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Chapter Three - Closure
One Year Later
THUNK!
The sharp tip of the arrow ground itself firmly into the wooden bark of the tree that was being used as a target. An annoyed huff sounded in the still of the forest as the archer notched another arrow and began to concentrate.
THUNK!
"Damn it!" The softly spoken curse seemed to echo as she again notched another arrow.
Trying to relax, she took a deep breath while reminding herself to concentrate. A slight glow appeared along the shaft and Kagome smiled in success. She let the arrow fly but her smile quickly faded as the glow that surrounded the shaft seemed to just disappear as soon as it left her grasp.
THUNK!
"What the hell!" Kagome threw her bow to the ground and placed her hands on her hips, keeping her angry gaze on the weapon as though it were the cause for her strife. She brought her hands up to her face and examined them as though something could possibly be wrong with them as well.
"Maybe we should stop for a little while, okay Kagome-chan?" Sango placed a hand on her friend's shoulder but she barely seemed to notice.
Kagome sighed and gave her friend a reassuring smile, "I'm fine Sango-chan… I just…" She paused and slowly bent down to pick up her bow. Placing it over her shoulder she absently scratched her collarbone, "I just don't understand how this could be happening."
Sango gave her friend a sympathetic look, "You have been through a lot in the last year… maybe you just need to relax?"
Kagome shook her head, "It's not the divorce," she said sharply.
Sango gave her a skeptical look.
Kagome faltered before standing tall and looking at her friend, "And it's not his new girlfriend, either!"
Sango's eyes widened, "You didn't tell me he was dating someone!"
Crap… she didn't mean to let that slip. Slouching a little bit, she and Sango began to make their way to the small cabin that once belonged to her. As she was no longer part of the Taisho household, technically, she could be charged with trespassing… technically. But no one else seemed to care so why should she? Although, nowadays, she just didn't seem to care about much.
The hospital seemed to notice the change in Kagome and had politely suggested that she take a vacation. When the suggestion went unheard, the hospital threatened to reassign some of her patients and Kagome was not ready to let go of the only people she cared about. Her patients, all those children, meant the world to her. Thus, Kagome was taking a vacation. Fortunately or unfortunately, Sango couldn't stay because she had to get back to work. But at least she was staying for the weekend, much to Miroku's displeasure.
The two women lazily made their way into the nicely furnished cabin and easily slumped on the couch to share some small talk… talk that, at the moment, Kagome would rather not delve into.
"How long have you known?"
Kagome sighed and ran a hand through her already messy hair, "Oh, I don't know… a few months now?"
"Months?" Sango looked taken aback, "Kagome, the divorce only went through not even a year ago!"
Kagome closed her eyes and sat back on the couch. Honestly, the girl didn't care what the hanyou did with his life. He seemed happy enough, they were on friendly terms and even got together once in a while to talk. It was as if they were back in high school and best friends again. She was happy for him because she knew ha was happy… the question was why wasn't she?
"Kagome… how are you taking this?"
Kagome rolled her eyes, "Sango… stop trying to be my psychiatrist and just be my friend!"
Sango blushed, "Sorry…"
The two girls sat in silence for a few moments. Kagome sat up and turned to Sango. Her mind kept wandering to the past and had been doing so for quite some time now, maybe she should share.
"Sango…" She paused, almost weary to begin and her stomach twisted in knots as her tongue formed the words that kept bouncing in her head, "Do you remember the first time you…" Kagome blushed and steeled her resolve. Looking her friend in the eye, she asked, "Do you remember the first time you had an orgasm?"
Sango's eyes widened and then she blushed as she thought about her husband. Miroku had been her first… he had been her first everything to be honest. She was the traditional bride in that sense and having only been married for a few years now, did not dull her memory to what she experienced when she was fully joined with him for the first time.
Sango nodded, "It was with Miroku… on our wedding night. It was the most amazing night of my life." She blushed at the topic of their conversation but decided that they could be adults and discuss these sorts of things without giggling like schoolgirls.
Kagome nodded as she delved into her mind, searching for memories, "Can you imagine sharing that with anyone other than him?"
Sango quickly shook her head. Even thinking about another man like that made Sango feel as though she were betraying her husband.
Kagome bit her lip and ran another hand through her hair. Maybe she shouldn't talk about this, but it kept gnawing at her. She just needed to let it off her chest, "Do you remember the man from my office?"
