All characters belong to Rumiko Takahashi, I only wrote the story. Hope you enjoy, and reviews are greatly appreciated.

I could feel the presence of someone's eyes on me, making me feel nervous when I walked through the door of the empty room. It was his, of course, but it still bothered me on how he was so intently watching me, like I was some sort of prey and he was the predator.

I sat down at the desk in front of Naraku's and set my violin case upon the surface, letting out an airy breath.

He smiled knowingly at me and gave a curt nod of his head.

"How are you this evening, Kikyo?" He sat up straighter at his desk, folding his arms over the top as he leaned forward.

"Tired, for the most part, but doing well, thank you. And yourself?" I said back, moving to take out my violin to wipe the surface clean of dust before I played for him.

"I'm alright. I just have to grade papers after this." He shrugged nonchalantly, watching my every move. "What are you playing for me today?

"You'll see. Stop being so impatient." I cracked a small smile at the widening of his eyes. I placed the violin against my neck and paced myself- 1… 2… 3… 4…- before beginning.

I like to keep my eyes closed during my performances, to keep myself from getting embarrassed I had no idea what Naraku's reactions were, or were going to be, and I was kind of anxious to find out.

I finished the last note and opened my eyes, looking over at Naraku for approval and bit my lip.

"How was it?" I asked hesitantly, furrowing my eyebrows.

"It…" He cleared his throat, a frown crossing his features before returning to a simple smile. "It was beyond amazing. You play extremely well, I can see why you picked this school."

I beam at the compliment and became full of glee, chanting "Nice going, nice going!" in my head. I packed up my violin and bowed to Naraku, a bit of respect does go a long way after all.

"Thank you so much, Professor. That means so much to me." I bid him a farewell and failed to notice the heavy glare at my back when I left the room.

She's too good. Far too good for my liking. I want her gone.

Now you agree with me? I don't see why you even agreed to have her play for you, it was a waste of our time.

I need to do something to get rid of her. Something she'll never be expecting.

You already kicked out the majority of the violinists here at this school for the past 5 years. The rest dropped out because of your influence. How do you expect her to suddenly drop everything just to listen to you? I can tell she's a fighter, and will put up a fight.

If she does, so be it. She belongs with all the other violinists that left this school. Gone and never remembered.

You just don't want me gone, do you?

Not in the slightest. You are most entertaining at times with comments that aren't necessary.

As you say. We will figure out a way to make her leave at once.

Already thinking of one.

They weren't home. Happiness spread throughout my body when I entered the house, first noticing the car wasn't in the driveway, then because it was absolutely silent I'm the house.

I made myself something small to eat, not feeling all that hungry. I headed up the stairs to my room and closed the door behind me, sitting down on the floor and leaned back against my bed. I ate silently, thoughts overriding my mind.

Why was Naraku acting so differently today?

Why did I even agree to such a thing?

Why hasn't Inuyasha called me yet?

I close my eyes and bit down on my lower lip, worrying it between my teeth. My wrist began to hurt and I gripped it softly, tugging at the sleeve of my turtleneck. One thought kept coming back to me over and over and it made me want to scream at it to go away.

Why is Naraku having such an effect on me?

Sure, he was handsome. Sure, he was a teacher and had his priorities in check. And I was a measly student attending for maybe one more year before getting my ass kicked out on the streets.

It just doesn't seem like he cares, which is to be expected since he hardly knows me and I him. I don't even know why I am so fond of him, his looks, his intelligence. It makes me feel weak, just like before. And I hate it.

I toss a pillow at the wall across from me in anger and watch the empty glass from my nightstand tumble over.

I shouldn't care. I really shouldn't. It's doing nothing good for me in the long run and I'm better off by myself, excluding Inuyasha. I guess it's safe to say I hate myself even more than I did when I first arrived at this school.

I crawl up to my bed and laid down, flat on my stomach, my head buried deep within the confinements of my pillow as it constricted my breathing just slightly. Peace and serenity enveloped me after what seemed like eternity and I let myself go, into the wonders of sleep forgetfulness.

