Disclaimer: I do not own or earn a profit from the characters created by Rumiko Takahashi.

Summary: Happy. That's what she was. That was what she stood for and presenting everyday for the entire world to see. It was what she sought out in so many people and created over a period in time that it became so close to her she could see the emotion so clearly as the sun. She was happy and he hated her for it.

Chapter 4: Beautiful Disaster (Part One)

Finally the weekend was approaching!

She knew that she shouldn't be too happy that Bankotsu had actually agreed to seeing her this weekend but there was something about him that made her want to be near him. Surely the way the he had responded to their impromptu kiss had proven that he felt the same, didn't it?

She sure hoped that she didn't come off too easy for responding to the kiss so readily but honestly, who was she to turn down such a hot guy?...Okay that even sounded easy in her mind. Well on her date tonight she hoped to learn more about him and how exciting it will be to be in his presence. Good God, she sounded like a schoolgirl rambling about her crush. He probably already thought her to be a little childish after she dragged him over to the park to make him get on a swing. But she did come there for a reason and he didn't complain not once about it.

So that meant he did like her! Or at least to an extent. She wasn't a pro on relationships having only been in one since the beginning of her existence so who was she to say that it actually meant anything to him.

"Kagome!"

Jumping up at the sound of her voice, she turned to the side and looked at her cousin who was looking at her with a small smile.

"I swear Kags you zone out far too much too be so smart, what's on your mind?"

Kagome smiled a bit, tucking a raven lock behind her ear, "Nothing really. It's just, remember that guy I told you about?"

Kikyo smirked, her eyes lighting up as she did so, "Oh yes the very delicious Bankotsu that you daydreamed about the entire day, what about him?"

Taking a deep breath she looked at her cousin, "He kissed me"

Kikyo's eyes widened and she smiled brightly, "What? Kaggie, why didn't you tell me!?"

"Well that's what I was just thinking. I don't even know why he kissed or what the kiss meant to him! I just- I guess- I don't want to get my hopes up for something that could possibly end up as nothing, ya know?"

Kikyo crossed her legs, positioning herself so that she was in front of her little cousin and looked into her eyes, "Kagome I'm sure it meant something to him just at it meant something to you"

"How can you be so sure?"

"I'm not but if you want to be sure just ask"

Kagome rolled her eyes, "Gee why didn't I think of that?" Leaning back on the couch she tugged on her purple tank top and sighed, "I like him but I don't want to come off as clingy"

"Then don't"

"Thank you Captain Obvious"

Kikyo laughed, "No seriously, you won't come off clingy if you simply ask what the kiss meant to him. It's just a question, he should be able to handle that without thinking you were going to force him into marriage"

Kagome fell over dramatically, "God forbid I do something as horrid as force a guy I'm don't know too well into marriage! What kind of human being would I be to do something so ghastly!" She looked up suddenly and smirked at Kikyo, "I know I'd be just like my older cousin Kiki"

Dodging the pillow that her cousin aimed at her, Kagome laughed, "It's true you and InuYasha went out on one date and the next call I get is an invitation to the wedding one month after you told me about how wonderful the first date is!"

Kikyo laughed, throwing the pillow back at her little cousin, "That was a completely different situation. You know that we come from a direct line of priestesses and as soon as InuYasha told me that I was his mate there was never really another option" She smiled when the pillow hit Kagome square in the face,

"Call it fate if you will, we just hurried the process"

Kagome huffed and placed the pillow on her lap, "You always get the good luck. How simple would it be if I was just claimed as a mate to a handsome, loving demon like you were?"

"You shouldn't have to rely on a claiming just to find love Kags. You are a very beautiful girl and I'm sure Sesshoumaru sees that"

"Yeah I sure hope so-wait! Sesshoumaru? You have got to be kidding me? That guy hates my guts!"

Kikyo laughed at her little cousin's outburst and shook her head lightly, "That may not be true, although, my apologies, I meant Bankotsu sees that"

Kagome glared at her, before pouting cutely, "You are evil you know that"

"On some occasions"

Kagome sighed before standing up and stretching, "I hope that you are right"

"I am" Kikyo said smirking inwardly, she was no fool and she meant what she had said about
Sesshoumaru.

At that moment, InuYasha made himself known talking loudly on his cell phone, "What do you mean they won't accept the merger? Shippo I told you-what? They won't accept the merger unless I am there? What kind of load of shi-fine tell them I'll be right there" He hung up his phone with force before gazing at the other two occupants in the room,

"Stupid company"

Kagome rolled her eyes, but smiled, "It may be stupid but it is your company"

InuYasha scoffed, "Keh, whatever I'm not too concerned with the merger in general it's just tonight was supposed to be my free night"

Kikyo frowned, "Oh yeah you are to meet with your brother correct?"

"Yeah that prick is going to be in my ass because of the cancellation, and I don't have time to go to him and tell him face to face"

Something in Kikyo's eyes twinkled as she looked towards her cousin and Kagome knew right away that she wouldn't like it.

