Words to know

Domo arigatou gozai-masu (polite) Thank you

Dou-itashimashite you're welcome

Chapter 2

the First Call

Sesshoumaru had been stressed lately; his father had been trying for the past six months to get in touch with the head and CEO of Miko Corp. All other business Sesshoumaru had to handle and with no help at all. Top that off with the fact that the contractor still wasn't finished with his home. Sesshoumaru was almost at the end of his wits having to stay once again with his father and little brother.

Looking at his watch it was 10pm; Sesshoumaru sighed and ran his fingers through his long hair. His cell phone rang as if on cue, he knew it was Miroku he was the only creature to call him this time of day.

"Yes Miroku?"

"Ah hello my friend still in the office?"

"Yes Miroku now what can you want this time. And before you ask NO blind dates"

"Boo hoo what kind of friend do you think I am. I am really hurt you know"

"Anyway"

"Sango and I are going to a see the greatest piano solo you ever heard and she wants to know if you want to come? And no it will be only us three"

"(sigh) what time Miroku?"

"You'll go . . . great meet us in front of Carnal Innocence at 11 o'clock okay"

"Fine this had better be worth it Miroku," they hung up and Sesshoumaru started back to his paper work. He finished at 10:30 locked his office and left.

Carnal Innocence was a quiet little place tucked into the edge of downtown Shinjuku. There were no neon flashing lights like most places, but they did have valet parking. It was built like a tea house the grounds have a variety of plant life, Wisteria trees and Japanese maples were the only things he knew off the top of his head. The Tori gateway proclaimed the entrance on both sides of the Tori was stone dragons. A white stone path clearly marked the way to the veranda, on which two large stone lanterns burned brightly. Sesshoumaru sighed as the feel of the place made him yearn for younger days. Life was so much simpler when he ran the countryside. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts he walked up to the door to be met by a smiling Sango.

"Hello Sesshoumaru-sama, Miroku is getting us a table," she smiled he nodded and followed behind her down the front hall looking to the right and left alcoves he find bonsai trees of all shapes and sizes. The Fusuma doors opened and took his breath away. The hostess smiled at the two and bowed politely.

"I see you have found your guest Mrs. Monk," Sango narrowed her eyes at the kimono clad female as she made eyes at Sesshoumaru, who was busy taking in his surrounds.

Tatami mats covered the whole of the main room floor. The walls were Fusuma doors of dark oak the heavy paper covering them was decorated with bamboo and cranes were beautiful to behold. Along with low tables for eating and silk cushions for comfortable seating. He had to admit with the hanging scrolls the place had that old world charm he loved. Miroku waved them over from the front of the room.

"I see you found him Sango . . . glad you could make it Man. Sit. Sit it's about to start," Sango sat next to her husband and Sesshoumaru across from them. A waiter dressed in white hakama and haori brought them a bottle of chilled red wine and poured them each a glass and left quickly.

Sesshoumaru raised a brow in a silent question wondering if it was him being a youkai and all.

"Look around man you're not the only youkai here," Miroku chuckled sipping his wine.

"Hmm, so where did you find this place Miroku?" Sesshoumaru spoke sipping his wine. He had to admit it was good.

"A friend of mine plays here from time to time and she invited us," Sango chirped happily. Sesshoumaru sighed he knew it those two couldn't stop trying to hook him up with someone.

"I know what you're thinking man. No we are not trying to hook you up with Kagome. I don't even think the girl likes guys," Miroku smirked.

"Miroku, don't talk about Kagome that way. She's not gay," Sango said slapping her husbands arm.

"I was only kidding my wife," Miroku laughed. The room lights went low and a spot light came on, on the stage illuminating a white Baby Grand Piano. A tall elemental youkai dressed in white hakama and haori walked out on stage and bowed to the people.

"Konban wa and Welcome to Carnal Innocence. Since I know everyone hasn't come this far to see me. Without farther ado our own Daisaiin-Kagome," the room filled with clapping around Sesshoumaru. Whispers of how good this performer was filled his ears.

His golden eyes were glued to the stage as a young woman stepped from behind the black curtain. He blinked a few times not believing what he was seeing. The woman was about 5'4 dressed in the traditional Chihaya worn by Miko, red hakama and a white Kimono that fit to her body it was split on both sides up to the hips, and had swinging sleeves. A red ribbon made a small obi that tied in the front, the same color also tied the sleeves to the kimono, and red ribbons also decorated both the edge of the sleeves and the bottom of the kimono. Adorning her tiny feet were black tabi. She wore no makeup on her angelic face which held her jeweled blue eyes, a small nose and plump red lips curled beautifully into a smile. Her long raven hair was tied back in a thick braid which swept the floor as she bowed to the crowd. Sesshoumaru relaxed as everyone settled and the room fell silent.

