Beneath It All
MiserablySweet

Chapter 1- Hope

Kagome stumbled around the darkness of her house as she groped the walls looking for the light switch. She yelped painfully as she stubbed her big toe against what she thought was a textbook.

"Ah here it is!" Kagome glowed in triumph as the light to her living room flickered on and soon missed the darkness covering the mess.

"SOUTA!!" a young boy scrambled down the stairs with a toothy grin. "Yes sister?" Souta was no taller than Kagome's shoulders with jet black hair and a boyish face.

"What's this Souta? You were supposed to clean up after your friends leave," Kagome exclaimed as she bent down and gathered the discarded textbooks on the wooden floor. Souta glanced away from his older sister in shame. "I was planning to clean it up after they leave, i have to finish my homework" Souta stumbled back up the stairs and closed his room door with a subtle click.

"That's weird I thought he said he was going to do homework with his friends," Kagome pondered as she rid the wooden floor of the textbooks. She set the heavy textbooks by the small television and slumped on the couch.

"What a day," Kagome whispered as she massaged her temples to prevent getting a headache. She glanced over at the clock and noticed it was already seven PM, "Well time to start on dinner." Kagome walked into her tiny kitchen and rummaged through the fridge and sighed in a very troubled manner, 'out of food.'

"Well, we'll go out to eat then," she announced and called for Souta. 'Huh, no response? Maybe he's listening to the radio,' Kagome rounded the corner of the stairs and stood in front of Souta's room.

"Souta?" She knocked on the door several times softly, still no response. Kagome furrowed her eyebrows and started to worry she opened the door and managed a little crack before a force slammed the door shut and locked it. Kagome's head was spinning with worry and assumptions wondering if her little brother is safe.

"GO AWAY!" her brother's voice sounded through the other side of the door. "I hate you!" Kagome slumped down onto the floor and wondered what in the world would cause her brother this rage. Tears brimmed on the corners of her eyes at the thought of her beloved sibling never talking to her ever again, he was all she had left to look forward to the world and she didn't want to lose him. Kagome placed a hand gently on the flat surface of the wooden door, "Souta, what's wrong?" Kagome pressed an ear against the door when suddenly an object struck the door from the other side causing her to grimace in pain.

"Go away! I hate you, I hate this house!" Souta's voice cracked, Kagome knew what he was talking about now. She gently pried opened the lock with her bobby pin and entered Souta's dark room. Souta was laying on his bed face down and sobs racked through his body. Kagome sighed and sat on the side of the bed and placed a gentle hand on the back of his head.

"Souta, I'm sorry. I'm really trying. But between the school fees and grandpa's medical bills we can't afford fancy things in the house yet," Kagome ran her hands in Souta's hair. Souta sat up on the bed slowly and slammed into Kagome's chest and wrapped his hands around her back. 'Souta, I'm sorry,' tears streamed down Kagome's face as she clutched on to her little brother, "I'll try harder Souta, for you, I promise."

"That's not it Kagome. It's my friends! I hate them! I don't want to talk to them ever again," he sobbed into Kagome's chest. She brushed his hair on the back of his head softly,

"They were making fun of you, weren't they?" Souta sniffled and released himself from the embrace. "They came in the house and said that we're poor and disgusting. And they pushed me!" Souta pointed to his scabbed knee. Kagome glided her fingers across the scab and sighed miserably, "would you like to transfer back to the public school?" Kagome stroked his cheeks softly as tears continue to leak out of her eyes, "I never knew they would cause you such trouble," Kagome sobbed into her hands.

"Sister, please stop crying," Souta grasped his sisters wrists softly, "it's not your fault. You're trying the best you can. It's those people, they don't know that people with less money are just the same as they are." Souta scrambled behind Kagome and knelt on the bed and wrapped his small arms around Kagome's shoulders, "Kagome, I'm sorry." Souta shook with sorrow, realizing that he put all the pressure upon her once more. Kagome smiled sadly and touched his hands softly, "Souta, it's okay I'm fine now."

Kagome untangled Souta's hands around her shoulder and turned around to face him. She cupped his tear stained cheeks, "It'll get better, I promise. Now get dressed, we're going out to eat tonight." Souta's eyes lite up instantly, "Cafe Hello?" Kagome nodded, "clean your face and get dressed, I'll meet you downstairs." Souta rushed to the bathroom to get ready for dinner at his favorite location other than home. Kagome stood up and walked into her room, a lone tear slipped down as she clicked the door shut.

"Please let things get better," she whispered in the darkness of her room. "I don't want to see him suffer anymore."

-0-0-0-0-0-0-

A soft chime signaled another customer coming into the cafe, a young adult waitress stood in front of the door to greet them, "Welcome to Cafe Hello! How many seats do need?" came the cheery voice. Kagome giggled, "Sango it's us." The waitress grinned happily as she nodded, "I know. I was just practicing my lines, come over here" she signaled Kagome to come closer and gave her a huge bear hug.

"Sango!" an elder voice chided over the counter. "Sorry!" Sango giggled and ruffled Souta's hair, "HEY!" he reached up to grab her intruding hands but Sango snatched her hand away fast, "still too slow, little man." She motioned for the duo to sit by the counter, their usual table. Soft pop music was playing in the background of the cafe as Souta and Kagome looked around their menu. "What do you want to eat this time Souta?"

Souta scanned the menu longer before gently closing it with his head held high and placed it on the table, "the usual" he replied. Kagome rolled her eyes at her little brother.

"You took all that time just to say 'the usual'??" Souta blew a raspberry at her and gave her a toothy grin, "Yep." Kagome giggled lightly and winked at the male waiter, "hey handsome, we're ready to order!" The male waiter blushed and walked over, "Kagome! You're embarrassing me!" Sango heard Kagome's little compliment and fell into a laughing fit.

"Come on Kohaku, I was just messing around," Kagome grinned. Souta punched Kohaku's shoulder roughly making him falter a couple of steps back in surprise.

"Hey! Souta! What was that for?" he put his hands on his hips and glared at the younger boy. "Pay back!" he grinned and Kohaku rolled his eyes at him.

"So what do you want to order Kagome?" Kohaku flipped open his notepad and positioned himself to take down her orders.

"It's already done," the same elderly voice that chided Sango was heard behind Kohaku. "Kaede! let me get them for you" Kohaku motioned to take the plates but Kaede spun around quickly leaving Kohaku dumbfounded. "Ye usual, Kagome," she placed the plates on the table. Kagome smiled softly at the elderly woman, "thank you Kaede."

Kaede nodded, "no problem child, I better get back to minding the counter. Come here Kohaku, I have a job for you." Kohaku and Kaede left them seated at their table so they can enjoy their dinner in peace. Kagome glanced over to Souta who already began to gobble down his spaghetti and meatballs and marveled at how kids can bounce back. 'I wish I can see the happiness in your eyes more often Souta,' Kagome sighed softly for no one to hear and began eating her meal, eel udon and a side of chicken caesar salad. Kagome enjoyed her meal silently listening to the slurps and gulps Souta was making and giggled.

"Souta, don't eat that fast, you'll choke," she commented. Souta grinned and excused himself to the bathroom to wash his hands. Sango walked over to clear their table.

"How was it?" Sango asked curiously. Kagome sighed and felt tears invade her eyes as she searched the words to tell her best friend. "They're taking him away Sango. At the end of this month if I don't find a reliable job. What am I going to do, I can't lose him," Sango bent down on her heels and grasped Kagome's hand in hers.

