A/N: Thank you for your patience with my slow updates. Work has been insane. Thank you also to those who nominated this story in the 3rd quarter Dokuga awards. I am truly humbled. Thanks to those who read and reviewed and as always, reviews are greatly appreciated.
Also, enjoy the limey goodnes in this chapter :)
I do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters associated.
Unexpected Encounters
Time is eternal and never changing. Despite the fact that some days seem to move faster than others, time itself does not change. It is one of the few constants in the universe beyond life and death. For Kagome, time seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye. The book store she worked at was busier than ever and her days seemed to run together.
For Sesshoumaru, time stood still. Life became a tedious routine of work, sleep, work, sleep and so on. Surprisingly, one of the only bright spots in his life was coming home to Kagome every day. They settled in to a comfortable cohabitation in the five months that she lived with him. Most mornings she made breakfast and he came home to a home cooked dinner almost every night. He hated to admit it, but she was the closest thing to a friend that he had.
Sesshoumaru had always been a solitary being who found the company of others to be uncomfortable. Others found him to be cold and often times a little too arrogant for their tastes and so he never managed to get close to anyone. While he wouldn't say that the two of them were on the path to becoming the best of friends, he knew that he could tell her anything and she would offer her opinion without being judgmental. She overlooked his faults, not that he would admit to anyone that he had any, and she genuinely seemed to care about his happiness.
It was…odd. No one had really cared about his wellbeing since…
Pushing that thought aside, Sesshoumaru looked up at flight status board and sighed. He still had a few hours to go before his flight was leaving. His latest trip to London was long and exhausting but it was profitable. He was confident that the merger would happen and with that came the thought of the promotion that he was hoping for. He worked tirelessly for over a year to ensure that everything associated with the merger was perfect and now it was time for his reward. Hell, after all was said and done he might actually decide to take a vacation.
Scratch that.
Despite the fact that Sesshoumaru hated being in the company of others, vacations just weren't as much fun if you went on them alone. Sure it was relaxing and he could definitely use the peace and quiet but something about sitting on a beach on some tropical island alone didn't feel right to him.
Oh well he thought before he closed his eyes.
I wonder what Kagome is doing…
~~~~~~~~~~B~~~~~~~~~~
Kagome tried not to laugh but watching Inuyasha try to remove all of the baby food that his daughter had thrown into his hair was priceless. She looked over at Kanna who wasn't even trying to hide her amusement and she broke down.
Inuyasha scowled at the two women laughing at him before turning his back on them. He never should have introduced them to one another. They had clicked immediately and now formed a very powerful team against him.
I'm so screwed he thought to himself.
"If you two are done laughing at my expense, do you think one of you could come help me?"
"Oh Yasha, why would we do that? You seem to be doing just fine on your own." Kanna replied while still laughing.
Normally a quiet and reserved individual, Kanna came to life when she was around Kagome. Her personality brought out the best in everyone she met, including her husband's brother.
The changes were subtle, but Kanna noticed a definite change in Sesshoumaru since Kagome moved in. Yes, he was still cold and distant but on the few occasions that the four of them were together he was more relaxed and dare she say it, content, than she had ever seen him before. Secretly she was hoping that the two of them became a couple because she couldn't imagine a more perfect fit. They were complete opposites but they worked.
"So, how has life been without Sesshoumaru around?" Kanna asked.
Kagome smiled sadly. Sesshoumaru had been gone for 3 weeks and she found herself almost missing him. They weren't extremely close but the relationship they had was comfortable. They spent many nights sitting on the couch either talking, well she did most of the talking, or watching a movie. She told him all about her life growing up in a shrine and how it was a struggle sometimes to even make ends meet. They talked about nothing and everything at the same time. She told him how the death of her father devastated her but didn't go into details on what happened. She even talked a little about her relationship with Kouga and how it went from fairy tale to horror in just a few short months.
It was nice to let someone else in instead of just relying on Miroku and Sango to deal with all of her problems. Speaking of the dynamic duo, she needed to give them a call and see if they were free for dinner.