"Domo arigato gozai-masu," her musical voice addresses everyone. "I hope everyone likes the show," with that she sat before the piano and took a deep breath.

Kagome began to play something in a minor key. The sound produced was like that of a young woman beginning to sigh softly. Her eyes closed as if the sound poured from her very soul.

Kagome moved her fingers along the keys going from deep rich altos to lighter and higher soprano tones. She kept a steady pace but would occasionally quicken her pace then slow it again as she played. The sounds would vary from low cries to higher pitched feverish growls.

The whole room was enthralled by the music.

She moved her hands across the keys sometimes crossing them over one another. As her song began to reach its feverish peak Kagome struck the keys hard and fast as she panted for breath. The tone of the music, which had started out slow and almost sensual, was now hitting its feverish crescendo as she played. Kagomes' fingers moved just short of dizzying speed. She raced between major and minor chords.

Sesshoumaru watched as Kagome's small, delicate hands masterfully struck the keys. It was nothing short of amazing, the music flowed through him pulling at his very soul. Her eyes opened and seemed to focus only on him before they fluttered closed again. It was as if the whole room fell away in that moment and there was no one but him and her.

Sesshoumaru found is mouth was dry as he panted for breath as the music seemed to fill his whole body. The creature within him growling lustfully it too seemed effected by the tune as well. If he didn't know better it was if she was making love to everyone in the room. No, music had ever affected him in such a way before but this. This was something different. He swore he saw a slight pink glow of her skin as she sweated and panted for breath. He heard the thundering of hearts above his own as she played.

Nearing the end of the piece Kagome began panting harder as she moved her fingers at a frenzied pace. Kagome brought the music to a thunderous climax before trailing it off softly and ending her little concert.

She moved the crowd to an uncontrollable fit of passion as everyone who came with their wives/husbands, girl/boyfriend, or mate kiss passionately. Sesshoumaru cast his golden red gaze to the stage again, Kagome was panting and gasping. The look in her jeweled eyes, the passion burning within them was quite evident.

Sesshoumaru smirked 'so she was moved by her own music interesting female.' He had to take a few deep breaths to calm himself as he once again looked to the woman on stage. The man again appeared on stage this time handing Kagome a small ear piece which she placed in her ear.

Miroku smiled at his wife who returned his smile as they looked to a dazed Sesshoumaru. His eyes focused only the stage.

Her voice was low as she started to play. Her small hands moved slowly across the keys. She sang of finding love and being in love.

The song peaked and changed as the tune became mournful as she sang of losing love, the love she had found.

It was the saddest thing Sesshoumaru had ever heard. The creature with him whining as if feeling the heartache the song spoke of. From the corner of his eye he swore he saw Sango wiping tears from her face. The voice filling his ears was so emotional as if the woman was on the verge of tears herself.

The tune changed again as she sang of making up being deeper in love with her lover. Again nearing the end of the piece Kagome smiled as the deep notes drifted around the room. The climax was softer and almost loving as she trailed off.

Kagome stood from the piano as the thunderous applause filled the room. Creatures where shouting encore, encore she raised her small hands.

"Don't worry everyone I'll be back after a short break," she smiled soothingly to the crowd. Their applause followed her off stage. "How did I do Kain?"

"Beautiful, perfect my poor heart will never be the same. You should make a career of playing Kagome. You will pact concert halls around the world my dear," the man sobbed.

"You know I have to career already Kain," Kagome sighed handing Kain a tissue.

"(sigh) alas I do but I still love when you perform here. Another sold out night because of you Kagome," Kain smiled and shooed her to the main room.

Miroku and Sango saw her right away and waved her over. After shaking a few hands and thanking everyone for their praises she finally made it to the table. Miroku poured her some wine and handed her a glass as she sat down.

"Konban wa Sango Miroku and um …," her eyes swept of the male who sat across from the couple.

"This is Miroku's friend Kagome... Sesshoumaru -sama," Sango chirped happily.

"Konban wa Sesshoumaru- sama," she spoke and held out her small hand.

"Konban wa Kagome and please just Sesshoumaru. Your performance... was very... moving," his voice was deep as he took her small hand in his larger one kissing it. Their eyes met and held for a few minutes but Kagome was the first to look away. She cleared her throat before she spoke again.