Sango frowned but nodded as she recalled the morning her friend cried in her arms, "Yes." Sango eyed the girl who sat fidgeting just a few feet in front of her. Kagome looked to be on the verge of a mental breakdown. It was actually Sango who had suggested to the medical board to grant Kagome a leave of absence although she would never admit it to her. Kagome was starting to seriously worry her. When it was quiet for a few more moments, Sango sat up and leaned forward, "Kagome, do you regret what happened with him?"
"No." Her response was quick and sure. Kagome brought her knees beneath her chin and looked at her friend. Hesitating for only a moment, she continued, "Although, there was another time that I didn't tell you about…"
Sango stared at her friend incredulously, "There was more than just those two times?"
"There was one other time, before I married Inuyasha."
Sango started for a moment but seemed at a loss for words so Kagome continued, "Inuyasha was my first, but…"
Kagome stared out the window of the cabin remembering the night she first shared with Sesshoumaru, "Sesshoumaru gave me my first orgasm…" She blushed and bit her lip as the tender memory resurfaced in her mind. Revealing something that she never thought she'd ever tell anybody seemed to release some of the stress that she'd been storing up for too long, "It was in this cabin."
Sango looked stunned. This was definitely not was she expected when she decided to join Kagome on a weekend away.
Sango's brows furrowed, "But I thought the first time you two had sex was in the hotel?"
"That's true." Kagome's eyes dimmed as she looked out the window, recalling how the rain pelted hard on the window panes that night, "The first time we had sex was in the hotel, but…" She paused and ran her hand through her hair as a shy smile brought a rosy glow to her face.
"Oh!" Sango blushed and her mouth clicked shut as the miko squirmed slightly under her gaze.
They both were silent for a few moments before Sango regained her nerve, her curiosity winning out over her bashfulness, "Didn't Inuyasha ever… I mean," She chided herself for her embarrassment, after all, they were both doctors and she'd heard some crazy stuff in her profession but this was a little different. She knew Kagome. But she decided to go for it anyway, "The first time is always the hardest. I've heard that some don't usually get to… um, experience, um, pleasure the first time around…"
Kagome gave a small chuckle, "We didn't only have sex that first time before I was with Sesshoumaru, you know…"
Sango looked shocked, "I must be misunderstanding you… Basically, you're telling me that before Sesshoumaru came along, Inuyasha was never able to make you…" Sango blushed but continued, "You know…"
Kagome shook her head.
"What about foreplay?"
Evidently, Sango had cast her inhibitions to the wind!
Laughing, Kagome replied, "Inuyasha was never patient enough for that."
At that, both girls laughed.
It grew quiet again after that but it wasn't long before Sango's curiosity again overcame her, "So it never felt good with Inuyasha?"
Kagome shook her head adamantly, "That's not what I mean. With Inuyasha, it always felt good, but… He always left me feeling…"
"Unsatisfied?"
"Yes!" Kagome's eyes snapped up to Sango. "I mean, of course it didn't stay that way! But I just… I learned that I had to, um… guide Inuyasha." She was sure she looked like a tomato but all of this was helping alleviate a little bit of tension.
Sango nodded in understanding, but there was something that was still off kilter, "How does Sesshoumaru play into all of this?"
Kagome sighed and again looked as though she was delving into her mind, almost as if she were reliving an old memory, "It was Sesshoumaru who taught me how to do that…"
Sango furrowed her brows in confusion, "How?"
Eyes glazed over and voice low, Kagome looked past Sango and out the window once more, "He guided me…" She closed her eyes briefly and recalled how his hands glided over her skin with an experience hand, "My most intimate moments have always been with him…"
The keys clattered to the ground and she jumped as a clash of thunder echoed through the night. Shivering and drenched she bent down to look for the keys that had fallen. She cursed under her breath at the darkness of the night as she continued to feel along the muddy earth for her keys.
And then a light came on. Looking up from her kneeling position in the muddy grass, she saw the door to the cabin open and a warm light spilled over her dank form. Teeth chattering, she knew she was a sorry sight, but didn't care as she recognized the form of her ex-boyfriend's older brother. Standing, she hurriedly made her way to the door.
She could feel the warmth coming from inside the small cabin and glared at the youkai that stood in her way. He wasn't supposed to be there. And he sure wasn't supposed to be half naked in there either!
