ONCE AND AGAIN

By Jodie-chan

Chapter 13 Suspicions and Lullabies

"What! You didn't even help her?" Miroku asked Inuyasha in a very shocked expression. The best friends were playing billiards in the mansion's billiard hall while Inuyasha told Miroku what happened on that morning between him and Kikyou, skipping of course the scene that would generates his friend's lecherous thoughts.

"I did call the guards at the gate to let her bodyguards take her to the hospital." Inuyasha shrugged his shoulder. "I think she'll be fine, some broken bones wouldn't paralyzed her, she's a model after all and she used to trip a lot when she's just starting with that career." He took his shot right on the corner pocket.

"You really abandoned her huh!" He said gaping to his friend's statement. Inuyasha turned to eye him annoyingly.

"Yeah of course! What's the big deal with that?" Miroku walked over him and slapped his shoulder that made Inuyasha's brows furrowed in confusion.

"Hah! Congratulations Inuyasha! Just about time to wake up!" He grinned and took position for his shot. He missed. "Damn! I'm slipping!"

"Maybe you need more practice." Inuyasha laughed at his friend. Miroku closed his other eye like doing a target shooting and grinned stupidly.

"Maybe I should spot Sango more often, he he."

"Know what? You should learn first, how to respect women." Inuyasha stated smugly. Miroku snorted.

"Like you're the one to give advice. You don't even know how to call women properly, it's either you call them a wench or a bitch how much about respect huh?"

"At least I don't cop a feel, stupid." Inuyasha spotted the ball with his billiard cue.

"It's not my fault, they want to be touched and I'm just being generous." Miroku patted his chest and puffed proudly.

"Like those women asked for your generosity? Yeah right, it's like telling me Sango asked you to touch her a couple of times coz she enjoyed it? It didn't look like it seemed to be."

"Well, she's the exception. And before I forget, I called her last night and she told me that she'd be staying in Kagome's house tomorrow night so we can pick-up them both together. We should use your limo Inuyasha, Sango would probably be the loveliest on that night." He said in a dreamy look.

"Show off." He smirked and continued with the game.

Sango just helped Kagome and Souta to take Inari home from the hospital. It was a peaceful Saturday afternoon when they reached the shrine. Kagome's son was hyper again; he must've gained back his strength after almost two weeks in hospital.

"Mama, I want to walk. Can I walk now Mama?" Kagome was carrying her son on her back when they climbed the shrine's steps. Sango's trailing with her and so was Souta who carried almost all the bags.

"Not yet Inari-chan still need to rest but maybe on Monday you can go to school already, ok." The boy pouted but leaned his head on his mother's shoulder.

"Neechan are we there yet? I'm starving." Souta complained while panting heavily. Sweats trickled down the side of his face

"That's what I'm telling you, now let me help you." Sango took two bags from him. Souta looked relieved.

"Thanks Sango-oneechan!" Both Sango and Kagome laughed at him including his nephew.

Kagome and Souta's mother greeted them at the door. She's too excited to see her grandson, once the inside the house Kagome's mother took them in the dining room; she prepared a hearty snack for everyone. Souta was the first one to rush at the table.

"Kagome-chan do you already have a dress for the party tomorrow night?" Sango turned to her friend and asked curiously.

"Well, yeah, actually it was the dress I was supposed to wear at the graduation ball in college but unfortunately we haven't got the chance to come because of a rushed feasibility studies. It was just a year ago, and it still fits me, so I'll be wearing that, besides a new gown is not included in my budget for now." She smiled and shrugged her shoulders. "How about you?"

"That's the problem, my graduation ball dress was heavily stained by Kohaku when he accidentally poured a red paint on it. I can't take off the stains, no matter what I do. Can you help me find something nice to wear, I know you're good at it." She tried to sound pleadingly.

"Yeah sure, we still have time anyway." She looked at her wristwatch and glanced at her mother who's feeding her son with chocolate pudding.

"Don't worry, I'll be looking at your son besides I missed him so much." She pinched one of his cheeks and he giggled. Kagome smiled at her mother.