"Kagome, I know you don't want to apply for that school, but that's your only chance to keep Souta with you. I know with your grades you can pass the qualification test with ease, wait here," Sango went behind the large counter for several moments and came out with a brown catalogue envelope. "These are the application to the school, and the time they are going to accept resumes and qualify you for the test." Kagome looked at the brown envelope and sighed what seems like the hundredth time that day. "Alright, I'll go" she accepted the package earning herself a pat on the shoulder from Sango. Souta returned from the bathroom and noticed the envelop, "What's that?"

"Just a bunch of papers," she smiled.

"Here here! A treat for ye!" Kaede held two plates of strawberry cheesecake and placed it in front of Kagome and Souta. "I made it myself, ye better eat all of it!" Kagome gave Kaede a dashing smile and began to consume her favorite dessert. After they were done, Kagome went to the counter to pay for their bill. She took out a twenty dollar bill from her wallet and handed to Kaede. "No need child, ye are like family to us. I feel horrible I couldn't give ye a job here at the cafe, so please keep ye money and let us treat you to dinner," Kaede pushed the money back to Kagome.

Kagome shook her head, "No I can't just take you for granted like that Kaede, here please take it." Kaede sighed and took the bill but gave her ten dollars back as change, "Kaede, this is too much!" Kagome realized her change wasn't suppose to be this much. Kaede shook her head, "take it child, ye'll need it for the qualification test." Kagome felt herself swell up with tears again and ran behind the counter and hugged Kaede gratefully. Kaede smiled and pat her on the back lovingly, "if ye ever need a meal, come to us."

Kagome nodded and bid Sango and Kohaku goodbye and headed home with her little Souta.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-

Kagome clutched onto the brown catalogue tightly to her chest, 'God, hear my prayers I need to pass this test...' Kagome pushed through the front door of the magnificent building.

"Wow..." she breathed out as she glanced around in the hallway. Marble statues stood proud and tall between locker sections. The white themed hallway was adorned by unpainted stainless steel lockers, mahogany wood covered floors, rich golden fabrics for window curtains and marble waterfountains. 'This place is ridiculously rich...' Kagome marveled the hallway as she strides to her destination, "Room A-1, here it is" she knocked on the door softly waiting for a reply.

"Enter" an elderly raspy voice signaled for her to enter, she opened the door and revealed a short old man with a bald forehead, "Can I help you?" Kagome jumped up in shock not realizing she was staring at him.

"Oh yes, I'm here for the qualification test," she approached the old man and handed him the brown catalogue envelope. The old man scanned through the papers with a surprised look on his face, "well your résumé is indeed very impressive," he walked over to the back of the desk and retrieve a paper packet, "You may take the test, take a seat," Kagome let out a squeal of excitement and blushed when the others stared at her.

"Try to keep it quiet, Ms..." the old man glanced down at the résumé again, "Ms. Higurashi." Kagome nodded and took a seat by the window and signed her name on the front cover and started her test.

Several hours have passed and Kagome noticed students leave one by one as they finished the test, 'Damn it, this is harder than I thought' as she saw another hand the old man the test papers and leave the room, making her the last five test takers. Kagome began to panic, 'what if I'm going to fail... STOP! Kagome! Concentrate!' she stared down her test with heavy confidence and finished before the time was up.

"Was it hard?" the old man commented, Kagome smiled "yea, just a little bit" and walked out of the classroom and headed to her job. Kagome reached the front entrance and pulled the doors open, smiled into the sun.

"I'll pass."

-0-0-0-0-0-0-

Kagome sighed as she entered her dark house, she is just exhausted from the amount of work she's done in the past week.

"Kagome!" Sango greeted her from the living room. Kagome scrambled in and smiled at the display before her. Kohaku was teaching Souta hands on combat.

"What are you guys doing here?" Kagome hugged Sango briefly and sat on the couch. "I was picking up Kohaku from karate practice when he told me he wanted to show Souta his new moves" she giggled.

Kohaku grinned as he grabbed Souta by his shoulders, hauled him close to his body twisted Souta's body gently and kicked the back of Souta's knee causing him to buck his knee foward and with a little strength Kohaku pushed him down onto the floor. Souta landed flat on his back with an "umph". Kohaku grinned proudly and made Macho man poses. The girls laughed heartily as Souta got up and stood behind Kohaku, mimicking his poses.

"You guys want to stay for dinner? We're having baked macaroni and cheese and some salad," Kagome offered. Kohaku's face grinned madly waiting for his sister to say yes.

"Why not, your baked mac and cheese is Kohaku's favorite," Sango sighed and the boys cheered in victory. Kagome left to the kitchen and began to cook the meal when the phone rang, "Sango, can you get that for me?" she called out through the kitchen. "Sure," she reached for the receiver "Hello, Higurashi residence, how may I help you?"

A smooth baritone voice sounded through the other line, "Is this Kagome Higurashi?"

"No, sorry she's busy at the moment, do you want to speak to her directly?" Sango politely asked, the man on the phone agreed and Sango called for Kagome.

"It's urgent," Sango said as Kagome took the receiver into her hands, "Hello, this is Kagome."

"Congratulations Ms. Higurashi, You've passed the qualification exam with flying colors," Kagome squealed into the phone and jumped with excitement, Kagome muffled the receiver into her shoulder and hopped up and down repeatedly, "Sango Sango!!" she squealed, "I passed the qualification test!" Sango clapped her hands merrily and gave Kagome a hug, "So you're accepted now?" Kagome forgot to ask and apologized to the other line, "My apologies, am I accepted into the school?"

"Yes, but there is a high tuition cost for this school, I've a file in my hands stating you are in financial crisis. Will you be able to afford the payment?" Kagome sighed, "Sir, how much is the tuition?"

"Fifty-nine thousand dollars per month, not including textbook and uniform expenses," Kagome's eye bulged and gulped down a heavy lump in her throat.

"I'm sorry sir, I won't be attending then," Kagome looked at Sango with sad eyes and shook her head, she was about to hang up when the other line called for her to wait.

"Wait, Ms. Higurashi," Kagome lifted the receiver back to her ear, "yes, sorry sir, as you were saying?"

"We do have a scholarship program that will pay for your tuition due to your high score on the exam, our school has never seen a score that high before," Kagome held her breath waiting for something to knock her down from her head in the clouds, "But what does the scholarship demand of me?"

A sharp laugh was her first reply, "All you have to do is, attend at least two extra curricular activities per week, have a grade aver over ninety-five percent, and ninety percent attendance for all terms."

Kagome smiled, "It sounds reasonable enough, yes I will be attending the school sir."

"There's one more thing though," Kagome listened on, "You must make Sesshoumaru Taishou attend all his classes on the first day of school, that is your hardest task, do it well." With that the other line went dead and left Kagome in a dumbfounded state.

"Sesshoumaru Taishou? Who is that?" Kagome pondered and Sango hugged home tightly! "I heard everything from your other line!! Congratulations Kagome!! You finally have a scholarship!" Kagome snapped out of her stupor and rejoiced along side with her best friend, "Come Sango! Let's eat!"

-0-0-0-0-0-0-

A man with a slender hand placed the receiver back on the phone and a mischievous smirk adorned his face.

"What an interesting semester this year will be. Kagome Higurashi, You will be the one who will change my son," the man chuckled softly and left the principle's office.

.

.

