Chapter 4

Maid of Honor

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Kagome sat on the bench outside of 'IL MARE' waiting for her twin sister, Kikyo to show up. She glanced around noticing that it was a nice Spring day. The sun shone brightly, the air felt clear and the wind breezed by her with a gentle seduction. She grasped the edge of the bench and dangled her feet, feeling like a kid. She was so excited to see Kikyo again. It had been quite some time and when her sister told her over the phone she had some important news, Kagome was more than thrilled. She was hoping perhaps that Kikyo was moving back to Tokyo from France. She knew it was such high hopes but still, she had wanted to be closer to her sister.

Fifteen minutes past, which meant Kikyo had already been 30 minutes late, and still she sat and waited. Shaking her head side to side as she chuckled to herself. Kikyo will always be Kikyo I guess. Always late. Though identical twins they were anything but. She was always organized, prompt and mature. Kikyo was always late, clustered and child-like.

It was more than half a year since her divorce. Naraku had been more than gracious with the division of assets. He knew better than to fuck with her after the incident at her office.

Kagome watched as a spitting image of her tousled and frantic ran toward her. She chuckled to herself. Kikyo, will always be Kikyo.

She smiled watching her sister trying to regain her breath.

"Hey…." Kikyo panted "sis…." She began gasping for air, " how…" she cleared her throat with an 'ahem' "how…how are you?" Kikyo asked clutching her chest.

Kagome laughed, amused with her sister, she wrapped her hand around Kikyo's shoulder and guided her toward front door of 'IL MARE'.

They sipped a bottle of wine over Italian pasta while they caught up on each other's lives, in person.

"So what's the big news?' Kagome asked, taking a sip of her '04 J.L Chave Hermitage Blanc.

"Oh, yes," she flashed her left hand, which Kagome already took notice of earlier.

"Wow! Beautiful!" Kagome remarked with excitement and a bright smile. "Let's see…mm-hmmm….about three carat solitaire" Kikyo nodded. "Good. Let's see, flawless, round brilliant cut and VVS 2 clarity?" Kikyo nodded again, "I've taught you well!" Kagome remarked. Kikyo giggled, her sister was acting like such a diamond importer. "So who's the unlucky guy?" Kagome joked.

"Kagome!" Kikyo screamed and then smiled. She looked at her own hand and at her 3 carat flawless, ring. "His name is InuYasha."

"InuYasha huh? Does he know what he's getting into with you?" Kagome took a bite of her clam pesto Alfredo sauce pasta.

"Stop teasing sis! And yes. He does. Anyway, so we've mated already." At the word Kagome froze.

"Mated?" She asked, her face blanche.

"Yeah..I know." Kikyo gave her a sympathetic look.

Kagome cleared her throat and regained herself. "So, tell me all about it. And don't worry Kikyo, I'm so over Naraku. My mark is fading slowly and soon I'll be completely free from him. Tell me about your man though. Full Yokai?"

"Well…." Kikyo darted her eyes about nervously "umm…."

"Come on, it's okay." Kagome held her fork in her hand and smiled at her sister.

"He's hanyou." Kikyo flinched as if waiting for Kagome to reprimand her.

"Oh? And….come on…how did it happen and when are you getting married?" Kagome asked excitedly, affirming the fact that she didn't mind her sister getting married to a hanyou. Just because her husband was an asshole, it didn't make all hanyous the same.

"Well, you know….he was so sweet. Took me out on a nice private picnic and he had the ring in the sandwich. I nearly broke my tooth!" Kikyo reminisce and she touched her tooth for emphasis.

"Mmm Hmm…" Kagome acknowledged and took another bite of her pasta.

"So, I was wondering, if it's not too much to ask of you, that you would be my maid of honor." Kikyo laced her fingers around each other and gave her sister an undeniably cute look.

"Kikyo! Really? I don't know what to say!" Kagome replied excitedly.

"Well, anything other than 'no'!" Kikyo laughed.