"It's been pretty quiet honestly. Sesshoumaru might not be the world's biggest talker, but he's a good listener. It's weird…there are a lot of days where we don't say anything more than 'Hello' and 'Goodbye' to each other but the nights where we actually have more than 5 minutes to talk are nice."
"There is nothing nice about my brother, Kagome. Haven't I taught you anything about him?" Inuyasha replied from the kitchen.
"Just because the two of you don't get along doesn't mean he's a jerk to everyone."
Both Kanna and Inuyasha narrowed their eyes at her and Kagome had to fight back another round of giggles.
"Okay, so maybe he is but he's not to me. I think he's just…misunderstood."
"Misunderstood my ass,"
"Yasha!" Kanna growled.
"Sorry, sorry! It's not like she can understand me yet!"
"I wouldn't want to be you when the first f-bomb comes out of her mouth Inuyasha."
Kagome smiled when his face paled.
"So, when is he going to be home?"
"I have no idea actually. I thought he was coming home today but I've only talked to him twice since he's been gone."
"Typical," Inuyasha mutter.
Kagome shot him an angry glare but decided to let it go. She knew they didn't get along and she knew the reason why but she didn't have to like it. It was hard for her to think of a family that was so torn apart like the Ito family seemed to be. She wanted to help them but she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that some things just couldn't be fixed.
"Yasha, we should head home. It's almost time to put Shiori to bed and she definitely needs a bath." Kanna said while she got up from the couch.
"Yeah, alright. You need anything before we leave?" he asked Kagome.
"Nope, I'm good. You two go home and have a good night."
She hugged them both saw them out. They really were great people and she was happy to have made two new friends.
Smiling to herself, she turned and made her way to the bathroom. She wanted a nice hot bath to relax away her day. She undressed and slipped on her favorite sheer silk robe. There was definitely an advantage to being alone in the apartment. Once the tub was filled she lowered herself into the hot water and leaned back against the cool tile.
Kagome took her time and enjoyed the peace and quiet of the apartment. Sure, it had definitely been lonely without her roommate but she wasn't about to complain about the quiet. She drifted in and out of consciousness for about an hour before deciding it was time to get out. She had just slipped her robe back on when there was a knock at the door.
Frowning, she quickly scrambled to find another robe to cover her while the knocking became louder.
"Just a second!" she called out from the bathroom.
She dashed out of the room and ran to the living room. Quickly she unlocked the door and pulled it open, completely unprepared for what or rather whom she saw standing on the other side of the door.
The narrowed, piercing golden eyes and short silver hair were a dead giveaway. He was almost as tall as Sesshoumaru but not nearly as broad and muscular. She could see a little bit of both brothers in the man who stood before her.
She wanted to hate this man for everything that he had done to Sesshoumaru but hating someone just wasn't in Kagome's nature. Hell she didn't even truly hate Kouga despite what he did to her.
Takahiro Ito let his gaze linger on the woman standing in front of him. He wasn't expecting a woman and second guessed himself for a moment; perhaps he had the wrong apartment after all. She looked fresh from a shower and he felt bad for disturbing her.
"Forgive me," his deep voice, so like Sesshoumaru's, began "It would seem that I have the wrong apart—"
"He's not home." Kagome snipped cutting him off.
"Excuse me?"
"Sesshoumaru, he's not home. He's away on business. I don't know when he'll be back."
"I see. May I…come in for a moment Miss…?"
"Higurashi, and I don't think that is very appropriate nor do I think that your son would appreciate it."
Takahiro closed his eyes and sighed. He wasn't surprised really. He knew for a fact that Sesshoumaru wouldn't hide what happened in the past from his lover.
"I understand that my being here is not something that either of you would wish for but I cannot take his silence any longer."
"Can you honestly say that you blame him?"
"No, I don't blame him I blame myself. I made mistakes, too many to count, where my son is concerned but I have been trying to fix them."
"Some mistakes can't be fixed. Some hurts are too great to ever overcome. Sesshoumaru likes to put on a brave front and pretend like the past doesn't bother him but it does. I see it every time we're out in public when he spies a father and son together. There is so much pain in his eyes when he sees the love that a father and son are supposed to share. You've hurt him so much and you have no right to force your presence on him."