"Domo arigato gozaimasu Sesshoumaru. I am glad you enjoyed it."

"Dou- itashimashite. But I am curious about one thing though"

"And what would that be?"

"Are you a real Daisaiin?"

"Yes I am, are you a real Taiyoukai? Though I feel your jaki I don't see any facial markings. Illusion spell?" she smiled her bright eyes twinkled at the look of shock in his eyes.

"Why yes I am and yes it is an illusion spell. I would show you my markings but it's few to many creatures here for my taste," he returned her smile.

"Oh really so if we were alone then?" she leaned at little closer.

"Are you propositioning me Kagome? I must say I am shocked."

"You too amused to be shocked."

"Well then I am shocked and appalled." he made a face for show.

"No you're not," she laughed.

"Yes I am," he tried to keep a straight face but it quickly crumbled into laughter. "Okay maybe am not"

Miroku and Sango quietly watch the two interact as if they had known each other forever. Miroku was a little shock never had he seen his friend so at ease. Sango was just happy to finally see a bright shining smile on Kagomes face. After a lively conversation with the three it was time for Kagome to return to her piano performance.

They didn't exchange numbers that night to Miroku and Sesshoumaru's disbelief. No female had ever resisted Sesshoumaru's charms; he couldn't understand what he had done wrong. Most females would be draped all over him but not Kagome. She had joked with him laughed and smiled but never once did it go beyond that. The woman even took a cab home instead taking up his offer to drive her home in his limo.

For days he couldn't get her off his mind, at work or at home he couldn't help but think of her smile, her laugh and most of her voice. She was a mystery; she carried herself with class and intelligence far and above her position as a simple performer. And when those big beautiful plump lips of hers opened to speak it was like a breath of fresh air, they didn't speak about money, cars or anything like that. Hell she never even asked him what he did for a living.

Not even a week had passed and Miroku called him again and again he agreed to meet them at the club. He was nervous as he sat waiting on her to make her entrance.

This time the man introduced her she was dressed in a traditional two layer kimono, a black under layer with a sliver sheer top layer. Her obi was white, black and red tied behind her in a cho-cho style. All her raven hair was done up on top of her head in an elaborate style held together by a long sliver stick with a single onyx hanging from it.

Her playing again stuck an emotional chord with in him affecting him and the creature with in him. The song was moving and full of sadness, when she finished there was not a dry eye in the whole place.

The next piece was happier but still full of loneliness. Their eyes met and held for a few moments it was as if he could see those very emotions echoing from her very soul. Sesshoumaru felt his very heart leap into his throat as her eyes closed again and the connection was broken. For the first time he was glad when this song ended, never again did he want to see those emotions on the face of such a beautiful creature.

"She's just so great isn't she?" Sango spoke sadly.

"Yes she is," Sesshoumaru agreed wholeheartedly.

"I wonder where she finds the inspiration though. Kami that was the saddest piece I ever heard her play," Miroku commented holding his wife close as if she would disappear.

"I don't know Miroku I never thought to ask her," Sango replied.

"Ask her what Sango? You guys were talking about me again?" Kagome's voice shocking the three out of their emotional stupor. "I am happy to see you guys," she smiled warmly.

"We are happy to see you too Kagome," Sango smiled warmly at her friend.

"I was merely wondering where you get your inspiration from for your music is all," Miroku pouted.

"Life Miroku Life. When you constantly meet people who are either after you for money or your looks you tend to lead a solitary life. No one I have ever met seems to want anything other than a one night stand or to make to a name for themselves for being with me." Sesshoumaru silently agreed with her.

"Oh Kagome," Sango started tears in her eyes. She never knew her friends' love life was so hard or painful. She never saw Kagome as anything but a happy go lucky woman.

"Don't worry for me Sango I'll be fine...anyway I am still young you never knew what tomorrow will bring. Any way I see you brought my favorite friend with you. How are you tonight Sesshoumaru?"

"I am fine now that I've seen you," He whispers low enough for her to hear as he kissed her hand. Kagome looked away as a blush spread across her face. She could still feel his golden eyes as if they caressed her skin. She cleared her throat and looked back to him "You look ravishing this evening Kagome."

"Thank you, you're looking good enough to eat yourself," she giggled at the look he gave her.

"So Kagome what are you doing this weekend. Miroku and I would like for you to come to dinner with us?" Sango said hopeful crossing her fingers behind Miroku's back.