Many days pass. Days turn into months and soon it's time for the band's first small concert. I, of course, am in it, being the only violinist in the school. I have my very own solo and everything, but that doesn't cure my nervousness at all. Maybe if Inuyasha was in the crowd, a familiar face amongst a cluster of nobodies, then I'd be able to calm myself and get through this.

But he wasn't.

And neither was Kagome.

I was upset, yes, since they gave me their word a couple days ago that they'd surely make it and was excited about it. I shake my head and grab at my wrist, pulling a little on my sleeve to ease my thoughts. One face did catch my attention, however, and stood out completely from everyone else.

Naraku.

Now why is he here?

She looks magnificent up there, don't you agree?

Quite. But do remember that we are not here to ogle at her, like you seem to think we are. Pay attention and go find the head director of the band.

Not yet. Just look at her, will you? Why does she seem so agitated all of a sudden, when she wasn't a few hours ago?

And you care… Why? Why does this insufferable woman make such a difference whenever we are near, hm? Is it not you who said she needed to leave immediately?

I am allowed to watch her play every once in awhile-

Is it not you who gets so emotionally involved with your students, especially violinists, that you think it necessary to make them all disappear as if that's going to get rid of them for good?

That is a low blow. Shut up, they're starting.

It is only going to betray you in the long run, Naraku. Stop while you're ahead, or she will be consumed by your greediness.

The entire time, his eyes were watching. And it was at the moment in time when I realized, I did not care. Not one bit. It felt soothing, relaxing, knowing that someone whom I admired for a while was gazing at me with such ferocity that it excited me.

I exited the room after most everyone left and I bumped into someone as I did. I made an "oof" sound when I stumbled back and I quickly glanced up to see none other than Naraku.

"Good evening, Kikyo. Might I have a word with you in my classroom? It'll be but a moment, I assure you."

I stared at him, blinking rapidly, confused all the same. But I agreed, and he led me away. It came to my attention also that no one else was on campus but the two of us, and that made my heart jump start to my throat.

"What is it that you needed to speak to me about, sir?" I ask softly, sitting down on one of the chairs in front of his desk, crossing a leg over the other. He sat down next to me and leaned his head on his hand.

"I just wanted to congratulate you on your wonderful performance tonight. You exceeded far beyond what I expected, and with that I'm baffled yet elated all the same."

Yes, good. Make her feel welcome, welcome enough that she'll feel safe and secure around you.

Cherish her, then expose her vulnerability at the very last second.

Words had no meaning to me at that point, all I was focusing on was how to control my breathing. My cheeks were flushed madly, my eyes darting every which way to not be caught in Naraku's intense gaze.

"I'm flattered, really. Thank you so much, you have no idea how much that means to me." I smile, rubbing my left wrist slowly, casting my eyes downward.

"No need to thank me, my dear." His sultry voice blew into my ear and I shuddered, wetting my lips out of habit. I could feel him moving his chair closer, and -oh my word, why is his hand on my thigh? ?-

My breathing sped up slightly and I swallow, looking up out of my will when he called my name.

"Kikyo."

I shake.

"Has anyone told you that you look absolutely stunning tonight?"

No, not ever.

"That your eyes reflect someone that is in pain and misery yet all the same intoxicated with the music you make."

Please, stop. What are you trying to do?

"I wish to share that pain with you. Suffer with me, Kikyo."

I try to stand up but my legs wouldn't let me, his hand having a vice like grip on my upper thigh. My stomach churning, my breath quivering, I plead silently for him to let me go. He wouldn't. He can't hear me. My voice failed me right at this crucial moment. I failed myself.

His breath ghosted over my cheek and I squeeze my eyes shut, digging my nails into my wrist, hoping that'll take away whatever it is that Naraku is trying to do. His lips found purchase on my ear and he took the earlobe into his mouth, all while whispering,

"You're mine, Kikyo."

I scream.