"I'd be honored!" Kagome reached her hand out and touched her sister's. They gazed into each other's eyes with full understanding and happiness.

.......

After their lunch, Kikyo insisted for Kagome to come and meet InuYasha. She agreed, it was the week-end and she could finish her work tomorrow. Seeing her sister was more important than anything at the moment.

They entered a large estate, apparently belonged to InuYasha's father. Kikyo was excited and giggling like a child. She led Kagome out to the back patio and Kagome's heart nearly stopped when she saw silver hair swaying in the wind from the back. Her steps halted for a moment.

"InuYasha!" Kikyo called out. Kagome was relieved when he turned around and gathered her sister into his arms in a welcoming embrace. His dog ears twitched excitedly.

"Kagome, this is my fiancé, InuYasha." Kikyo introduced.

"I've heard so much about you!" InuYasha announced as he offered a hand to his future sister-in-law.

"InuYasha, great choice on the girl." Kagome commented. She shook his hand and Kikyo introduced her sister to InuYasha. As they were joking and laughing about Kikyo's tardiness, a familiar voice rang out.

"Don't exclude me out of the fun!"

"Koga!" Kikyo ran and tossed her arms around the Yokai for a hug.

"And look what we have here." Koga said looking at Kagome up and down. "Kagome, you are even prettier than I remembered." He complimented.

Kikyo and InuYasha looked at each other and smiled as Kagome blushed. It took her a couple of minutes to recompose herself from the sudden surprise of an old friend.

"Koga." She bowed to greet him in a soft whisper.

"You know each other?" InuYasha asked a bit surprised himself.

"Oh, who could ever forget Kagome Higurashi?" Koga took her hand and placed a kiss on it. "I failed in her courtship to that damn hanyou, no offense Inu."

"None taken" InuYasha answered quickly

"Speaking of which, how is Naraku?" Koga continued.

"Um…."Kagome started off, she didn't want to get into the discussion of Naraku; and she wasn't sure if she wanted Koga to know that she was divorced. Koga had always been too pushy toward her with his admiration. And she had grown to enjoy her solitude.

Sensing her sister's uneasiness, Kikyo jumped into the conversation to rescue her. "Oh, look at the time. We have to get going, we still have dinner plans later. Come on, Kagome, I have to go over all the wedding details with you!" Kikyo announced excitedly. "See you at dinner guys!" Kikyo dragged her sister by the hand and together they went inside to the study.

…..~…..

Sesshoumaru slowed his car and pulled into the large parking circle of his father's estate. He exited his car and walked toward the front door. Letting himself in he proceeded toward the dining room. The pungent scent of food filled him and he followed it to the loud chattering and laughter of people already in the room. He was once again, late. Nose buried under piles of paperwork, he hadn't realized how fast the time flew by. When he finally remembered, he realized it was already 6PM and he was supposed to be at the house already, not still at the office. Stacking his paperwork together quickly he tossed them into his briefcase to look over later and dashed out the door.

As he neared the dining room, a beautiful familiar voice sang in his ears. Her laughter exotic and he wondered what it could be that she was doing in the same place he was. "Koga, you need to stop it with the jokes. I can't eat anymore, I'm so full from laughing." She said.

"Oh, Kagome, it's so nice to see you again. And I tell you, you coming to your senses and getting rid of that husband of yours was the best idea ever! Cheers!" he raised his wine glass. Their glasses clink, she brought hers to her lips to sip. Sesshoumaru entered the room.

Kagome's breath caught in her throat. Sesshoumaru was looking straight at her! And it wasn't that he was merely staring, he seemed to be devouring her with his eyes. She felt like time froze when she couldn't tear her eyes away from him. The way his eyes moved over her body, it felt almost as if he were caressing her. Like the time at the jazz club. The world seemed to fall away. She no longer heard the loud chattering of everyone at the dinner table or perceived that Koga hadn't notice the Dai and was still talking to her. Her whole focus being centered on the man with gorgeous features, long silver hair and the deep amber pool he was sucking her into. It had been so long since she saw him, and so long since she took notice of a man looking at her in that way. Her sex-starved body thrilled at his touch, even if it was only with his eyes. She squirmed uncomfortably in her chair.

