirara scratching at the door, meowing. She knew he was there.
"Go away, Kirara." He muttered lowly.
"Kirara, no." Kagome's voice was close and he could sense her behind the door. "Stop scratching! You're going to ruin the paint and that old hag is going to keep our deposit!"
Sesshomaru staggered to his feet, tightening his jaw as he made his way down the steps. What the hell was he doing hanging outside of her apartment door like some pathetic loser? No, she obviously wanted him out of her life. She sounded fine. She didn't miss him at all. He sprinted down the steps wanting to get away from there as quickly as possible.
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"Where'd the ball go now, Jeffrey?" Inutaisho narrowed his gaze throughout the golf course.
"It went into the hole, sir. " the butler lied. Surely enough the ball was wedged in some bush but he wasn't about to go look for it.
" Ah, I see. I told you I was that good. I haven't golfed for years and I still got the magic touch." Inutaisho gloated.
"Yes, sir. You do." The butler fed his feigned victory.
They were both interrupted with a loud commotion. He looked behind him and noticed a car driving on the golf course. " What the devil?" He was blinded by the headlights of the car and noticed Sesshomaru parking an inch from his foot.
"Sesshomaru?" his father peeked into the car and saw his son drinking out of a bottle. Sesshomaru got out of the car and peered at them with glossy eyes.
"Father?" he saluted and chuckled to himself and looked at the butler. " Jeffrey?" he nodded.
"My lord..." the butler greeted and looked over to his father with bewilderment.
"Sesshomaru…what are you-"
"doing here?" Sesshomaru finished as he grabbed the golf club from his father's hands. "Why, to play golf with you, of course." He said seriously.
His father leaned in and examined his face. "Are you drunk?"
Sesshomaru sighed. "No, I am afraid not. Why do demons have such high tolerance? Inebriation is costly."
His father frowned. "What happened, Sesshomaru?"
"Come on, let's do this. Hand me the ball, Jeffrey." Sesshomaru ordered.
Jeffrey hesitantly looked at his father who nodded for him to set a ball onto the tee.
"Care to talk about anything, son?" his father asked.
"Not really. You?" he said as he swung the club and missed.
The butler gasped into a panic as he took the ball from the tee and threw it.
"Great shot, my lord. Absolutely brilliant. Bravo!" he clapped.
Sesshomaru and Inutaisho blinked incredulously at the butler.
"Jeffrey..." Sesshomaru planted the club between his feet. "You threw the ball yourself. Do you think I am that intoxicated?"
" W-what? N-no sir, I was just—"
"Jeffrey?" Inutaisho said. " Why don't you go inside and…make Rin a light snack, will you?"
"Y-yes, Sir. Lord Sesshomaru, you are the best golfer I know, I—"
"Leave, Jeffrey." Sesshomaru scowled.
"Y-yes sir.." he bowed and ran off.
"You should have him killed." Sesshomaru shook his head.
Inutaisho chuckled to himself and patted his son on the back. " Oh, don't mind him. You know he always feared you...along with the rest of the staff."
"And he expresses such fear by belittling my intelligence?"
"Sesshomaru, why are you really here?" he grabbed the club from his son.
"I felt like doing my son-like duties by visiting my father and keeping him company before he falls ill and dies."
"The ever so thoughtful son." His father rolled his eyes. He studied Sesshomaru quietly and could see something was bothering him. He'd bet his entire wealth it had to do with the girl.
"So…how is Kagome?"
"How should I know?"
"Because you live with her?"
"I'm not living with her." Sesshomaru sat on the hood of his car and pulled out a cigarette.
His father hated to see him smoke but it was the wrong time for any scolding. "I am mistaken then. I thought you two were living together."
"You thought wrong."
"How long have I thought wrong?"
"Since last night." He answered flatly.
"I see. That is why you are acting like this?"
"Acting like what?" Sesshomaru spat angrily.
"like something is bothering you." His father answered. "You have heartbreak written all over your eyes."
"Heartbreak?" Sesshomaru scoffed. Was he that obvious? Ugh, he was losing his touch. "Is Inuyasha at the manor?"
"No, he's out, band practice."
"What a miserable failure." Sesshomaru spat. " Living at home, mooching off anyone, thinking he can have anything he wants."
"Or anyone." His father added. Sesshomaru snapped his head toward him and scowled.
"What are you insinuating, father?" he pulled on his cigarette.
