Kagome yawned and looked over her schedule for what seemed like the billionth time that day. The school day would be over in three minutes. She would spend an hour after that at the school, helping some of her students practice. Then, she would go home, relax for an hour or so, grab something to eat, shower, change and leave to warm up for the benefit concert that night. This time, the concert was for the local children's hospital.

'That's tonight and the concert tomorrow is for the Veteran's fund…'

Kagome yawned again as the bell rang. Within minutes, Rin was at her office door waiting.

"Are you the only one today?" Kagome asked smiling.

"Yep! Everyone else wanted to go home and get ready so they can listen to you tonight."

"Alright then." Kagome helped the little clarinet player set up. "So what did you need help with today?"

"Um, well, I'm trying out for All-State, Higurashi-sensei. I was hoping you could listen to my audition and help me with it? And then maybe you could help me work on my solo for the concert next week."

"Sure, Rin-chan, not a problem. Why don't you go ahead and play your audition for me first. Just go through the whole thing and pretend you're doing it for real. When you're done, I'll tell you what you can improve. Start on your G concert scale. Do you have them memorized?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Alright, good. Go ahead then."

Kagome closed her eyes and listened. She tapped her toe with the eighth grader's relatively steady tempo and remembered where she heard mistakes. When Rin was done, she opened her eyes.

"Very good Rin! Your tempo was very good and you kept it pretty steady. Now, you made a mistake on your…" Kagome thought. "Was it your F concert scale?" Rin nodded. "Okay, can you play that one for me?"

Rin fingered for a moment, then took a deep breath and played it. The mistake was gone.

"Good, good. Just practice those once or twice a day and you should be fine. You have a metronome at home right?"

"Yes, Higurashi-sensei."

"Good, it shows. So just practice them with your metronome and don't let yourself get away with any mistakes, okay? Now, do you have an extra copy of your audition piece?"

"Not with me."

"Me either. Will it make you nervous if I stand over your shoulder so I can see it?"

"Umm…"

"A little bit?"

"Yeah. Alright. I'll go make a copy of it then."

Half an hour later, Kagome helped Rin pack up. "Rin-chan, how are your lessons with Akido-san going?" Kagome asked the young clarinet player.

Rin smiled up at her. "They're great! Thank you so much for recommending him!"

"I had to, Rin-chan. You have so much talent. All you need is the proper direction and you will be an amazing musician." Kagome picked up a piece of music Rin dropped.

Rin blushed and grinned. "I want to be as good as you, Higurashi-sensei!"

Kagome laughed. "I can see you being better. I am a horn player you know. We miss notes more than we hit them."

"Not you," said a baritone voice from the doorway of the band room.

Kagome halted in place, her heart skipping a beat. The crack in it from nine years ago ached. She turned to see a fair man in a business suit standing in the doorway. His long silver hair was pulled back into a low ponytail and his arms were crossed over his chest.

"Everyone misses something sometimes," Kagome told him softly. They both knew she wasn't just speaking about instruments.

Rin looked between them. "I'd better go home. I want to get ready for tonight." She finished packing her things and left, leaving the band room to Kagome and Sesshomaru.

"How have you been, Sesshomaru-san?"

"Fine," he told her as he pushed off the wall. "And you?"

"Very well, thank you."

He stopped in front of her. "Whatever happened to your dream of being a professional horn player?"

"It changed. I decided that I liked teaching. I still do gigs every now and again. I do a lot of benefits and I play for the kids every day. I've had pieces that I've written published as well. What about you, what are you doing?"

Sesshomaru shrugged. "This and that. I have a business in Japan."

"I see. You must be very successful."

For a minute they studied one another silently. Sesshomaru's skin was even more porcelain-like than she remembered, but it looked good on him. His expression was much the same; stoic as ever. To Sesshomaru, it seemed as if the years had made Kagome even more beautiful. All remnants of "baby fat" had been shed away. Her hair was longer, reaching mid-back, instead of her shoulder blades. But it was her eyes that he craved the most. The youthful joy and naiveté had been exchanged for a content wisdom.

"Why are you here Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked.

"Various reasons. I wanted to see you."

Kagome snorted in a very unlady-like manner. "You dumped me. You used me and dumped me."