Takahiro took a step back at the angry woman's words. He wouldn't argue with her; he couldn't. Everything she said was true but he was determined to fix the mess he created over twenty five years ago.
"Despite what he thinks, I love my son very much Miss Higurashi. I won't make excuses for what I did and the Kami's know that I regret them every day but I cannot change what happened. I don't expect Sesshoumaru to ever forgive me but I…" Takahiro trailed off and lowered his head. It was a mistake coming here.
"I should go. I'm sorry for disturbing your evening Miss Higurashi. It is probably best if you do not tell Sesshoumaru that I was here."
With that, the elder Ito turned and headed down the hall. Kagome watched him go and she felt a small amount of pity for the man. But that pity quickly turned to anger and she was unable to stop her mouth once she opened it.
"I don't think you truly regret what happened and the only reason you're trying to make amends with Sesshoumaru is so your guilty conscience can be clear" she spat venomously.
Takahiro spun and pinned the woman with a deadly glare, "How dare you? Do you honestly think me so heartless that I wouldn't regret killing the mother of my son? What kind of man do you think I am?" he snarled.
Kagome pulled her robe tighter to her but held her ground. She would not be intimidated by this man no matter what.
"I don't think you are a man. You are a monster who should be rotting in a prison cell right now."
Before he could reply, she turned and slammed the door shut in his face. She slid to the floor and leaned back against the door. She tried to stop the tears that trickled down her face but she couldn't. She sat there and cried until she had no more tears left to shed.
~~~~~~~~~~B~~~~~~~~~~
Something was definitely wrong but for the life of him, Sesshoumaru just couldn't figure it out. He returned home late the evening before to a silent, empty feeling apartment. The air was stale and the entire place felt cold. His home hadn't felt like this since before Kagome moved in. He wondered where she was and was surprised to not find her sitting on the couch under the blankets with a book in her hands. Yes it was late but he knew she was often up well into the evening reading or watching some television.
He crossed the room quickly and opened the door to her bedroom. He scanned the room before his eyes landed on the lump in her bed. She was curled up in a tight ball with her back to him. She looked uncomfortable and her sleep seemed restless. He frowned and gave her a pointed look before he slipped silently out of the room.
Things didn't change much from the time Sesshoumaru went to bed till now. The only difference was that Kagome was awake. Well, her eyes were open and she was moving but she was anything but awake. Her eyes were red and puffy and her entire demeanor was sullen and he found that it…bothered him.
"Kagome?" he called softly.
She startled and lifted her eyes to his. She fought back her tears fiercely; she didn't want him to know that his father was here because she knew it would only upset him.
Sesshoumaru stood and moved until he was standing in front of her. He kneeled down and gently moved his hand under her chin to lift her face.
"What's wrong?"
"N-nothing. I just didn't sleep well," she mumbled.
"You are a terrible liar, Kagome."
She looked up at him and smiled, "I'm alright, really I just have a lot on my mind today."
He could tell that she didn't want to talk so he decided to let it go.
"If you're sure…?"
"I'm sure," she replied quietly
He nodded and let the subject drop. If she didn't want to share he wouldn't push her.
"Do you have to work today?" he asked hoping to change the subject.
"Yeah then I'm meeting Miroku and Sango for dinner. I didn't know when you were going to be home, but you're welcome to join us. I'm sure they won't mind at all."
He thought for a moment before an idea popped into his head.
"Actually, I have a better idea. Why don't we all go out to that new night club downtown? I can even see if Inuyasha and Kanna can be persuaded to join us."
Kagome hesitated. While the idea did have some merit, Kagome wasn't sure she wanted to be around so many people.
"I-I don't know, Sesshoumaru."
"When was the last time you had some real, genuine fun Kagome? You get up, go to work, occasionally have a quiet dinner with your friends or your mother but most of the time you come home and sit on the couch until you're ready for bed. Where is the harm if you take a night for yourself to let loose?"
Well when he puts it like that, he makes it sound like I'm some old spinster.