"Please. Please Kagome you just have to come," Miroku whined leaving out the fact that Sesshoumaru would be there. And the fact that it was Sesshoumaru's ideal in the first place as well. Miroku could have laughed at the look on the youkai face. He couldn't understand why big bad scary Sesshoumaru couldn't just ask the girl out on a date like normal people did. But nothing his old friend ever did was normal even by youkai standards.

"(Sigh) as long as you don't try to fix me up again with anyone. Kami I remember the last guy, he was arrogant and air-headed I couldn't stand the creature. And on top of everything he kept saying 'hey woman wanna eat something? You got put a little meat on them bones if you want to be my woman'. Than on top of everything else he asked if I wanted to back to his place for a roll in the hay," Kagome rolled her eyes and sighed again.

"How many times do I have to say I was sorry about that," Sango giggled.

"I can't forget the stalker Miroku tried to hook me up with," Sesshoumaru spoke.

"They got you too? It's terrible I tell you they're like little cherubs or something trying to make everyone fall in love," Kagome giggled, Miroku just looked shocked as Sango pouted crossing her arms over her chest.

For an hour Sesshoumaru and Kagome traded stories about the creatures Sango and Miroku tried to get them to date. The two laughed and were in their little world, they didn't notice how Sango and Miroku watched them happily. When it was time for Kagome to do her last performance Sesshoumaru was reluctant to see her leave. He leaned over and whispered something in her ear, she just smiled and wrote something down on a napkin and handed it to him.

"Read it when you get home it will tell you all there is to know about me," She smiled wickedly and left for the stage.

When the evening was over Sango and Miroku bid the two goodnight and left for home. Sesshoumaru waited until Kagomes cab came before leaving. She kissed his cheek before waving good bye.

Sitting in the back of his limo on his way home Sesshoumaru reached into his pocket and pulled out the napkin Kagome had given him. He could smell her scent as it clung to the delicate tissue. Opening it he read the short line in her flowing handwriting the cold stare in his eyes quickly melting as heat ignited in his veins. "So be it . . . And in the end you will be mine," Sesshoumaru smirked.

The present:

Miroku, Sango and Inu Tashio watched through the window as Sesshoumaru sat by Kagomes bedside. They knew not what he was doing only that he hadn't moved since the doctor had left. He lay with his head on her legs, one hand holding one of hers and the other lay on her stomach. No one had the heart to disturb him after they had finally been allowed to see Kagome.

She was pale laying their hooked to all those machines among the white sheets of the bed. She had survived the surgery but still had yet to wake up. The accident was two days ago and Kagome has slipped into a mini coma sometime during the night, not even breathing on her own. Night had come again and still no change in her condition.

"Visiting hours are almost up . . . Should we tell him," Miroku finally spoke breaking the silence.

"No, the doctor said it was alright if he stayed with her," Inu Tashio sighed looking again at his son.

"But-" Sango started again tears streaked her face. "How will they see at her if he keeps growling at everyone who comes near?"

"He cannot stay at her side forever my dear. Even Sesshoumaru has to take a break from time to time." Miroku spoke hugging his wife again. Inu Tashio sighed again as he touched the glass separating him from his heartbroken son.

"Did my son ever tell you about his mother?" He looked to the couple.

"Yes, she died some time ago I believe," Miroku answered.

"He was about 100 or so when she first fell ill. I didn't know it at the time but he sat at her bedside for a week straight. The healers told me not once did he move or sleep only sat there."

"How awful," Sango sobbed. "There has to be something we can do?"

"For now my wife I have to get you home so you can rest"

"But Miroku," Sango sighed as he pulled her away from the glass and down the hall. Inu Tashio sighed again taking one last look in the room, he too walked away.

88

Sesshoumaru heard them talking just outside the room. He was about to snap at them until they moved away from the room. Didn't know she was sleeping, sleeping so that she could get better. How was she supposed to sleep if they kept up all that noise? If she couldn't sleep then she couldn't get better. .then. .then he would be all alone. No No No he wouldn't think like that.

His golden eyes opened as he stroked her hand, 'you will get better I know you will Kagome.' he lightly touched her stomach with the other hand and whimpered. 'And we will try again I swear it'

"We will have as many pups as you want but you have to wake up Kagome. . .Please," he whimpered and cleared his throat. "Did I tell you the house is almost ready? Can you believe it? With all the changes I promised you it would have," he kissed her hand and laid his head back down. "I can't wait to show you. I know you put off buying a house just for me since you moved back. A few years is a long time to live in a hotel sweet my dear. Even if it is the penthouse," he gave a sad chuckle. "But don't worry Kagome I'll take care of everything. When you wake up. . .