Disclaimer: I don't own InuYasha.

Thanks to Yumi for her beta work and support.

And of course, thank you to all of you who had taken the time to stop and read! ^^

I'm happy to say that I'm back! Aside from my summer job, I will have free time and finally be able to update my stories as I want. I apologize profusely for making all of you guys waiting for so long!

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Chapter 3 :

Unforgettable

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Sesshomaru was fighting an already lost battle, he knew it. And yet, he could not bring himself to give a damn at that moment.

He was trying to stay focused on the presentation Totosai was doing and not look at her; however it proved to be more difficult than it seemed. He could not lie. The woman that had haunted his thoughts for the past two months was now sitting just a few feet in front of him! He couldn't stop his eyes from drifting towards her position in the class, even if he wished to.

His heart was beating a little quicker than usual. He knew that he shouldn't be happy seeing her again, like he shouldn't have let things go so far between the two of them that day.

When he had given Kagome his phone number, he already knew that she wouldn't call. Not because she didn't want to, or at least he had hope so, but because, like him, she realized that what happened shouldn't have. It wasn't that he regretted having spent a night with her, far from it, but it hadn't been right he had realized afterwards.

He had known that, when he had left her at her family shrine, if he wasn't to make a move to contact her himself than he would probably never see her again. She won't dare call me, he had thought then, and he had been right. Well, he had hoped that she hadn't forgotten him as soon as he had disappeared from her sight and he was glad that she obviously hadn't if her reaction was any indication.

During the two months since that eventful night, he had been trying to convince himself that it was better that way. He was way older than her, even in human terms, and would have probably spoiled her life if he had insisted. Well, it was the excuse he kept telling himself to stop himself from contacting her. It was better that way. It was better for her. And it was better for him too. In some time, he would have forgotten everything about her. It was just that he had been off the market for so long. It was the only plausible explanation why she had left such impact in him. He should change that and everything will be back to normal, or so he thought. Now that he could see her again, as Fate wished, he wasn't so sure of his conclusions anymore.

He wasn't asking much, really, just to see her, to hear her sweet voice, to watch as blush blossom on her cheeks, her delicious scent… Sesshomaru was not sure that he will be able to let her walk away from his life anew now that she was finally in front of him. In fact, he severely doubted it. And to be honest, it didn't bother him as much as it should.

He had tried to stay away from her, when the Inu in him was just screaming that it wanted her by his side. So much was against them. She was so young and beautiful… and human. So delicately human, and on top of that a shrine maiden. Nothing predisposed them to have anything in common or anything to ever happen between them. But apparently, Fate had decided that he should not deny himself, and herself, what they wanted just because of their differences. Or at least, it was how Sesshomaru wanted to believe when the fortunes of Life had made it be that his company would choose this University and this class in particular for this year to make publicity for their company, and that, his father being away, he would have to take his place. Usually, the CEO didn't have to be present but the professor was an old friend of his father so his sire insisted for his presence at this presentation too.

Really, if the God truly didn't want Kagome and him together, then He would not let their paths cross again.

But Sesshomaru would not push his luck. He would have to see what she wanted too. He will start small and if she preferred a simple friendship in the end, even if it would be difficult for him, he would accept her wish. He just wanted to see her again.

The DaiYoukai couldn't understand his reactions though. He wasn't a pup anymore, and was far from being innocent. So it wasn't some kind of 'puppy love', like you have during your teen years : short but really intense. He was too old for that. And to be honest, he wasn't in love with her at all. It was just a strong attraction of sort, that's all. At the same time, he could not remember having ever been so calm and good as he had felt that morning, when he had woke up to her soft and warm naked body against him. Hell, it had been difficult at the time to refrain from taking her again. Well, it's until the blissful feeling left and he realized the enormity of the situation and the possible repercussions of their actions.

But now, after been totally deprived of her sweet presence for two long months, their reasons didn't seem so important anymore. So what if she was human and young? He knew that his father would object solely due to his own past experience. He will have to be cautious and choose the right moment and place to tell his father of his decision. His sire was renewed in the Youkai world for his temper and viciousness. But nothing her father could say would make him renounce now. They will have to be discreet for a time but if she was willing, it will be worth it. Gaining her friendship would be already fabulous. How many youkai could say that they have a young beautiful human female, charming and agreeable to be around that accepted them for what they truly were? Not a name could come in Sesshomaru's mind at the moment and he knew a good part of the community. Plus, his own daughter simply loves her!

He just needed to test the ground with her, to see if she would be ok for any kind of relationship with him or if she preferred to keep their current safer situation, and do as if nothing happened.

Sesshomaru thought that he might have a chance, as he felt the gaze of the girl on him for the fifth time. It wasn't oblivious and he couldn't explain it, but his Inu could immediately tell the difference between her eyes on his person and any others in the class room. His obsession about her was a little scary for a being that usually had a strong grip on his feelings. He would have to ponder on that matter at a more appropriate time…

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Finally, it was the pause. The amphitheater filled out. However, the young woman of his interest didn't move from her seat. His ears twitched slightly as he heard her decline the invitation of her friends to take a walk, confirming his observation.

