.oO Chapter 1 (Revised) Oo.

I gasped as the book hit my nose. I had started to doze off again. I lay the heavy book next to me as I threw my legs over the side of the bed. I placed a hand on my forehead and shut my eyes tightly before blinking rapidly.

I could feel the beat of the music in the air. I glance at the door that was my barrier, blocking the flow of sound from the party. I stood up and stretched my hands toward the ceiling, too short to hope to reach it. I glanced at the spot I had thrown my purse and high heels, vial gold things.

I took time to observe the room I was in. The walls were a calm blue; the room itself was large and could probably comfortably house a family of three. The bed was positioned perfectly beneath a long window. The room had the feel of a serene open water ocean.

The music leaked into the room, as it got louder. I wriggled my toes on the plush carpet; I could feel the vibrations seeping through from bellow. I was about to sit back down on the bed, when I spotted the full length mirror hidden in the corner. A smile tugged on my lips.

"Takahashi, you narcissist. "

I walked into its view and examined myself. The soft pink dress I had worn to appease my mother, now looked ridiculous.

With brassy round buttons down the middle, and ruffles on my shoulders, I cursed my lack of fashionista ability. The gold jewelry I wore were all of varying shades that did not match the hideous heels I had abandoned in the corner.

I marched towards the bed and threw myself onto it, not caring if I wrinkled the spread. I never enjoyed parties. I had gone through a majority of high school without attending one. But I was no longer in high school, and as my best friend had put it, I needed to get a life. And so I lay on his bed, as the raging graduation party continued down stairs, most of my classmates enjoying a party only the son of a multi-millionare could throw. Yeah, invite me to a party, and I bring a book and hide in a room for the whole bash.

I was so in my own head, I hardly noticed that someone had entered my hideout.

"Are you enjoying being by yourself?" A familiar voice sneered. I looked up to see the silvered hair Inuyasha Takahashi. He was my age, part of the graduating class, and his hair was a sight to see, though white and long, full and thick as any guy his age. He was tall, muscular, yet still managed to appear lean. He was attractive too, enough that my heart still flutter, even after his rude entrance. Still I managed to gather some confidence.

"Get out Inuyasha!" He hardly flinched at my attack. Inuyasha narrowed his eyes. They were a beautiful color, light brown encircling the pupil and a clear honey amber on the outer more edges to give a almost golden appearance.

"I'm not going anywhere. I live here after all." He puffed out his chest as he crossed the threshold into the room.

"But it's Sesshomaru's room. I am allowed in here, you are not." So go away and leave me alone already.

Inuyasha gave low growl, as if he could hear my thoughts. The sound shook me; I had never heard such a noise emanate from a person before.

"Leave, orphan." A voice came from behind him.

Inuyasha turned around and glared at his adoptive brother. Sesshomaru entered the room and stepped aside to leave to doorway wide open. Inuyasha huffed, and strode toward the door. He gave me one more glance, with a look I couldn't quite describe. It said 'you're not suppose to be here' or something of that sort. I only held his attention for half a second before he vanished.

Sesshomaru swiftly closed the door behind him and glided smoothly towards me. I had been on my stomach the entire time, and quickly scrambled to sit up.

Sesshomaru Takahashi, was almost the opposite of Inuyasha. He was just as tall, though his muscles were not as pronounced, his neat black hair, and dark brown eyes enchanted me. So common, so ordinary, and yet to me, he seemed extraordinary.

"Why don't you join the party downstairs?" He asked in a tired voice. He knew my answer; it was obvious that he shared my feelings.

"Cause I don't want to." I responded with an air of a spoiled child.

"And why not?" He said, with a soft click of his tongue. He sat down beside me on the bed, and rubbed his temples. I felt sorry for this son of an important man. He did everything he could to be the perfect son. He had it all, looks, brains, money and to add to the triple threat he could charm the god of music, Apollo with just his voice. He had everything, and yet I was the only one who saw him as he was. Beautiful, tired and lonely.

"Sesshomaru, we both know I'm not a social person." My tone was softer and more mature.

"Your cousin is here." His voice did not even attempt to imitate a tone of persuasion.