"Well I guess I can't argue with your logic on this," she frowned.
"I promise you'll have a good time Kagome.
"You don't strike me as the 'night club type of guy' you know."
"It's true that I do not normally frequent those types of places but once in a while isn't going to hurt anything."
She sighed, "Alright, I'll give Miroku and Sango a call. What time should I tell them?"
"Seven would be good. We can all eat upstairs in the restaurant before we go down and enjoy the club."
Kagome nodded and stood up. She still had to get ready for work and now she had to find something to wear. Just as she was about to leave the kitchen, Sesshoumaru reached out and lightly grabbed her wrist.
"Smile for me today, okay? I'm not used to you being so melancholy."
She did smile for him, even if it didn't truly reach her eyes.
"I'll see you when I get home," she said before she departed to begin her day.
Sesshoumaru remained for only a few minutes longer before he too finished getting ready and prepared for what was sure to be an eventful day.
~~~~~~~~~~B~~~~~~~~~~
"Sango, I can't possibly wear this!" Kagome cried as she looked at herself in the mirror.
"Why not? I think you look amazing." Sango replied while she continued to fix her hair.
"But…it's too tight and well…short and…"
"Kagome stop it. You look incredible so stop fussing and finish getting ready or we're going to make everyone else late."
Kagome huffed but turned to give herself another once over in the mirror. Yes, the dress did fit her but it fit a little too well. It clung to her body like it was part of her skin and highlighted all of her usually hidden features. The deep burgundy color was complimentary to her complexion and it was enhanced by the minimal amount of makeup she wore. Her hair was down in soft curls but held away from her face by some simply pins. If she really took a minute to look at herself, she would see a beautiful seductress staring back at her.
Zipping up her knee length black boots and giving her hair one last fluff for good measure, Kagome proclaimed herself ready to go. She grabbed her clutch and her coat before both she and Sango headed out of the bedroom.
Inuyasha was pacing in the living room while Miroku, Sesshoumaru and Kanna lounged on the couch. He looked up when the two women emerged from the room.
"Finally! Do you always take this long?" he complained.
"Quit your bellowing, Inuyasha we didn't take that long." Kagome replied with a scowl on her face.
"Keh, whatever wench. Are we going or not?"
Everyone nodded and started to gather the last of their things before they left. Sesshoumaru, who hadn't taken his eyes off Kagome since she entered the room, was startled when the soft hand of his sister in-law landed on his arm.
"You're drooling." Kanna whispered with a slight giggle.
He scoffed and moved to put on his jacket. His eyes danced in Kagome's direction again quickly when no one was looking. He always thought that she was pretty, if not a little plain, but seeing her dressed like that…
He shook his head; it was going to be a long night.
~~~~~~~~~~B~~~~~~~~~~
The nightclub was packed and part of him wished that they could have stayed upstairs in the restaurant the entire evening. While he knew that this place would be busy he never expected it to be this packed. His group had been lucky to get downstairs when they did so they could claim a table large enough to accommodate all six of them. It was close to the dance floor and they had a nice view of the entire place.
Sesshoumaru was quickly reminded why he usually avoided places like this though. It was loud, the drinks were over priced and anyone who thought they were someone in the world was inside. He had seen several people he knew but wished he didn't from his perch at the table. Thankfully they all either didn't notice him or avoided him; he wasn't known for being social.
At least the drinks are good he thought as he downed another one.
"Shouldn't you slow down?" Inuyasha asked from across the table. While he knew his brother had a bit of a…problem, he was astounded by the guy's tolerance.
"Hn…I think I would know better than you, Inuyasha if I have had enough or not," he snapped back.
"Whatever asshole, just remember you're here to have a good time, not get shit-faced and pass out. I sure as fuck ain't picking your ass up if you do."
"Are you always this crude or is it something your reserve specifically for me?"
Before Inuyasha could answer him, the girls followed by Miroku returned to the table looking hot and sweaty.
