I get so sidetracked so easily! To try to prevent me straying from the story, I have been writing my spasm thoughts in a journal and they end up as stories too, or at least beginnings. Or maybe I should call them something more like writing prompts instead of spasms.

A few questions for my readers; if you will be so kind as to post a review with the answers. Does the story seem to flow? Has there been too much repetition of facts and thoughts for the characters? Where do you predict this will go (outside of the obvious)? Where the first few chapters too drawn out?

I really look forward to hearing from everyone! Thank you for your support and endurance through all of this!

I do not own Inuyasha but I do own this story.

Behind Closed Eyes

Chapter 7

Putting Her Heart Back Together

Thursday morning came quickly but her slumber had given her no relief. She was still exhausted and now her face was puffy from crying through most of the night. Bleh. She jumped out of bed to get ready, truly grateful for the attached bathroom. I should make sure my next home has one. So convenient. Shower started, she brushed her hair out and undressed and stepped into the hot water. Her mind was still reeling, playing memories and possibilities over and over. When would she stop thinking about the same issues and occurrences? Inuyasha was gone, he had never given up Kikyou when he had promised himself to Kagome. Yet she continued to reflect on where she went wrong. In her heart, however, she knew exactly where she had gone wrong. She had trusted him and in turn he had hurt her and refused to give all of himself. She was a victim to nothing, though, she always gave into him and she thought truly that was how she was suppose to behave. They were suppose to love each other. Love was suppose to be boundless. Love was suppose to be the reason all of the gods envied mortals.

The water had turned cold by the time she exited the shower, clean of a few plaguing thoughts. Hair and teeth brushed, she left wrapped in a towel in search of clothes. The clock on the night stand showed 0630 and she knew she was up too early for a day off. Great day to get things done I guess. Maybe Sango will meet for an early lunch. Dressed in bell-bottomed jeans and a light flowy black tee-shirt, Kagome left the room in search for the kitchen, hopeful that her adventure through the house last night had given her better knowledge to not get lost.

The soft sound of tiny feet hitting the floor caused her to stop. The sounds stopped, immediately followed by giggles. She's trying to sneak up on me! Kagome smiled, letting her hair fall in her face in an effort to cover her knowledge, and she continued on her way. She'd stopped every few steps and look around, making 'hmmm' sounds. One time she looked behind her after proclaiming loudly that she felt like she was being followed. Rin hid behind a decorative vase, giving Kagome enough time to rush ahead and take a quick turn around the next corner.

The turn opened her up into running into Sesshomaru. This happens way too much. She inwardly groaned and slapped her hand over his mouth with a 'shhhh' motion. He raised a perfectly manicured eye brow but stayed quiet. She placed her back against the wall as tight as she could get and removed her hand from his face to watch him follow suit. Rin made a small sound of confusion and turned the corner slowly.

Kagome growled at the child and scoop her into her arms into a tickle tackle. Rin kicked and screamed playfully, resisting capture. Finally getting free she ran to hide behind Sesshomaru, sticking her tongue out in victory.

"I guess you win, Rin." Kagome sighed in feigned defeat.

"No. Rin only got away but to win Rin must scare Kagome with her Ninja skills." She crossed her arms and spoke in a very matter-of-fact way.

"If you say so, but I find the fighting skills you used to get away were proof of any training you have taken." Kagome smiled and turned to walk towards the kitchen, leaving the compliment with the still hiding child.

"Kagome! Wait for Rin!" Hard foot steps followed her and she slowed down. "How did you hear me? Sesshomaru has been teaching me to be very quiet."

"Can you keep a secret?" Kagome winked and placed a finger over her lips to say shhhh.

Rin made a motion to imitate a zipper over her mouth and nodded. "Rin promises so much!" She was jumping with obvious joy.

"I have a magic power, I can feel your presence before I will hear you." Most people called this a sixth sense but Kagome had trained for years to be aware of her surroundings and spread out her aura as feelers. A very rare and not often talked about trait, many shrine women practiced in the art of the miko but only those will the right blood line would hold the actual powers of a shrine priestess. Kagome had never wanted to stay at the shrine, she had always wanted her potential and love for helping to extend beyond her neighborhood.

Rin grabbed Kagome by the hand and pulled her along to the kitchen. "Show me more magic! Please? You can show me at breakfast!"