"And I'm sure he is doing everything in his power to get any and every phone number he can." I muttered. Sesshomaru gave up his weak attempt to get me to join the party and fell backwards, with his arms opened wide. I took my usual position as I placed my head on his chest. I felt his heart beat, steady as ever, his breathing rose and fell as usual. I pressed my cheek into his soft cotton shirt and inhaled his sweet scent. He wrapped his right arm around me and my heart ached.

"You torment yourself." He said lightly.

"And you let me." I replied so quietly, I was not sure if he had heard me.

"What will you do when I leave?" I shrugged weakly, quietly holding back my urge to burst into tears. I said nothing, and we laid there in silence. Sesshomaru was the first to move.

"Sense and Sensibility?" He said holding the book in one of his hands.

"I liked the movie; I thought maybe that I would like the book." He stood up and flipped the book over.

"I take it, you are aware it is neither a Science Fiction or Fantasy novel?"

"Of course I do!" I said snatching it away from him. Not phased, he stood up.

"I thought you should know…" He paused, and with a sad, gentle smile said, "I leave tomorrow. I am taking summer classes and interviewing for an internship."

I forced a weak grin. He had been accepted to a prestigious college on the east coast. I knew he would be leaving, but I had not expected it to be so soon.

"That's great…" I managed. I felt my heart crack, a jagged thick line, the pain was unbearable. Sesshomaru shook his head.

"Inuyasha and you are the same." He murmured as he walked out the door. I twisted my head so sharply, for a moment I thought I broke something in my neck. Sesshomaru was gone already, but my feelings had shifted radically. I ground my teeth together. I was like Inuyasha? We were nothing alike, as flowers and fire or cats and dogs! He was an immature, stupid, cocky…

I glared down at my book, blue with a pink floral decoration on it. I heaved a sigh and stood up. I walked over to my purse and picked it up along with my high heels. I quickly slipped into them and then opened the door.

I was immediately washed with notes of an upbeat song that sounded mechanical. I hadn't realized how loud it was. I peered over the balcony and watched the party for a while. I walked toward two giant glass doors that were already open, leading to a balcony that overlooked the back yard.

It was an incredible clear sky, showing off its many diamond stars, like it had dressed up just for the party. Down bellow, the mess of seniors formed various groups, the largest being the dance floor, that swayed and bobbed with the song. The pool lit with a rainbow of lights, with blasts of oranges and reds, and flashed of blues and greens. I found my cousin, standing near the edge of the pool, with a red cup in his hand, smiling and flashy his fascinating grey eyes. I groaned, he was my ride home, how dare he start drinking. I leaned against the balcony and yelled his name but he could not hear me, and I did not wish to leave the safety of the second level of the house.

I pulled out my phone, an ancient thing that still had the ability to flip open. I sent him a text. I looked up from my phone and watched for him to receive it. I saw him pull a light from his pocket, glance down at it and then resume speaking to the women surrounding him. I wanted to march down there and throw something at him. I took out my phone again and sent him another text.

Dont u dare start drinking.

Again, I saw him pull out his phone, and with a confused look, surveyed his surroundings. Then he found my face and gave a toothy grin. He punched something into his phone and then returned his attention to the females in front of him.

No worries. Im a responsible adult ;)

I snorted, shut my phone and threw it back in my purse. Adult? A baby gorilla was more mature than he was. I turned and left the balcony, careful to shut the tall portal with its elegant glass doors. I paused and dug in my purse for my phone again. I clicked a side button and read the bright green numbers. Five pass ten. I groaned, Miroku was not going to leave any time before one in the morning, that was for sure.

I again examined my surroundings; I would miss this house when Sesshomaru left. My chest tighten at the reminder. I attempted to distract myself by observing the brown walls of the house, or the beautiful paintings that hung on them.

There were three doors on the east side of the house, the far left was Sesshomaru's room, the center one was the bathroom, and the very last was a room I had never entered. I decided to go into the bathroom. I was startled as the automatic lights switched on. Just like every room in the house, the bathroom was large and spacious. I stood at the sink, unsure as to why I had decided to come into the bathroom, maybe change in scenery? I turned on the faucet and washed my hands.

I looked up and gazed at my face in the mirror. I frowned a bit as I realized some of my bangs were a bit tossed looking. I tried to tame the black mess with my hands, but failed. I turned my attention to the frosted glass cabinets underneath the sink, perhaps I could find a brush.