Once a fresh round of drinks was ordered everyone sat back to cool off. Kagome looked towards Sesshoumaru and smiled lightly. She knew this wasn't his type of place and truthfully it wasn't hers either but she was having a great time. Sure the place was a little crowded but that didn't make her time there any less enjoyable.
Kagome looked towards Sesshoumaru again and took a moment to really take in his appearance. She was so used to seeing him in expensive business suits, even when they were at home, that his tailored pants and polo shirt almost seemed out of place on him. His hair was pulled away from his face in a low ponytail instead of loose like he normally wore it. She would admit to no one but herself that he looked good like that. He was relaxed and the normal everyday stress of the world wasn't weighing so heavily on his shoulders.
"Are you having a good time?" he asked, bringing her out of her silent appreciation.
"Yes, very much. Are you?"
"Hn."
Kagome giggled, "So, in other words, you're not. This was your idea you know."
"I am aware of that Kagome."
"So, why aren't you having fun? You told me that I needed to loosen up and let go, why can't you?"
Sesshoumaru looked away when he couldn't find an answer for her. She was right just like she normally was. He was here to have a good time but…
"Well when you decide that you want to start having fun you let me know. I'm going to go back to dancing." Kagome said before she stood up, grabbed Sango and Kanna, and left for the dance floor.
"You are such a fucking idiot." Inuyasha laughed.
"Watch your mouth you uncouth bastard." Sesshoumaru snapped back.
"Dude, she was eyeing you like a piece of candy that she wanted to suck on for a while."
"Don't be ridiculous. We are friends, nothing more."
"Keep telling yourself that but I know what I saw."
Sesshoumaru shot Inuyasha a glare that could have killed but his brother just laughed in his face and walked away to join his wife on the dance floor.
He turned to Miroku who gave him a knowing smirk before he too abandoned him to join the ladies on the dance floor.
He spied Kagome out of the corner of his eye and couldn't help the groan that escaped him. She was flushed, sweating and undeniably sexy.
Things just weren't going to be the same between them after tonight.
~~~~~~~~~~B~~~~~~~~~~
Two hours and too many drinks to count later, Sesshoumaru was definitely ready to bash his head against the closest wall. There was no doubt that he was sufficiently drunk but then again so was everyone else around him. If he thought the place was packed before it was twice as bad now. Everyone in their little group had sought refuge at the table but it didn't dampen their spirits. Everyone was laughing and joking and sharing stories of their past misadventures.
"Man, I haven't thought about that in so many years." Miroku laughed.
"We did have some really good times when we were young and stupid." Kagome replied.
"How long have you all known each other?" Kanna asked.
"Well, Sango and I have been friends since we were both in diapers and we both met Miroku on our first day of kindergarten."
Sango snorted, "Yep, he walked right up to me and proclaimed to everyone that I was the love of his life and I was going to give him twenty babies."
Everyone, including Sesshoumaru, laughed until their sides hurt.
"I wasn't wrong," Miroku began once everyone calmed down, "You are the love of my life and you will be having at least twenty children."
"I don't know about you guys but I could use some air, it's getting a little stuffy in here." Inuyasha said while he stood up.
Everyone but Kagome and Sesshoumaru got up from the table. Both said that they were fine where they were and would wait for everyone to return. They settled into a comfortable silence before Kagome turned and placed her hand on his arm.
"Thanks for tonight. You were right, I did need to get out and have a little fun."
"I'm glad you're having a good time, Kagome."
"I'm going to regret it in the morning; I haven't been this drunk in a long time."
"There's aspirin under the sink in my bathroom." he laughed.
She laughed back and the sound was music to his ears. She looked up and found him staring at her with a look she had never before seen on his face. It was heated and full of promises she knew she shouldn't ask of him.
"Dance with me." he said simply.
Kagome didn't hesitate, something that surprised her, and let him lead her to the dance floor. It was still heavily crowded and Sesshoumaru didn't think twice before he pulled her close to his body. His hands settled on her hips and together they moved their bodies' in time with the music.
Kagome thought that it was going to be awkward between the two of them but she found that she was comfortable in his hold. She was surprised at how well their bodies fit together. Her head was tucked perfectly just under his chin and she resisted the urge to lay her head on his chest. Maybe, just for tonight, she could pretend.