"that perhaps you are envious of your brother?" his father stepped closer, removed the cigarette from his hands and dropped it to the floor.
"Unbelievable." Sesshomaru snorted. "I come visit you and you're going to insult me with garbage!"
"I only speak what I see."
"Then you are blind!" Sesshomaru growled, turning toward his car to leave.
"Sesshomaru, wait. You presume to look at things from one side only. Allow me to finish."
Sesshomaru said nothing and stood by the car door.
"You are envious of your brother-"
"Oh come on," Sesshomaru scoffed as he opened the car door.
"As he is envious of you."
Sesshomaru knitted his brows together and looked at him questionably.
"I've watched you boys go at it for years. You really think I am blind? You think I did not notice that my eldest son has been in love with my youngest son's girlfriend for years?"
"Father, please." Sesshomaru shook his head and crossed his arms not wanting to hear this.
"I've watched you two growing up wanting what each other had and not appreciating your own success and talents. You've envied how Inuyasha had many friends and was able to talk to anyone and had the girl you wanted and he envied how you succeeded in wealth and fame. You two are not learning anything from each other. If anyone is blind, Sesshomaru, it is you. You are here because something happened between you and Kagome and you cannot handle it."
"You think you know it all, don't you?" Sesshomaru hissed.
" Perhaps not…" His father said with very much seriousness to his tone. " You want some fatherly advice. If you continue with this aloof façade you fancy so much, you will end up lonely and miserable."
"Is that so?" Sesshomaru snorted.
"Isn't that why you're here, Sesshomaru? Because you have nowhere to go?"
Sesshomaru's smirk faded as he looked away.
"You push people away and now you are lonely. You're finding company and comfort from a bottle of whiskey to substitute the devoid of people in your life. Your sarcasm and arrogance will be all you'll have in the end if you continue to do and the only people that will be there to witness it are the ones who fear you or are near you just because they're paid to." His father turned around with the club and placed a ball on the tee. "Now, if you don't mind, I have a game to play."
Sesshomaru stared at his father's back and bowed his head.
"How does one go about it then, to change?"
"Start with apologies; those always work. A rose for the girl and lots and lots of groveling." He grinned as he swung.
"I don't think she'll ever want to see me again. I have said some unforgiveable things."
"Just tell her how you feel." His father said. "You will be surprised how an apology and open honesty can heal the most devastating wound."
"Not this wound. I severed an artery." Sesshomaru shook his head.
His father laughed. "No harm in trying, I suppose. Kagome's a good girl…too good for any of you if I might say so. She deserves someone who will give her what she needs and wants. As for you and Inuyasha, you both need to end whatever quarrels you might have. You are brothers and when I am gone, you two will be all each other has."
" I'll have Rin." Sesshomaru smirked.
"Very funny." His father threw one of the balls at him.
Sesshomaru grinned as he dodged the ball and got into his car.
"Think it to be wise to drive in your condition?"
Sesshomaru rested a hand on his wheel, took a sip of whiskey and winked at him as he drove away.
"He really can be such an asshole." his father shook his head and turned around. " Jeffrey, where are you?" he called out.
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Kagome's heart nearly jumped out of her chest when she saw Sesshomaru's number on her phone screen. It was almost 9am and she was sitting on the couch nibbling on a piece of toast, still feeling weak and achy.
"Yes?" she assumed a confident voice.
"You're awake?" Sesshomaru said.
"Yes." She answered defensively.
Sesshomaru remained quiet on the phone. You're awake? That was lame. Of course she was awake.
"Is there a reason you called?" she asked.
He frowned at her callous tone.
"I was just wondering if you were going to come into work today?" Not bad, he thought. He was curious if she still planned to work for him.
"No, I'm not." She answered flatly.
"Oh, I see." He said trying to mask his hurt. " Well, why not?"
"What do you mean why not? After the other night? I do not want to work for you." She said harshly.
"Alright…"
That's it? Disappointment weighed heavy against her chest. She'd expected more of a plea to stay working for him.
"Ok, bye."
"Kagome, wait?" he said.
"What?"
"I just wanted to say…."he muttered. "I just…wanted to say that...that—"
"that what?"
"That…I'm sorry to hear that is all." he said as he hung up the phone.
She kept her ear pressed against the phone then dropped it against her lap.
"Kagome, let's talk. I love you; I miss you. "she whispered the words she hoped he would say.
