Chapter 14

Motives. Everyone has one.

After reassuring his mother that he won't say nor do anything unnecessary, she went off about her unfinished errands. He called upon Rei and allowed her lead him to Kikyo guest room.

"Did she call?" Indeed the question felt a bit odd, even awkward for someone like him.

Rei has been the head maid at the Higurashi for over a decade because she is well capable so. She's not ignorant to not know who 'she' that this cold man referring to. Though she is keen, it was even surprising for her. Surely Rei has seen a lot, she is nothing but a mere observant in this house and she did not expect this man to care for her young mistress. Such a man who can send chill down one spine with just a look. Is he worrying about Kagome?

The last time she dare to speak to him was out of her place and she shouldn't. His dangerous eyes, the way he look at Kagome sleeping face, there was so much conflict in that one look for a mere second that Rei could not decide what kind of feeling he harbors for Kagome. And yet she dared herself to be out-of-place because whether he cares or not, she care. Even if it mean to displease Sesshomaru.

He clearly keep his distance away from her and only following at least 5 steps away. This nature of being an aristocrat was born into since birth and yet the air surrounds him let none defy against his birth right. He is someone to be fear.

"Young mistress never have to inform her where about," Rei replied without turning back or delaying, "We are only servant, it is not our place to question our master business."

Sesshomaru show no emotion nor did he said anything else and they continued on their way. Rei felt the air has become tense behind her and she could imagine those cold eyes narrowed in a dangerous way fixed on her back. She felt the need to shudder.

Mere servant huh? This woman is very smart. He did not forget the time when this mere servant spoken out of her place.

Very well then.

"Kikyo, I'm coming in." Sesshomaru pushed through the door and quickly seated quite comfortably on a nearby sofa. On the far end side of the room Kikyo sat in front of the makeup table, carefully applied her makeup ever so impeccably. She was always a woman of perfection, it was her pride. She gave him no glance or notice since his appearance. She expected such visit this morning.

"Did you sleep well?" Sesshomaru have no problem caving into Kikyo vain desire. If she wanted he will initiate first, he does not like to beat around the bush. Nor is she a stupid woman.

She pay him no heed, and he waited patiently.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5...

"And should you care because?" This, he know too well of her. She always counted to 5 in her head before answering anything. She wanted other to acknowledge her arrogance first and be intimidated by it.

"I don't," he said coldly, "simple politeness." And he was always short on word.

Kikyo laughed and spun around, her face was polish to perfection, and her eyes are sharp, fills with confident. She waltzed over to him effortlessly and permission herself on his laps, boring her eyes into his.

"You win, Sesshomaru." And he finally cracked a light smile, nonetheless it contain no emotion. Nor did he do anything about the extra person on him at the moment.

"I should apologize for last night. It was wronged of me to impose my anger on you." The coolness in his voice travels to her ears and it give her chills. Is he really apologizing to her?

"Oh?" She raised a brow in amusement.

"Forgive me." His voice is cool and emotionless as usual. His eyes didn't even blink nor does it show any remorse.

Kikyo can't help but sweat drop. It sounded more like an order to her. Still she smiled and flung her arms around his neck, lowering her face to his seductively.

A fear struck her the moment those long lashes raises and she's caught in that dangerous, cold gaze. She swallowed the little gasp that trying to escape.

Sesshomaru, what are you thinking?

She dare not ask him that but instead stand and pretend to dust off the lint on her perfect white dress. "So what is the occasion for this lovely greeting?"

He also stood up after she detaches herself from him and brushed pass her, walking ahead. She stared at his long, perfect flowing hair trailing behind him and raised a hand to sooth her beating heart. That back, look even more burdens than before.

What is troubling you, dear friend?

He stopped at the door and without looking back, gestured to his elbow, his voice not high or low yet expecting, "Well? My mother awaited you."

And she smiled, catching up to him, her arm looped around his and let him lead her. She looked up at the man beside her, his cold face, rigid handsome features, irresistible.

Yet she suppressed the urge to shudder.

What was that? That look in his eyes just now. A warning? It was a look of questioning but he held his tongue. Was he searching for a motive in her eyes?

What it is that you want to know, Sesshomaru? Perhaps, do you want to know why I came back?

After all these years..

"Go on," Inuyasha warm voice brought Kagome back to senses. And she realized how long she has gripped the door handle. She received a phone call from her father not too long ago. It been far too long since she let herself cried like this, her eyes have not recovered yet. It's not a pleasant sight for any of those scheming people in there to witness.

"It just a meal, you can do it." His gentle voice reassured her for the numerous time. And he proceed to placed his hand on her and gently lift the handle against the giant wooden door hitting it twice. He smiled weakly when she raised her big, round, still watering eyes to him. They could not disperse the awkwardness between them from earlier still.

And at once the giant door opened to welcomed them, nothing but the same servants with their head down following procedure and the cold presence hit her in the face. She let out a big sighed and felt Inuyasha's hand on her shoulder patting her. He could always see through her.

To enter this house, everyone put on a mask.

Behind her, Inuyasha feared for the worse. That woman is in this house, even with his proud, calm self would not know what will happen when the three of them rejoice once again.

What he feared most, those tears will shed and once again, and he will be the reason.

Rei greeted Kagome at the entrance to the diner room her eyes give away a complicated look.

"Everyone is waiting for you."

Kagome and Inuyasha entered the room, she lazily scans the room, and the people sitting here she could careless to see. Especially when she already off with a rough start. Her eyes pass her despicable father sitting at the head of the table looking smug as usual. As if everything is always according to plan kind of look. Next to him was that hateful woman who earned her a slap in the face. She won't ever forget nor will she forgive, mother and son.

Even more hateful is that she resembling her late mother, that warm mother like aura touch the deepest part in her heart that pains her so.

And him, she could close her eyes and still see everything about him; his demeanor, the cold air surround him, his dangerous eyes, his emotionless face. Those tight pale lips that always curved slightly like everyone else are beneath him. The look which could freeze a person on the spot.

And.. just.. who is that next to him?

That familiar face that haunted her dream for days, the face which make her hated her own every time she looks at herself in the mirror!

Kikyo…

The wretched woman who stole Inuyasha senpai from her! The person she never wanted to see in this world again. The reason she fled America, running away in spite of everything. All her pain and suffering causes by this woman alone.

Her first love…

"Kagome, he has never touch you hasn't he? Just look at this baby face of your, a beauty indeed. Do you realizes it yet, how much you resemble to me?"

"Kagome, while you do very much shares the same feature as I; I am more mature, elegance and sophisticated. I understand the needs between a man and woman. Do you?"

"Kagome, how long have you known Inuyasha? Why do you think he approached you?"

"Kagome, do you want to know what he said when he reaches climax?"

"Kagome, he called my name. He said Kikyo…"

The memories come flooding back and she froze.

Panic

Scared

She has to leave this place! Or else the pain will soon come and she wouldn't be able to face it.

But her feet… they won't move.