The music changed and their dance became something slow and sensual. Neither one really noticed the change until someone bumped into them causing Kagome to throw her arms around his neck to steady herself. If possible, her body was pressed even tighter to his and the heat radiating off of him was astounding. She looked up and was about to apologize and move away but his eyes told her all she needed to know. He didn't have a problem with it.
If she was honest with herself she didn't mind it either. She felt safe with him and she trusted him more than she trusted most people in her life. It was strange, considering that only a few months ago they were strangers who simply occupied the same living space. She had always found him to be a very attractive man and she wondered idly what he thought of her.
Sesshoumaru noticed that her eyes took on a faraway look and he was curious as to what she was thinking about. He was having trouble concentrating himself with her pressed against him so intimately. It was doing things to his body that he wasn't expecting at all. She was gorgeous, there was no point in denying that now but did he really want to cross that bridge with her?
He lowered his face until he was inches away from her ear, "What are you thinking, Kagome?"
"I…it's nothing important," she replied back.
Slowly his hands left her hips and travelled up her bare back. The action caused Kagome to shiver and she did nothing to try and hide it. He stopped when he reached the mass that was her dark hair. He hesitated for only a moment before he tangled his fingers in her silky tresses. He used gentle force to tilt her head to the side before he nibbled lightly on her ear lobe.
Kagome whimpered lightly and that was all it took for their well practiced control to snap. Before he could change his mind, Sesshoumaru leaned over and claimed her lips in a kiss that was wild and carefree. Kagome was surprised but she didn't pull away. Instead she shut off the rational part of her brain that was telling her to stop and went with what she was feeling.
The world around them faded away until there was nothing left but them. They were locked in a dangerous game of seduction but at the moment, neither one cared. Their tongues fought for control while their hands roamed as much of the other's body as they could. When breathing became a necessity, Sesshoumaru pulled back slightly only to begin kissing her jaw. His mouth left a sensual trail as he traveled from her jaw and down her neck until he reached the top of her breasts.
Kagome moaned lightly when his hands came up to massage them through her dress. Suddenly, her dress was the most annoying piece of clothing she owned. Oh how she wanted to toss the offending article of clothing aside and give him access to what he so obviously desired. Thankfully, there was still a small part of her brain that was still functioning that reminded her that it was probably not a good idea to do that.
Still, it sounded like fun.
Sesshoumaru carefully maneuvered them until he had Kagome leaning against a pole at the edge of the dance floor. He moved his hands from her breasts and slid them down to her firm, round ass. He gave each cheek a gentle squeeze before he lifted her off the ground. She immediately wrapped her legs around his waist and gasped when his impressive erection pressed against her thigh.
He bent down low to nibble on her ear again while he ground his hips against her.
"Tell me what you want," he whispered in her ear.
"I…I don't…Kami just touch me," she begged.
He smirked and moved his left hand off her ass and let it come to rest on her inner thigh. His fingers began to dance their way up to her core and he was surprised by what he found.
"Such a naughty girl, Kagome," he teased as his fingers lightly tickled her uncovered folds.
So, the little minx went without under garments tonight he thought before he inserted one finger into her hot, wet heat.
Kagome tensed immediately but relaxed once the pleasurable sensations took over. While she was slightly horrified that they were actually doing this in the middle of a crowded dance floor, she didn't let it show on her face. She wanted to enjoy this and nothing was going to stop her.
Sesshomaru inserted another finger and established a rhythm that was neither too fast nor too slow. He wanted to savor this moment for as long as he could. His cock twitched painfully at the thought of shoving her against the wall in the corner and fucking her right then and there.
They needed to leave soon before that thought became a reality. If she was that tight around his fingers he couldn't imagine how she would feel wrapped around his hard length. He couldn't wait to pin her beneath him and fuck her until she couldn't take any more.
He groaned and moved his fingers quicker while he buried his face against her neck.
"We should leave," he told her.
Kagome was close, so close and the thought of his stopping now…It had been so long since she last knew the touch of a man and she needed this release desperately.