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Sesshomaru held the phone against his chest and cursed under his breath. That didn't go how he planned. He hovered over his chrome and marble sink, staring at his new espresso machine remembering when he would make two cups. He couldn't bring himself to make coffee and decided to get one on the way to work. There was a Cuban Café right on the corner of his block and decided to make acquaintance with the staff of the new coffee shop he would begin to frequent. He went on line and scanned the menu on the blackboard.
"Next!" yelled the short barista with a black bob.
Sesshomaru walked up and lowered his shades.
"What would you like, Papi?" she smirked at him.
"Poppy?" he frowned and looked over his shoulder and shrugged. " A shot of espresso, please."
"Sure, one moment, please" she said in a thick accent. She turned over her shoulder and started speaking a speedy form of Spanish at her coworker. "Mira, chica, dame una colada para este papi chulo tan lindo.
Sesshomaru frowned noticing all of the girls behind the counter staring at him.
"You sure you want double shot? Is Cuban coffee, very strong."
"I'm sure I'll be fine, thanks."
"Ok..."she shrugged as she handed it to him. " There you go. $6.95."
Sesshomaru handed her a ten-dollar bill and walked off with his coffee. An old lady with basket of roses stopped him. "Señor, flores para tu mujer?"
"I'm sorry?" Was he going to have to learn Spanish in his new place of residence?
The barista behind the counter smiled. "She wants to know if you want flowers for your girlfriend?" she translated.
"Oh, no thanks…" he forced a friendly grin and took a step forward before looking back at her. " As a matter of fact, I'll take all of them." He regretted not taking Spanish instead of French and Latin and struggled to let the lady know he would take them all, thankfully the barista behind the counter helped him and without having the intention, he left the coffee shop and made his way toward Kagome's apartment.
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When Kagome got out of the bathroom, her soul nearly left her body and the startling surprise of her ex sitting on the couch peering at her.
"Shit! What the hell, Inuyasha!" she shouted. "What are you doing here?"
"Sorry." He smiled. "You left your door unlocked."
"So you turned the knob and opened it and decided to make comfy on my couch?" she scoffed and walked to her room. " What the hell do you want, Inuyasha? You have some nerve coming here after what you did at the park!" She quickly changed into a tank top and shorts.
"Relax...I didn't come here to hurt you or do …what you think…" he assured her. "I just came…to confirm…"
"Confirm what?"
"Funny thing, I was having breakfast a few days ago and Rin said she saw Sesshomaru, here…in your place. Does he live here now?"
"No." Kagome answered. She wasn't lying. Sesshomaru didn't live there anymore.
"I think you're lying…" he said, getting up and walking toward Sesshomaru's room.
"What? " Kagome scoffed.
He entered Sesshomaru's room and sat on his bed. " Yeah, you forget I'm part demon. I can smell him."
"He was staying here, now he isn't."
"How long have you guys been seeing each other?"
"None of your fuckin' business." She turned around and he grabbed her arms and turned her back to face him.
"How long?
"Get off me! How dare you come into my house and ask me questions of my personal life. " she pushed him and stormed toward the living room.
"I want to know if you and my brother have been fucking behind my back!" he yelled.
"Behind your back?" Kagome laughed. " Inuyasha, you and I are not together. Whatever I do in my personal life isn't any of your concern, remember? You lost that when you slept with my sister."
"I can't believe this." He shook his head. "Out of all people, my brother? You really wanted to get back at me, huh?"
"Whatever, I need you to leave right now!"
"Look, I'm sorry for what happened at the park. I was drunk and…I know that isn't an excuse but I love you."
"Inuyasha...I don't know what you want me to say but I really think you should leave."
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Sesshomaru glanced at the roses on the passenger side and looked at the building in front of him. This was so stupid, he snatched the roses and took a deep breath as he made his way into Kagome's building. It occurred to him that he had no idea what to do or say after he gave her the flowers.
Sorry? Take me back? How exactly does this work?
As he reached the landing, he caught Inuyasha's scent. It grew stronger as he got to Kagome's door. He could hear them both inside and he paused taking the next step. He turned around to leave when he heard Inuyasha.
"Kagome, please! I'm sorry. Give me another chance!"
"Inuyasha, stop." he heard Kagome. "I told you already."
"Are you in love with Sesshomaru, is that it?"
There was a lingering silence and he realized he was no longer breathing as he waited for her response. His palms started to bleed as he realized the thorns of the roses were cutting into his skin as he squeezed them tightly.