A particularly strong gust of wind caused a violent shiver to course through the girl and her teeth chattered in response. Looking up pleadingly at the familiar youkai, he nodded slightly and stepped aside to allow her entrance.
"Why are you here?"
Kagome stood wet and cold at the front entrance, shivering in response to his question. He arched a brow at the sorry sight she made and pointed in the direction of the bathroom.
"We will talk when you are clean."
Kagome quickly bowed in thanks and rushed into the bathroom. The sound of running water quickly met his ears and he shook his head. It seemed it was going to be a long night.
…
She pulled the blanket around herself a little bit more tightly as she curled up on the couch directly opposite the still half dressed youkai who sat staring at her none to kindly.
"Why are you here?"
Kagome glared back at him, "I just wanted a place to come and think. I didn't know you were going to be here."
"You have stopped seeing the hanyou. You are trespassing."
Kagome stared back at him incredulously, "You can't be serious."
He merely arched a brow in her direction.
Kagome frowned, "Inuyasha and I are still friends, you know…"
Again there was silence.
Kagome huffed in annoyance. Sesshoumaru had a way of just getting under her skin. Even now as she stared out the window, she could feel his eyes on her… waiting for an explanation.
She couldn't take it anymore!
"He just wanted to have sex all the time!" Kagome blushed as she realized what she'd just blurted out. Where the hell did that come from?
Sesshoumaru watched the girl turn several shades of red before she turned her eyes back to the window. She was such an odd creature…
"Your sex life is not my concern, miko."
Kagome clenched her teeth and muttered something beneath her breath.
"Would you care to test that theory?"
Kagome's breath caught in her throat. Eyes widening, she turned her bug-eyed gaze to the inuyoukai across from her. Perhaps her best bet was to just play dumb, "What?"
She watched him stand, his silver hair falling over his shoulders as he approached the girl who now curled tighter in the blanket. He bent over and her eyes widened as his lips ghosted over her ear.
"Did you not say that this Sesshoumaru would be no better in bed than your past lover?"
Kagome stammered and tried her best to keep her mortification at bay, "I didn't say that!"
Sesshoumaru stood, a pleased smirk now gracing his features at the rosy hue that colored the girl, "But you did."
Embarrassment pushed aside, Kagome stood and glared at him, "Goodnight." She turned to make her way to her room, but his words stopped her in her hasty retreat.
"I know of your predicament."
Her stomach had lodged itself in her throat and a pink tinge colored her cheeks as she slowly turned and caught her companion's gaze, "What are you talking about?"
"You're ignorance of this pleasure is quite… intriguing."
Kagome glared at him, "What, pray-tell, are you talking about?"
"An orgasm."
She stepped back in quiet shock. How could he, of all people, know? Taking a calming breath, she tried to mask her surprise at his insight. "My sex life is none of your business, and I am not ignorant of 'this pleasure' as you so call it!" She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him.
He looked at her, a mischievous look passing his features, "Is that so?" He stepped toward her.
Kagome's glare promptly withdrew at his proximity and her confidence waned.
Sesshoumaru smirked, "My ears are better than you would think… and you are not the quietest of lovers…"
Kagome pulled the blanket around her more firmly, now all too aware that she was utterly exposed beneath the damn thing as the pink on her cheeks darkened to a deep red but she remained quiet and stood her ground, holding fast to her lie.
"You are lying, miko. It does not become you."
Kagome started, "I am NOT-"
"But, your situation can be remedied if you still care to test your theory?"
Kagome stopped short with his offer. Had he really just done what she thought he had. Eyebrows furrowing in confusion and anger brewing in her mind she stepped up, "I am NOT having sex with you! Ever! I don't care how good you think you are, you arrogant, pompous-"
"I never said anything about sex…"
Kagome's mouth shut with an audible click as her eyes grew wide. Had her clothing not been drying, she would have taken them and left, even in this terrible storm. Instead she turned and made her way to her room, slamming the door loudly behind her.
She leaned back against the door, not bothering to turn on the light. Hands trembling and pride battered, she closed her eyes and fought against the heat that was rising in her body at his offer. She was upset with herself, upset that he was able to get a rise out of her. That arrogant jerk. She could almost see that cocky little smirk on his face. He didn't deserve the satisfaction of knowing that he'd aroused her. Even if his offer was fairly tempting.