Kagome took a jacket; it would be cold inside the mall. She wore a pair of flared jeans and a plain red short-sleeved blouse. Sango was also in pair of flared jeans and black and white striped long sleeved blouse.

"Souta stay home and help mom, we wont take long. Stop playing too much video games and do your home work!" Kagome reminded her brother who just rolled his eyes, she hugged and kissed her son and both she and Sango left the house.

They went to the nearest mall and scanned a few boutiques with breath taking gowns on display. They entered a not so expensive store at least that corresponded to Sango's budget.

Kagome picked some long dresses that she thought would look good to her friend. She handed them all to her and asked her to try it on. They lasted almost an hour and at least 15 times fitting all the dresses until they both agree with the last piece that would really look good on Sango.

Kagome bought a few groceries they need at the house and both of them had a hamburger before parting ways. Sango will stay and change in Kagome's place until Miroku and Inuyasha drop by to pick them up for the party.

Inuyasha's parents left their mansion earlier since his mother will help for the preparation of the party in his brother's mansion. She reminded her son not to forget to pick up Miroku and his two invited employees. His mother was eager enough to meet both women that Miroku always talk about, much to his annoyance.

He took a bath and changed into one of his expensive tuxedos and sprayed an Armani perfume. He tied his hair with a white ponytail and let two locks of hair fell the side of his face. He's not really into formal parties and he hates to wear a tuxedo because he prefers his Armani suits but the gathering is strictly formal. One of their drivers was already waiting for him to come down since it's already 6 in the evening. He boarded the black limo and dropped by Miroku's condo.

His friend wore a black tuxedo too while his grin never left his face since he rode the limo. He was too excited to see Sango in a gown and it will be new to him.

"Hmm, Inuyasha? How do you think they would look tonight?" He looked thoughtful while holding his chin.

"Keh! What do I care?" He said in a smug tone and folded his arms.

"You mean you're not interested at all… even with Kagome?" He eyed his friend suspiciously. "You seems to like her son, so why don't you try to like the mother too, besides you're already getting a divorce." He smiled teasingly.

"I'm not ready to get myself into another feuding marriage. I'm just fond of the kid, that's all." He tried to sound convincing.

"So you say." The limo stopped in a halt. "Are we here? Is it the shrine?" Miroku asked the driver. "Sir Inuyasha! We're already here at the Higurashi shrine." The stepped out of the car and started to climb the steps.

Inside Kagome's room, Sango kept on fidgeting with her dress. "Sango-chan will you stop twisting. You look great and Miroku would probably like it." She smiled teasingly.

"I don't care about his opinion! I just want to know if this dress doesn't show too much of my flesh that wouldn't keep his perverted hands to himself." Sango looked at her friend holding the hem of her gown. She wore a long fuchsia dress with rhinestone trim on straps, which drapes well from a smooth fit and a pair of silver sandals.

"No, it's just fine and you definitely look great but if you're concern about too much flesh showing, you better let your hair down so it would cover your back." Kagome untied her friend's hair and combed it a little. "Now, it's done."

"Thanks Kagome-chan! Let me help you with your hair." Sango offered excitedly.

"Thanks Sango-chan but I just let it down like yours." She smiled and combed her hair. She wore a sophisticated and sleek evening dress with draped collar over one shoulder and wide rhinestone strap on the other side. The fabric is smooth and stretchy with lots of give in a fishtail fashion while the back hem is slightly longer than the front. It has the same color as her eyes, blue gray, that looked perfectly match with her black strap sandals and a black-hand bag.

Inuyasha and Miroku knocked on the door of the Higurashi's. Kagome's mother opened the door smiling to the two visitors especially to Inuyasha whom she recognized as her daughter's boss and the man who had been her grand son's blood donor.

"Oh, it's the two of you! Come in gentlemen and sit down for a while. I'll call them now." She motioned for them to sit on the couch. Souta and Inari were sitting on the floor, playing video games when the two noticed the visitors.