"Inuyasha…" Kagome paused.
Sesshomaru couldn't hear the rest, he bolted down the staircase and chucked the flowers once he pushed through the exit. This was a mistake. Kagome didn't want him back. Blood smeared all over his door and steering wheel as he got in and drove away.
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"Answer me! Are you in love with him?"
"Yes! I am! But you ruined that too! I came home that night and he smelled you on me! He wouldn't believe me and because of you, he and I are not together! And the messed up part about all this, Inuyasha, is that I love him in a way you can't imagine!" her chin trembled as a waterfall of tears unleashed down her face. She cried hard, choking and coughing as she shook her head and Inuyasha watched in disbelief, tears running down his face.
"Kagome...I"
"I was happy with him!" she croaked. "He made me happy and you ruined it!" Sobs punched through her chest making her shake as she collapsed near the couch. "Inuyasha, please…if you ever loved me at all, I am begging you, just leave me alone. Let me go on with my life. I just want you to leave me alone, please!" she buried her face into her hands. Inuyasha felt like someone kicked him in the chest when he saw the mark on her shoulder. He zeroed in on it, not believing that it could be. His brother marked her which meant they had something serious together. He then caught it, it was a faint scent and it made him take a step back. That was it, Kagome would never be his again, he had to accept it.
"Ok." Inuyasha uttered hoarsely, wiping a tear from his face before she could see. "I'll go. I won't…bother you anymore." He left her sobbing quietly into the sofa cushions.
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Kagome cried herself to sleep and was awoken by Koga's guttural rambling.
"Kagome! What the shit, stop leaving this door opened!"
"I…" she stopped. "Inuyasha must have left it open."
"That muttface was here? Did he do anything to you?" he growled then looked around. "Where's Sesshomaru?"
"No... he didn't do anything." She groaned as she sat up on the couch.
"Kagome," Koga sat down on the couch and looked at her. "Where's Sesshomaru?"
"He…" she shook her head and started crying again. Damn it. "He's gone, Koga. He moved out."
"Aw, shit. Sorry Kaggy. What happened?"
"I don't know." She wiped her tears. "What's wrong with me?"
Koga shook her leg. "Nothing is wrong with you."
"I can't stop crying."
"It's ok…you're a girl. Girls do that…" he smirked trying to cheer her up. It helped a bit.
"He thinks I'm a whore."
Koga glowered. "Who thinks you're a whore?"
"Sesshomaru. He thinks I'm sleeping with Inuyasha….and then he is messing around with Shurran out of spite."
"I don't think he thinks you are a whore…if he is going to mess around with someone else then the hell with him… that whole family is messed up. Damn aristocrats...they think they are better than everyone else."
Kagome nodded. "I really thought he was different."
"Look, once I get the new apartment set up, you're going to come over and we are going to get shit faced and go sharpie his car or something. I'll write some bad shit in the bathroom stalls at work, that his dick is small."
Kagome giggled. Koga rubbed his nose and started to sneeze.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, damn allergies."
"Did Sango tell you the news?"
"Yep, crazy. Poor Miroku. Now he's trapped." He joked.
"Stop." She playfully hit his shoulder.
"Alright, I gotta go. I have my sofa being delivered in a few hours but if you need anything, just call me, alright?"
"I will…"
"Please remember to lock the door."
"I'll try." She said as she walked him to the door. After he left, she shook her head and looked at Kirara. "What a day."
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Sesshomaru heard Koga shouting at him down the hallway and he already knew what it was about. He ignored him, making his way toward his office when Koga gained on him, grabbed him by the collar and pushed him against the wall.
"You asshole!"
It took every patience for him not to break Koga's hand. He knew that Koga was coming from a place of concern. The employees around them sprung up from their desks and searched for security. Sesshomaru raised his finger to calm them down as he pulled Koga into his office.
"You get a free pass." Sesshomaru said. "The next time you do something like that, I hope you have a will made up."
"What the hell makes you think you're goddamn better than her, hm?" he gritted as he was inches from Sesshomaru's face. "Do you have any idea what the hell you're putting her through?" Koga yelled.
"What I'm putting her through?" Sesshomaru spat.
" You going around using her and then when you don't need her, you throw her like garbage…and then you call her a whore!"
"I never used her." Sesshomaru raised his finger but then lowered it when he remembered comparing her to Kikyo's infidelity. " If I called her a whore, it was out of anger."