Kagome had already forgotten about the time and was beginning to wonder why the child was up so early. "Is it too early for breakfast?"

"No silly, Rin eats and Sesshomaru takes Rin to classes." She hopped through the doorway and into the kitchen to sit at the table. "Can Rin have orange juice today?"

He nodded and began working on breakfast. What is going on? She watched for a moment before offering help. He took the offer with a small grunt and handed over the carton of eggs. This will be easy! She started on the omelets, making sure each was fluffy before rolling whatever vegetables he had placed next to her. He was working on the rice and had started a pot of coffee.

Rin was humming to herself, watching them. "Will Kagome go with Sesshomaru to take Rin to school?"

Kagome was a little shocked at the question; she barely knew the little girl. "If Sesshomaru thinks it is alright, I will ride along."

The two adults finished cooking breakfast and set plates full of food on the table. Rin dug in first, excited for the day. Kagome took her time, taking small bites and paying more attention to the coffee. Sesshomaru's primary focus was the coffee and left most of his food untouched on the plate. Kikuko entered the kitchen and began cleaning up their mess, working from one side to the other and finally taking the plates off the table. She offered Rin more juice and refilled the coffee cups. Kikuko is wonderful. Kagome had never had the pleasure of people waiting on her but she imagined Sesshomaru was use to this and took it for granted.

The table was cleared and Kikuko took Rin up to get ready for the day. Sesshomaru instructed that her backpack should be packed a certain way. He requested a more formal dress be set out for a dinner later than command all in the house to attend. He cast a glance to Kagome who sat looking out the lone window in the room. Wondering what she was thinking, he pulled out his cell phone and sent a quick message to another of his aids.

"Kagome." He said her name as a statement, not a question, as if he knew she could respond. "When we return, I have business to attend to before the moving truck gets here."

She seemed confused. A moving truck? "I have not even found a place to live yet."

"Stay here until you have what you need to continue on." his demands on her life were beginning to irritate her but she knew he was doing this all for his company.

"I hate to burden you, hopefully I will find a place during lunch with Sango today." They both stood and went to the front door to wait for Rin.

I hope she does not find a place. His own thoughts threw off his pace and he stepped quickly through the front door and made way for the car. How long had he hidden and denied his feelings from himself? When would he understand how to show affection instead of dominance? He started the car and pulled around to the front steps, Kagome opening the door and buckling Rin into her booster. They all rode in silence, Sesshomaru unsure how to proceed and Kagome under the impression that everything he did was for work. They bid farewell to Rin with a few words to Kaede and made their way back towards the house. Sesshomaru was uncertain of how to have casual conversation not about work. What subjects were fine to talk about? What was taboo?

"When you were sleeping last night, you called out a name; Shippo" He had no tact when personal matters were present.

She looked taken aback. "He is my son."

"I did not realize you had a child."

"I adopted him during my time volunteering with the Kitsune clan in the forests." She assumed now was a better time than any. "You do not have to make conversation with me, I understand that you are only ensuring I am competent for work."

Was he really so harsh? This is how she saw him? "I am genuinely curious about who you are."

Her stomach did a flip. Just yesterday he had told her differently. What was the truth? "For certain reasons, he is living with my mother, brother, and grandfather at the temple. I hope to have him live with me once again when I find a new place."

"Would you like to go pick him up now? We are in town." He even surprised himself.

"Do you know the way to the shrine?" She did not turn to look at him, afraid he would change his mind.

"Yes, we shall go now before lunch."

The rest of the car ride was quiet, neither really knowing what to say. He pulled the car in front of the steps and parked, shutting the car off. She opened the door and walked towards the stairs, unsure if she should invite him up or not. He took the decision away from her, walking next to her; elbows almost touching. He tried not to crowd her but still felt a small urge to protect her. They walked together up the stairs and across a cemented stone pathway. The court yard of the shrine was empty, spotless of plant debris. The shrine had a new coat of paint in an attempt to bring it back to life.

Kagome knocked before entering the house, calling out to the silence. "Mom?" Sesshomaru shut the door behind them.

"Living room, honey." A soft almost whisper came from down the hall.

They walked into the open area, the couch occupied by a small kitsune and an older version of Kagome. This must be her mother and Shippou. Her mother closed her book and removed her glasses, obviously accessing the situation. She moved Shippou from her lap and walked over to them, motioning them out of the room.