"Inuyasha-san! Miroku-san! Are you here to pick-up my sisters?" Souta turned his attention to them. Both of them nodded then Inari squealed happily when he spotted Inuyasha.

"Uncle Inu!" He got up and run into him. The kid climbed up into his lap and hugged his neck. "I missed you! What took you so long?" He innocently asked. The trio face faulted; the kid was too comfortable with Inuyasha.

"Uhm, sorry kid I've been busy with work but are you ok now. How do you feel?" Concern written all over his face.

"Inari is fine now! Mama said I can go to school on Monday and I can play!" The kid's face lightened and he bounced up and down in Inuyasha's lap.

"Inari-chan you're wrinkling Inuyasha-san's clothes." Souta warned his nephew.

"Uncle Inu, are you mad?" He looked and frowned at him sadly. Inuyasha smiled and tousled the boy's hair.

"Nope, of course not and what's with Uncle Inu?" He turned to look at the boy.

"Mama said I should call you Uncle Inu because that is the polite way and Uncle Miroku too." He pointed to Miroku's direction who winked at him and he giggled happily. The kid started to tell stories about his experience in the hospital in a haze manner but Inuyasha still listened intently to him. All the while, Miroku just observed his friend's weird attitude towards Kagome's son. He was really confused at the same time amazed on how could a 4 year-old kid managed to tame his best friend in just a little time since they have just met a few weeks back.

Sango was the first one to go down the stairs when Miroku saw her and he gasped. He stood abruptly; his jaw dropped while he started to walk over her and offered his arms. She hesitated for a while but she reconsidered since he promised to behave tonight. "Ah, you are the loveliest girl I ever laid my eyes on Sango." Miroku eyed her admiringly.

"Thanks." Sango blushed like the color of her dress and she looked down. Everyone eyes were on the two and they couldn't help but laughed when Kagome emerged behind Sango. She ran and scooped her son away from Inuyasha.

"I'm really sorry Mr. Takagi, he wrinkled your tuxedo." She apologized while holding her son's hand not noticing how Inuyasha stared at her. Her look was taken him by surprise and he just continued staring, 'She's beautiful…stunningly beautiful.'

"Ahem!" Miroku cleared his throat when he noticed his friend's staring intently at Kagome. "It's 7:30 pm and we really need to go now unless you want your mother Inuyasha to beat us into a bloody pulp for being late again."

"It's nothing, he's just a kid." He scratched the back of his neck and looked around when he noticed everyone looking at him. "We have to go now, right?"

"Mom, I'm going to leave Inari with you tonight, is that ok?" She turned to her mom with a smile.

"Of course dear, you know I can't say no to this little guy." Kagome's mom took her son's hand.

Kagome kneeled in front of her son and hugged him tightly. "Now sweety, I want you to sleep early ok and don't give your grandma a headache." She kissed the tip of his nose and tickled his sides; he giggled a little. She stood and looked at his brother.

"Yes I know, I'll stop playing video games and do my homework blah blah blah. Have fun!" Souta waived his hands to them.

"Uncle Inu! Bye bye." The kid called out for Inuyasha. He walked over him and patted his head.

"Be good." And the kid smiled and hugged his leg; Kagome was shocked to see what his son did but she perfectly knew why he acted that way towards her boss. He really wants a father or at least an image of a father.

They went down the shrine's steps and rode the limo that made Kagome and Sango 'wowed'. Inuyasha and Kagome were silent all the way while Miroku kept on complimenting Sango. Sango just blushed and rolled her eyes all the time Miroku flirted with her.

They reached Sesshoumaru's mansion and the driver stopped the limo at the gate. Miroku offered his arms to Sango and she took it with a warning look of course. Inuyasha on the other hand hesitated but he did and Kagome took his arms shyly and smiled.