" She is not a whore, you got that?"
Sesshomaru inhaled deeply. "I know she isn't."
"Don't you ever think that of her! Kagome's the nicest girl I know, and she keeps getting hurt by you and your fuckin' brother."
"Yes, well…I'm sure he's comforting her as we speak."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Koga growled. " The girl is at the house sobbing over your arrogant ass. Can you tell me how you go from someone like Kagome to some lower class-whoring-grimey bitch like Shurran?"
"What the hell are you talking about?" Sesshomaru snapped. "I can't believe I have to explain anything to you. Nothing happened with me and Shurran and I know Inuyasha was at the apartment yesterday with her."
"How do you know that?"
"Because…" he stopped. "I went there, alright?"
"For what?"
Sesshomaru sat at his desk and folded his hands together.
"It doesn't matter."
"You marked her, dude. I'm sure it does matter." He said.
"She…doesn't want anything to do with me. It's Inuyasha she wants, she always has so let her be happy…with him."
"Why do you keep saying that? She doesn't want to be with Inuyasha. For someone as smart and successful as you, you are pretty fuckin' stupid."
"Yes…I know." Sesshomaru agreed just for the sake of getting him to shut up already.
Koga shook his head. He felt bad for Sesshomaru. Seeing both of them it was so clear they had it bad for each other.
"I'm getting coffee…" Koga muttered as he walked out of the office. He frowned when no one was at their cubicle. The entire floor was empty.
"What the hell?" he murmured. "Where'd everyone go?" he said as he passed by the employee's lounge. He overheard people in the room arguing.
"That's it. We can't do this bet anymore!" Hiten whispered.
"Screw you, I put my entire life to this bet. It's obvious Sesshomaru and Kagome are no longer together, so the people who bet against it, wins." Shouted Shurran. A man beside her nodded.
"No one won. The bet ends next week but everyone will get their money back."
"No, come on!" shouted a lady. "They're just mad because we are going to win and split two million dollars."
Koga poke his head inside and noticed a white board with a long list of people's names on it. From what it looked like, people were betting on Sesshomaru and Kagome's relationship.
"Shit..." Koga muttered as he beelined back to Sesshomaru's office.
"Yo…you better come with me."
"Not now." Sesshomaru didn't take his eyes away from the window.
"No, really. You really need to see this." Koga's face went serious. He put his index finger to his mouth for him to be quiet as they quietly walked toward the employee lounge. "Your employees are gambling money." Koga whispered. "on behalf of you and Kagome."
"What?" Sesshomaru uttered lowly. They poke their heads into the office where people were arguing back and forth.
"Don't end the bet! Come on, I need that money, Koura!"
Sesshomaru pushed the door open and everyone went quiet. Color washed away from their face and it was like the entire office had just one heartbeat, and it was beating fast.
"Someone explain the meaning of this." Sesshomaru looked at everyone. No one said anything. "Speak!" he shouted. Everyone began to talk at once. He shook his head. "Silence!"
"Sir…" Hiten spoke. " it started out as a little joke…"
Koura intervened. "When Kagome started here, we all felt you guys had some chemistry. As something to do to kill time at the office, we made a bet. We didn't mean for it to become so serious. We just knew you and Kagome woul-"
Sesshomaru raised his hand to silence her. " Where is the money being held?"
"It's locked in the petty cash safe, behind the board." Hiten muttered hesitantly and shot a horrified look at Koura.
Sesshomaru went quiet as he examined the board. It seemed everyone was counting on them being together. Everyone had high hopes for them yet him and Kagome didn't seem to see it.
"Clean the board and get back to work."
Everyone complied without hesitation and scattered like roaches.
Hiten and Koura stood in the room and lowered their heads.
"We are so sorry, my lord. We didn't mean anything by this, honestly…" Koura apologized.
"Open the safe." He said.
"Sir, we—"
"Open the safe now."
Sesshomaru looked at Hiten and he complied with a nod as he opened the safe. There were stacks of hundreds in rows. Pulling out his lighter, he turned to see a can of Lysol above the refrigerator. Before anyone could say anything, they watched as he sprayed the can of Lysol over the flame of his lighter sending everyone's money to disintegrate in its flames.
"Oh my god." Koura clasped her mouth. "Sir!"
Sesshomaru turned to face them, his eyes reflecting the flame. He threw the bottle over his shoulder and walked out. Something fell out of his blazer and Koga went to pick it up. It was a picture of him and Kagome.