She bit her lip and her fingers played with the fabric of the blanket wrapped around her. Her mind wandered and she thought about Inuyasha and she frowned. Sex with him was not bad, it just wasn't… enough. Not that he cared to notice!
Although there was still an offer… a very tempting offer. She sighed as she felt her body heating up again. Surely he wasn't serious! Was he?
She turned and placed her hand on the doorknob. What would she say?
'Yes, give me an orgasm please!'
No. That wouldn't work.
Knock. Knock.
She jumped at the sound, "Y-Yes?"
"Your clothes are finished."
Kagome sighed in relief. Finally, an escape! She opened the door and found Sesshoumaru standing there, still half naked. Still so tempting. And she wanted. She yearned. And she couldn't help herself.
"What exactly did you mean by no sex?"
Sesshoumaru smirked. This was going to be interesting…
…
A soft moan escaped Kagome's lips. Trembling and somewhat frightened, she grasped a firm shoulder as her eyes rolled back into her head.
"Sesshoumaru?"
Her breathy whisper caught his attention and he gently pushed his fingers a little harder against her. A sharp cry came from her throat and her head fell back against the pillows on her bed. It felt wrong… almost like she was betraying Inuyasha somehow.
Sesshoumaru traced his lips over her pulse, nipping slightly. His hand gently traced the curve of her thigh before again rubbing tenderly against a particularly sensitive spot. Her whole body twitched at the unexpected contact. Drawing in a ragged breath, she blinked in the darkness.
"I will stop if you wish me to do so."
Kagome bit her lip in indecision. Kami it felt good, definitely different than what she'd experienced with Inuyasha. She could feel his hands on her waist, as he waited for her to answer. She felt him draw up slightly and she brought her gaze to meet his. He braced himself above her, one forearm moving next to her head as his other hand traced patterns on her inner thigh. Her brows furrowed as she averted her eyes to the windowpane. He waited for her answer.
She paused not really sure how or what she wanted to say. Heated and wanting, the girl trembled beneath him, frightened but nonetheless trusting.
Sesshoumaru looked down at the girl beneath him. Completely exposed and clearly terrified, he could easily recognize what she wanted. He brought his lips to her ear and slowly brought the hand on her thigh a little higher, "You will tell me what you want."
Kagome felt her hands grip the blanket beneath her and blushed, her inexperience clearly evident in her reactions. Blue eyes now wide with both anticipation and trepidation, she looked at him and her voice wavered at the practiced ease that reflected in his gaze, "I don't know what I want…"
She heard him laugh quietly above her before the warmth of his lips ghosted over her collarbone. Gasping in pleasure, she felt him gently slip a single digit within her. Sesshoumaru nipped at her neck before bringing his lips to her ear, the low tone of his voice only heightening her bliss, "You will." She stifled a groan, eyes fluttering shut as he began a steady rhythm making her hips reflexively thrust towards the intrusion.
And so the rain fell, pelting hard on the windowpane.
"I cried afterwards…"
Sango looked up to her friend. Kagome was still staring out the window, a stunned look etched on her face.
"Why?"
Blinking, the look disappeared as she focused her gaze on Sango, "I think… it scared me."
Sango's brows furrowed in confusion but she remained silent to allow Kagome to continue.
"I'd never shared something so…" She bit her lip and closed her eyes as she remembered the sensation, "Personal…"
She blinked and blushed as she looked back at Sango, her blue eyes bright despite the sadness that seemed to echo with the memory.
"He held me that night. He never said a word. He was very…" She paused as she looked for the right word, but even as it came off her tongue, the word didn't seem to accurately describe him, "Gentle."
Vaguely, Kagome began to recognize the soft pit-patter of raindrops falling against the cabin. The feel of the softness of the bed returned to her mind and even the coolness of the room against her heated body alerted her to the regaining of her senses. Muscles quivering, and body trembling, Kagome could now feel his tongue languidly licking her inner thigh before his lips began to trail a path back up to her neck.. Eyes still closed and hands tightly grasping at the sheets, she lay panting softly in the dark. Slowly she released the white knuckled grip on the blanket beneath her. An occasional shudder worked its way down her spine at the feel of his warm breath drifting over her collar.
She had been rendered speechless.