The party was being held at the mansion's lawn garden besides the bean-shaped pool. There were tables and chairs arranged all around. The garden area was lightened up with spotlights from the corners and the ground. There was a live band hired and the foods were catered by one of the most expensive restaurants in Tokyo. Waiters were serving drinks already when the four reached the garden. Lots of guests from high societies were present; some were businessmen, politicians, lawyers and celebrities, who annoyed Inuyasha much while his father enjoyed.

Sango and Kagome felt a bit intimidated by the crowd since they're not actually used with those kinds of occasions and environment. Miroku noticed their uneasiness so he teased to lighten up the two women with them.

"Hey cheer up! These people wouldn't bite, just ignore them, they're just bunch of … of…" He clicked his thumb and forefinger trying to describe the people around them when Inuyasha butted in.

"Show off morons." He grimaced and looked around when he noticed his father talking to some older men like him.

"Yeah, that's right! That's what I've been thinking! Hey Sango do you want a drink or do you want to eat first?" Miroku turned to look at Sango.

"How about you Kagome-chan?" She turned to her friend who already took her hand to Inuyasha's arms so she decided to take away her hand from Miroku's arm too.

"Why lovely Sango? It's much comfortable with your hand around my arms." He protested but Sango only glared at him and he shut up.

"I'm not hungry yet but if you are, I guess we can have a bite?"

"I'm not actually hungry." She paused and leaned to whisper in her ear. "I'm just a bit nervous, you know?" Kagome whispered too.

"Same here." She tugged at the hem of her dress in her chest.

Inuyasha's mother spotted him nearby; with his silver hair glowing in the lights it's not so hard. She walked behind them and flicked both one of their ears and they turned around to see her smiling sweetly wearing a red beaded gown that matched her ruby jewelries.

"Aunt Izayoi! I already missed you!" Miroku kissed her cheek.

"Oh silly! I just saw you yesterday!" She laughed a little and turned to Inuyasha's direction. "How about giving your mother a kiss Inuyasha?" She tapped her foot impatiently. Inuyasha leaned and kiss his mother's cheek. She turned to look at Sango. "Hmmnn, you must be Sango, Miroku always talks about you. I'm Inuyasha's mother. What a lovely lady, my boy here must've found his match already." She smiled teasingly and patted Miroku's shoulder while he gave her a wink.

"Nice meeting you Mrs. Takagi." She shook her hands and bowed a little. "Ma'am there's my friend Kagome." Sango motioned her hand behind Inuyasha's mother and the older woman turned and face Kagome.

She gasped when she saw Kagome's face and stared at her intently although she looks like someone she knew perfectly she couldn't help but admired her beauty. She walked over Kagome and smiled from ear to ear.

"You know what dear? You must be the prettiest lady I've seen in this party tonight besides your friend here. You are so beautiful… stunningly beautiful." Inuyasha's mother was holding her chest while admiring the beauty in front of her. Inuyasha gaped at his mother's actions since they had the same opinion about Kagome's looks tonight, while Sango looked at her friend proudly.

Kagome blushed beet red with her compliments and smiled shyly. "Thank you Ma'am, but there are lots of prettier ladies here, including you." She offered her hand and shook hers and bowed a little.

"Oh thank you but you're really different. Before I forget, how's your son? They told me about what happened and it's really sad to know."

"He's doing fine now and he can go to school tomorrow." She said uneasily as she's not used to talk about her personal life with people she just only met.

"Mom, where's Sesshoumaru and Rin?" Inuyasha nudged his mother when they saw Rin coming their way, smiling widely. She wore a yellow princess cut long dress with beaded sequence on top. She had a Pashmina shawl draped over her shoulders.

"Inuyasha, Miroku you're here! Where are your dates?" She asked curiously. Kagome and Sango exchange 'looks.' Inuyasha's mother tapped her shoulder and introduced her to Inuyasha and Miroku's 'date.' She shook their hands excitedly while Inuyasha's mother excused herself to welcome the other guests.

"Happy anniversary Mrs. Takagi!" They said in unison.