I squatted, and pulled open one of the doors, and fell back. Cursing my lack of strength I propped myself up on my knees. When I looked into the compartment, I covered my mouth to muffle a gasp. I stared disbelieving as many tiny fissures formed along the giant crack already in my heart. I stared at the offensive little box.

A box of condoms. The black little box sat there, neat and unopened. I reasoned with myself, it was probably Inuyasha's, but the doubt was overwhelming. In dull gold letters the word MAGNUM was printed. I held out a shaky hand, and picked up the box.

Sesshomaru and I, well he was not mine, he hardly belonged to me in any sence. He had made it clear to me, he did not desire me in such a way, and was content to have me as a friend. I thought perhaps, that would change, if I was loyal to him and always there for him. And as much as I tried to convince myself they were not his, of course I knew. Sesshomaru must be sleeping with women. He's an attractive, intelligent, wealthy teenager. I have seen him charm girls a thousand times, it would be no problem to seduce one, if he ever had a lustful urge. I placed the box back in the cabinet and shut the glass gently.

I was tormenting myself. He had repeated to me so many times in so many ways. I could feel the fabric of my cells rip apart, one by one. My heart felt weak as it continued to beat. I felt my lungs drown in the blood it must have been spilling. I choked, I struggled for the air I desperately needed. I was in love with my best friend, and he had rejected me so many times, and yet allowed me to continue to be in his presence. And he was leaving tomorrow.

I sat on the cool tiled floor for a moment longer. Perhaps it was a good thing he was leaving, maybe I needed it. I stood up and straighten my dress. I had four months until I started my first semester of college. I had a whole summer, to explore, to get a life that didn't revolve around Sesshomaru.

I stared at my round face, with round cheeks and brown eyes. I always thought I had beautiful skin. There, that was something I could hold onto. I continued to stare at myself. I could work out more. That was my resolve, to work out more. I forced a smile and then stepped out of the bathroom.

The music was a soft thumping, an interlude perhaps to allow guests to drink and mingle. I was about to head back into the confines of Sesshomaru's bedroom when I paused. Pivoting slightly, I eyed the last room in the hall way. It was Inuyasha's room, and there was a small band of light underneath to door. I do not know what exactly compelled me to walk toward the room, but I thought about what Sesshomaru had said.

Maybe, he meant tonight. Maybe, Sesshomaru meant that Inuyasha was isolated from the party as well. Is that why he had come into the room earlier? Was he bored, and wanted someone to talk to? I remembered my image in the mirror, and shook my head. No, he had just come to bother me. And I would return the favor. I grasped the handle and was delighted when it turned.

"Who the fuck said you could come in?" I heard Inuyasha yell before I had finished opening the door.

"Same person who said you could barge in on me!" I said with a failed aggressive tone. I stepped inside and saw Inuyasha's room for the first time. Before I could take in the enormity of it, he was in my face- literally.

"Get out." Again he emitted a low rumble from deep within his chest. Why did I find that so, erotic? Despite his odd hair color, he was far too handsome, almost as much as Sesshomaru. I tried to reply, but something about his lips being so close to mine, sent my head spinning. I stuttered.

"W-what if I don't want to?"

"It wasn't a request."

I stood there, gazing at the fire in his eyes, and wondered if I should take that as an opportunity to escape back into Sesshomaru's room. I refused to be a coward, I wanted to be in that room and damn it, I was going to be there if only for no good reason. My eyes slid from his face and it was all I could do not to blush, and the only word that came to mine was glistening.

I had heard girls describe their boyfriends in such a way. And by the gods, Inuyasha was hot, sweaty and glistening. An idea crossed my mine. It would either, and most likely get me kicked out, or perhaps, keep me in the room. I allowed some blood to escape to my face, and made a show of scanning his body.

My, what a body it was. The veins on his arms were visible, curling around his hard biceps and forearms. His chest was tight, and his core was smooth, yet hinted at the strong abs hidden beneath the skin. His gray shorts, were dangerously low, and I turned a true crimson as I quickly returned my eyes to his face.