Unsure and quite shocked at the whole event, she felt a familiar sting behind her closed eyes. She clenched her teeth and her brows furrowed as she tried to hide her sentiment. It was not long before a warm liquid squeezed out the corner of her eye. She didn't even know why she felt like this. Rolling onto her side, she turned away from the youkai who had again braced himself above her. She didn't want him to see her like this.
The bed shifted beneath her and she felt him move away. It only made her heart ache more. She felt something soft being placed over her and she held it like a lifeline, immediately drawing it over her naked flesh.
She felt a dip in the bed under his weight again and she sat up, keeping the blanket he'd placed over her against her body. Confused, tired and teary-eyed, she looked at the youkai who was settling himself on her bed.
Softly, Sesshoumaru grasped the young woman and pulled her close to him. She tucked her head beneath his chin and softly began to weep. A quiet rumble vibrated in his chest at her unrest, and soon the soothing sound calmed her. She began to relax in his arms and it wasn't long before her breathing evened out and her heart beat slowed with the signs of slumber.
…
The sound of chirping came to Kagome's ears and she stirred. Blue eyes blinking lazily in the morning sun, she felt oddly secure even as she glanced around the foreign room.
She looked out the window, squinting in the morning sun. The storm had stopped… the storm…
Kagome stiffened on the bed as a rush of memories flooded her mind… And then he moved.
Drawing back from her she felt his arm that had been draped around her waist recede as he sat up. It was quiet for what seemed like forever. And then he spoke.
"We will not speak of what happened. Agreed?" His words were cold… empty.
Kagome sat up facing the opposite direction that he currently sat. Heart aching and mind reeling, her voice was low when she responded, "Nothing happened…"
"Indeed." He stood and walked out of the room, leaving a stunned and relieved miko sitting on the bed.
"Tell me again…"
She heard a sigh on the end of the phone line at her request. It was a conversation that they'd had on several occasions and each time the answer was the same… but this time was different. She'd never called him at two in the morning. Kagome sat outside of the cabin, her cell phone locked in a death grip. "You knew…"
His silence made her hold her breath and she gripped the receiver a little tighter, "Inuyasha, please tell me…"
"Yes."
She closed her eyes and couldn't fight the tears that fell from her eyes, "Why didn't you ever tell me?" She whispered back to him in a dejected voice.
She heard him sigh again, "I didn't want it to change things between us."
Kagome sniffled and ran a hand through her hair. "I'm so sorry…"
Inuyasha was quiet for a long time before he responded, "I couldn't be with you knowing that I… that I couldn't make you feel the way he did."
She nodded silently, even knowing that he couldn't see her through the phone line. "I understand." She whispered brokenly.
"Kagome, I'm sorry… when he told me about the cabin-"
"When did he tell you?" She interrupted softly.
He was silent for just a few moments, "Our wedding night…"
Kagome felt like she'd been slammed with a ton of bricks as realization sunk in, "That's why you didn't mark me that night…"
She could almost feel his shame over the line as a fresh bout of tears spilled from her blue eyes.
"Kagome, I tried…"
She sniffled again, "I know, Inuyasha… I know…"
"I know we weren't together then…" His voice was pained.
Kagome shook her head at his statement, "We were always together, Inuyasha… even when we weren't dating."
It was silent for a long time before he spoke, "There are things that we both could have done better…"
Kagome smiled weakly against the phone even as she felt an ache form in her chest, "Do you love her?"
His silence was all she needed, but hearing the words only confirmed what she already knew. "Yes."
Bowing her head in defeat, she sniffled again and relaxed her hold on the phone.
It grew quiet as she tried her best to keep it together and softly, tenderly, she said to him, "Make sure she knows."
He paused and she could almost feel the peace that he was undoubtedly feeling at this moment. It seemed to be the closure they both needed.
"Goodnight, Kagome."
Feeling her throat constrict in her inner turmoil, she blinked to clear her vision.
"Goodbye… Inuyasha."
She set the phone next to her and closed her eyes as her body began to tremble. Months after the divorce, she finally relented and cried softly for a true love now lost.
Several Years Ago: The Morning of the Wedding
"Dun dun dun dun! Dun dun dun dun! Dun dun dun dun, dun dun dun, dun dun dun!"
Kagome crossed her eyes and threw her makeshift bouquet of socks at her brother, Souta.