Seeing his opportunity, Sesshomaru waited for everyone to leave. He wanted to approach her but they weren't alone just yet. In the corner, observing Kagome closely, the DaiYoukai saw one of the male students. Unable to stop his reaction in time and before the boy could speak or approach Kagome, Sesshomaru let out a low and short possessive growl.

It was inaudible for human's ears but immediately, the young male's head snapped towards Sesshomaru, an incredulous expression on his face. The boy wasn't the only one shocked by his reaction. Didn't he just think that he would be already glad if she was to just accept of friendship with him? Then why react that way? It was evident that someone like her would have suitors. Even if she were to accept some kind of friendship with him, she will probably go out with someone…if she wasn't already. As much unsettling as it was, it was a possibility.

It was just some kind of attraction between them, so why did it bother him so much to think of her with anyone else? He had no right to interfere, he knew. But, that one was weak and she merited better, he thought, trying to convince himself that his reaction didn't mean more than just that.

However he decided, against everything he was, that he will not interfere and wait to approach her. It was what he decided… but not what he did. When the DaiYoukai saw that the weakling was about to protest against his interruption and show of possessiveness on the female he was interest in too, Sesshomaru reacted on impulse and narrowed his eyes in the cub's direction, making clear that his presence and attention was unwelcome. He watched as the young youkai, after some hesitations, walked out, but not before sending one last glance towards Kagome, still unaware of what was taking place around her as she was silently going through a book.

Sesshomaru then thought that he will have to look out for this wolf in the future, he couldn't really let another sniff around what was his. Yes, it had been decided : she was his. Even if she was to reject him now, he would protect her. He was pretty sure that the boy was not a threat to Kagome, however, Sesshomaru didn't like the last glance he had sent towards the young unsuspecting woman.

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She must have believed that he had already left, like everyone else because, when he called out for her, she jumped.

"Kagome." Sesshomaru said quietly, while sitting on the seat one row below her. Her head snapped up from the book she was reading at hearing his smooth familiar voice so close to her.

"S-Sesshomaru." She all but squeaked in her surprise.

A silence fell upon them, neither knowing what to say. Gathering her courage, after making sure that her heart began to beat at a safe rate again, Kagome was the one to break the quiet.

"I was really shocked to see you again…here." She said softly, avoiding his piercing gaze.

"Likewise… Are you well?" Sesshomaru asked after a moment.

She finally had to courage to look up at him, in the eyes.

"Yes." She said almost breathlessly. "And you?"

"Hn."

An uncomfortable silence fell upon them. Sesshomaru didn't know what to say to her. Just a few minutes earlier he had millions questions and things to say buzzing in his mind but now that he was alone with her, he didn't know what to say or where to start. His mind was going blank. It wasn't his nature to feel uncomfortable in any situation.

The silence was broken again by Kagome, and the DaiYoukai had to resist the urge to sigh in relief, thanking her in his head for finding a neutral subject of discussion at the moment.

"How is Rin?"

The young woman saw immediately Sesshomaru's eyes lighting at his daughter's name.

"She is well as well. She asks about you often." He added as an afterthought.

"Really?" Her expressive eyes widening slightly in wonder beautifully, Sesshomaru noted.

"Yes. She couldn't really well forget about her savior, could she?"

Kagome instantly could see in his eyes and his voice that he was teasing her, trying to ease the atmosphere between them. She couldn't stop a smile from growing on her lips but still narrowed her eyes playfully at him.

"Are you mocking me, Mr. Takahashi?"

She was glad that she was sitting at the moment because she was pretty sure that she would not have been able to stay on her feet when Sesshomaru answered her glance by a smirk, finally visibly relaxing in her presence. It should be illegal to be that sexy. And it was probably bad for her health too.

"Of course not, Miss Higurashi."

The tension between them was slowly ebbing away.

"Don't make fun of me." She said, trying to sound offended but her effort gone wasted as a smile grew on her lips. "She is really precious." Kagome added softly. She had quickly bonded with the little girl. But who can blame her? She was just so cute that she had to resist the urge from hugging her again and again.

"She had asked for swimming lessons yesterday."

Kagome perked up. "Really?"

"Yes. She said that she wanted to be able to swim as good as "nee-chan."

The young woman blushed at the compliment of the little Rin. It left a warm feeling in her chest. It was strange to hear 'nee-chan' coming out of Sesshomaru's mouth though. But he continued to talk, unaware of her thoughts.

"She really misses you…and she isn't the only one." He said bluntly, looking intensely at her.

It was as if a bomb had been dropped on her. She literally froze, not knowing how to answer. Seeing her reaction, and thinking that he should have found a subtler way to approach this sensible topic, Sesshomaru was cursing himself in his mind. He was not gifted in 'subtle' talking. What if she tries to avoid me now? She must think that I'm just talking about the sex…He thought. It wasn't like himself to explain his thoughts to others but it was a necessity or he could lose his only chance.

