Once again, I give my apologies for the delay. My computer got a virus and it took forever to get rid of. And just so you know, the poem is by me. I thought it fit Kagura's point of view. But anyways, I must take the time to thank my faithful readers. If it weren't for you guys, I wouldn't spend my time writing this story. As always, please R&R!

(Stay away from me, lawyers! I don't own Inuyasha or any of its characters.)

Kagura chewed on the end of her pen with a notebook in her lap. Sesshoumaru had gone back to work today, and she was all alone. Her thoughts were frequently distracted from her project. The day after the fair, Sesshoumaru had suggested a small "job" for her. She wasn't amused by the idea, to say the least.

-Flashback-

"Did you ride the short bus? I'm trying to hide from Naraku, not industrialize myself!"

"I'll have you know I walked to school. Nonetheless, you can be anonymous. The winner will get a 2,000 dollar prize."

"Hell, I probably won't even win. They wouldn't like what I have to offer."

"Your personality is just what people want to hear about. Remember, you'll need money to purchase clothing."

"I suppose you have helped me out a lot. It's time I do something for myself. And, it is a lot of money; money that I need."

-Present-

So here she sat: two days to come up with a poem that was worth 2,000 dollars. It seemed highly unlikely that she would win. Regardless, it couldn't hurt to try. She tapped the pen on her knee.

"What can I write?" she asked herself.

In school, she would jot down whatever ideas that were assigned to her. Her teachers were always quick to judge the darkness of her essays or stories. Even so, she would maintain good grades. But now, she had nothing to work from. No motivation or charisma, except for the reward. She found her thoughts drifting to Sesshoumaru, making her realize a sudden longing. Ugh, I'm used to being alone. What the hell's wrong with me? She cleared her mind, trying to focus on the work to be done. Kagura stared at the paper. I've got 'til Wednesday. That's plenty time to come up with something. Maybe if I rest a bit…

She lay back on the soft sofa, closing her eyes. Her mind gave her no peace, even in sleep.

This was the first time she'd dreamt of her mother in years. Still, her inviting smile warmed Kagura's heart. Muzaki motioned for Kagura to come to her.

"I love you, but I must go." she said to her daughter.

Kagura reached out, begging her to stay. Her mother raised a hand, pointing to her right. Sesshoumaru appeared beside her. He was facing Kagura, both hands in his pockets. She looked back to her mother, confused.

"It's alright. Let go, my child." Muzaki whispered, waving goodbye.

Kagura stopped and watched her mother disappear. What had she meant? She ran to where Muzaki had been. Naraku appeared behind her, placing a hand on her shoulder. She turned to look at him. He gave her a smirk, tightening his grip. She felt herself being pulled backwards. Kagura looked up, but no one was there but her father.

"Sesshoumaru, where are you? You're the only one that can help me!" she screamed to the darkness.

She sat up, startled. Beads of sweat were rolling down her face and neck. What was that all about? She stood, deciding a cold glass of water would help. Was she tryin' to tell me something?

After recovering from her strange dream, she found the blank parchment on the floor. What was Mom saying? What do I have to let go of? She remembered Sesshoumaru's role in her dream. Why was he there? And, why didn't he help me? That jerk, he would've done somethin' in real-life. I know he cares about me, whether he wants to admit it or not. Her eyes widened. Plopping down on the sofa, she began to write.

After signing it with a fake name, she sealed it into an envelope and walked outside. I don't care if I win or not. She walked to the mailbox and placed the letter inside. Still, it is a lot of money. Feeling exhausted, she returned inside to rest. For the next few days, she had nothing to do but wait.

-Wednesday-

It was finally the day that the winner of the contest would be revealed. She hadn't told Sesshoumaru the contents of her poem, leaving him in suspense. He figured it was something about hating men or animals. The winner would be announced at exactly 8:00pm on the 95.9 station. They were listening to the radio in the bedroom. She turned the dial, trying to find the correct signal. Then she heard it.

"Alright everyone, it's time to announce a winner for the 'Best Poem of the Century' contest! It took many long hours, but it's finally been decided."

Kagura held her breath, crossing her fingers.

"Here it is, folks. The winner is…Ella Vator!"

(Wonder if she has a cousin named Esca Lator lol)

Sesshoumaru shrugged his shoulders.