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Beneath It All
MiserablySweet

Chapter 2- Sesshoumaru

Previously...

A man with a slender hand placed the receiver back on the phone and a mischievous smirk adorned his face.

"What an interesting semester this year will be. Kagome Higurashi, You will be the one who will change my son," the man chuckled softly and left the principle's office.

.

Present...

Kagome sighed as she placed her pen down on the coffee table. She laid her hands above the stack of bills that she had to make payments for, 'At least Souta's happy in the public school again. Well, he's all that counts.' She reached behind her to the sofa and caressed the cheeks of her sleeping brother. Kagome returned to inspecting her bills once more before she noticed a letter underneath the hellish pile.

"Isn't this too heavily decorated for a simple letter?" she mumbled out loud and began to tear the crease of the lavish ivory cream-colored envelope decorated with gold word prints.

"Ms. Higurashi, as you may already know you've been accepted to RedWood High. In RedWood High, we require our students to present themselves in a highly respectable formulated manner. You are on a scholarship provided by the school funding in which you are required to wear the school uniform at all times within the school premises other than on special occasions. Your fitting for the uniform is due the day the semester starts on Monday, September 4th. You will be required to pay an initial deposit of one hundred and fifty dollars for the uniform which will not be refunded to you under any circumstances," Kagome narrowed her eyes at the letter and shredded the elaborately decorated letter.

"One hundred and fifty dollars for a stinking uniform? You've got to be kidding me," Kagome rummaged through her purse to search for her bankbook. She flipped to her most recent page, hoping she will have enough to cover the bills and the uniform while having some money left for food for the week. Kagome took her calculator and began to punch in the totals of the bills for one grand total, "gas, forty-two dollars... water, two hundred and twelve... electricity, ninety seven... grandpa's medical bills, one thousand two hundred and sixty... uniform, hundred and fifty" Kagome held her breath and pressed the 'enter' button, "one thousand seven hundred and one dollars." She flipped her bankbook to check her deposit and sighed in relief when it read "three thousand and fifteen dollars and seventy two cents."

Kagome then wondered how in the world did she get to that amount, it usually wavers between five hundred and a thousand dollars. Kagome checked her previous deposits and withdraws then it hit her, "That's right! Souta transferred out of that private school two weeks ago!" Kagome nearly squealed when she remember her baby brother sleeping soundly behind her, 'we're going to be able to buy new clothes for you now Souta! We get to spend an extra five hundred a week and you get to be happy amongst your friends' she thought happily and squeezed his shoulders lightly.

"It's looking up after all grandpa," Kagome smiled and draped a light blanket over Souta and headed up to her room to retire for the night.

Kagome ran across the street as the walk signal began to blink red, "late late late late late!" she chanted underneath her breath as she raced to RedWood High. 'At least it's not that humid today,' she thought bitterly as she saw one of the school modules. 'I'd probably be sweating like no tomorrow if it was,' Kagome slowed down to a speed walk rather than running when she saw the main building of her school. Kagome noticed there were several expensive looking cars swerving to her direction.

Kagome ignored it thinking the cars would notice her there and stop to let her pass, boy was she mistaken. A black and gray car intercepted her path so quickly her foot nearly got ran over. Kagome narrowed her eyes at the offensive junk as she reached into her purse to grab her tennis balls to haul at the car but to her dismay she didn't bring her racket or tennis balls today. With a split second Kagome settled for a rock as big as her fist and hurled it towards the car that nearly ran her over. 'Stupid driver, too bad I have a bad throw or else it'll hurt your precious car,' Kagome turned to leave thinking her rock would miss. She froze in mid step when she heard a deafening shatter of glass. "Oh please don't tell me...." Kagome began to turn around slowly while chanting, "please" over and over again.

To Kagome's disappointment, her rock of revenge shattered the rear window of the black and gray car. A tall figure began to emerge from the car and stared right at her with the most stoical face she has ever saw, 'Oh God, the calm before the storm.' Kagome spent no time as she heard the other cars screech at a halt and made a dash for the main entrance.

'Run run run run!!!!' her conscious screamed at her as her feet whole heartily agreed but her muscles burned with great intensity. Kagome was almost relieved when the she noticed the main entrance was close, almost. She glanced behind her to only see the driver of the car on her heels, a few yards behind her, "HOLY CRAP" she yelled out loud as she willed her legs to go faster. Kagome was focused on the street in front of her until she felt something brush her shoulders; silver strands caressed her shoulders and shot her head to the side.

"Boo," came the driver's response to her and he grabbed her t-shirt, "You damaged my car." The driver slowed to a stop and Kagome continue to will her legs to go faster, "go go go go go!" her mind chanted but she noticed her surroundings were still. 'What?' Kagome felt some pressure on her top portion of her body and glanced behind her. Her eyes widen like dinner plates as she saw the devilishly cute guy smirk at her.

"Nice bra" was his comment before Kagome jerked her now overly stretched t-shirt and lifted her hand to smack him across the face. Before her hand reached his face, he caught her hands and entwined his fingers with hers.

"Too slow, then again. I bet all you poor girls are this slow," Kagome gasped in shock at his comment and growled and a small plan evolved from her head.

"Of course handsome, how would we, poor girls ever gain your attention?" Kagome bashed her eyelashes at the guy before her and giggled like a lovesick girl. The guy smirked as she inched closer to him and placed her middle and index finger on his chest, "oh handsome, can you close your eyes so I can give you a gift?" Kagome "walked" her two fingers up his chest and smiled a devilishly innocent smile. The guy before her smirked and believed every word she said and closed his eyes.

"JERK!" Kagome screamed at the top of her lungs and kicked his shin with all the force she had causing her to fall back onto the pavement. The guy cried out in surprise and pain and clutched his shin and gave her a deadly glare. Kagome saw his friends run up to him and Kagome for the second time today ran to save her life while giggling the whole way to the main entrance.

"I hope I never see his sorry face again!" she glowed in triumph and entered the richly decorated building to her first task, her uniform fitting.

"Kagome Higurashi" a middle-aged woman dressed in called her name out into the audience, Kagome stood up and followed the lady when she gestured her into the fitting room.

"Stand here" Kagome stood up on the circular platform and fidgeted when the lady began to stare at her like she was eye candy. The lady circled around the platform and grinned as she pulled back Kagome's baggy t-shirt.

"What's with the luggage?" she snickered.

"Eh?" Kagome's eye twitched several times trying to figure out if that was a compliment or insult. "Your shirt, it's so baggy. Why do you want to hide your figure?" Kagome looked down at her shirt and noticed it was horrible disfigured; the collar opening was so badly stretched it looked more of a baggy v-neck shirt rather than an oversized t-shirt.

"Take off your shirt" the woman commanded. Kagome's eyes bulged; "b-but I can't!" she gripped onto her shirt to her body and prayed to God she wasn't going to be molested.

"Calm down, you need to change into the uniform's shirt," the woman snickered and handed her the top, and then the skirt, "into this one too, your whole outfit gone now." Kagome sighed in comfort knowing she wasn't going to be uncomfortable, she noticed her uniform size was sized "Small" and wondered if she would fit. To her amazement the shirt was a little baggy around the waist area, but other than the whole uniform fit her perfectly. Kagome stepped out of the changing room and stood on the platform again. The lady came in with a wet towel in her hands, "wipe your face," Kagome nodded hesitantly but did as she was told. It felt refreshing after that 'run' with that horrible driver. Kagome felt her cheeks heat up as she remembers the guy saying 'nice bra'. Kagome groaned and crossed her arms over her chest bashfully, "I can't believe he saw my bra!" she mumbled under her breath.