Unable to take her eyes off him, she watched as his eyes drop and cascaded from her face down to her chest. She had wore a wrapped dress that day and it plunged deep down, flashing more cleavage than she had wanted, and now she sat there nervously knowing what was in front of her. She felt her breasts swell and her nipples hardened into tight little buds. They ached for his touch, for the feel of his hot mouth suckling them. At the thought she felt her wetness pooled as a throbbing ache built in her core. She squeezed her legs together trying to alleviate some of the ache but it only made the throbbing increase. Never before had she been brought to full arousal by merely being stared at. Kami all, if he was just doing that with his eyes, what would happen to her if he actually were to touch her?

Thirty seconds went by was all that it took to bring her to such an arousal. She fought within herself and wrenched her eyes off the Youkai finally, while she tried to calm her body down. She was glad for such strong aroma of food coming from the kitchen and the ones already on the table. She wouldn't know what to do if everyone could smell the scent of her arousal. How embarrassing that would be!! She finally met the glass with her lips and took a big swig, trying to cool her nerves. Immediately, it went down the wrong way causing her to gasp for breath while she coughed to clear her lungs. Koga responded right away and rushed to her side, rubbing her back to soothe the hacking.

"Are you alright?" He asked gently.

She nodded. "Down…" She coughed "down…" Kagome hacked even harder, "the wrong…"

"Pipe?" Koga finished for her and she nodded again.

By the time she got over her choking fit, the DaiYokai had already settled in his seat, tapping his claws. She felt her eyes were streaming and she had the feeling her face was an unbecoming shade of red. She settled back into her seat, blotted her face where tears had ran her mascara and inhaled deeply, trying to save what dignity she had left in front of Sesshoumaru. Placing a hand on Koga's shoulder she looked at him and thanked him for helping, and lifted his hand lingering longer than necessary on her low back.

"You had me worried there for a second." He turned his attention toward Sesshoumaru, who'd sat and watched the scene as Koga was more attentive than the situation called for, while his half-brother and his fiancé, who looked identical to the other woman carried a worried look on their face. "Kami, Sesshoumaru, just you stepping in the room and already you had my woman hacking up a lung! It must be the arrogance you carry with you!" Koga regarded Sesshoumaru blankly. Sesshoumaru ignore the wolf demon's comment. He was used to the pointless drabble coming from the Yokai.

"Koga!" Kagome began. "I am not your woman!" Her words were mild, and she giggled as she flushed a pretty pink.

"Not yet, Kagome." Koga flashed her his sexiest smile. She nudged him slightly in the ribs. Sesshoumaru turned his attention elsewhere from the 'flirtacious couple'.

"Sesshoumaru!" His father greeted emerging from the kitchden with his step-mother in tow, carrying large trays of food.

Sesshoumaru rose from his seat and bowed. "Father. Izayoi." He greeted them, his tone no more special than if he were greeting his employees.

"Alright! Let's see how this Wagyu infusion I cooked pans out huh?" Mr. Tashio set his plates on the table and the servants followed them with various utensils and plates for everyone. Introductions were made around the table now that Sesshoumaru had finally arrived. "Alright everyone, I want you to tell me how it taste. And don't lie! You know I can sniff it out!" He followed his comment with a boisterous laugh and everyone chuckled along.

They ate and commented on the wonderful feast the elder Mr. Tashiou had prepared. A retired CEO he spent much of his time cooking and perfecting his own recipe.

"Isn't this something eh? InuYasha all grown up and getting married." Touga comment as Kikyo glanced over at her fiancé and smiled. "Well, let's get you kids married ASAP! Kikyo, I'm sending an army after you so you get whatever you want for this so called wedding done fast! I want little pups running around my house by next Christmas!" He winked at InuYasha knowing pupping within the clan had always been up to the male. They were fortunate to able to choose when they could have their mate pupped.