"Just call me Rin, I'm just 22, I got married in a very young age, but it's ok because I'm happy. I have two kids…" then she spotted her children running towards them with a annoyed looking servant following them. "Here they are!" She took her kid's hands and introduced them proudly. "This is my oldest Takumi, he's 5 and this is my little Hikaru, she's 3."

"Oh, they're really cute Rin." Kagome admired Rin's kids.

"Hello cuties." Sango smiled to both kids and they giggled happily.

Sesshoumaru spoke out of nowhere in his usual cold, unfeeling voice. "Jaken, what did I tell you a while ago?" He eyed the servant intently. "I told you to put the children into sleep, didn't I?"

"Hai Sesshoumaru-sama! But the children wants to come down here so I let them…" Jaken looked down afraid that his master would scold him again.

Rin touched her husband's shoulder. "It's ok Sess, it's not too late, let them outside for a while then I'll just ask Jaken to take them upstairs."

"Fine, but not too late." He coldly stated.

"Hey Kagome! I remembered Mom told me about your son, I wish you brought him too, so my kids can play with him. Is he ok now?"

"He's ok now, maybe one of these days, they can play together." Kagome smiled. Rin is a very kind person in her opinion but she has a contrasting character with her husband who is so reserved and strict looking.

Sesshoumaru lifted a brow when Rin mentioned that Kagome has a son, and she confirmed it with her own words. "It's nice to know that you came here tonight Ms. Higurashi." He spoke out of the blue.

"Thank you for inviting us Mr. Takagi and Happy Anniversary. By the way this is my friend Sango Taijiya, she also works in the agency." Sango offered her hand and he shook it and nodded.

"Hey Inuyasha, Miroku, don't you want to eat?" Rin turned to look at them.

"Nope, we're fine, just take your time, we can still bear our hunger." Inuyasha stated mockingly while Sango spotted Miroku flirting over a girl in a very sexy dress with an obvious fake blond hair. She narrowed her eyes in his direction. And when he noticed her gaze, he grinned innocently while gliding away from the fake blond.

Miroku dragged Inuyasha to the buffet table to run away from Sango's death glare. "Hey! What's with you?" Inuyasha eyed his friend curiously while taking some food to his plate.

"I thought Sango would grabbed the microphone from the singer and smack it in my head." He nervously explained.

"You know what? You are so stupid Miroku. Aren't you glad that she's obviously jealous whenever you flirt with other girls? It only means that she likes you too, in a way maybe."

"You are a genius Inuyasha!" He smacked his friend's shoulder that he almost dropped the plate he's holding.

"I'm not genius, you're just stupid." He walked over one of the tables, sat down and ate silently. Miroku followed and ate his dinner too.

Rin dragged Kagome and Sango to the buffet table and told them to eat whatever they want. She excused herself to face the other guests and help Inuyasha's mom.

The band played a slow song while some couples started to dance on the center. Miroku finished his dinner and tried to spot Sango over the crowds of guests. He left Inuyasha to find her; he was dying to dance with her.

Inuyasha finished his hearty dinner and he tried to look for Kagome when he noticed her sudden disappearance. He passed by Rin and asked if she had seen her but she didn't. He started to look at the mansion's wide corridor that has been hid from the garden because of the growing vines that blocked its view. The corridor was lit with dim lights hanging from it's ceiling. The breeze was cold and it ran shivers down his spine especially the place looked spooky because of some old paintings hanging from the corridor's wall. Sesshoumaru loves to collect old paintings although his mansion is just a few years old.

Inuyasha heard a faint voice talking to someone. He hid from one of the post that big enough to hide an average built person and listened quietly. He recognized that it was Kagome and decided to come out from his hiding place when he heard her talk once more and much clearer.

"Mom, is Inari sleeping? He's not asleep yet? I guess I have to do the usual thing. Mom can you put the phone on his ears please…" Kagome talked to her mother in her cell phone.

Inuyasha listened curiously while lifting a brow then he heard her singing voice and he couldn't believe what he was hearing. She was singing like an angel while her eyes were half-closed. She swayed her head slightly like she's rocking her precious child into sleep.