"Better luck next time, I guess."

Kagura raised a hand to her mouth. That's the fake name I used! Not very realistic, but it's all I could think of. Holy shit, I won! She looked at Sesshoumaru and smiled.

"That's the best you could do, Ella Vator?"

"Bite me. I still won, didn't I?" she replied smugly.

"As an addition to winning, Ella will recite her poem on the air tomorrow! Congratulations, Ms. Vator! Come by at noon to collect your prize and share your work with the listeners!"

She switched off the radio, horrified. I can't do that! What if Naraku listens? He'll recognize my voice in an instant! She gave Sesshoumaru a worried look.

"Hmph, it seems you're just too chicken." He stood from the bed, crossing his arms.

"I'm not chicken!" she exclaimed.

In a second, he was facedown in a pillow and she was sitting on his back.

"Say uncle," she grunted, twisting his arm up to his shoulder blade.

"I don't think so…"

With that, he rolled over and flipped her around. He had both knees against her outer-thighs and held her wrists above her head with one hand. His other hand drifted lazily to his side. Their faces were inches apart, yet he didn't draw away.

"Chicken," he taunted.

"Childish bastard..."

He tried to concentrate on her words but the aroma of her hair was intoxicating. It smelled of his shampoo, only sweeter. Her cheeks were flushed, and her lips were lightly parted. Their eyes locked. He expected the scorching butterflies to return, but they didn't. There were no feelings of discomfort between them.

"What's your problem?"

"I'll take it back after you read your poem on the radio," he stated, rising off her.

"Fine!" Kagura exclaimed. She sat up, as well.

After dinner, they both fell asleep as soon as their heads touched the pillows. It had been an exhausting day for Sesshoumaru. His secretary was throwing flirty hints at him, as always. The printer in the maintenance room was malfunctioning, so everyone asked to use his. One of his co-workers had spotted him and Kagura at the fair, and quickly spread the news around. It felt so good to sleep after the long day.

The next morning, Kagura woke earlier than Sesshoumaru, which rarely happened. She figured he must've been exhausted to sleep this late. He's usually up at 7:30 every morning. It's almost 10:00 now! She shrugged, gathering her things for the shower.

While undressing, she heard a knock on the door. Damn it, I get no peace.

"What?" she asked in an irritated tone.

"I have to use the bathroom," he replied.

"Sorry, you'll have to wait 'til I get done." She continued undressing and turned the water on.

"It can't wait, Kagura." She ignored him and stepped into the shower.

"That's too bad," she said, closing the shower curtain.

Suddenly, the door flung open. She peeked around the curtain to see Sesshoumaru standing in the doorway, an aggravated look on his face.

"What do you think you're doing?!" she exclaimed.

"I'm using it, whether you're in here or not." He walked toward the toilet, reaching into the front of his boxers.

"You'll pay for this!"

She tried to go on washing her hair, but it felt awkward. An irresistible urge made her hand pull the shower curtain back a little. She peered forward, gasping when she saw his size. Just keeps surprising me. He was leaning forward, with his eyes closed and one hand against the wall in front of him. It was strangely alluring to her, yet gross. His t-shirt hung loosely around the chiseled muscles of his arms and chest. She looked back to his face. He was smirking at her.

"Would you hurry up?" she asked, slamming the curtain shut.

"And you call me a pervert…" he said while washing his hands.

The door shut before she could respond. Asshole, he has no modesty! Did he even care if I saw him? Actually, I think he was enjoying it…She tried to finish her shower as fast as possible. After drying her hair and body, she put on a short tan skirt and a maroon tank top, (it was supposed to be very hot outside). She slipped her small feet into a pair of black flip-flops. It took her a matter of minutes to apply make-up and fling her hair up in a loose bun. She opened the door to let the hot steam out. Hmph, I'll get him back now. She grabbed her small bottle of strawberry-scented lotion from the medicine cabinet and walked to the bedroom. She dabbed a bit into her hand and propped her leg up on the side of the bed.

"Sesshoumaru," she called.

"What do you need?"

"Can you come to the bedroom?" Hearing footsteps in the hallway, she started to rub the lotion onto her raised leg.