"I know I dumped you, but I never used you. Everything you felt was sincere."

"Yeah, well it sure didn't feel that way. It sure felt like I was a piece of ass that you threw a pretty piece of jewelry at as payment, then kicked to the curb. You didn't call me. You didn't ask about me. You didn't even send me a 'Happy birthday' or a 'Merry Christmas!' You dumped me! Why are you here?"

Sesshomaru reached towards her face, then stopped and let his hand drop to his side. "I told Inuyasha not to tell you when I asked about you. I wanted you to get over me."

Kagome snorted again. "Yeah, thanks a lot," she muttered. "It kind of belittled my feelings to think that I was so shallow and fickle that I could just 'get over you' like that."

"I never thought that your feelings were shallow. I didn't want your heart to get broken."

"Well it did. It broke when you broke up with me, it broke when you left, it broke when you never contacted me, it broke when you never asked about me, it basically just shattered into pixie dust and floated away on the breeze."

"Inuyasha told me when you won best soloist. He told me you went to prom with him. He told me you'd decided to teach."

Kagome looked away. "Why do you even care? It was nine years ago. It has nothing to do with the present." Kagome paused. "You know what? I don't have time for this. I need to go. I have a concert tonight that I need to get ready for. Best of luck Sesshomaru, whatever you're doing. Been nice seeing you again."

He watched her go to her office. Then he turned and went to the door. "I never answered your question, you know. The one you asked after Prom. I didn't want you to know the answer," he said when he knew she could hear. Then he left, leaving Kagome to wallow in his departure for the second time.

Soon after that, Kagome drive home and immediately called Sango.

"—and what does that even mean 'I didn't want you to know the answer'?! Does that mean he did love me? He didn't? What?! He left me! I loved him, I had sex with him and he left me. Now nine years later he shows up – without even calling – and comes to my work and doesn't even give me a reason why he's there! What the Hell!"

Sango sighed for what seemed like the millionth time. "For the thirteenth time Kagome, I have no idea. Maybe he was just in town and wanted to see how you're doing. Maybe he wants to try to start a relationship with you. Maybe he just wanted to torment you. I. Don't. Know. Anyways, don't you have a concert to get ready for? Scurry off and do that. Miroku and I are going out to dinner before the concert and I need to get dressed. The reservations are for five."

"Alright, sorry. I'll see you tonight. Have fun at dinner, okay? Love ya."

"You too. Bye."

Kagome hung up and poked at her eyes. They were red and puffy from crying. She sighed. "I'm gonna need a lot of makeup if I want to cover these…" The thought weighed heavily. So much hassle, over a stupid, stupid man. "What am I even wearing? Do I even know? The red one? No, that's tomorrow's…" Kagome mumbled to herself. She walked to her closet.

A dark blue dress that fell just above her knees hung on the top of the closet door. The sleeves were long and made of a sheer, shimmery dark fabric. The neckline was V-cut and just modest enough to catch the interest of men, but not low enough to give them a peek of anything interesting.

Kagome took off her "teacher clothes" and slipped into the satiny dress. It clung to her curves as she zipped it up and tugged it straight. Kagome looked at herself in her full-length mirror. She nodded at her reflection. She looked good.

The miko then went to her bathroom to attempt to cover up all signs of crying. Luckily, most of the redness and swelling had gone away, so Kagome satisfied herself with wearing only some eyeliner and mascara. She braided her hair in a loose plait and checked her watch. Just in time to leave.

Kagome slung the soft carrying case for her horn over her shoulder and left her townhouse with her purse and keys.

Kagome was doing the benefit with other local musicians and professionals. They warmed up backstage and chatted until it was time for the concert to start.

They were all proud to say that the concert hall was packed. Every seat was sold. There were a total of eight musicians performing, with a brass quintet in the middle. Kagome would perform in the quintet and as the last musician.

The first three performances went smoothly. Each musician played two pieces – as planned. When the time came for the quintet to take the stage, Kagome followed the trumpet player – Koga – onto the stage, along with a tuba player, a trombone player and a baritone player. She was the only female out of the five.