It would be nice to throw away everything,

Except for what was really precious,

But reality is just cruel.

At that time,

Whenever I closed my eyes,

You were there, smiling.

Until the day I reached eternal sleep,

That smiling face,

Will stay with me constantly.

People are all sad so,

They should go and forget, however

For that which I should love,

For that which gives me love, I will do what I can.

That time when we met,

We took the long way didn't we?

We got hurt didn't we?

We got there in the end…

Kagome finished with a sigh when she heard the steady breathing of her son and opened her eyes. Then her mom talked to her, "Mom is he asleep? Thanks Mom and don't wait for me, you go ahead and sleep, you must be tired too. I'll be just fine, bye." She ended the call and clicked the phone off.

Inuyasha was hypnotized for a moment while she was singing and he couldn't help but admired her voice. He was almost lulled into sleep but he only snapped when he heard her clicked the phone off. He walked out his hiding place and emerged from the shadows.

Kagome hadn't noticed him and she jumped when he emerged in front of her. She clutched her heart nervously. "Oh my God! You scared me Mr. Takagi! Please don't do that again."

"I never thought you're that easy to scare Ms. Higurashi." He laughed a little. "And what was that song? It's really good…" He tried to praise her but he stopped himself before the words leave his mouth.

"You heard?" Kagome blushed but to her relief the corridor was darker and he might not notice her blushing.

"Uhm, yeah, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to… Were you singing for your son?" He apologized to her and he couldn't believe he just did. Kagome sat once again on the bench she was sitting just before Inuyasha arrived. He sat beside her silently.

"Inarii wouldn't sleep unless I sing that song to him, it's not a lullaby actually but he grew up liking it so I sing that song every night until he falls asleep. It's a song, my father taught me when I was just a kid. I used to play the piano when I was 7 and he taught me that piece, the title of the song is 'Dearest'." Kagome's expression turned into a sad one when she mentioned her father and Inuyasha noticed it.

"You must've been missed him?" He commented mindlessly and turned his gaze to her when he noticed that her eyes glazed with tears.

"Yeah, terribly…" She sniffed a little and blinked her eyes to prevent the tears from falling. It always pained her when she remembered her deceased father.

"Sorry about that, I didn't mean to bring back memories…" Inuyasha sounded a little guilty.

"No it's ok, I'm just a cry baby." She laughed to hide her embarrassment.

"And I'm a tearjerker." He joined her in laughing. They were starting to eliminate the awkwardness between them.

"Uhm, Mr. Takagi…about the incident last week… I'm really sorry about that, I didn't mean to walked into your personal space, it just happened and…"

"It's ok, it's my fault actually… it shouldn't have happened… we're already getting a divorce, the world knows about it… no sense in hiding…" He didn't fully understand why he's telling her about his situation but he just felt the urge to tell her.

Kagome stared at him dumbfounded, couldn't believe that she and her jerk boss can talk that way seriously and about his personal life. The world must have been nearing its end.

"How about you? Where's your husband?" He asked curiously. Kagome was caught off guard with his question. She couldn't answer right away. Her mind was blanked.

'Kagome think! Think of something!' She mentally scolded herself until she decided to lie since she can't bear to tell the truth. "He's… he's… he's dead already…" That was the only reason she could ever think of besides that's what she told her son.

"Oh, I'm really sorry again…" 'Just like what I expected. Isn't her life so tragic?' he mentally took pity on her.

"It's ok, it's been a long time ago… and I got used to it…" She tried to sound convincing with her lie. "Mr. Takagi, you have a great family, your mother is a very kind woman and Rin is the same and her kids are just loveable…." She tried to shift the topic so they can avoid talking about her personal life.

"You think so? I think my family is really weird… just weird." He smiled shaking his head then glanced back to her when he's smile faded and locked his gaze to her face. "You… you look good… tonight…" He almost stuttered with the words.