"I didn't expect you until Friday, you are a day early." A worried expression crossed her eyes. "Is everything ok?" then looking to the male in the room. "And who are you?"

He extended his hand. "I am Sesshomaru So'unga."

"Kagome's boss?" She took a second before extending her hand and meeting his in a small shake. "I am Mrs. Higurashi."

"It is a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Higurashi." Sesshomaru bowed again and looked around the room, "You have a very comfortable home here."

Kagome lead them into the kitchen and pulled out chairs for everyone but herself. She made her way to the stove and started a kettle of water for tea. The kitchen opened up for her, showing him how well she knew her way around. Cups, tea, sugar bowl, and spoons were set on a tray before she carried them to the table. Sesshomaru watched her intently, not noticing the older woman staring at him in thought.

Kagome walked over to the table and sat down between her mother and Sesshomaru. "Why are you all so quiet?" She asked with a smile, looking around the table.

Mrs. Higurashi looked at Sesshomaru, "What are you all doing today?" She asked politely.

Kagome noticed immediately that her mother was fishing. What are you digging for mom? She took a tea bag from the container and placed it in her cup and began doctoring it in anticipation for the water, pretending to space out while still listening intently.

He looked away from Kagome to look into her mother's eyes and answer, "Kagome has taken the day off to take care of some business." He looked out into the hallway where they had come from just a moment ago when a small sniffle and cough was heard. No one else seemed to hear it so he commented, "I believe Shippou is awake." He looked to Kagome.

An arm halted her as she went to stand. "He will come in here."

As if it was an introduction, Shippou walked into the room with a yawn and an eye rub. His eyes grew to large saucer plates and he cried out "mommy!" before throwing himself on Kagome. She pulled him up onto her lap.

"I have missed you!" She kissed him on his head and nuzzled his ear.

"Momma is early. Happy kit." He buried his head into her chest and heaved a heavy sigh before dozing into sleep.

The kettle whistled behind them. She stood, Shippou in hand, and walked to the stove. Sesshomaru was on her heels in a flurry, offering to help. She was surprised but thankful for the extra hand. It had been a while since she tried to hold her kit and make tea. He carried the kettle to the table and poured water into each cup before returning it to the stove.

The conversed a little, letting the tea warm their innards. She was thankful that he was so easily passive and conversational with her mother. Inuyasha had been kind of abrasive, but had good intentions. However, with Sesshomaru it was as if he were a natural. I guess it comes from running a business. She ran her fingers through Shippou's short red hair and combed his small tail, envious of the imperviousness of a child's being. He was a full blooded fox demon but was still unable to control his fox magic enough to hide the small features. She had looked into schools and classes for him to learn and had even taken to reading a few books. He was having a hard time, but he never showed anything more than love when they were together. He did not care about the species barrier that so many others looked down upon.

Shippou stirred in her arms and she realized she had been asked a question.

"Kagome?" He had asked her a question.

She lit up red with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, I was somewhere else."

"I was explaining to Mrs. Higurashi that I had driven you here while your vehicle was having some maintenance done." He sought for something in her expression, hopeful she did not give away his lies. "And that you had planned on taking Shippou home permanently due to changes in your living situation. "

The silence seemed to spread around them for miles, extending into her very soul. Had he just made another decision for her? What had she missed during the conversation between the two? Her palms were beginning to clam up.

"Is this true, Kagome?" Her mother looked worried, maybe even a bit uncertain.

"Yes mom, Inuyasha and I have broken up and I felt it would be better if I could finally bring Shippou home for good." Shippou jumped from her arms and left the room, his heavy foot steps carrying down the hallway.

"So, Kagome, what made the final decision on leaving Inuyasha? We haven't had the chance to talk with how busy you've been with work." The comment made Kagome sigh heavily and stare aimlessly into her cup.

"I was tired of being second, mom, tired of waiting up all night believing his lies. I am just ready to move on. I am not even sure anymore if I was really in love with him." She sighed and held back her tears as hard as she could.

"Kagome, its not the end of the world... He'll see what he lost and be miserable because of it..." Mrs. Higurashi paused for a moment and thought on her words, "But you, Kagome, will find someone better who will love you and treat you right because that's what you deserve... You will find that guy some day." Kagome kept her gaze on the cup and her mother took the opportunity to look at Sesshomaru. He steeled up, looking away from the conversation. She knew then what he was holding back from Kagome. "Honey, I bet you will find everything and more where you least expect it. The most marvelous and profound love is normally found that way. Just do not go looking for it."