"Father!" InuYasha protested a little embarrassed. Kikyo bowed, her flushed face .

"And what of you Sesshoumaru? I don't see any demoness or females along with you. When the hell are you mating?" Touga regarded him roughly, but his eyes laid all the twinkle of a semi-joke.

"Father…." Sesshoumaru started.

But Touga ignored his son, "InuYasha has already beaten you to the race! Stop slacking my boy!" Everyone laughed at the elder Tashiou. Everyone, except for the un-amused Sesshoumaru that is.

"Dear, I think you ought to leave him alone. You know Sesshoumaru always treaded at his own pace." Izayoi placed a soft hand on her husband's arm as she spoke.

"No, it's fine Izayoi. Father's right, however father," he paused and sipped his drink, "I am mated."

"Oh?"

"Have you forgotten? I'm mated to Inugami Inc. and Affiliates. Which, don't forget," he raised his glass toward his father, "includes 5 other subdivisions worldwide." And with that, he drank his wine.

"Right. You are right. Well my boy, when you find that perfect demoness, you come tell your father. I shall relieve you of your title and I'm even going to open my Macallan 60-year-old single-malt scotch whiskey for a drink to celebrate!"

"Hn."

"You, InuYasha" Touga continued, "we are going to open the 55 year-old bottle for tonight!"

"Father! No, that's one of your prized collections. Having you cook for us was more than enough." InuYasha protested.

"Nonsense. I only have two sons! And it's not everyday that I get to celebrate such a happy occasion!"

"But father…"

"Enough buts! Eat!" Touga commanded and InuYasha obeyed.

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After dinner everyone gathered into the family room for more drinks and wedding plans.

Kagome stole a few minutes to herself and wandered outside for some fresh air. She found the patio, Kikyo had brought her to earlier and made her way over toward the edge of it. Her hands rested on the balustrade, and she leaned over slightly, arching her back. She tilted her head back a bit and closed her eyes, breathing in the night air. She was lost in her own thoughts, her mind awhirl with different thoughts. Her heart swayed. How unexpected for her to run into not only Koga, one of her love interest from the past but Sesshoumaru as well. Koga and Naraku fought hard for her heart and in the end, she'd chosen Naraku. Not very wise, she now realized. And then there was Sesshoumaru, the stranger she'd met in the jazz club that night and hadn't forgotten. She wondered if he'd forgotten about her?

"Sesshoumaru…" she whispered softly, liking the way his name rolled off her lips. She inhaled deeply again and let the cool night breeze soothe the hot skin his name had aroused...

"There you are!" Koga's voice came out. She turned her head and smiled, masking her disappointment that it was him, and not the DaiYokai.

"Hi there handsome." She greeted, a term she'd used on him for ages when they were in school together.

"What are you doing out here all by yourself, my lady?" Koga inquired, returning her greeting with his own nickname for her.

"Oh, you know, just catching some air. It had been a lot today. I hadn't anticipated spending this much time today with Kikyo." She replied.

"I know what you mean, that sister of yours, always know how to derail a person from their work!" Koga agreed. Kagome laughed and nodded.

"Here," he handed her a glass of wine, "thought you might want some." She took it and thanked him.

"Well, if you don't mind me asking, what the hell happened with you and Naraku? I never would expect a divorce from you. I mean, especially for him to agree to signing the paperwork…"

She offered him an indifferent smile and rolled her shoulders in a shrug. "Oh, you know, after a while, we just didn't talk anymore. Like the other one didn't exist." She took a sip of her wine.

"Never would have guessed. He was always doting over you!" Koga remarked and shook his head.

"Key word "was"" she said with an awkward laugh. She thought so too, that their love would stand the test of time. But it hadn't. Over time, they just slip apart. He cared less and less. He touched her so sparatically. He stopped making love to her after a while and everything became just a memory between them. He didn't even try to change when she tried to communicate with him. Funny how things change even while you still try to make it work.