"Kagome could go and deliver the message for you" Kikyo suggested.

"What?!" Both Kagome and InuYasha shouted out.

"That bastard would kill me if she came!"

"I have a date tonight I don't want to be around the Ice King!"

Kikyo rolled her eyes at the both of them, "Stop being so childish all you have to do is go and tell him that InuYasha can't make it tonight. You can still go on your date"

Kagome pouted, "I still don't understand why I have to go. Why can't you go you're dog boy's mate"

"Hey!"

"Because I have to go grocery shopping in a few minutes, besides it's not like he'll hold you hostage. Just get dressed for your date with Bankotsu stop by and tell Sesshoumaru the news then leave. It's simple"

"Ugh fine, whatever" Kagome said before going to the guest room to get changed.

InuYasha watched Kikyo's smirk reappear on her face and frowned, "What are you up to Kikyo?"

Kikyo smirked and placed got up from her spot on the couch kissing her mate quickly, "Nothing you should concern yourself with Yasha"

InuYasha watched with suspicious eyes as Kikyo strut passed him and stared at her until was completely out of view, "That woman is something else, but that ass is amazing" He whispered running up behind his mate ready to show her how much he enjoyed the view.

~KH~

She couldn't believe that her cousin could be so cruel!

She now stood in front of her bed, towel wrapped around her waist and hair wet and dripping on the flush carpet, It was around 6 o clock and she was getting ready for date and the meeting with Sesshoumaru in a few minutes. She tried everything in her power to get out of going to meet the Ice King but her cousin was relentless and ignored her pleas.

Seriously, what was she thinking having her go and meet with the Ice King before her own date with Bankotsu? She was feeling good about this evening before and now she couldn't help but feel angered and a little saddened by the remarks she just knew Sesshoumaru would dish at her once he laid eyes upon her.

She didn't know what his problem was with her and honestly she didn't care. Tonight was a night that she needed all of her confidence on the highest of levels, not plummeted into the depths of hell by an extremely attractive, yet so very evil, demon. She was truly at a lost with her feelings about said Demon Lord and she didn't want to dwell on them for too long. Her goal was to go in and get out as quick as she could so that she could meet up with Bankotsu later and enjoy the rest of her evening. At least thats what she hoped to do. With her luck the night might turn into something unexpected and she prayed to Kami that her night would not turn sour with her little trip.

Sighing and going into the guest room closet she pulled out a couple of outfits before finally settling on one that she thought would be the most comfortable, grabbed a pair of shoes and pulled her hair up. She didn't know what exactly Bankotsu had planned so she didn't know what exactly to wear. She figured if something changes she could just bring a spare outfit anyway. Picking up a second outfit she folded it neatly and tucked it into her yellow pack that she had since middle school and headed out the door in hopes of getting this over with.

She could only hope that Sesshoumaru at least acted civil towards her or she knew she would no longer hold back.

~ST~

Once again that damn mutt was late to his monthly meeting with him.

It still managed to shock and amaze him how he still put up with his tardiness and not left to attend more important matters. He silently cursed his father for raising him to be such an honorable demon for if he were not the Lord of the Western Lands for more than three centuries he would have not had to endure his half-brother's endless disregards to his father's wishes because he, himself, would not have cared neither.

But that was not who The Killing Perfection was. He was a demon of nobility, honor, and poise knowing that whatever he agreed or promised to do he would always see it through the end. No matter how utterly despicable it turned out to be. This situation in its entirety could not end up any better than it had begun and he was literally two seconds away from walking out and calling his brother before an all too familiar scent tickled his senses and drifted into his nose.

Frowning at the scent, he moved his amber orbs around the restaurant searching for the holder of the divine smell and his breath hitched in his throat.

There standing less than three feet away from him stood his half-brother's mates cousin in all her glory sporting a black one shoulder dress that hugged all of her lovely curves to perfection, her long raven hair was up in a high ponytail with little strands falling in front of her face around her in waves, and her sparkling blue eyes scanning through the crowd searching for someone.

His beast howled in appreciation when her eyes sought his and a small smile broke out on her face before she made her way over to him.

His frowned deeper if possible, wondering why she would smile directly at him after everything he said to her and then why she was here in the first place.

"Good evening Sesshoumaru-sama"

He looked up to see the raven haired beauty standing directly in front of him and the smile on her face. Humans were strange.

"Hn." He didn't want her here and doing the things that she did to his beast but he couldn't describe the need inside him to be near her at the same time.

This girl was trouble.

Kagome rolled her eyes at his greeting and sat down in front of him smiling brightly. She didn't necessarily like him but that didn't mean that she couldn't learn to. He was technically part of the family now since Kikyo and InuYasha's joining and it wouldn't be in her nature to be rude in his company no matter how much he disliked her.

"Where is the half-breed?"