Shippou ran into the room carrying an overly stuffed yellow backpack full of his toys and clothes. "Shippou, you do not need to pack your whole room, we will come back for everything another day." A sad look crossed his face.

"Come, I will help you gather what you will need." Sesshomaru stood and walked from the room, leaving a very unsure kit to follow. Kagome gave him the 'go ahead' and he ran behind him.

"Thank you, momma, for taking such great care of him. I am so happy to finally have him back in my life on a permanent basis. Inuyasha was too hateful to the child."

The boys returned minutes later, the older male carrying multiple bags and the younger with a small backpack. Kagome smiled, wishing slightly that Inuyasha had shown even the smallest amount of kindness to the child, he deserved love more than anyone she knew.

"I'll call you later with an update." Kagome stood, letting the males lead the way from the room and out of the house.

Kagome hugged her mother and they left with 'I love yous' and hugs and kisses. The car was packed and Kagome grabbed the car seat from her mother before loading that up as well. Everyone buckled up. Her and Shippou waved up to the woman standing at the top of the stairs before they pulled off in route back to the house.

The car stayed silence, Shippou humming to himself in the back seat and the adults lost in thought. Neither of them suspecting but both thinking of the other. He was concerned about her and wondering if he should make the decision for her; she could live with him. There was also the chance that every decision that he made for her only pushed her farther away. In the very back of his heart he was afraid of rejection; the lord of the west, afraid of a human's rejection. She was trying to comprehend the kindness he had shown a full blooded demon child of a different species.

They pulled into the driveway and to the front of the house, everyone getting out and going their separate ways. Shippou followed Kagome to her room and jumped on the bed happily. She checked the clock, only an hour or so until she should meet with Sango for lunch. Some of the maids brought his belongings to the room, but she did not unpack anything just yet. She wanted to spend some one on one quality time with him before the day progressed for them.

He cuddled into her side when she laid down, wrapping his small hands around the free arm. They laid there for a while; her thankful for his for once lack of curiosity and him thankful to finally be with the woman he considered mom. She had set an alarm which went off too soon for her liking. She freshened up a bit and got him changed into a different outfit before leaving the room, in search of the front door and their lunch date.

Sesshomaru watched from the library window as she walked hand-in-hand with the child. He was unsure what to think of the situation. Youkai were not known to take kindly to other species living in their clan. Every clan he had come into contact with were hesitant of even being in close quarters with other species for extended periods of time. This new fact about Kagome, however, had made her more appealing not less and it amazed him. He already had Rin, a human child who had come to him from a trip in northern Japan after she had followed him around for days. No one approved of his acceptance of a human child. Maybe I am more like my father than I had believed. Their car pulled away. He went to sit at his desk to contemplate his next move; both at work and at home.

She phoned Sango on the way to lunch, confirming which restaurant and that they would meet in fifteen minutes with Shippou in tow. They were quick to hang up the phone, saving all conversation for the table. Shippou chatted lightly to her, excitedly talking about how happy he was to be with her again and that they would get to cuddle more. She was happy too; happy to finally have true unconditional love to give and receive in return.

They pulled up in a parking space and Kagome helped Shippou out of his car seat. He bounced out of the car and to the sidewalk before she could shut the car door. They locked hands to walk to the front door. He jumped and skipped his way next to her, happiness radiating from his very soul. She was happy too, happy for the life changing event that had begun so terribly.

Sango noticed them first, bounding from her seated position to scoop the child up into her arms. She kissed his cheeks and coo-ed over him. He soaked up every bit, enjoying the attention. Kagome began to warn of too much attention going to his head but stopped, wanting him to have the extra boost. How long would she see the constant reminders of her failure to nurture him? She hoped that like her environment, her emotions about the past would move.

They sat down, ordered a light lunch with drinks. She even secretly ordered Shippou dessert as a treat. The conversation picked up slowly, the adults using more coded speak than normal to talk of the situation. She assured her friend that she was fine and even told her about Sesshomaru's kindness. Sango was in disbelief and warned of caution. They continued talking, only quieted by the arrival of food.