"What did you say?" the older woman asked, Kagome shook her head, "Hmm, nothing." After several minutes the measurements were complete and she stripped off the uniform and waited patiently in the changing room for the finished piece. "Here" she heard as her articles of clothing fell from above her head as the lady threw it over. Kagome quickly dressed into the uniform and came out of the dressing room.

"Lovely, just lovely" the lady marveled, "here are your shoes." She pointed to platform where the high heel boots stood, "high heels as school shoes?" Kagome questioned.

"The younger son of the principle requested it for some odd reason. He wanted every girl to wear three inch high heels but apparently the Principle declined and made off with one inch," the lady explained. 'Weird school,' Kagome thought as she handed the lady one hundred and fifty dollars from her jean pocket.

The lady in return handed her a purse and the receipt. Kagome bowed in gratitude and turned to leave when the lady bid her to wait, "wait right here, one second!" she saw her scramble in with her what seems to be two inch high heels and came out with a perfume bottle.

"You look lovely, so you should smell lovely," she commented and Kagome blushed, "well off you go!" Kagome bid her goodbye and left for her first class, "Biology 101"

Kagome struggled to keep her balance on the high heels, "who wears high heels as a school uniform?" she grumbled as she reached her classroom B-2. Kagome knocked on the door softly and waited patiently for a reply. The door opened and revealed the same elder man who was proctoring the test, "Good morning Ms. Higurashi, it's very pleasant to see you." Kagome nodded her head and gave him a soft smile, very happy that he remembered her name.

"Class, this is Kagome Higurashi a transfer student with an exceptionally bright mind," he clapped his hands together, "unlike most of you," she her him mumble and stared at him in shock. "This is a rich school, not smart," he whispered to her as Kagome giggled and nodded. A series of wolf whistles and hollers sounded, "I told you" he commented once more.

"Well, why don't you take that seat over there by Shire," a girl who appears to be younger than her raised her hand and signaled for her to sit by her. Kagome smiled softly at her and pulled out the chair and sat quietly next to her.

"Hi! I'm Shiori" the girl with grayish blue hair and the most enchanting purple eyes, "I'm Kagome" she replied with a friendly smile. "You'll do fine, Mr. Myoga is a great teacher, and cowardly" she whispered the last part and Kagome giggled. All of a sudden the door slammed open causing a few to jump up in their seats.

"You boys are late," Mr. Myoga commented and Kagome gasped in shock. "It's him, oh no..." as she saw a glimpse of silver hair. Kagome tried to hide her face between her arms when Mr. Myoga introduced her, "Boys, new student. Kagome Higurashi. Kagome stand up," he commanded. Kagome swallowed and shook her head, the boys laughed.

"She's smart enough not to show her ugly face around," one of the boys commented. "Inuyasha! Do I have to report to your father again?" Mr. Myoga shouted across the room. Before Inuyasha could reply Kagome shot up from her chair and stared at him face to face.

"Who are you calling Ugly, jerk off?" Kagome slammed her hands on the beautifully carved mahogany tables. 'Oh, that's not him,' Kagome sighed out in relief. Inuyasha opened his mouth and gapped at the girl, a boy behind him commented, "Wow she's hot." Inuyasha nodded dumbly and gulped. Just when Inuyasha was about to say his witty comeback, another male entered the classroom. He stared at his brother and wondered what he was staring at, 'at a girl perhaps?' He trailed his eyes to where the girl was standing, 'she looks familiar.'

"YOU!" he yelled when it hit him, no literally, his shin hurts like hell right now and it was a miracle he's not limping. Kagome recognized his voice and her hand trembled as she turned to face the guy. "You owe me a new car!" he growled, and Inuyasha laughed. "Wow, she's the one who broke your rear window?" Inuyasha went into a laughing fit as the class gaped at Kagome. Kagome felt all eyes on her and she blushed in embarrassment, " I didn't think it would hit his car."

"Then why did you through it?" the driver countered.

"Because you almost ran over my feet" Kagome dramatically lifted her foot and pointed to it, "I need these you know!" The guy snorted and turned to leave.

"HEY! I'm not done with you!" Kagome screamed after him. "But I am," and he left. Kagome growled in frustration and ran after the guy as best as she can in heels. "COME BACK!"

Kagome finally caught up to him in the school gardens she assumed. The silver hair guy sat peacefully relaxed on the wooden bench. The garden was dangerously beautiful, a small man made waterfall connecting to a lake, then a stream around the whole garden. Rose bushes grew around the garden as a large tree provided a small amount of shade over the bench.

"Hey I think you owe me an apology," Kagome stood next to the bench. The guy didn't even bother to look at her and replied, "I think you owe me a new car." Kagome huffed in frustration, "It's only the rear window I broke, not the whole thing. You can replace it!"

"It's a Bugatti EB Veyron 16.4 Pur Sang 2008. I am not getting a cheap window for a two million dollar car," he snorted and tilted his head back and enjoyed the sun's rays on his skin as he coot over to the sunny side of the bench. Kagome's heart nearly stopped, "TWO MILLION DOLLARS?!" she gasped out. Kagome held on to the wooden bench.

"That's nothing" she heard him mumble, and she felt her anger spike. "Two Million Dollars is NOTHING?! You must clean your ass with money then!" the driver laughed, "no but I can if I wanted to." Kagome has had enough; she walked over to him and stood in front of him. She remembered she kicked him in the shin, 'How much you bet it still hurts,' Kagome smirked as she lifted her feet and stepped on the spot where she assume was where she kicked and the guy yelped in pain. Kagome glowed in triumph, but it was quickly squashed when he stood up and fell forward pushing Kagome down with him as well.

Kagome squeezed her eyes shut when she noticed her head will hit the cement first, she waited for the sharp impact of pain to her head, but it never came. Instead she felt the pressure of the pavement but a softer surface, 'What in the world? Did I die?' Kagome opened her eyes to see a pair of light brown eyes, no it golden staring straight at her. His face was so close to her that everything seems blurry. Kagome tried to speak when she noticed a pressure on her lips, 'Wait, eyes? Face?!' Kagome's eyes widen when she realized his lips was on hers. Kagome turned her head roughly and pushed him up away from her body. He groaned as he flipped over and held his hand in pain. Kagome glanced at the back of his hand and noticed it was bleeding, but the blood was trapped under his skin. Kagome soon forgot her 'mistake kiss' with him and she bent down on her knees and took his injured hand in hers. He snatched back his hand and growled, "Don't touch me."

"I'm sorry, let me help you" Kagome whispered and reached out for his hand again, "I Said DON'T Touch ME" he yelled at the top of his lungs. Kagome felt tears sting her eyes involuntarily and she stood up and started to leave, "Sorry" she mumbled. The guy sat there with guilt coursing through his body, "Wait" he called out. Kagome halted and turned a small angle to face him, "Come back," he said through clenched teeth as he gripped his injured hand tighter. Kagome sighed and blinked away her tears and returned to his side. Without a word Kagome took his hand in hers and reached into her skirt pocket and pulled out a small pocketknife, "Hey, what are you doing with that?" the guy tried to take back his hand.

