Chapter 1
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"And now, the bride and her father-in-law will share a dance," the DJ announced over the loudspeaker, a docile smile resting upon his lips. Kagome watched in envy, one single thought floating through her mind.
That could have been me.
Arm in arm, Mr. Taisho and Kikyo walked to the wooden dance floor. Kikyo looked radiant, her dress fitting her like a glove and her hair elegantly done, curled and pinned up into a bun, flowers decorating the already extravagant design. Sesshomaru sat down next to Kagome.
"She's really pretty Sessh," Kagome said softly though she knew he heard her. He gave a curt nod—she really expected nothing more.
Why did he have to leave? Why did I let him leave? Kagome mentally sighed and watched as Kikyo and Mr. Taisho waltz up and down the floor, a genuine smile upon the bride's face. But then again, what bride wouldn't be happy to marry Sesshomaru Taisho?
The dance soon ended, each occupant of the room struck by the sheer bliss of the woman and her new father. Mr. Taisho smiled and kissed Kikyo's cheek before going to sit on the other side of Kagome.
"Let's have the groom and bride share their first dance together."
Kagome's heart crumbled as she watched Sesshomaru rise, taking Kikyo's hand.
"Are you okay my dear?" InuTaisho asked, rubbing circles on her back. He had known, despite the many times they denied it, Sesshomaru and Kagome had always had feelings for each other.
Kagome let out a deep sigh. "Not really," she admitted. "I mean, she's so pretty and she gets Sesshomaru—I don't know…I guess I'm just being selfish…"
InuTaisho nodded his head in empathy. "Let me tell you a story Kagome."
Kagome turned her full attention to her 'father'. Anything to get away from having to watch Sesshomaru hold another in his arms.
"When I first met Izayoi—I was already married to Sesshomaru's mother. She told me that everyday she watched us, she had the greatest envy take over her. She became my friend and helped take care of the boy," he said gesturing to Sesshomaru. "Sesshomaru's mother and her became great friends."
Kagome nodded, not sure how the story was supposed to help her.
"I was away on a business trip when Sesshomaru's mother fell ill. Izayoi was with her every step of the way. I was able to make it back—but only in time to watch as she died. It wasn't the greatest welcoming.
"Izayoi was with me; she was a friend to me. I soon realized—though I still loved Sesshomaru's mother greatly—that it was Izayoi who had stolen my heart. It took me five years to get her to accept my proposal. She told me she resisted because she was such a good friend to my former wife," he finished.
"What does that have to do with me?" Kagome asked, probing.
InuTaisho chuckled. "Everything my dear. Sesshomaru loves you—I know he does. Just be a friend to him. Be his best friend again."
Kagome nodded and smiled. "Thank you papa."
"Your welcome my dear—and to tell you the truth," he whispered in her ear. "I will always love you more than Kikyo. She's kind but it's you, my dear, who has the pure heart."
InuTaisho hugged her before kissing her forehead and excusing himself.
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"Hello Kagome," Kikyo greeted. Kagome stood from her seat and gave her a hug.
"Congratulations."
"Oh thank you…I have to say I was nervous when I first met you," Kikyo admitted, causing Kagome to toss her a befuddled side-glance. "Sesshomaru spoke of you so fondly I wasn't sure if you'd hate me for stealing him away from you."
Kagome smiled. Damn she hit the nail on the head. "Oh no, he gets quite annoying sometimes."
Kikyo giggled and Sesshomaru growled at Kagome. Kagome stuck her tongue out at him. "So how did you guys meet again?" Kagome asked.
Kikyo smiled. "I was working at one of the coffee shops at Harvard and he'd come by everyday. He was a hard person to crack but everything worked out for the better. As you can see," she said with a laugh.
Kagome forced a laugh as well. How could she hate someone who was so nice?
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"Would the best friend of Sesshomaru like to give a toast?" InuTaisho said with a grin, gesturing to Kagome, who seemed oblivious to the many stares she got. The ghost of a smirk passed over Sesshomaru's lips as Kagome made her way to the front, where the wooden dance floor rested.
Kikyo smiled kindly at her.