By the time lunch was over, Sango had handed over a file folder of different properties for the other woman to look over. All available immediately for occupation. The silence spread between them as the small ice cream sundae was set to be devoured by the child. His mixed look of confusion and joy brought a laugh from her. Sango had muffled hers in the back of her hand. They watched him in disregard of each other before one voiced their worries of moving to the other. Would he have what he needed with her? Would she be enough for him? She had a lot to learn to properly nurture a youkai child. The meal was finish and the dishes picked up before the bill was finally paid. The seats were vacated and they all shared goodbyes, one going back to work and the other to make moving arrangements. This is definitely going to put me behind on my savings goal.

Buckled and set, they pulled away in search of a peaceful afternoon where they could be a family finally and maybe Shippou could even find a friend in Rin.

They pulled into the driveway and parked, immediately exiting the car and going to the shared room. Nothing had changed since the left and nothing would. In her mind there was no need to unpack bags when they were leaving soon. The beauty of this house will be missed. She sighed inwardly. They sat on the bed together after he brought her a book from a bag. She read and re-read the book until he fell asleep for an afternoon nap. How nice it must be to be so blissful in the world. She sometimes wished for that blissful ignorance of childhood but was also grateful for her adult adventure for it brought her the best gift of all; a child who had chosen her just as she chose him.

She left the bedroom with the folder in hand in search of a quiet table to read over everything. Sango had mentioned she was able to find properties that would waive the deposit or spread it out through an increased rent. She had the most wonderful best friend. The house sat in a lull as she found her way to the only other room she knew; the kitchen. Tea would be nice. She made quick work of the kettle and set up at the table, unsuspecting of the predator watching her every move.

The pot whistled before she had fully made it down the middle of the first listing. Where was her mind headed? Slowly her concentration was coming back but not quick enough. At this rate she would never make a decision by tomorrow; her belongings would have to go into storage. She closes her eyes, taking in her surroundings to find the ground under her feet. The air was stagnant, holding frivolously to the green tea seeping on the table. The light invading her through lids tightly held together. She had thought the house silent but the small creak of the door awakened her senses to the invader. She jumped to her feet, shoulders immediately caught by strong firm hands.

"Kagome." The one word made her feel as if her insides were melting. "May I have a word?"

"Sure." She sat back down, heart racing a million miles a minute.

"I have prepared a room for Shippou, unless you have different preferences." He waited a moment.

"I think he can just stay with me since we will be leaving, hopefully, in the next couple of days." He did not know if her resolution to leave hurt more than the hopefully that interjected the thought.

"You are still welcome to take all the time you need, I am not pushing you out of my home."

"I greatly appreciate the kindness you have extended to myself and Shippou but I cannot burden you for more than a few days." She really had no honest clue about his feelings, she was still assuming he was promoting health at home for health at work. She looked back at the papers, not really seeing the words on the page.

"Would you join us for a formal dinner tonight?" His question threw her off balance. Her head began to spin. What was going on?

"I only have a few suit outfits with me. Would that be alright with you?" She had never been to anything formal beyond professional for work.

"I took the liberty of having Jaken, my personal assistant, find you a dress and shoes." He stood up, feeling the beginnings of uncertainty. "The packages are waiting in your room."

Shippou was in her room, asleep. What if they had woken him up? He would be scared without her. She jumped up, leaving her papers and tea forgotten, and raced towards the room. Bounding up the steps, two at a time, with little awareness of her surroundings. Her bedroom door was slightly ajar and she could hear voices floating down the hall. Oh no! I have left my baby all alone. He busted through the door, hyperventilating, to find Shippou and Rin playing with a few toys on the bed. She had lost a lot of time. When had Sesshomaru left to pick Rin up? Was she here when they returned from lunch?

He looked embarrassed, unsure what to do. Was he suppose to be playing with this new person? Kagome did not look upset. He climbed off the bed and ran to her, leaping a few feet into her arms. She hugged him tightly.

"I was afraid you would wake up scared that I was not here. I am so sorry for leaving you."

"Is ok momma... I made a new friend!" He darted back over and onto the bed.

"I see. I hope you two play nicely. Do you know your new friend's name?"

"She Rin." He smiled all teeth.

"He Shippou." Her smile joined his.