Kagome looked down to her hands in her lap and blushed 7 shades of red. A smile crept her face and her heart started to beat in an erratic manner. 'Why am I so nervous? It's just a simple compliment, I've been complimented enough this evening but…never mind, he's just trying to be nice and civil that's all…' She tried to disregard her fleeting thoughts. "Thanks… you look good too…" A smile grazed her lips. 'Damn too good' noticing how gorgeous he looked in a tuxedo. She mentally kicked herself.

Unnoticed by the two chatting in that dim corridor, a figure that just passed by and accidentally heard them, hid behind shadows. 'I see…dead? We'll find out…' He left quietly like a thief in the night and proceeded inside the mansion. He climbed on the second floor and entered the study room. He picked up the cordless phone and dialed a number. "Hello… Detective Totousai? This is Takagi, Sesshoumaru… I want you to investigate someone for me… meet me tomorrow in my office and I'll give the details…good bye." Sesshoumaru put down the phone and went back to the party.

"Where can I get some water to drink?" Kagome asked Inuyasha feeling the dryness in her throat.

"That's the way to the kitchen." Inuyasha pointed ahead with his hand and stood. "Lets go, I'm thirsty too." They walked side by side along the corridors to the kitchen.

Inside the kitchen, Rin and Inuyasha's mother were quietly sharing their opinions about Kagome and Sango.

"Mom, what do you think about Kagome?" Inuyasha's mother looked thoughtful for a moment.

"Well, she's very beautiful and I think she's a very nice lady."

"I think so too, but she looks a little like Kikyou, but I guess that's just a look…" Rin shrugged her shoulders.

"I noticed too, but Kagome always smile, Kikyou never smile like that, I think she doesn't know how to smile… and Oh! I like those pretty eyes of hers, I want some blue-gray eyed grandchildren." Inuyasha's mother looked dreamy, Rin giggled when Miroku burst out into the kitchen followed by Sango.

"Aunt Izayoi? Have you seen Inuyasha, we've been looking for him and Kagome but they seemed to just disappear?"

"No, we never noticed them. Why?" Inuyasha's mother looked curious at the same time excited knowing her son was with the girl they just been talking about a while ago.

"There seems to be a little problem in the party." Miroku glanced towards Sango and she nodded.

"What problem?" Inuyasha and Kagome emerged behind Miroku and Sango. Rin and Inuyasha's mother exchanged teasing smile when they noticed Inuyasha holding Kagome's elbow.

"Ash, thank God you're here! Were you two have been?" Both Sango and Miroku eyed them suspiciously.

"We're just in the corridor, I called Mom." Kagome was the one who answered they're accusing looks.

"Miroku what problem are you talking about?"

"Oh yeah! Your wife is there outside, she's looking for you." He took some assorted cookies in the kitchen counter behind Rin and stuffed his mouth. "She said munch she munch wants to munch talk munch to you."

"She's here? But we didn't invite her…" Rin looked thoughtful.

"She invited herself!" Inuyasha's mother snickered and so was Miroku who choked from the cookies in his mouth. Rin laughed too and Sango and Kagome couldn't help but smiled either.

"Mom…" He shook his head and started to leave; Miroku followed him and the 4 women were left in the kitchen.

Inuyasha and Miroku stood beside Sesshoumaru when Kikyou noticed them. She was talking with the oldest Takagi, her 'father-in-law'. She walked towards them the way a real model did. Although her left arm was in cast, her right arm still swayed together with her hips. She wore a very sexy, revealing long black dress with tie-behind neck halter-top and low cut back with rows of stretchy things which barely covering open-to-waist back and a thigh high slit in front. Her waist length hair was tied in a bun. Miroku gulped when he saw her long legged thighs slipping from the slit of her dress when she's gliding smoothly in her 4 inches black sandals.

Inuyasha felt a little guilty when he saw her arm in cast but pushed it aside since she didn't look affected of what had happened yesterday. He started to lift a brow when she approached them and touched his arms.

"Sess I never thought you'll have 'uninvited guest' here." Inuyasha emphasized each word. Miroku grinned like an idiot while Sesshoumaru kept his silence.