"Stop, if you don't want your hand marred with blood you'll let me do what I know," Kagome saw him sigh and she proceeded. She didn't hear a sound from him as she cut a small slit at the back of his hand where the blood was piling up. Kagome held the bloody hand away from her body to try to keep her uniform unstained as she massaged the excess blood out of the skin. The guy watched her curiously as she reached into her skirt pocket and withdrew what he thought was a handkerchief, "You're not going to use that are you?" he questioned. Kagome stared at him, "why not? It's clean" she tied it around the bleeding slit and smiled, "done." Kagome placed the pocketknife back in her pocket and she got up and began to leave.

"Sesshoumaru" she heard him say, "My name is Sesshoumaru Taishou," Kagome paused and pondered for a moment, 'That name sounds so familiar.' In several seconds, Kagome remembered that she had to do something to Sesshoumaru, "what was it? Oh I was supposed to get him to attend a full day of school" she mumbled. She heard him snort.

"I'll never attend a full day," Sesshoumaru got up and brushed pass Kagome. "Wait why not?" Kagome reached out and grabbed his wrists.

"Because I have to uphold my reputation," Sesshoumaru began to leave. 'Oh no, I have to make him stay or else the scholarship will be void,' Kagome saw something sparkle leaning out of his uniform pocket. Kagome smirked and snatched it and jingled it in her hands, "If you want your two million dollar car, you'll attend all your classes for today."

"Keep it then, I can buy a new one," Kagome narrowed her eyes and smirked, "you didn't let me finish."

"You attend the full school day, if not I keep YOUR car and TELL the whole school you've kissed me, a poor girl," Kagome's smirked widen into a grin when she saw Sesshoumaru groan.

"FINE! After School, Parking Lot," Sesshoumaru grounded out and almost was out of her sight when she heard, "I will make your stay here the most unpleasant."

Kagome whispered, "Nothing is more unpleasant than not trying to keep the ones you love safe."

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MS- Gomen Gomen!

Enjoy!

Beneath It All
MiserablySweet

Chapter 3- Bankotsu

Previously...

"FINE! After School, Parking Lot," Sesshoumaru grounded out and almost was out of her sight when she heard, "I will make your stay here the most unpleasant."

Kagome whispered, "Nothing is more unpleasant than not trying to keep the ones you love safe."

.

Present...

Sesshoumaru growled as he began to head back to the Biology class. "Must I play along with her stupid charade?" Sesshoumaru ran his hand through his hair, and smirked. 'There's no point of me attending the full day, the P.E. coach will make me cut my hair,' he snorted and fingered the strands between his fingers tentatively, "like that will ever happen" he mustered out loud, and knocked on the door of B-2 and entered his class, 'That will never happen.'

Kagome sighed as she relaxed onto the bench of the garden, "I should wait a little longer," she mumbled, she didn't want to see the arrogant Sesshoumaru anytime soon. Kagome groaned and buried her face in her hands that laid on her laps.

"I can't believe I lost my first kiss to that... that jerk!" Kagome shook her body sideways in frustration. "But it wasn't bad," Kagome blushed and gasped in shock, "Stupid stupid stupid!! Don't think that way!" Kagome banged her forehead against her clenched fists that rested on top of her knees. "Don't think that way, don't think that way," she chanted, 'But really it wasn't too bad right?' Kagome growled. "GAH!!" Kagome jumped on to her feet and shouted towards the sky, "You're Against me, aren't you?! AREN'T YOU?!" Kagome clenched her hands to her sides and growled. Kagome stomped off back to her biology class as best as she could in the high heels.

Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes and faced another direction when Kagome walked into the room.

"Ms. Higurashi, I must advice you not to storm out of the class again," Mr. Myoga chided, Kagome bowed with embarrassment,

"Sorry, It won't happen again," Kagome ignored the series of wolf whistles she heard as she sat back next to Shiori.

"Wow Kagome, you're popular with the boys," Shiori commented and leaned over, "here are the notes you just missed, you can copy them." Kagome gaped in shock, "Thank you Shiori."

Kagome sighed as she began to copy the missed notes, and sighed "I didn't expect you to be so nice, Shiori."

Shiori paused for several seconds, and giggled as she nodded to Sesshoumaru's direction, "Not everyone is like the popular students."

Kagome looked up from her notes, "They are popular?" she snorted and rolled her eyes. Kagome turned her head to catch Sesshoumaru's gaze. "Silver hair," she whispered.

"What was that Kagome?" Shiori asked, Kagome reluctantly broke eye contact with Sesshoumaru and turn her attention to Mr. Myoga's speech, "Nothing Shiori."

-0-0-0-0-0-

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at Kagome when she broke their gaze, "I will make your school days miserable here," he said out loud.

"Hey Sesshoumaru, what did you say?" a smooth baritone voice spoke up behind him. Sesshoumaru tilted his head slightly to glance at his friend from the corner of his eye. "You see that new girl?" the guy with a sun kissed skin, stormy blue eyes with dark brown hair tied up in a high ponytail nodded.

"She's hot," he purred. Sesshoumaru turned around on his seat and smacked the guy across the face with his own notebook, "Focus fool." Inuyasha snickered behind him, and whispered a "ha ha" to him.

"She's threatened me to stay in school the whole day," Sesshoumaru continued causing several of them to bark out a laugh. "Shut up," he demanded. Sesshoumaru smirked as he thought up his devious plan.

"I want you guys, to make her a welcoming party at lunch today," he entwined his fingers together and placed it softly on his desk. "Make sure the girl feels most welcomed," he fixed his gaze upon her. 'You will regret it' he smirked.

Inuyasha laughed, knowing fully well what his brother wanted, "She'll get it Sesshoumaru. Don't worry about a thing." A student behind Inuyasha lowered his head and whispered the words unheard by the others of the group, "She's going to get hurt..."

-0-0-0-0-0-

"Ah! It feels so nice stretch after sitting for several hours!" Kagome yawned as she stretched out her back and bent down to reach for her toes next to her next. Shiori giggled, "No time to stretch Kagome, I'll introduce you to some of my friends at lunch, come on." Shiori grabbed onto Kagome's elbow and began to drag her out of the room and into the hallway. Kagome smiled to herself, 'I'm glad there are people who are friendly in the rich schools' she laughed as Shiori nearly slipped and fell on a piece of paper.

"Hey," a soft male voice greeted softly behind the two girls. Kagome swirled around to face one of the handsomest male she has ever seen, "Y-yes?"

"My name is Bankotsu," the handsome male with long black hair tied in a braid and piercing turquoise eyes stared right back at her and extended his hand, Kagome stared at him in amusement and confusion. "Kagome..." Shiori whispered as she nudged Kagome in her ribs.

"Uh- Kagome, my name is Kagome," she grasped his hand and he lifted her hand to his face and brushed his lips lightly on her knuckles. Kagome snatched back her hand and blushed deeply, "Shiori, let's go. It's a pleasure meeting you, Bankotsu." She gave him a charming smile and left with Shiori to the school cafeteria. Bankotsu stared at the retreating figures of Kagome and her friend and smiled to himself, "She doesn't look too bad."

"Yo Banko, why were you talking to the new girl?" Kouga slapped him playfully on his back causing Bankotsu to stumble a few steps forward.

"I was merely greeting her," Bankotsu faced Inuyasha, "I won't allow you to hurt her." Inuyasha snorted and sighed.

"Are you still hung up about Kanna?" Inuyasha brought up a sensitive topic for Bankotsu who inwardly winced at her name, "Come on it was for fun. Stop holding a grudge against me." Inuyasha pushed Bankotsu playfully. Bankotsu frowned deeply and shoved Inuyasha away from him.