Satisfied with the observations, she watched the two play for a moment before Rin asked Shippou to play in her room. Kagome asked them to keep the door shut and they were off. She smiled, thankful he finally had made a friend close to his age. Children really are wonderful. The boxes were easy enough to spot, laying on the foot bench. Butterflies erupted throughout her body. He had very obviously intended on asking her earlier, but how much earlier eluded her. She opened the first box, gazing in awe at the strappy black heels. Each had a silver flower at the crossing black straps of the vamp. She would try them on after the dress. The second box was opened, holding a folded blue silk swap of fabric. She picked it up to see the dress hiding underneath it, realizing the fabric was a shawl. The box only showed the a small V in the neckline with a small swash of black lace to hide the cleavage that would show.

She pulled it out and tried it on, having decided to only really see the dress when it was on. He obviously had a great sense for shoes and she was beginning to feel that the dress would be perfect too. She stepped in front of the mirror to look at herself after finishing the outfit with the shoes. The dress took every bit of air from her body. It was stunning. The neck line was definitely a small V, barely cutting across her breast. Any bit of skin was hidden from full view with the delicate bit of black lace running across the front and back of the dress and acting as thin sleeves. The dress, silky smooth against her, flared out at her hips with a thin slit running from mid thigh to the floor. It complimented every curve and swell of her body, hugging and loose in just the right places. Even the shoes fit just right, with their small trail of black ribbon crawling up an inch above her ankle. She was in love. She had never had a reason to even consider buying a dress like this. How much had this cost him? Especially with the shoes.

Quickly the dress was removed and hung in the closet with the shoes slid under the length. She would enjoy dressing up for once, even though his true reason for the invitation escaped her. Shippou would play with Rin until bed time and then she could join the dinner and have a moment of ignorant bliss. She 'squee-ed' and jumped on the bed, feeling like a giddy school girl. This was fantastic. She knew exactly how she would do the little bit of makeup she would wear and even how to style her hair. She buried her face in a pillow and giggled, uncertain what she would do with the next few hours and all of her papers forgotten.

The hours seemed to drag on. A maid had come by to tell her the dinner was at six o'clock sharp and that the children were taken care of for the night. Another maid came a bit later and grabbed bed time clothes and bathing supplies to get Shippou ready for bed later. She spent the hours waiting reading papers for work and re-setting meetings for Monday and Tuesday. Kagura must have taken the few days off too or else she would have sent me confirmation emails on the rescheduling. Brushing off the little bit that she did with ease, she quickly moved on to testing dates for pending developmental projects before opening the new file for the project titled 'mountain men'. She would use this to collect the data needed to make an assessment about the mountains and how the death was effecting the surrounding areas before sending in a delegate or two to do field research.

She closed a few files and went to open another when the time caught her attention; she had less than two hours to get ready and she still had not had the chance to give her love to her kit. She raced down to Rin's room where the two were going through a small lesson with a maid on proper speaking and letters and words. This is so great! Kagome apologized and thanked the female youkai profusely before giving Shippou kisses and running from the room.

Running into the adjourning bathroom, she turned the curling iron on and jumped into the shower. Quickly washing herself she blow dried her hair and began on her makeup. A cat eye wing tip black eye liner for each eye on top of silver shadow. Mascara and pale lip stick applied, she moved on to her hair. She began with a French braid on each side, leaving small strands to fall in her face before pinning the two braids against her head. The rest of her hair fell free down her back in which she curled small bits until it was a fall of silky thick waves. Feeling satisfied with the results, she fled to the closet and jumped into the dress. The shoes quickly followed. She checked the clock, finding she had a couple of minutes to spare and decided to take a few pictures in the mirror.

A knock sounded through her room and a nervous tremor spread across her body. Who could be at her door, knocking, that would not immediately come in? "Come in." Her voice sounded smaller than it was, distant in her own mind.

Sesshomaru walked in, hands behind his back, in a designer form fitting black tuxedo. His long silver hair pulled back into a neat braid and his tux set to perfection, it even had an adorning blue orchid in his pocket that matched his blue tie. Does his tie match my dress?

"Kagome." Did she just see him take a deep breath? "I have brought something for you." His hands move to be in front of him, holding three small boxes.

Her curiosity had peaked. "Why would you bring me another?"

"It is to wear with your outfit tonight." He took long strides to meet her at the foot bench, bending to place two of the three boxes down.

The first box contained a corsage that matched his with two blue orchids and a single black rose in the middle. He helped her into it, carefully grazing hs nails along her pulse lines. the second box contained a short chained blue and silver necklace. There were five little tear drop opals that hung down. He walked around her, swooped her hair to the side and hooked the necklace on her. A perfect fit, resting a inch or so above the dress's neckline. He rested his hand a moment too long on the back of her neck and she noticed, goose flesh instantly covering every bit of exposed flesh.