"Knock it off! You've been humming the wedding theme all morning, by the time I have to walk down the aisle, I'll go crazy!"
Souta smirked, "Well you don't have to worry about that, I changed the music to play the opening theme of Star Wars."
"You did WHAT?"
Souta smiled cheekily, "Doesn't make the wedding bells sound so irritating anymore, does it?"
"Souta!"
Kagome hurled a bottle of hairspray at her brother as she came out her bathroom, "What are you doing in here anyway, shouldn't you be helping Mom with the preparations?" Kagome sat in front of the vanity in her room and started fixing her makeup.
Souta grimaced. He'd been helping out with everything for the last 3 days. "Mou… Kagome, I don't want to go down there! Mom's just going to yell at me: 'Souta, get the flowers! Souta, did you call the photographer? Souta, stop drinking the champagne!'"
Kagome's eyes darkened as she turned towards her little brother, "Champagne?"
Souta smiled sheepishly but Kagome's eyes only got darker. Laughing nervously, he pointed at the door, "I think Mom needs my help downstairs! See ya, sis!"
"Don't drink the champagne, you little brat!" Kagome smiled as her brother disappeared downstairs.
"Hello, Mrs. Taisho!"
"Oh!" Kagome turned and saw Inuyasha climbing in her window and she smiled. Standing up, she walked over to him and placed her arms around his neck, "Hello, future husband! What are you doing climbing into my room?"
Inuyasha gave her an affectionate kiss on the lips as his hands grasped her waist, "I just wanted to see my future bride before the wedding…" His hands strayed further down and he gave her a playful squeeze on the butt.
"Uh-Uh!" Kagome pulled away and shook her finger at him, smiling all the while, "Save it for tonight, mister!"
Inuyasha's ears flattened against his head, "But Kagome," he whined, "We're practically married already."
Kagome smiled, "But not yet! Just think of it this way," she said as she gave him kiss on the lips and traced one of his ears with her fingertips, "If you can be patient for just a little while longer, I'll make sure I make it up to you…"
Inuyasha blushed and pulled her closer to himself, "You better." Smiling, he kissed her and stepping back to the window, leapt out, leaving her to continue preparing for the wedding.
"And don't you come sneaking in here later while I'm getting ready! It's bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress!"
She heard him huff his consent and she smiled.
Today was going to be the best day of her life!
…
Crash!
The girls in Kagome's prep room suddenly quieted and Kagome stood in her wedding dress, alarmed at the sound of breaking glass outside her door. Angry voices and yells could be heard from outside and a murmur started amongst the ladies in her room. Hushing them, Kagome made her way to the door.
"I'll kill you, you piece of shit!" Inuyasha lunged forward, claws and teeth bared as Kagome opened the door.
"Inuyasha!" She gasped, as she watched him charge forward.
"Don't you know it's rude to attack your guests?"
"Sesshoumaru?" Kagome looked up to see her future brother-in-law sidestep Inuyasha's attack.
Stepping out of the room, she ran toward Inuyasha and grabbed him by the shoulders, "Inuyasha stop! What are you doing? I invited him!"
Inuyasha shook himself out of Kagome's grasp and gave her a pained look.
Confused, she reached out to comfort him, but he stepped back and out of her reach. "Inuyasha? What happened?"
"Perhaps I should have just mailed my wedding gift." Sesshoumaru smirked at the hanyou and nodded politely at the miko, "I don't want to cause anymore outbursts, after all, this is a special occasion. I will take my leave. Congratulations."
"Wait, Sesshoumaru, you don't have to go. Inuyasha can behave himself." She gave Inuyasha a pointed look as she tried to rectify the situation.
Sesshoumaru paused just briefly to look at her, "It would be better if I left." He made to turn, but looking back once more, he looked Kagome over, "You know, they say it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress…"
Inuyasha snarled and made to attack again but Kagome stopped him. By the time she turned back around, Sesshoumaru was gone.
The phone vibrated on his desk and he stared at it in annoyance. His ward looked up from her spot on the floor in his office and dismissing the phone, she returned back to coloring her book.
Sesshoumaru easily grabbed the small device, a brow arching as he read the screen.
Incoming text.
Unlocking the device, he easily opened the message. His eyes briefly darkened as he read the message.