"Don't touch me," Inuyasha growled and circled around Bankotsu, like a predator readying itself to pounce on the prey, "Have you forgotten our oath, Banko?" Inuyasha sneered at Bankotsu but he steadied his ground.

"I haven't forgotten," Bankotsu sighed, "The things you do to people who oppose you, or you don't like... it's. It's unbareable to watch!" Bankotsu quickly dodged Inuyasha's punch and held his wrists tightly. Inuyasha growled, "You will do what we do if you want to stay in our group."

Bankotsu growled, "What group? What kind of group are we?!" He gripped Inuyasha's shirt and hauled him in front of his face, "You caused Kanna to go through all that pain. What group is this?!"

"She spilled water all over my shirt. SILK shirt," Inuyasha enunciated the 'silk' part. Bankotsu felt his anger spike through the roof and released Inuyasha abruptly, "Inuyasha damn it, it was WATER. You, and your group TORTURED her until she broke and ended up in a mental institute Inuyasha. God Damn it!" Bankotsu punched the glass that covered the trophies won by the athletic department.

"What's your problem Bankotsu?" Kouga yelled out as the glass shattered and sprinkled on to the wood covered floors, scratching the clear coating of the deep red colored wood floor; leaving several white scrapes.

"My problem is you. You and you damned group," Bankotsu pointed a finger at Sesshoumaru, "Heed my words Sesshoumaru. I will protect Kagome, I won't allow you to torture her like you've done with Kanna." Bankotsu left the scene and searched for Kagome, 'She can't end up like Kanna.'

Inuyasha gawked at the retreating figure of Bankotsu, "Do you think he'll tell her Sesshoumaru?" Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes grimly, "I believe so, we best do our part well to make her feel welcomed," his face adorned a sadist smile.

"What about Bankotsu?" Kouga brought up, "Leave him be. He is obviously still sore what we've done to Kanna, Come we shall dine at Le Gaspilleur for lunch," Sesshoumaru commanded.

"What about the girl's welcoming party?" Inuyasha whined, "I was really looking forward to having some fun. It's been a while since we had a toy."

Sesshoumaru smirked, "Don't worry, I think it's better if we spend some more time planning this event." The group grinned mischievously and followed Sesshoumaru out to the parking lot, 'When I'm done with you, you will wish you never blackmailed me,' Sesshoumaru smirked at the front entrance of his school and turned to follow his underlings.

-0-0-0-0-0-

"Ms. Higurashi! Please wait!" Bankotsu caught up with Kagome and Shiori. Kagome hesitantly glanced back hoping it wasn't Sesshoumaru, 'He's the last person I want to see,' she thought bitterly and felt great relief when it was Bankotsu, "Yes?"

Bankotsu laughed nervously and lobbed his arms behind his back, "Well I was wondering if you girls would like to join me for lunch?"

Kagome raised an eyebrow and searched for an answer in Shiori's face, "Um, I don't know... Shiori?" The girl beside Kagome shrugged, "I guess it wouldn't hurt."

Bankotsu nodded and walked along side of Kagome when Shiori asked, "Where's your group, Bankotsu? You're usually with them during lunch. It's such a surprise to see you without them." Bankotsu grew nervous but kept quiet and Shiori discarded her question and began to chatter with Kagome. 'Should I tell them what they planned?' He peered through the corner of his eyes and caught Kagome's cheery face and he frowned slightly,

'I've never seen such a sad smile...'

-0-0-0-0-0-

A series of bells sounded through the school signaling the end of Lunch break, and the start of passing. Shiori bid Kagome goodbye as she left to her next class leaving Kagome walking in the halls along side Bankotsu. The whole lunch break Bankotsu was attempting to bring out Kagome's true smile, a genuine carefree smile. But to his disappointment, her smiles and giggles to his jokes and comments were laced with sadness and stress he assumed only he could detect, 'But why?' he wondered as Kagome laughed at another one of his jokes.

Kagome squealed softly as a student with radiant crimson hair shove her towards Bankotsu roughly. A soft clatter sounded as an object slipped from Kagome's pockets as Bankotsu try to steady her on her heels.

"Watch where you're going new girl," the female student's spoke smugly and gave her an arrogant stare. Kagome huffed as she steadied herself on her feet, "Excuse me?" Kagome asked offensively. The crimson haired teen rolled her eyes dramatically,

"I can't believe you don't understand me," she whined pitifully, "Well let me say it slowly." She took a step closer to Kagome and smirked,

"Watch... where... you're... going..." she inched closer to Kagome's face with each word until her nose was only several inches away from Kagome's. Kagome raised her groomed eyebrow and shrugged and was about to retaliate when Bankotsu pulled on her arm slightly, "Ms. Higurashi, let's go" he ushered.

The crimson hair colored teen once again dramatically rolled her eyes and scoffed, "Bankie, why do you bother being nice the the new girl? Her brain obviously isn't as smart as us. I bet her mama slept her way into letting her attend this school." Kagome's blood boiled as the arrogant teen's words dissolved in her head. Kagome spung around on her heels with grace she never thought she could muster, "First, Ms. Thang, I'm more than capable comprehending your level of speech in fact," Kagome smirked as she saw the shocked expression of her face, 'Confused? Good.'

Kagome placed her hands on her hips and tip toed on her high heels to meet the teen in the eye, "Second, maybe if you stop eyeballing outrageously expensive and ugly designer brands and actually use your eyes to read, maybe you'll actually know what the word comprehend mean." The teen's face scrunched up her face in disgust and anger, "Well at least I have good tastes" she countered as she posed as best as she could in her uniform.

Kagome snorted, "we're ALL wearing the same uniform, and you didn't let me finish," Kagome formed a heavy frown on her face and inched closer to the teen's ear, "You don't know one thing about me, don't think just because you're rich and popular I won't defend myself by all means necessary," she whispered deadly into her ear. Kagome pulled herself back and placed a hard and cold mask on, 'I have to be strong.'

Bankotsu decided it would be best to leave now before something regretful will occur, "Ms. Higurashi, let's go. We're going to be late for class" Kagome nodded numbly and allowed Bankotsu lead her away from the group of shocked female students. The crimson hair teen growled inhumanely, "Who the hell is she?"

-0-0-0-0-0-

Bankotsu let out a sigh of relief as he slowed his pace down and reprimanded her in a booming voice, "Ms. Higurashi I'm not sure if it's wise to bother that girl." He said with Kagome trailing behind him. Kagome couldn't find the words to express her current state of feelings, her emotions; anger, relief, shock, and sadness coursed through her body like a cobra's venom penetrating the purity of blood. Kagome shivered from anxiety, and the fear for her time here in this school. The late bell rang and the students one by one vanished from the hallway leaving Kagome and Bankotsu standing alone.

Bankotsu turned around to meet Kagome's face, "Ms. Higurashi. I didn't mean to yell at you, I was worried that you could've been in trouble." Bankotsu's breath hitched as he saw tears trail down her cheeks leaving several horizontal wet streaks. "Ms. Higurashi?" Bankotsu spread open his arms and enclosed them around Kagome's frame. "I'm sorry," he felt responsible for her tears at this given moment, "I'm truly sorry, Ms. Higurashi." Bankotsu sighed as he let Kagome cry silently on his chest, 'I'm sorry."