He withdrew his hand quickly, going for the second box. There was a matching earring set for the necklace. She imagined putting the earrings in her ears which had long forgotten they were even pierced. He took the opportunity from her, gently sliding each post through their respective ear lobe.

"You look beautiful." She could have fallen over at his compliment. "Will you join me tonight as my date?"

What had just happened? She had not been days broken off from Inuyasha and here Sesshomaru was, asking her hand tonight as his date. What harm could come from this? We already match pretty perfectly.

"You look handsome, are you sure you want me as your date?" She had to make sure. "Not just a work associate?" She needed to know to verify her own feelings.

"Yes. I would like to escort you downstairs to the front room and show you off to all who await." What had happened to him? He was showing more emotion than she had even known him possible of. But it was Inuyasha who told me he was cold hearted.

"I'm not sure what to say." He took her arm and made the decision for her.

They were to the stairs in a flash, her hand tucked protectively at his side. This felt right to him and it was scary. He had never felt emotions like this before. He had known his attraction to the woman years ago but being in such close quarters had begun to change what he thought he knew. After they had parted in the kitchen, he had cleaned up and taken her papers up to her only to find her giggling and rolling around the bed. The papers were sitting in his personal study, away from everyone tonight. He would tell her later, after he asked her to stay with him. Now he needed a reason why she should stay beyond his personal reasons. Then he smelt him and lost track of his thoughts. He spotted him easily in the crowd, a woman in red on his side, and immediately regretted inviting Kagome. How would she feel about this? He had not invited him to this formal event; he never attended the mandatory ones. What was going on?

Before they had caught the attention of the crowd, he pulled her to the side. "Kagome. Do not be angry but I did not know. Inuyasha has come uninvited with a date."

He heard a sharp intake of breath. "I will be fine. Please don't leave me alone."

He nodded and off they went. They crowd stopped and silenced to watch their descent of the stairs. When the murmurs began, they were of her beauty. He had never taken a date to any function before. He had company but never a female he had asked himself. Inuyasha caught sight of them and growled, his date immediately showing how envious she was.

He was the first one to approach them, pushing past the small groups of business men and youkai alike. "Kagome-"

She cut him off, pretending that her name was the only greeting he was going to provide. "Hello there Inuyasha, I see nothing has changed." She spoke calmly and firmly, trying to hide how hard she was holding on to Sesshomaru.

"Why are you here with him?"

"I told you she was just using you Yasha. She's just a slut looking for easy money."

Sesshomaru reached out to grab her but contained himself when he felt small sparks of anger coming from the female at his side. She could handle her own, he had forgotten. "I think you should mind your mouth before you are escorted out of this dinner party." She had bit down on her cheek to stop from flinging the other woman across the room.

"You have no power here, bitch."

"One more word from your date, Inuyasha, and I will escort both of you out personally." Sesshomaru had taken that moment to chime in.

"Well, ya know what I do doesn't concern you anymore, right?." Inuyasha smirked, trying to make her cry and taking the attention off of Kikyou.

"You're right, and what I do doesn't concern you... or really anyone for that matter... So why don't you and your date enjoy the dinner party elsewhere." Kagome tried to keep the moment contained, people were beginning to stare. She did not want to start a scene at his party and she was truly trying very hard to contain her words. Instead of showing Kikyou for the liar and user that Kagura had found her out to be, she kept the secret to herself as she had done before. Everyone would receive exactly what was meant for them.

The couple faded into the crowd and she was unsure if they stayed at the party or left. The others soon glided to them and the night commenced in a swirl of color and soft music. They shared a couple of dances, sat together for dinner, and he even invited her to join in some after dinner games with a few other couples before retiring with a handful of Youkai for coffee after everyone had left. There was much excitement that was had and much admiration on both fronts. He was immediately impressed with her knowledge and ability to fit in with some of the top elites of the country and surrounding cities. She was beginning to hold him in very high regard of his velvet words.

He walked her to her room and left her for the night. She was full of champagne and tea, feeling light and bubbly and lost in happy dreams of him. He had stayed completely sober and laid to bed since in his tuxedo to dream of her and what laid both higher than her dress's slit and in her heart.