They played a light march-like piece, and another piece that gave each of them a small solo at some point. It went well, in Kagome's opinion, and they were well received. When they left the stage, the audience gave them thunderous applause.

Kagome listened to the final three musicians, blowing warm air into her horn quietly. When the time came for her to take the stage, Kagome took a deep breath and smiled as she walked out from the curtains. Once in the center of the stage, Kagome bowed and stepped up to the microphone to introduce herself.

She told them she was a music teacher and a composer and would, in fact, be performing one of her own compositions for them. She smiled again and looked into the audience. She froze. Her eyes had connected with a pair of golden ones. After half a second of being in a stupor, she snapped out of it and took a deep breath.

Kagome took two steps back from the microphone and began to play, remaining on her feet. Her tone was rich and full; warm and dark as her band directors throughout her schooling had told her. She breathed deeply and there were no cracks, no off-pitches, just beautiful French-Horn sound.

Her original piece was the one that would close the concert. After the final notes of the first song, Kagome stepped back up to the microphone and spoke.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the last piece of tonight's concert is an original piece, written by me. The title is 'December Beach Overture.'" Kagome met Sesshomaru's eyes briefly before she closed hers.

Sesshomaru was unable to take his eyes off of Kagome. Dressed in the dark blue that he loved only because it made her blue-grey eyes stand out, he thought she looked like an angel. Her shining silver horn, with stars on the bell only increased the effect. And the sounds she made were fit for the gods. He had come to get her back, but she had just reduced him to a whimpering, subservient puppy on the floor.

When she finished there was a brief, stunned silence from the crowd. Then, everyone erupted. As all the musicians entered the stage, whistles were heard, cutting through the thunderous clapping. They all bowed together, Kagome on the end, holding her horn tucked under one arm.

The trumpet player, Koga, stepped up to the microphone once the clapping had died down a bit. "Thank you for coming to this concert tonight. All proceeds from ticket purchases go to the children's hospital. Further donations can be made through the box in the lobby or by going online to the website on the back of your programs. Once again, thank you for coming and have a great night!"

Backstage, Kagome put her horn away. As she zipped the case, Koga came up beside her.

"Hey babe, how'd you like to get a drink with me?"

"Stop calling me 'babe,' Koga. I've told you a million times; I'm not interested in you that way."

He was the typical arrogant trumpet player. Blue eyes shining, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Don't be that way. We should go out and celebrate a job well done."

"No Koga."

"But –"

"I believe she said no. You'd be wise to listen to her," said a firm, deep voice.

Kagome's heart fluttered predictably.

"Yea? And who are you to tell me what to do?"

"Just go Koga. Please," Kagome said, tired. "I can't deal with this right now."

Koga huffed. "Fine. See you later."

Sesshomaru and Kagome were alone again. "Nice of you to come," she told him wryly. "How'd you even get back here?"

"I brought these for you," he told her, giving her a bouquet. It was the same as the first one he'd given her, nine years ago. Kagome noticed he didn't answer her other question.

"They're beautiful, but why are you here Sesshomaru? I don't get it. You told me you didn't want me, but now you're practically stalking me. Are you just here as an old friend? Or do you expect me to drop everything and rush into your arms like I would have seven, eight, nine years ago? What do you want from me?"

Sesshomaru was silent as he studied her. Before he could say anything, Kagome shook her head and sighed.

"I just can't deal with this right now. I'm too tired. Maybe some other time, but not now. When you can answer me without hesitation, come find me again. You know where I'll be. Thank you for the flowers."

Kagome grabbed her horn and left, leaving Sesshomaru to stare after her.

Thirty minutes later, Kagome unlocked her apartment, juggling the bouquet and her horn case as it slipped from her shoulder. She kicked the door shut and set her case and the flowers down before she locked her door behind her. She turned on her lights and looked at the bouquet. It had a large envelope sticking out of it. Sighing (she seemed to be doing that a lot lately – she decided she would blame it on Sesshomaru), she pulled the envelope out and opened it. Inside was a CD and a slip of paper. The CD had no writing on it, so she looked at the paper.

Remember how you felt and you'll know how I feel.

-Sesshomaru

Kagome stared at the cryptic message. "Damn you, Sesshomaru. Why can't you just say stuff, why do you have to be all 'I'm a mysterious yokai!' I need a freaking translation to understand you!"