"No shit?"

"Yeah, you know after a few years, I guess we ran out of things to say." She used to dream that the old days would come back. But the only man she'd ever loved, had gone away. He just wasn't there anymore. Not wanting to dwell on the past anymore, she turned to Koga and smiled. "What about you handsome? It's been a while. How are you?"

"Oh, business as usual. Haven't found a lady to replace you yet, that's for sure." He added and she blushed a tomato red.

"Stop teasing Koga." She nudged his shoulder. It was a nice surprise for him to come and visit her outside. It brought back memories when they used to hang out together, cramming for exams and late night espresso search.

"Not kidding! I'm serious. You must let me take you out to dinner – just us." He hastily added.

"I…I….don't know, Koga." She said nervously. It had been a while since she went out with someone and all the months passed, she'd been thinking about Sesshoumaru somewhat frequently, but it seemed like he's not even interested. He hadn't made a single attempt to talk to her at all.

"Just say 'yes'!" Koga laughed. She thought it over as she looked at his face. He looked so eager and sincere and she remembered when they were in college together how sweet he'd been. She nodded. "Great! So, it's the week-end. I'd like to take you out tomorrow night if that's alright?"

"Hmm…I…" she chuckled nervously. "As long, as you bring me home early. I do need to get work done on Monday you know?"

"Done! I won't keep you out past 10!" He took her hand in his and cupped her chin pulling her closer to his lips. Kagome's heart beat nervously.

"Found you!" Kikyo sprang out from behind the door, startling the both of them.

"Kikyo!" Koga greeted, scratching the back of his head nervously.

"We've been waiting for you inside for a toast!" Kikyo announced and Kagome began to walk toward her sister. Wrapping their hands behind each other's back they began to walk back inside. Kagome threw her head over her shoulder and looked at Koga who followed slowly after with a wide smile on his face.

They joined everyone in the family room for the toast. The loud noise and boisterous cheers was exciting. She realized she hadn't been around such excitement since she got married.

Earlier, Sesshoumaru had snuck in a moment for himself and wandered to the upstairs study. He left the door to the terrace open and the evening breeze fluttered the long curtains. He heard footsteps from the patio below and walked to the terrace, following her scent. The wind flutter her beautiful black locks and watched as she leaned on the railing, closing her eyes. She looked like a vision from heaven he thought to himself. He almost wanted to reach out and caress her face, cup her cheek and pull her in to see what her lips felt like, what her mouth tasted like. He thought he heard her call out his name but realized he had been fantasizing when the wolf demon joined her out in the patio.

He poured himself a glass of whiskey and sat in the chair while he listened to them flirt. Chugging the rest of his whiskey in one gulp he set the glass down and walked back downstairs. Mind as well…he thought. He tried not to let the disappointment of her interest in the wolf demon get to him as he made his way to join the rest of the family.

After the toast, Kikyo informed her that she will be maid of honor and Sesshoumaru will be best man. Kagome could feel the butterflies rumbling in her stomach.

"Kagome, you need to give Sesshoumaru your number so that you guys can communicate, getting things set up." Kikyo suggested.

"I…er…yeah, sure." Kagome replied, smiling timorously while trying to control the beating of her heart. So she did, and they exchanged their numbers and her fingers fumbled nervously as she punched his into her cell phone.

.....~.....

Once she got home Kagome sagged against her door. Her body thrummed, and a hot flush pervaded every inch of her skin. She couldn't believe her younger sister was getting married to the brother of the Youkai that she'd been thinking of for a while.

She frowned. Now what? She thought solemnly. What was she going to do? He was a gentlemen at the jazz club that one time, but he didn't hint any interest in her at all tonight. Of all the men, all the Youkai, it had to be him that she'd be spending the next few months together planning her twin's wedding. How was it that it had to be him, the veritable stranger, who managed to be the only person in such a long time to stir her blood and make her ache with a wanton need? And yet, he will soon be her in-law. Kami, it had been so long since she felt like this! Brushing thoughts of him aside, she stripped her clothes and head into the shower. Washing any remnants of his scent off her and any ideas of them being involved althogether down the drain. She had a date tomorrow – with Koga.