Kagome smiled back and took the mic from InuTaisho. "To Kikyo and Sesshomaru. May they have the best of times together and spoil papa with grandchildren," she said good-heartedly, those who did not know her, guessing that 'papa' was InuTaisho.
Why me?
"To Kikyo and Sesshomaru," the crowd repeated, sipping from their wine glasses.
"Alright guys," Kikyo said grabbing the mic from Kagome. "Time to dance!"
Kagome saw a good amount of woman get up to begin dancing. Just as she was about to leave, Kikyo grabbed her arm and pulled her back.
"Come on Kagome, dance with me?"
Kagome sighed and agreed dejectedly.
Why, oh why, does she have to be so damn nice?
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The reception had ended and Kagome stood outside, tugging at the bottom of her dress. Sango was late. Where is she?
"Kagome. You are still here?"
She jumped at the shivers the voice sent down her spine. "Um yeah…" she answered, turning to see Sesshomaru standing casually a few feet away from her. He walked towards her, stopping in front of her.
She looked up at him. "Congratulations," she said. "I'm happy for you."
"You lie," he stated simply, brushing it off as if it was an everyday thing.
"W-what?" Kagome said, flabbergasted. "I-I'm not lying!"
He stared down at her, raising an eyebrow in challenge to prove him wrong. "Kagome, I can hear it in your voice. Remember, I have known you most of your life."
Kagome thought of what to say. It was embarrassing that he knew she wasn't happy for them. Overall it made her feel horrible.
"I came didn't I?" she quipped.
"Surely not by free will." He had turned his head away and was looking at the stars.
"Sesshy, you're my best friend. I'm happy if you're happy." He said nothing, instead continued to gaze at the cloudless beauty of the night sky. "I guess I'm a bit disappointed…maybe jealous…" she admitted.
This time, his gaze was on her.
"You left so suddenly…I didn't even get a proper goodbye. It was so hard without you Sesshomaru." She sighed and wrapped her arms around herself. "Oh well, I suppose it was meant to happen."
A honk brought them both out of the moment.
"Sorry I'm late Kags!" Sango yelled from the car, waving for her to get in.
Kagome looked over at Sesshomaru who had once again detached his gaze from her. "Well I guess I'll be seeing you Sesshoumaru. Bye."
In all honesty, Sesshomaru was at a lose for words. He had never known his best friend had felt so strongly about him leaving. Perhaps he was just blind to her feelings—and his. He watched her walk away, making a mental note to spend more time with her.
After his and Kikyo's supposed honeymoon.
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"Kagome, what's wrong?" Sango asked, pulling into the parking lot of Kagome's apartment. Kagome nodded her head.
"Nothing. I'm fine."
Sango looked at her disbelievingly. "Alright…but if you want to talk about it, tell me ok?"
Kagome exited the car, Sango's words reaching her ears. She nodded and waved goodbye before walking up the steps to the door of her apartment. She pushed the key in, walked through the door and made her way to the bedroom.
Things between her and Sesshomaru would be different now…
Whether she liked it or not.
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"Kikyo," Sesshomaru said over the phone, already in his office. Harvard hadn't done much for him. You could say he was—taking somewhat of a break. His father had taken him out of classes because he suspected his health was failing. Therefore, it resulted in Sesshomaru taking over the company if things got rough. "I must postpone the honeymoon…something has come up."
"Oh…okay. Well, I'll see you tonight then?"
"Yes," he answered, shrugging the jacket he wore from his shoulders.
"I love you," she said softly.
"Goodbye Kikyo."
He hung up the phone before his wife could answer and sat down at his desk. He didn't love her, though he did care for her.
But he could never care for anyone more than he cared for the woman who claimed to be his best friend.
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Kagome groaned as her phone began to ring, thinking it was Sango again. "I told you, nothing is wrong," she said tensely into the phone.
The woman on the other line laughed and Kagome's brows furrowed. That is definitely not Sango…But who…?
"Sorry, I could not help myself. Your tone was too much."
"Kikyo?" Kagome said, bemused.
