Chapter 13: Living

Sesshomaru had taken me home last night. The drive back to my place was silent. It felt a bit awkward too. I wondered what Sesshomaru and his father had talked about. When he had dropped me off, he wanted to come inside for the night. God knows I wanted him to, but I was too embarrassed. My apartment was small and run down. It was nothing compared to his. I didn't want him to see that. I made up some stupid excuse about being too tired, and that I would see him tomorrow. No doubt he knew I was lying, but I'm glad he didn't push it. I grabbed my phone and keys, tossing them in my bag. I had to hurry up. I didn't want to miss my class. I hurried out the front door, locking the door behind me. I went down the stairs to head to my car, and the last person I wanted or expected to see was there.

I sighed. "What are you doing here?"

He was like a rash that kept coming back.

He stared at me long and hard before saying something.

"So you love Sesshomaru now?"

I ran my fingers through my hair. "Inuyasha you have to stop doing this."

"No. You have to stop Kagome! You need to stop being upset with me-

"No! You were right. I needed to hear those words from you. They opened my eyes to who you really are. Thank you for that. That's about the only good thing you've ever done for me. So I need you to stop whatever this little game of yours is. You're here because you don't want your brother to w in again. You don't care about me. To you I'm some prize to be won; something to be kept. You just finally want to one-up Sesshomaru at something. I am not your consolation prize Inuyasha. You don't get to just come back and say you want me because someone else is interested. Now it's you who needs to let go and move on. For both our sakes."

His shoulders sank. I felt a funny feeling in the pit of my stomach. I didn't want to hurt him. I never wanted to hurt anyone, but I needed him to stop this. I saw his jaw clench and he took a deep breath.

"I'll get rid of Kikyo," he said quietly. "If that is what it takes, then I'll do it."

I stared at him, with wide eyes. "Anything to win huh?" I said.

I pushed past him and got in my car. This was the last thing that I needed today.

Class dragged on painfully long. That run-in with Inuyasha had thrown me off. I had blanked on the entire lecture, and I'm sure that Sesshomaru had noticed. The bell rang pulling me out of my thoughts. I sat up straight and looked down at my notebook. I hadn't taken down a single thing. I started packing up my things when someone approached me. I looked up seeing it was a man.

"Is there something I can do for you?"

He held his hand out.

"The name is Koga."

I took his hand and shook it.

"Kagome. Is there something you need from me?"

"Yes actually. You're the teaching assistant, right? I've seen you with the professor a lot."

I nodded. I wish he would just get to the point.

"I was wondering if you could tutor me. I've been struggling with some of the work.

I stopped to think if I could remember what I had graded his work.

I remembered the name. I had seen some of his stuff. He wasn't lying about struggling with the work.

"Sure, I wouldn't mind. We could start today if you'd like."

I was hoping he would say yes. I didn't want to have to explain why I was behaving this way to Sesshomaru. Especially since I could feel his eyes on me, the moment I started talking to this guy. I grabbed my things and followed him out of the lecture. We headed over to the library. We grabbed a table in the back.

"So, is there anything you need help with specifically?" I asked.

He smiled at me showing his fangs. He leaned forward resting his chin on his hands. "Okay, so I have a confession to make. I don't need tutoring."

Yes, you do actually.

I leaned back in my chair.

"So why'd you want to speak to me?"

"I've had my eyes on you since the first day of class, but you haven't noticed me at all. It breaks my heart. "He joked. "To put it, I think you are beautiful, and I would love it if I could get to know you better."

Oh! He was hitting on me. How oblivious could I be?

I didn't know what to say. Should I say yes? Should I say no? I felt like I shouldn't even be having this conversation with him. Solely because of Sesshomaru. What if this guy in front of me was my person? I haven't dated anyone because I was too busy holding onto Inuyasha. I wasn't even sure what I wanted with Sesshomaru. What could be the worst thing that could happen?

"Sure, why not."

He grinned. "Great. How's tonight?"

I was at Sango's house getting ready. I still haven't heard from Sesshomaru. Sango sat on her bed, with her arms folded. She had a very annoyed look on her face.

"Okay Sango, out with it. What's wrong?"

"I don't understand what you're doing with this guy when you have Sesshomaru."

"Sango, come on. I haven't done this whole dating thing before. I'm not sure what I want with Sesshomaru. This thing between us hasn't even been going on that long. Yes, he wants to spend the rest of his life with me, but doesn't what I want matter? I'm not saying I want to sleep with the guy, but I want to go out there and try new things. Date people."

"What about Sesshomaru?"

I sighed. "He said he would be willing to wait for me if that's what it took."

"Does that mean you should string him along, and have him waiting around for you… just like Inuyasha did to you."

I turned to look at her. "Sango, that isn't fair. Don't try and guilt trip me into being with him. Mating is a serious thing and it's not something I can decide on overnight. What if I said yes and I let it happen, but then I changed my mind? I want to be sure. Yes, there's something I feel for Sesshomaru, but I've already spent too much of my time being stuck on one Taisho. I don't want to make that mistake again. So please, just let me live my own life. There was a time when you would have killed for me to get out more."

She sighed. "Okay, okay fine. I just hope you know what you're doing Kagome."

I could tell she had more to say, but she was biting her tongue. I heard my phone ping. I checked it. It was a message from Koga, he was outside. I grabbed my bag and headed outside. He was standing there flashing a grin at me. He was handsome. Beautiful sun-kissed skin, and piercing blue eyes. His hair was just as dark as mine.

I smiled. "Hey."

"Hey yourself." he held out his hand to me. "Ready?"

We had gone out to see a movie. It wasn't my thing, so I didn't pay much attention. Now, we were taking a walk on the pier. It was more my speed. He was telling me about some gnarly scar he'd gotten as a child. He was cute. He was like an energetic little puppy.

"So, tell me about yourself, Kagome. You haven't said much."

I shrugged. "I guess I'm more of a listener. I like listening to you talk."

"Ahh, so you like the sound of my voice do you?" he said, giving me a sly grin.

I rolled my eyes. "You think you're so cute."

He slipped his hand into mine.

"I am cute, but you're beautiful," he whispered.

This… is nice.

I smiled.

"I bet you say that to all the pretty girls."

"None of them were as beautiful as you," he said, kissing the back of my hand.

"Are you always this slick with your words?"

He grinned.

"Only when there's something I really want."

I looked over at him. "Why do you want me anyway?"

"I stepped into the room and your scent just flooded the place. Camomille with a hint of lavender. You have this light around you. It's so mesmerizing."

I laughed.

"Okay, so you like the way I smell and my aura is pretty to look at."

He chuckled. "Well, when you put it like that. It doesn't sound as romantic. I do wonder though. Is there a special someone you have? Or do I have a shot here?"

My mind instantly went to Sesshomaru. "To be honest, I don't know what it is I feel for him. It's fairly new. There isn't a title or anything. I don't know if I want to even take it there with him."

"Mmm. So, what I am hearing is I do have a shot."

I laughed. "Whatever."

Maybe this wasn't so bad.