His words were cold and calculated, it amazed her how she could detect not one emotion in the way he spoke. However, she frowned at the name he had given to her new cousin.

"InuYasha had something come at the company, a meeting that was needed for and couldn't get out of without risking losing an important aspect of business. He honestly didn't forget about you."

She tried to tell him but Sesshoumaru didn't give her a sign that he cared, his eyes only narrowed at this wench who came in to tell him that his idiotic half-brother could not make it. Why couldn't he simply call him? He's rather have been sitting here for hours than be in the presence of this inferior wench. Who had to nerve that she had something better to do than be in his presence! Who did she think he was?

"Enlighten this Sesshoumaru, what could a simple human wench as you have more important than being in the presence of the Lord of the Western Lands?"

She really did growl, "Anything is better than being in front of you but if you must know I have a date"

His beast growled violently at hearing her words, but he reigned it back finding that he did not like the thought of her going out with some other male anymore than his inner youkai. His eyes roamed over her figure once more and he fought the urge to growl out loud. So that was why she was dressed up. He tried he really did but the mere thought of her going out on a date with another male made him angry. How could his beast pick a human whore to be his mate? She was not worthy of him!

"A date? Surely you were on your way to a Brothel dressed like that" He wanted to break her, he wanted to make her miserable for affecting his beast in this way. Of course she had no clue that he beast had even claimed her but it would be for the best if she didn't. He didn't want her.

Kagome bit her lip, to keep from lashing out. She knew that this was a bad idea from the start and she was honestly torn from being and and feeling sad at the amount of hatred for her Sesshoumaru showed towards her. She honestly tried to be nice to him but it was clear he didn't care.

Standing up, she dusted off of her dress and picked her head up. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing he hurt her feelings with his insincerity; nor would she let him know that her confidence had dropped a few levels as well. She nodded her head slowly to him and heaved her purse onto her shoulders,

"I can see that just my presence bothers you so I will take my leave now. Good night Sesshoumaru-sama" She spoke in a low tone, that had Sesshoumaru not been a demon he would have missed before she walked away from him. The bounce in her step that was there when she walked in completely removed from her person and he could sense her sadness as well.

His inner youkai raged against its caged wanting to come out and comfort his mate but he ignore him. It was better this way. He did not need nor want the girl he was sure of it.

So why did he feel guilty?

He looked back towards the girl and noticed that she was on the phone with someone and if he strained his ears he could hear what she was saying.

"Oh it's fine I understand. Maybe some other time then? Alright. Bye"

He watched as her shoulders slumped and her head bent down for a second before she tucked her hair behind her ear and walked out the door. His beast whined when it sensed the overwhelming sadness overwhelming her lithe form and he got up abruptly. He didn't want to help her nor did he want to see what was wrong with her but he was sure his beast would keep him up all night whining about it. So he did something he thought he would never do for a human. He followed her to her car finding that the scent of salt was heavy and prepared to see the wench balling about how her day had been terrible and she blamed him for it.

Unexpectedly, it seemed she sensed his presence and turned around swiftly and come face to face with him, no trace of tears evident on her features but her face was red. Her eyes narrowed a bit, but she shook her head and laughed softly.

He stared at her expectantly. He knew this would be the time where she called him every name in the book and damn him for ruining her night.

"This is the perfect night to draw"

It was whispered, once again, but he heard her loud and clear. He wondered why she wasn't as angry as he expected most female-human or demon- to be when a date was cancelled and they were insulted to be but found himself intrigued at her comment.

"You draw?" He couldn't stop the question from leaving his lips and he felt his beast purr in excitement when her blue eyes looked to him with a smile.

This girl was an enigma.

She just nodded and looked up to the sky and sighed deeply, "It is a little less than a hobby for me but more of a passion. It is who I am."

Sesshoumaru frowned at the girl and her words, "You are an artist?"

She nodded once more and leaned back on her cousins car glancing at Sesshoumaru. She didn't know why he was out here talking to her as if he wasn't just a cold-hearted bastard to her but she didn't care. She was really looking forward to her date with Bankotsu but he had to cancel. Now it didn't matter what level her confidence was on nor what she did. She wished that she had brought her utensils so that she could go to the park and draw but Kikyo had taken them out earlier that day claiming she needed to keep them in a safer place.

"Yes"

Sesshoumaru looked at her, with interest, "Show me" He always enjoyed art and he loved the wonders of bringing an image to life with a pencil and he wished to see it. It had nothing to do with his beast praising the girl's strong will nor his inner youkai's desire to cheer her up. He was simply intrigued.

No one could tell him otherwise.

~AF~

What do you think? It wasn't the best but I felt that it has been a long wait. My birthday was two days ago and I am officially 21! I've been on this site since I was 14! How time flies!

Remember Reviews are LOVE!

I appreciate all of the favorites, alerts, and follos my story has gotten and I promise to update more often. I have a new computer:)

Later!

Ashley