"What happened to you, Kikyou? Did you catch the big fish?" Miroku joked her. She only narrowed her eyes and Miroku shut up.

"Make yourself comfortable Kikyou…" Sesshoumaru said coldly and then he left.

Inuyasha snatched a drink from the waiter passing and Miroku took two glasses and left to look for Sango again. Inuyasha was left with Kikyou's company much to his annoyance. He continuously sipped his glass while eyeing some pairs dancing with a slow song played by the live band. Kikyou wrapped her right hand to Inuyasha's arm and looked up to his face.

"Do you want to dance hon?" She took her hands away from his arm and ran her fingers on his chest. She's tracing the hem of his tuxedo.

"I don't dance… you forget things so easily." He stated bitterly and pried her hand away from his chest.

"What is your problem?" Her brows were twitching in anger. Inuyasha turned to look at her with the same expression.

"I don't have a problem, maybe you have." He mocked her when the band played another slow song, the original version of 'Can't help falling in love.' He spotted Miroku taking Sango's hand and they're heading to the center where couples danced sweetly then he noticed Kagome sitting in a corner, looking and smiling to her friend and Miroku's direction. An idea clicked in his mind, one way to get rid of his wife is to annoy her until she leaves him alone.

He called a waiter and gave his wine glass and walked over Kagome's direction leaving a very furious Kikyou especially when she noticed that he's going to the girl she recognized as the one who interrupted a 'moment' with her husband inside his office.

Inuyasha approached Kagome and offered his hand. "Can I have a dance with you Ms. Higurashi?" Kagome hesitated when he glanced behind him and saw Kikyou giving her a death glare. "Please…" Inuyasha smiled and she just couldn't say no to him…

She took his hands and they went to the center when they're friends noticed them. Kagome put her arms on his broad shoulders while Inuyasha encircled his arms around her tiny waist. They started to sway slightly with the rhythm of the song; only their unsteady breaths could be heard as they kept their silence between them.

Wise men say, only fools rush in

But I can't help falling in love with you…

Kikyou glared both of them as blazed of anger flared her ayes. 'That bitch! What is she doing here! Why is he dancing with her! He really wants to annoy me! That bastard!' She mentally cursed Inuyasha as she walked away from the party but she accidentally bumped into a waiter holding a tray of wine glasses. It poured all over her dress and in her hair. He smacked the waiter's hand when the guy offered to help her stand and apologize since her other arm was in a cast. All the guests' attention was turned to her direction. She stomped furiously, dripping wet and looking pathetic.

Inuyasha and Kagome noticed the commotion and they saw Kikyou walking away from the garden area and her bodyguard helping her. 'Gotcha!' Inuyasha rejoiced mentally and he smiled to himself. He focused his attention to the girl in his arms. 'She smells… nice.'

Shall I stay, wouldn't be a sin?

Coz I can't help falling in love with you,

He ran his other hand in her bare back and she shivered with his touch but relaxed when he put his chin on top of her head. He absent-mindedly touched her raven black hair, feeling its silkiness between his fingers.

Like a river flow, surely to the sea,

Darling so it goes, something was meant to be.

Kagome felt her eccentric heart beat when he started to touch her hair. 'What is happening to me? Why do this feel so right…' She carefully leaned her head on to his chest. Inuyasha was surprised but he smiled faintly.

Take my hand; take my whole life too,

Coz I can't help falling in love with you…

Out of nowhere a loud crash and a slapping sound was heard. Inuyasha and Kagome's attention were darted towards the noise; they stopped dancing and both shook their heads. "Not again." They said in unison.

Miroku was on the ground holding his head with a big lump and his face had a red slightly darker handprint on it. Sango stood beside him seething in anger while holding a tray in her hand that she grabbed from one of the waiters and smacked in his head. Her other hand was in her hip while her brows furrowed in complete annoyance.

"Sorry, can't help it, e he he." He said grinning while scratching the back of his head. Inuyasha's mother and Rin face faulted.

"I knew it… he would just mess everything." Sesshoumaru said to himself.