"Don't…please don't stop," she pleaded and he was all too happy to comply with her demands.
Higher and higher he brought her until he could feel the first fluttering of her slick walls against his fingers. He inserted a third and slowly began to circle her clit. It was almost too much for her to handle and it took everything in her power to not cry out in ecstasy.
She was so close and he knew it wouldn't be long know. He started to lean down to kiss her again but unfortunately he never made it. Someone came crashing into them both from the side and it took some quick action on his part to keep Kagome from tumbling to the ground. He held her steady while glaring at the woman who had interrupted their moment.
Kagome shook her head and tried to clear her lust filled mind. When she was certain that she wasn't going to fall she realized what had just happened. If they hadn't stopped she had no doubt that she would have let him fuck her right there on the dance floor. She took a step back but couldn't bring herself to look at him. She was ashamed at the way she behaved.
Sesshoumaru saw the apprehension filling her eyes and he wanted to kick himself for it. He wouldn't deny that he wanted her but not like this. They were both drunk out of their minds and he knew that, while it would have been highly enjoyable, they both would have woken up and regretted it very much.
"Kagome…"he began but she cut him off.
"I'm sorry…I just…I can't," she replied before she shrugged herself out of his hold and headed towards the bathroom.
He sighed and ran his hands through his hair. It was time to get the hell out of here before anything else happened.
~~~~~~~~~~B~~~~~~~~~~
Kagome stood in front of the sink and splashed some cold water on her face. She was dizzy and slightly disoriented and she really just wanted to go home and sleep off the massive hangover she knew she was going to have. Hopefully Sesshomaru wouldn't have any problems with leaving.
She exited the bathroom and started to make her way towards their table but she only made it a few steps before she was violently pulled back by her hair and thrown against the wall. The impact knocked the breath from her and she started coughing.
"Just who the fuck do you think you are you stupid bitch?" an angry, female voice sneered.
Kagome looked up to see a beautiful, dark haired woman glaring at her with hatred dancing in her eyes.
"I'm sorry, do I know you?" she managed to squeak out.
"It doesn't matter who I am you slut. Stay the hell away from Sesshoumaru."
Stay away from Sesshomaru? Who the hell was this woman?
"Look, Sesshoumaru and I are friends and I'll hang around him if I want to whether you like it or not."
The woman laughed, "Listen up little girl. Sesshoumaru doesn't have time to waste on whores that he picks up at the club. Once he's done with you he'll come back to me on his hands and knees begging for another chance and I won't have you getting in my way."
Was this woman insane?
"Aren't you a little full of yourself?" she spat.
She didn't register that the woman's hand was moving until it connected with the side of her face. It hurt, Kami it hurt like hell but Kagome stood her ground. She was about to move forward when Sesshoumaru's tall, silver haired frame blocked her.
"You need to leave Kagura before I make you."
"Is this piece of trash what you thought you could replace me with, Sesshoumaru? Kami, I knew you were stupid but I didn't think you were that desperate that you would fuck the first thing that came along."
Sesshoumaru felt Kagome stiffen behind him but he kept his eyes focused on Kagura. He saw the entire confrontation but the crowd of people who gathered to watch the spectacle blocked his path.
"I said leave before I have you arrested," he snarled.
"Fine. When you're done with that one, I'll be waiting for you."
She turned and the crowd parted to let her pass. Sesshoumaru turned and looked at Kagome. He could already see the beginnings of a bruise from where Kagura slapped her.
"Are you alright?" he asked carefully.
She nodded but didn't meet his gaze. She would ask questions later. Right now she just wanted to get out of here.
"Take me home Sesshoumaru."
He led her through the crowd of people until he reached their table. Their friends were waiting anxiously but Kagome silenced them all with a look that said she just needed to go. Sesshoumaru grabbed her coat and purse and together they left the club and headed for Sesshoumaru's car.
The air was thick with tension that neither one knew how to break. So many things happened in one night that had drastically changed the dynamics of their relationship.
Not a single word was spoken on the drive home but one, similar thought was running through both of their minds. Where do we go from here?