Kagome's mind was deep in thought about what the crimson teen said, 'Why did I let her affect me like that?' she thought. Kagome's vision blurred as unwanted tears slipped out of her eyes, 'She's gone and she's never going to come back, I have to accept that. I can't let this affect me any more, for Souta's sake.' Kagome felt a pair of strong and warm arms wrap around her body. Kagome snapped out of her thoughts and looked up to see her new friend's apologetic face and felt the heat that seeped through his uniform. For once she felt protected for a long time now, her determined feeling of to protect others before herself faded into a thin memory as she sobbed into Bankotsu's embrace. Kagome felt the vibrations of his words from his throat course through his chest as he apologized to her and caressed her hair soothingly.

For a long time, she truly felt she didn't need to be strong anymore. At least not in his arms she didn't have to.

-0-0-0-0-0-

"Man that waitress was hot," Kouga whistled as they entered the school building. Inuyasha laughed alongside of another male of the group, "Miroku, I think your way of thinking is rubbing onto Kouga." Miroku chuckled nervously, "Why, Inuyasha What ever do you mean" he responded innocently. Inuyasha rolled his eyes and ran ahead to Sesshoumaru.

"Hey Sesshoumaru, Dad wants to talk to you privately tonight," Inuyasha mentioned when he remembered what his father said before he left the house. Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow, "Why can't he just call me?" he asked non-chantingly.

Inuyasha shrugged, "I don't know, he probably wants to talk to you about your grades or something," he snickered and earned a cold glare from Sesshoumaru.

"Little brother, you are aware that I am smarter than you," Sesshoumaru countered. Inuyasha rolled his eyes, "Then why do I pass every class for the last several years and you only pass a few?" Sesshoumaru pondered that thought for a moment, 'Hm... why is that? My test scores are perfect but why am I only passing several classes per semester?' Inuyasha snorted and shrugged it off as they turned the corner of the halls as recieved an surprisingly unpleasant surprise.

"What the hell?" Kouga mumbled under his breath as the full view of Kagome in Bankotsu's arm revealed itself before them. Inuyasha's eyes widen like dinner plates and Sesshoumaru's reaction remained calm, cool and collected. Sesshoumaru didn't say a word and continued his path to his room. Bankotsu narrowed his eyes at Sesshoumaru as his figure came closer to him and Kagome, 'What will he do?' Bankotsu felt anxiety bubble in his throat as Sesshoumaru was only several steps away. He opened his mouth to speak but stopped when Sesshoumaru brushed pass them like they were not there. Kagome unknowingly shivered as if the air around her dropped several degrees in an instant.

The remaining members of the group shrugged and followed Sesshoumaru's example and brushed pass Bankotsu and Kagome without as much as a glance or a word. Bankotsu sighed and continued to comfort the sobbing Kagome, 'I have a feeling school will get stressful.'

He unknowingly predicted their future in RedWood High, this wasn't even the beginning of what was to come.

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MS- Updating again ^_^

Late update again... MS is very sorry!

Hehe =D enjoy this chappie!

Beneath It All
MiserablySweet

Chapter 4- First Day

Previously...

The remaining members of the group shrugged and followed Sesshoumaru's example and brushed pass Bankotsu and Kagome without as much as a glance or a word. Bankotsu sighed and continued to comfort the sobbing Kagome, 'I have a feeling school will get stressful.'

He unknowingly predicted their future in RedWood High, this wasn't even the beginning of what was to come.

.

Present...

Kagome sniffled and pulled back from Bankotsu's embrace, "I'm sorry about that. I don't know what came over me" she explained in an embarrassed tone.

"Hey, no problem. I'm used to being the human handkerchief" he joked as he pointed to the wet stain on his uniform. Kagome's eyes bulged,

"I'm so sorry. Take it off, I'll take it home and wash it," Kagome began to haul the brown sweater vest over his head and groaned when she was unable to pull the vest over his head, "Too short..."

Bankotsu chuckled, "Don't worry Ms. Higurashi, it'll dry up." He pulled the vest back down over his body and straightened himself. Kagome sighed and walked over to the marble pillar and ran her fingers softly on the smooth surface. "You know," she began with a melancholy tone, "I don't belong to this school. Everyone is rich and I'm... I'm dirt poor." Bankotsu stepped next to Kagome and stared at her lingering touch on the marble pillar.

"You can't possibly be that poor Ms. Higurashi?" Kagome chuckled bitterly and faced Bankotsu, "You have no idea" she remarked sarcastically. Bankotsu tilted his head at her sudden change of emotion.

"Let's just say, If i don't find a suitable job that fits my schedule between school and taking care of my little brother, I'll lose him." Bankotsu chuckled,

"That's funny Ms. Higurashi," he remarked earning a sharp glare from Kagome.

"Is it funny to laugh at people's misery?" He cleared his throat and looked away in shame as he realized Kagome wasn't joking. "I didn't think you were serious..."

Kagome snorted, "Of course. The rich and well off always thing the poor is a fun thing to play with" she retorted and turned her back on Bankotsu and began heading back to class.

"Wait!" He rushed after her and trailed behind her in silence.

-0-0-0-0-0-

Sesshoumaru mentally groaned in frustration, 'Only one more class until I can tear that girl to shreds.' He tapped his long fingers on the surface of the mahagony table. He noticed a tiny scratch at the corner of the table and rolled his eyes, "Inuyasha." Light snoring can be heard from the desk behind him, "Inuyasha" he called out loud again. Sesshoumaru growled and turned around to notice his half brother drooling over his opened notebook open that was on top of several textbooks. He reached behind him and pulled the stack of books out from under him and smirked as he watched his half brother's head slam onto the table.

"OWW!" he screeched as he jumped onto his feet, causing the chair to fall backwards. The class stopped and looked at Inuyasha with mirth and confusion and the professor cleared his throat, "Is there a problem, Mr. Taishou?" Inuyasha stuck his tongue out and flapped his hand like a fan to air out the pain, "I vit nmy tone!" The professor sighed and mumbled something under his breath and turned his attention to the electronic blackboard.

Sesshoumaru smirked, "Sit you fool." Inuyasha pouted and placed his fallen chair back on its legs and he sat on it.

"What did you do that for jerk off?" he mumbled and folded his hand on the table and plopped his head on it. Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes and growled,

"Tell father to replace all the desks in the school." Inuyasha groaned and sat up, "What for?"

"The desks are scratched," Sesshoumaru lifted a slender finger and pointed to the barely visible scratch.

"What?! Sesshoumaru you can barely see that! Leave me alone, I'm going back to sleep," he grumbled and rested his head on top of the table once more. Sesshoumaru kept quiet and glared at Inuyasha. Inuyasha lifted his head slightly and peeked at Sesshoumaru between his folded arms and his forehead; only to find Sesshoumaru giving him his infamous 'do it or die' glare. He groaned, "FINE! I will. Leave me alone now," Sesshoumaru snorted and turned around facing the front of the class and Inuyasha went back to sleep.

'How will I make your days miserable?'

-0-0-0-0-0-

Kagome twirled the keys around her middle finger, "Shiori?"

"Yes Kagome?" she never looked up from her textbook, Shiori enjoyed her literature, especially the works of Shakespeare. Kagome propped her elbow on the table and leaned her head on it, "Let's say... if, I had to do something really bad, like force one of the popular guys to stay in school for a whole day... what will happen to me?" Kagome grimaced at Shiori's gasp and peeked at her face.