.....~.....

"Good evening Sesshoumaru-san" his servant greeted him.

"Hn."

"Will you be needing anything tonight?" She asked. Sesshoumaru's eyes surveyed her up and down. Was it the aged alcohol from his father's place or was his imagination that his servant was a good looking Yokai? He noticed her blushing and realized that he'd been staring at her.

"No Yura. You may return to your quarter." He instructed.

"Yes, sir." She said. He thought he heard her tone lined with disappointment as she turned and walked toward the extension of his estate where she and a few other servants resided in a 5-bedroom facility.

He went upstairs to his room and slumped onto his bed. He moved his hands and placed them under his head, staring at his ceiling. The sweet scent of Kagome still lingered on him. He felt his heart skip a beat, his groin twitched. An ache of need twisted his guts. Just like the last time from the jazz club.

He hadn't expect to ever see her again. Especially in this kind circumstance. He's stopped by the jazz club a few times, in hopes of running into her, but that was unsuccessful. Pulling his phone from his pocket, he scrolled down until it read "Kagome". He could call her right now. At this very moment. Just so he could hear her voice. But what would he say? He had nothing to say to her. He could ask her out perhaps? Ridiculous! She was already going out with Koga. Tomorrow night no less. Sighing, he tossed the phone on his bed and closed his eyes.

Images of Kagome laughing with her sister invaded his mind. Though twins, somehow there was a glow within her that he did not see with the other miko. A warmth exuding from her body beckoning him to submit to her. Was it the warmth of her arousal he sensed when he first walked in or was his hopeful imagination? Or perhaps it was what the wolf demon had stirred in her?

A depth of mystery laid embedded in her soul. He thought how beautiful she was and how much he wanted to touch that wounded soul of hers. But he wasn't within reach.

A knock at his door, interrupted him from his thoughts. He ascended from his bed and walked toward his door. Pulling it open, he saw Yura standing there, her head bowed habitually as she held his dry-clean in her hands.

"You had requested this to be ready for tomorrow Sir." She reported.

He took hold of the hangers and unintentionally, his hand brushed against hers. Sesshoumaru heard her heart quickened and a pink color flushed her cheeks. Without thinking he lifted her chin up to have a look at her face. She caught his eyes for a second and then darted them away, as the heat from her body rose. She swallowed hard while he continued to survey her beautiful face.

"Yura.." he called.

"Yes…Sir?" She answered, her voice a slight quiver.

"What are you still doing here, really?" He questioned.

Shocked eyes shot his way. She blinked frantically and her heat soar even more, realizing she'd been caught. "I…I…" she began to stutter as her mind raced to come up with a reason. He leaned in just a bit closer as he inhaled her. Her season had begun, he realized. Which meant that he had to be more careful and made sure that he wouldn't pup her. He also knew there was a line between employer and employee, but at the very moment, it didn't seem to register. He wanted to feel the warmth of a body. The softness of a female. But the one he wanted was beyond his reach.

"Yura," he called her name and the tears began to flow from her eyes; she was so scared that he'd be angry with her. She couldn't speak so she simply nodded. "Did you wish to stay?"

She shot her teary eyes at him, now brimming with hope. She nodded again. He succumbed to his male urges and took a step back and held the door wider for her to enter. Yura took a few steps forward and he guided her into his chamber for the night, closing the door behind him.

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LOOK it's a perfect time for a REVIEW!!!

AN: A yokai being in season is when her body is 'in heat' and wants to be mated or just 'wink wink' you know...get laid. LOL!!

Oh yeah, and I use 'ridiculous' a lot for Sesshoumaru because I can't (and don't want to) think of another word more suitable for him. I can just see his face exactly stoic whenever the word comes up. love it.

OK, REVIEW PLEASE!!~TS