"Oh." I said in a small voice, turning my face to the side and bringing up my hands to my red cheeks. "I didn't know… I'm sorry to bother you." The surprise on his face due to my sudden change in attitude was priceless. I continued, partly acting, while mostly truly bashful.

"You should warn someone when you are masturbating, or at the very least lock the-"

"Ho! What? Who- I am not-" The half excuses came pouring out of his mouth and slowly his face turned red. Finally he was able to form a complete sentence.

"I was not masturbating." He glared at me, embarrassment was all over his face. I blinked innocently and continued with my little charade.

"Then why are you all-"

"I was working out." He said, at last regaining the smugness in his voice. He stepped back to reveal his bed room, as huge as Sesshomaru's though not as neat, and cluttered with more stuff.

"I wouldn't need to masturbate anyways. I could get any girl I want. Unlike you-" I whipped around to face him.

"Oh really?" I said puffing out my chest and placing my hands on my hips. "I wouldn't want a chick anyways. I am positive I'm straight, which frankly I can't say the same about you." I didn't like insulting people's sexualities, but he deserved it.

"Whadda ya mean by that?" Inuyasha said getting defensive. I had a good answer to his question, something about the length of his hair. But damn it all, why did Inuyasha have to get so close to me? Worse, why was I so affected by his proximity? I could feel his breath linger on my lips. I was only vaguely aware he was speaking.

"Hah! Knew that would shut you up." He said with a smirk. I shook my head and snapped back to reality.

"What?" I said confused. He raised an eyebrow before walking pass me and sitting down on his bed. I stood in the entrance for a moment more, debating what to do. It did not seem like he was going to kick me out, so I decided it was safe to move. Before I had finished taking the first step, he spoke.

"So, what do you want?"

"I, uh…" I don't know why I blushed, I wasn't that ashamed to talk to him. At least I thought not.

Though he was only brother by law, Inuyasha was just as handsome as Sesshomaru. With his shirt off, I could see he was well built, rippling with lean strong muscles. I wish he would throw a shirt back on.

"So you were bored." Inuyasha said, still smirking. I folded my arms across my chest.

"So why aren't you down stairs?"

He placed his hands behind his head and fell back onto his bed.

"Just because I live here, does not mean I have to attend every party he throws."

I cautiously made my way toward his bed. Too bad I was wearing those accursed high heels. I felt my ankle twist the wrong way, and I pulled my hands to my face, hopping I wouldn't break my nose. I was left dazed when I realized I never met the ground.

"God, I'd hate to see you try to walk across a floor when my room isn't clean." I was sure I was red as I felt my body against Inuyasha's. He had managed to scoop me up into his arms, and by doing so I felt the heat of his body and was that much more aware of his scent, a wonderfully intoxicating musk.

"It's not me it's the stupid high heels." I tried to free myself from his grasp, as I pressed my arms against his chest, I felt the firm muscle there, and quickly withdrew my hands. I huffed as he dumped me on his bed.

"Why do you wear them then?" Inuyasha asked as he sat cross legged on the floor front of me. My eyes wandered briefly to his abs before I forced myself to look at his face.

"My mom." I said as I began to slip out of the heels.

"Your mom?"

"Yeah." I fiddled with the strap until I gave up trying to take off the death shoes. Inuyasha rolled his eyes and took my foot in his hand. Why did he freely touch me as he did? I wanted to protest, but he spoke again.

"So what does your mom have to do with these?"

I blinked a couple times. I didn't like where this was going. Not the conversation, but my thoughts- and my stomach. His hands were so gentle on my feet, but that was no reason for my stomach to flip.

"She wants me to look nice. She says I should learn how to dress when I go out."

"It sounds like you don't care to look nice."

I snorted, did this guy forget what I look like in school?

"Yeah, I don't exactly dress like the other girls. With their skirts and stupid tops…" I trailed off as I pictured the girls Miroku was chatting up. Inuyasha continued my thought.

"It's like all there trying to do-"

"-Is to get guys to fuck them on the spot." We both ended in unison.

We looked at each other suspiciously. Did we just agree on something? I didn't know Inuyasha that well, but it seemed every time I was around, he tried to upset me in some way, shape or form.

"So girls are aware they have that effect on guys?" Inuyasha asked guardedly.