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Celine Dion's "All by myself" blared from the television and Sesshomaru searched for the remote with a grimace. A week had gone by and he hadn't stopped into work. He was avoiding everyone, including Koga who was acting as a mediator on behalf of the staff wondering if they would get their money back. Of course he would return the money back to everyone but he would make them suffer by waiting with the unknown. There was a buzz at his door and he went to go answer it.
"What are you doing here?" Sesshomaru stared at his brother with pure disgust.
"What? You don't miss me?"
"How did you know where I lived?" Sesshomaru turned around, not bothering to send him on his way.
"Dad's sentry followed you." Inuyasha said, scoping the new condo out. "I know right now, I'm the last person you want to see."
"Understatement of the year, little brother." Sesshomaru said, pulling out a cigarette.
"It's about Kagome."
"What about her?" Sesshomaru frowned.
"I've been doing some thinking and I'm taking myself out of the picture."
"What are you babbling about?" Sesshomaru scoffed.
"I saw the mark, Sesshomaru and I know you guys have been together. Why did you never tell me you felt that way about her?"
Sesshomaru scoffed. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"You know, Kikyo told me that you were in love with someone else but she never said who it was and I thought about it for a while and it clicked. Kagome. It wasn't obvious but when you caught me and Kikyo together, you weren't mad at all, you seemed relieved. You were more concerned about Kagome that night, making sure she was okay because she was hurt."
Sesshomaru glanced at him with disinterest and pulled on his cigarette.
"So I wanted to say that I will take myself out the picture so you can be with her."
"Why, thank you for your permission." Sesshomaru scowled.
"Come on, man. Don't leave her in the condition she's in because of me. That's low."
"What condition?" Sesshomaru forced a gust of smoke and became annoyed.
"She's…well, you know…pregnant."
Sesshomaru nearly choked on the smoke from his cigarette.
"Great, I'm sure it's yours. Have a happy fucking life. Now, leave me alone."
"Dude, it's not mine." Inuyasha scoffed. "Kagome and I haven't…long before we broke up."
Sesshomaru stiffened. Kagome was pregnant? Why didn't she say anything to him? No, Inuyasha had to be lying. Koga just saw her, he would have said something. Unless she told him not to? He brought his cigarette to his lips and Inuyasha could see it shaking.
"Holy shit, you are so in love with her. This is just insane. I can't believe I'm witnessing this. I mean, it's weird because she's my ex, but like…I've never seen you like this, ever!"
"So…why did Kagome smell like you that night she went to see you?"
"I…" Inuyasha cast a sheepish glance before dropping his gaze to the floor. "I got drunk and tried to force myself on her."
Sesshomaru's eyes widened.
"She told me she was in love with someone and I didn't take it well, alright. I was drunk! I know I fucked up, but you should know that she pushed me off of her right away. She didn't do anything you accused her of."
"She told you about us?"
"Yeah." Inuyasha snorted. "Yeah, she told me how she loved you like she never loved anyone else, can you imagine what that felt like after being with her for half a decade? Slap to the face."
Sesshomaru snuffed his cigarette in the ashtray and fixed his gaze at him.
"Did…she tell you she was pregnant?"
"No. I sensed it once she started crying."
"She was…crying."
"Oh yeah." Said Inuyasha. "She blamed me for ruining what you guys had. Anyway, so I came here to tell you I'm sorry for fuckin' up everything, and that I think she's prego and that she didn't cheat on you like you thought. So brothers?"
Sesshomaru lunged at lightening speed, punching his fist across his face. He fell back into the door as his chin rattled.
"Fuck!" he grabbed his chin.
"That's for forcing yourself on her."
"Alright." Inuyasha rubbed his chin. "I deserve that."
"No, you deserve to be thrown off this balcony. Now, get out of my house."
"Yep, leaving." He forced himself up and walked out of his apartment.
Sesshomaru paced around his condo for ten minutes. Was Inuyasha just messing around with him? Was this his idea of a joke or a way to get back at him. Did Kagome really love him? Was she really pregnant? He needed to confirm if it was true. Grabbing his leather jacket, he made his way out the door. Inuyasha jumped in front of him and howled.
"I knew it! You just couldn't wait, could you? I wondered how long you would take. I thought I'd be out here for hours! Alright," he put his hands up when Sesshomaru leaned his face into his. "I'm leaving. Good luck."
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