"I won't lie and say that I'm not missing the entire thing that happened that evening. However, there is more than just that. More importantly, I felt at ease around you. You know what I am, but are not afraid and you see me as me. Not what I am underneath that spell, who my family is or how much money is in my bank accounts. Only Sesshomaru, and you are one of the first to do that, after Rin.

That morning, it must have been the longer that I ever talk to anyone. I felt at peace like never before. I feel like I can truly be myself around you. And not what I must appear to be. It feels great to not have to control everything to keep a front. But I enjoy your company mostly because you are simply agreeable to be around. I miss you."

When he finally fell silent, Sesshomaru observed her intensely, trying to guess what was running through her mind. But, as time was passing and still nothing, the DaiYoukai grew nervous. It was a foreign feeling, like everything about her. He had not felt so since…well probably ever, and he didn't like it.

"I…" She finally said, biting her bottom lip as he remembered her doing each time she was unsure or nervous. "I wanted to call."

"I wanted to too."

"Please, let me finish. It is as difficult to explain myself as it might have been for you. But I want, no, I need to get it out of my chest…I really wanted to call. In fact, I must have composed your number one hundred times! Because, I-I missed you too." She told him, trailing off.

He waited as patiently as he could for her to continue but he realized that she wasn't going to.

"Why did you not?" he asked gently.

"I panicked." She said, chuckling humorlessly. When she saw his expression, Kagome tried to explain herself. "At first, it was because I really didn't know what to say to you. Then, as time passed, I thought 'he must have already forgotten about me' or you were like wanting to do as if nothing happened."

"I wasn't like that."

But she continued as if he didn't interrupt her.

" 'After all, I'm just a number to him. He must have dozen of women gravitating around him who are more beautiful and outstanding than me. He must have already forgotten. He wants to forget.' That's what I was saying myself again and again, trying to force myself in believing it and forget too… but I couldn't. As soon as I was alone, I had this strong urge to call, this yearning to at least hear your voice, just one more time. But I have no right to feel that way. After all, what was it? Just a few hours in a life time? How could it be so important? So I tried to put it behind me but I couldn't so…" She finished almost sobbing.

Sesshomaru felt like his heart had been ripped out and squeezed violently. He had never felt as such and he would have preferred to never experience this sensation. He had never had this kind of strong urge to reach out and appease someone else's pain like what he was going through. It really didn't sit well with him to be the cause of her pain. He could not stand it. He had to admit, even just to himself, that he at least cared for the girl, woman, in front of him. As she said, he had no right either; he shouldn't, but couldn't help it.

"I tried to forget too." He said slowly. Her head snapped back up towards him. She said nothing but her eyes filled with tears, showing clearly her hurt.

"I thought that it would be better that way. What would people say if they heard about it? I was worried of what would happen to you if your family, your mother were to hear about it. What would she do?" At his words, Kagome lowed her head.

"When I was reliving the feeling I felt that morning, I sensed that it was forbidden, that I should forget. It was better for the both of us if this night stayed between us. I might not be 'ancient', but I'm not young by any mean compared to you either, Kagome, so I thought that, with some time, those feelings would fade away. However, even as I was saying to myself that it was just a passing fancy, the evening while coming back from the office, I… I don't know if it was only tiredness but more than once, I found myself in front of your family propriety's steps, where I left you that morning after."

"What? You came to my house?" She asked, incredulous.

The corner of his lips lift slightly. "Hn. I tried to forget about you, but each time, something or someone make me remember you. And then, today, you are in front of me." Pause.

"Kagome."

"Hm?" she said, still having difficulties wrapping her mind around the fact that Sesshomaru had come to her house because he missed her, HER!

He took one of her hands gently. "I would like to stay in contact with you this time. Will you allow it?"

Damn. If she thought she was surprised and shocked before, now she was totally flooded. She was hesitating. Every cell in her body was screaming at her to accept, even if it was just friendship. However, her head was telling her to really ponder the pros and cons before making her decision. She knew how she was. Would she be able to be content with a friendship? Will she be able to protect her heart and not fall for him? He was so beautiful and she felt calm and good when around him. Can she be sure that the attraction she felt for him wouldn't grow if she kept contact with him? She was putting herself in a potential heartbreaking situation. And he was right, her family would not understand.

She felt his hand retract and leaving hers cold behind. Her heart jumped to her throat. It was as if things were repeating again. Again, she took too long to answer and he naturally took this as a negative answer.

Before his hand could completely leave the desk, Kagome caught it. She brought it closer to her. She observed it, or what the glamour he had on was showing, tracing every finger slowly. They looked human, but she however knew what was really behind the spell. She still could remember the feel of his claws, running lightly on her skin. So dangerous but at the same time so delicate. She pulled up his sleeve and draw softly on his wrist where she knew his markings were.

She then entwined their fingers, realizing that she had already made her decision, even among her doubts. She looked up at him, seeing his hopeful gaze. She could see that he was hesitant, afraid of rejection. All her doubts and worries left her. She smiled softly.

"I would love it."