"Duh!" I rolled my eyes. "Why do you think they dress like that?" Inuyasha shrugged his shoulders.

"They like it." He muttered. "And to drive guys crazy." He added the last part as an afterthought. I lifted my eyebrows.

"How many girls drive you crazy?" It didn't even look like he was paying attention to me.

I looked around his room again trying to avert my eyes from him. I was worried, my stomached had fallen a little when he had avoided my question. Then I felt a weight near my hand. I looked down and found my high heels.

"Uh thanks." Was all I could manage to say.

I looked at him, but when we caught each other's eyes we looked away. It was stupid and childish, but I didn't know how else to react.

"Why is it that you are always in his room?" He said his nose an inch from mine. How did he move so fast, or did I space out that long? I blinked and finally couldn't take it anymore.

"What is up with you and my face? Don't you know anything about personal space? Your acting like- like a..." I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by his beauty. His face was perfectly smooth, free of blemishes or marks. His eyes were entrancing and his lips were tempting.

"A dog?" He volunteered with a wicked smile. Yet his eyes reflected sadness for a moment longer than his smile lasted. "You didn't answer my question."

"Yeah, I ..." I took a breath. "Cause it was the only room I am allowed in. And 'cause I don't like parties." Why did I want to kiss him so badly? I had never once thought of Inuyasha in such a way, though I had always noted his remarkable appearance, I had never realized just how, beautiful he was.

"So why do you come?" Inuyasha tilted his head. He looked adorable and hell to anyone if they heard me admit it.

"Cause… I don't know." I said turning my head away from him. I had asked myself that over and over again. Sesshomaru and I were friends and all, but it wasn't like I could consider us close. Sometimes he acted so distant, like he didn't even want to be around me.

I stared at my hands for a while, then looked up to find Inuyasha was staring at me still. I looked at his hair, and wondered why someone so young would have hair that had so many silver and white strands.

"Why is your hair gray?" I asked in a small voice.

"Because it is." He grunted, turning away from me.

"I mean, do you dye it or is it naturally like that?" Though his hair was gray, his eyebrows were black. I couldn't help but wonder if he dyed it, though to achieve the diversity in his hair would be almost impossible, a tedious and long chore. But as I stretch my memory back, I realized he's always had gray hair, since I had met him and Sesshomaru in middle school. His lips pulled into a crooked smile.

"I am, one hundred percent natural." He said with an overconfident wink. I was not amused and the feelings showed on my face. Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "I use to have black hair, but it's just been graying since I was five."

I felt my eyes brows pull together, and he continued.

"Some people thought it was because of the trauma." He offered.

"Trauma?" I asked.

"Of losing my mother."

"Oh." I hadn't remembered that was the reason he was adopted into the Takahashi family. Lucky break for him though, to be taken in my a wealthy Japanese business man. Inuyasha fidgeted a bit, and then he muttered harshly.

"No one knows who my father was, so there is a chance it is genetic." The way he said chance, it was sarcasm, as if he knew it was genetic. Why not? He wasn't in poor health, and as far as I knew, he didn't was any other oddity.

I knew why his tone was so harsh. At school, there had been rumors that Mr. Takahashi had had an affair while he was still married to his first wife. The rumors were nasty and implicated that Inuyasha's mother had been his mistress. Mr. Takahashi had always denied the claims, but how could one not be suspicious when he was so quick to adopt Inuyasha and give him his last name when his mother passed?

Sesshomaru had never liked Inuyasha. Both were unbelievably handsome, so attractive it was almost painful to look at them. I lowered my eyes and stared at my fingers. Mr. Takahashi, was an older man, yet he could charm anyone with his looks, let alone his wealth and intelligence. I felt ashamed because until that moment, I had shared in Sesshomaru's dislike for his adoptive brother. I had believed the rumors, and had hated Inuyasha for reasons beyond his control.

However, I would have never imagined I would be sitting in Inuyasha's room. I wouldn't have believed the Inuyasha would somehow ease my heart ache. I tossed my shoes on the floor besides the bed, along with my purse. I scanned the room once more. I think I'll spend the rest of the party here.

Ah, yes I am back.

I am back, revamping this story and enjoying this summer. Happy Reading,

Ja ne!