-Why did you tell Inuyasha about that night? -Kagome.-
…
Kagome placed the phone on the counter. Sango had left for the city a few hours before, leaving Kagome alone in the cabin to think over what had happened in the past ten years. When she put the events of the past years into place, she was left with a very intriguing outline. And it didn't make sense at first… until she included a trait that was firmly ingrained in the taiyoukai's nature. It made her blood run cold.
A familiar jingle sang in the quiet cabin and Kagome quickly grabbed her cell phone.
Incoming text.
~Where are you?~
Kagome's breath hitched in her throat. Pulse racing she began to deftly run her fingers over the familiar keys of her phone.
…
Sesshoumaru slipped on his shoes and stepped outside, leaving a squawking Jaken behind to tend to his ward. He stepped into his car as his phone began to vibrate.
-You already know.-
Sesshoumaru stared at the message for a long while as his mind delved back to a stormy night with a young miko. Starting his car, he shifted gears and, before he pulled out onto the road, had already typed a response and was sending it to the miko.
…
Kagome paced in the living room, clutching her phone as she waited for a response. It was not long before it rang.
~Expect me in a few hours.~
She placed the phone on the counter and slowly sat down on the couch, a shudder working its way down her spine. There was quite a bit of time before he would arrive… Even so, Kagome couldn't help but think even that wasn't enough to prepare her for this visit.
…
THUNK!
Kagome bit her lip and notched another arrow. She wasn't sure how long she'd been out there but it couldn't be much longer until he arrived. Her nerves were shot to hell and her stomach was twisting in knots. She tried to sleep but it never came. She hadn't even eaten anything.
The sound of something snapping reached her ears and she quickly turned, arrow notched and ready. Heart beating loudly in her ears, Kagome slowly lowered her bow when she didn't see anything.
And then she realized that she might have just impaled the person she needed to see… Sighing, she placed the arrow back in its quiver. Perhaps it was too late to practice archery. Night and archery wasn't the best of mixes…
"Why did you come here?"
Kagome let out a startled gasp at the low baritone and swung her bow back to strike, but a firm grasp on her wrist kept the weapon from its intended target.
"Miko, calm yourself."
Recognizing the voice, Kagome let the bow drop softly from her clutch. Turning slightly, she found the golden gaze of her expected visitor. She stared at him for a long time, her eyes hard and pained. He hadn't changed much from when she last saw him… not that he ever did.
"Miko."
She blinked, her blue eyes shining in the light of the moon. He released her hand and watched as she steeled herself for what she was about to say.
"You told Inuyasha."
He stood there impassively, seemingly uncaring of the pain he'd caused her.
Angry, she met his gaze, "How could you tell him! And on my wedding night!" Confused she shook her head, trying to understand his intentions, "Why? Why would you tell him about that night at the cabin?"
He made no move to answer, no change in his expression. Stepping forward she felt her fortitude slip slightly and her anger quickly gave way to misery. Eyes now watering, she blinked to clear her gaze and warm liquid slid down her cheeks, "I don't care about the agreement we made that night. You're going to talk to me about this."
He arched a brow, his irritation rising under the authoritative tone she'd just used.
"Were you trying to hurt me?"
He growled slightly in annoyance loud enough for her to hear it. She stepped forward as the pink glow around her seemed to ripple and spike.
…
The sound of a forceful smack seemed to linger in the otherwise silent night.
All was still.
It seemed even the trees has stopped breathing in this moment. But one miko had no remorse for the blow she'd just dealt the arrogant youkai.
Tears now spilling over freely, she kept her distraught gaze on taiyoukai who had just allowed her to strike his person. He deserved it. She knew that he knew it and that's why he didn't prevent it. If he felt anything, in this moment, she could not read him.
The pink glow that once surrounded her had dulled considerably and now seemed to retreat inside of her. Dropping her hand back to her side, she turned from him and began to walk to her car, only the subtle tone of a whisper coming from her lips, "Congratulations, Sesshoumaru… You succeeded."
Broken and hurt, she made her way to her car, got inside and left.
A/N: Alrighty people, don't get mad... Ok you can get mad! I'm working on the fourth and final chapter now. I hope it won't take a year to finish. I just hate it when Inuyasha is always the bad guy. So, he has a good reason now for his behavior. So everybody, give love to our obnoxiously adorable hanyou! And you can throw things at me all you like!