He stopped in the doorway and watched her. She gently caressed her slender calf with both hands, smoothing the substance into her skin.

"I'm sorry about earlier. Next time, I'll leave the bathroom when you tell me." He was taken aback by her willingness to even bring up the subject.

"Anything else?" he asked.

She smiled to herself. He was making an excuse to stay and watch her. Is this what he felt like when he caught me looking at him? She switched legs, putting more lotion in her hand.

"Actually, I was wondering if you can stay up here with me for a while. I get pretty lonely, sometimes."

"It's almost noon. We have to leave."

"Boring old goat," she mumbled, putting her leg on the floor.

It was a short drive to the radio station, so they made it on time. Sesshoumaru wouldn't admit it, but he was anxious to hear her poem. Since it won, it must be good. They walked inside and introduced themselves. After many questions, they confirmed that she was the author of the winning piece. Kagura was told the rules of live airing.

"Nothing political or gang related, no profanity, explicit sexual content, racial slurs, or 'rights' rants."

They were led to a small room that had six chairs with microphones and headphones on the table in front of them. The broadcaster entered and sat in a seat, motioning for them to join him.

"There's nothing to be nervous about, okay?" the man assured her.

She nodded and put the headphones over her ears, scooting up to the microphone. Sesshoumaru sat beside her to make her feel more comfortable. The man handed her the poem.

"You just have to this. I won't make you answer the callers' questions if you don't want to," he whispered.

She cleared her throat, preparing herself. Maybe I can make my voice softer so that no one recognizes it. The paper was shaking in her hand. Sesshoumaru noticed her discomfort. Herr other hand was in her lap, fidgeting wildly. He put his hand on top of it, trying to console her. She didn't dare look at him. It would only increase her nervousness. Still, it felt a bit comforting. The broadcaster flipped a switch and began to speak.

"Welcome to 95.9 Crazy Dog in the afternoon. I've got Ms. Ella here and she's gonna read her winning poem live. Comment callers are accepted but no questions, please. Okay, everyone give it up for Ella Vator!" He pushed a button that impersonated an applauding crowd.

She cleared her throat again, tightening her grip on Sesshoumaru's hand. They waited for her to start.

"Um, hi. Th-this is Ella. Hope you like my poem, it's called 'One Day'."

She looked over to Sesshoumaru, who gave her a coaxing nod. The broadcaster gave a small thumbs-up. She took a deep breath, and began.

"You'll admit one day

But don't get me wrong

When that someday comes

I could be gone.

You'll admit one day

First, please realize

I won't hang around

For you to decide.

You'll admit one day

So I'll be legit

If it can't be soon

Then I'm gonna split.

You'll admit one day

And suck up your pride

But 'til that day comes

I'll go hitch a ride.

You admit one day

But now it can't be

It took you too long

And you just lost me."

There was a long pause before the broadcaster spoke up.

"See why this is the winner? Well, you sink that in while we get our hankies." He flicked the switch and music started to play.

Sesshoumaru pulled his hand away, replacing his stone mask. The broadcaster stood and shook both of their hands. Well, I'm glad I got that off my chest. He isn't acting any different, though. Kagura was told to sign a number of papers before she could collect her money. It surprised her that it was straight cash instead of a check. On the other hand, she enjoyed holding the new bills.

The rest of the day went on its usual course: Kagura worked-out and watched T.V. while Sesshoumaru stayed in his den. She looked at the door that separated them. Apparently, I didn't make myself clear. She turned off the television and knocked loudly on the door. No answer; she knocked again. He's not gonna ignore me all day. I won't allow it! She turned the doorknob and pushed the door open.

"I swear, you-" she stopped. He was leaned back in his chair behind the desk, asleep.

She tip-toed in the room, trying not to wake him. Standing over him, she noticed how peaceful and stress-free he looked. You're such a jerk, ya know? Still, you are pretty handsome in your sleep. Aw man, what am I thinking? What is wrong with me? I've got to shake this off. He's too proud to say it. At least like this, I can pretend. She gently stroked the hair away from his eyes.

"One day you'll admit it," she whispered, walking out of the room.

Well, it's starting to get the same feel as the anime. She loves him; he plays dumb. Such frustration…yet, I find a favorite pairing from this. Anyways, please R&R.