Despite her frustration, she slipped the disk into her stereo.

The first thing she heard was her name whispered. She rolled her eyes at the sentimentalism of the whisper. Then, a rich baritone sound flooded the stereo.

Kagome knew it was Sesshomaru playing, knew it to the depths of her soul. And as he played, she recognized the music and her eyes filled with tears. Her hand over her mouth, she began to talk to herself. "Oh God... His solo..."

By the end, her head was in her hands and she was crying freely. But Sesshomaru's voice came through the speakers.

"If you still feel the same, open your door. If you don't, just turn off your lights and don't open your door until morning."

Kagome wiped away her tears and stood. Of course she still felt that way! She had never stopped feeling that way. But did she trust him? Did she trust that he would remain strong in his feelings? He had never said, 'I love you,' when they were dating before. Could what he had just told her be truth? Or was his silence nine years ago truth? Her eyes flickered from the light switch to the door. Finally she made her decision.

She unlocked the door and opened it. Sesshomaru waited on the other side.

"Do you understand now?" he asked.

"Yes. You love me."

"I'm in awe of you. You take my breath away. You can melt me and my heart. I will always love you." He reached for her and she stepped backwards.

"Uh uh. Just because I love you doesn't mean you automatically get me back. Why the Hell didn't you do this earlier, huh? It's been nine years. You couldn't have called or apologized or emailed me or something?" She realized that tears were slipping down her cheeks. She hadn't even realized she was crying. The salty drops were wiped away angrily.

Sesshomaru stepped into her townhouse and closed the door behind him.

"And how did you know where I live? Have you been stalking me?"

Sesshomaru chuckled, knowing her anger was a defense mechanism against other feelings. "The hanyo knows where you live. I got the address from him."

Kagome was still crying, but she vowed to herself that she would get Inuyasha for sic-ing Sesshomaru on her without any warning. "That doesn't explain why you couldn't do this earlier!"

Sesshomaru smirked. "I went to college, remember. And then I started a business. I didn't get a chance to come back. In addition, I wanted to give myself time to get over you."

Sesshomaru reached out and crushed Kagome to his chest. She struggled a bit before settling down and sniffling. "Why'd you even break up with me then, if you loved me? Why would you tell me you didn't want it to work out?"

The taiyoukai stroked her hair and thought about what he wanted to say. "It was... foolish to leave Japan. But I was right about us being different. It would have been better if you'd chosen someone else. I wanted you to find someone that was better for you. Someone who had the ability to express how he felt. I've... never been good with emotions. You deserve someone who will tell you how much he loves you every morning when you wake and every evening when you go to sleep." For a moment, Sesshomaru seemed lost in his thoughts.

Kagome punched the tall man's chest. "That wasn't what mattered to me, you idiot." Sesshomaru looked down at her, waiting for her to continue. "Verbal reassurance is nice, but the things you did were just as good. Your actions meant more, because I understood that you had trouble expressing yourself."

Sesshomaru smirked and turned them around, pushing until her back was against the door. Then he kissed her. One hand crept down to grab her butt while the other slipped under her skirt, up her thigh. He pulled her leg up and held it against her hip. "One night of your body being purely mine was not enough Kagome."

For some reason, the young woman was reminded of her friends' teasing on the night they had met.

She giggled and shoved him away from her. For a moment, he looked a little hurt. His expression changed when reached back for the zipper on her back and slipped the dress from her shoulders. It fell in a liquid-like pool around her feet.

"No PDA in uniform," she muttered, smiling.

Sesshomaru drank in her form. He smirked and raised an eyebrow.

Kagome proceeded to divest him of his clothes.

~~~~~~*~~~~~~

BLAH! It took me three or four days to re-do this story. I wasn't planning on doing it until after KnD was done, but I couldn't resist.

I like this story for a lot of reasons, but the first time I wrote it and posted it, I felt rushed. And it showed. Someone even commented on how it felt rushed, so I promised them and myself that I would re-do it, make it good

And there was the end product.

If you have any suggestions, comments, etc. just review. I'm a review whore. I keep all the reviews I ever get in a special folder to boost my ego while writing. lol