"Yes, I know it's somewhat of a surprise. I was browsing through the names on Sesshomaru's phone and saw yours. I actually have a favor to ask of you if you don't mind."
"Um of course not…what is it?" Kagome asked, befuddled as to why Kikyo would be calling her. Sure, they hit it off and in Kikyo's eyes became fast friends but in Kagome's eyes she still wanted to ring Kikyo's neck.
"Do you think you could take Sesshomaru lunch? I have business to attend to."
"Wait, aren't you two supposed to be on your honeymoon?"
"Yes," Kikyo said with a sigh. "But he has something to do before then."
"I see. But sure, I'll bring him lunch." Kagome mentally cheered. She was always happy to see Sesshomaru. No matter the circumstances.
"Oh thank you so much. I owe you. Bye!"
The phone clicked off and she was left with the dial tone. She shrugged and grabbed her keys and purse before leaving.
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"Can I help you?" the fiery red head asked from behind the front desk.
"Yes…I'm um looking for Sesshomaru Taisho."
The red head eyes her cautiously. "May I ask why?"
Kagome held up the plastic bag in her hands. "His lunch."
"I see…do you have any relation to him?"
"Ayame! Stop quizzing her and let her in," a soft voice said, the owner making his way to the front counter as well.
"Kouga?" Kagome asked with a cocked head. "What are you doing here?"
"I work here, my love."
Kagome blushed as he tried to pull her into an intimate embrace after kissing her hand. She could see the Ayame giving her a glare from behind Kouga's back.
Must have a thing for him…
"Um Kouga, I'm flattered really…but I must bring Sesshomaru his lunch."
Kouga sighed. "When are you going to learn I'm the one for you? You are my woman Kagome."
"Uhm…well I have to go," she said, racing towards the elevator, not even bothering to listen to Kouga's words that followed her.
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"Sesshomaru?"
"Come in." Why had the voice sounded so familiar?
And then his question was answered when Kagome came through the door.
"Kagome. What brings you here?"
She smiled and held up the plastic bag. "Thought you could use a lunch break." It was nice to have Sesshomaru back with her instead of at Harvard.
He nodded and began to stack his papers, clearing a space for both him and her. She walked over, setting the bag down on the table before opening the first container.
"So how's work?"
He grunted as she handed him a container. "Horrid."
"Aw, I'm sorry Sesshy."
He held back the urge to roll his eyes.
Kagome yawned and leaned back into her chair, not all that hungry. "What's on your mind Kagome?" Sesshomaru asked, taking a bite of his rice.
"Nothing…well Sango…she's been bugging me ever since the wedding."
"Why is that?"
Kagome lightly blushed, something Sesshomaru noticed.
"Um for the reasons I told you the other night…"
"I see."
Kagome sighed; disappointed she couldn't lie to him and get away with it. She had just stopped trying after the wedding night when he figured her out. She had had no choice but to tell him. He'd dub it suspicious if she didn't.
She hadn't realized she was staring at him until his eyes landed on her. She quickly averted her eyes, feeling embarrassed.
"Tell me the reason you were jealous Kagome."
He was prying more than she liked.
"Can we not talk about this?"
"I would like to know," he answered, not giving in.
Why is he so curious all the sudden?
She hadn't noticed he'd gotten up from his seat and was now standing above her until she looked up and gasped, jumping at the sudden surprise.
Her tongue was tied as she looked into his eyes.
"I—um—you…"
He bent down towards her, stopping before her lips. "Tell me the reason Kagome," he breathed.
"I—I like you…" she whispered and before she knew it, his hot lips had claimed hers in the most passionate kiss of all her years. She didn't know why she told him—and she didn't know why she didn't pull away.
She felt dirty and guilty…
But she loved it.
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A/N: Well sorry it took me so long to update. I've been having major writer's block lately. Ughhh. Anyways, I'm halfway done with 'Breathe My Name' and am working on getting the idea for the next chapter of 'Get a Grip' together. Yes, this story is not normally the style I do most of my Sess/Kag stories: fast paced. I usually like them slow—but it seems right for this story! I don't know. Well I hope you liked it and reviews would be wonderful. Thanks!
Love you all!
SS