"Kagome! Please don't tell me you did something like that," Shiori bookmarked her page and looked up at Kagome. Kagome held her hands in defense, "No, no! I'm just asking Shiori!" Kagome grew nervous when Shiori let out a small sigh of relief.

"That's good to hear, you don't want to do that," Shiori straightened out her uniform casually and folded her arms together on the mahogany table.

"Well, why not?" Kagome placed the keys quietly in her pocket and laid her hands on her lap, fidgeting nervously. Shiori noticed her nervous behavior and sighed, "You did do you didn't you Kagome?" Kagome gave her a meek laugh, "How did you know?" Shiori giggled, "You're nervous."

"Don't worry too much about it Kagome, I mean you I'm sure you didn't make Sesshoumaru do it," Kagome gulped nervously and shifted with anxiety in her seat. Shiori stared at Kagome with a confused face then she realized, "You did didn't you?!" she cried in a hushed voice. Kagome cringed, "Yes..." Shiori shook her head in sympathy, "It's been nice knowing you Kagome..." and returned to her book.

"Oh come on Shiori, they can't be that bad!" Kagome exclaimed in a very nervous and unsure voice. Shiori sighed, "Kagome... The last person who did that ended up in a mental institute. Bankotsu," she said. Kagome tilted her head, "Bankotsu?" Shiori nodded.

"She was the one who changed Bankotsu to how he is today. Before, he was more like Sesshoumaru than anyone else in the building. They threw obstacles at her, and she never broke and they finally accepted her, but not completely. She and Bankotsu were in love, they were such a lovely couple. She wasn't feeling well one day and spilled water all over Inuyasha's shirt, and well... they turned their backs on her and started to destroy her whole family, starting from her parent's jobs. Of course Bankotsu did everything he could to save Kanna, but in the end... She broke. She never talks, her eyes are void of emotions and it's almost as if she is in her own world," Shiori sighed as she recalled the memories of Kanna. "Kanna was an amazing girl, sometimes I wish she was still here."

Kagome shivered, "Shiori, you can't be serious. They don't look that morally awful?" Shiori patted on Kagome's elbow and nodded, "They are."

Kagome groaned and slumped her head onto the table, "You've got to be kidding me..."

-0-0-0-0-0-

The last bell of the day chimed throughout the school signaling the end of the last class. Kagome slumped up from her seat and headed for the door.

"Ms. Higurashi!" Bankotsu waved to her from across the hallway and caught up to her momentarily. Kagome took a glance at him and turned the other way; ignoring him. Bankotsu's hand darted out instinctively and grabbed her wrist, and pulled her towards him. Kagome 'oof'ed' as she met his hard chest. Bankotsu's arms were encircled around her waist with his face merely inches away from her. Kagome blushed ferociously, "Um... heh, hi?" Bankotsu's eyes widen and released her immediately, "I'm.. uh.. sorry. I didn't.." he blurted out in embarrassment. Kagome giggled,

"It's alright Bankotsu," he chuckled and shoved his hands in his pockets. "Ms. Higurashi, I-" he began but was interrupted by Kagome's hand on his toned biceps.

"Bankotsu, please call me Kagome. You make me sound so old," she joked. Bankotsu nodded, "Of course, Kagome."

"I apologize about before, I shouldn't have laughed at your problems," he stared at her with sincerity seeping through his eyes. Kagome's heart melted, "Of course, Bankotsu, I shouldn't have been angry with you. After all it's not your fault that I'm dirt poor," she smiled warmly.

Bankotsu blushed at her lovely smile, "But uhm, I can help you though," he reached in his pocket and drew out his wallet. Kagome shook her head, "No! I don't want to borrow money, I want to work for it..." Bankotsu chuckled and opened a pocket in his wallet and retrieved a piece of paper.

"I thought about that too Kagome. Here," he handed her the folded piece of paper, "It's an address and number to a place that my friends and I hang out during the weekends, they're looking for help. You know, a waitress." Kagome smiled, "Thank you for your consideration Bankotsu. Thank you, truly." She sighed and stared at the piece of paper with hope. Bankotsu raised an eyebrow at her determined expression, "Is there something wrong?"

Kagome shook her head, "It's nothing really. I'm just worried if this job's salary is enough to allow me to keep my brother under my care. My last job was paying $30 an hour, and they barely left me alone." Bankotsu coughed to hide his smirk. Kagome narrowed her eyes, "What?"

Bankotsu shook his hands in front of him defensively, "No, nothing Kagome. It's just that this job pays a lot and little hours." Kagome's eyes widen as her face radiated with joy, "Really?" He nodded, "$60 an hour, 4 hours a day during weekdays, and 8 hours on Saturday." Kagome squealed with joy and threw her books behind her and threw her arms around Bankotsu's neck.

"Thank you so much! Thank you!!" she jumped up and down in his embrace with her chest rubbing against his. Bankotsu laughed uncomfortably and eased Kagome away from his body, "You're welcome Kagome, I'll bring you now if you have time?" Kagome giggled, "Of course!" She tip toed and gave him a quick peck on his cheeks in gratitude and began to gather her books. Bankotsu touched his cheek tentatively and smiled, 'She's something you don't come across often.'

-0-0-0-0-0-

Bankotsu offered to carry Kagome's books in the school's parking lot but she declined. Kagome chatter away with Bankotsu until they reached his car.

"Girl," came a smooth, baritone voice behind her. Kagome's eyes bulged, 'That voice...' She gulped nervously and inched her head slowly to find the owner of the voice glaring at her.

"Heh, Hi... Sesshoumaru," she greeted anxiety. Sesshoumaru continued to glare at her, "My keys" he held his hand out in front of him. Kagome reached in her pockets and withdrew Sesshoumaru's keys and dropped it into his open hand, "Heh, there you are... Let bygones be bygones?"

Kagome froze at his sadist smirk, 'Oh damn...'

"When I become poor," he retorted sarcastically. Seconds later Inuyasha and Kouga popped up behind Kagome carrying garbage cans filled with the school's cafeteria garbage.

"HAHA!" they both laughed in unison as they hauled the garbage cans upside down and dumped the contents onto her. Kagome's body shook with anger as the odor invaded her nose. She looked down at her uniform, blotches of green and yellow stained her white shirt. Bankotsu rushed over to Kagome and froze as he saw the state she was in. Sesshoumaru stood in front of her with a satisfied smile, "Apologize or you will face this kind of treatment daily."

'Bastard... How dare you?' she thought, and came with a perfect plan. Her eyes twinkled with mischief, "Sesshoumaru. The day I apologize to you is the day I think you look hot." She reached down and scooped some of the garbage in her arms and hauled it at Sesshoumaru. He dodged it with ease as the garbage landed beside him, and he looked at it for several more seconds. "Missed me," he smirked at the garbage.

"Not quite!" Kagome shouted as she lunged at Sesshoumaru with her fist clenched together. Sesshoumaru noticed her actions too late and her fist came in contact with his cheeks. Sesshoumaru reached out to grab her arm and Kagome rolled her eyes, "You b-!" her knee met his crotch with lightning speed causing him to hunch over the ground in pain. Kagome turned to look at Inuyasha, who was stupidly staring at her with shock. "You're next," Kagome raced over and grabbed a garbage can and hauled it over his head, with the opening coming down to his thighs. Kagome laughed with amusement as Inuyasha attempted to push the garbage head over his head but failed. She reached down once more to the garbage pile and picked out some uneaten oranges.

"JERK!" She yelled and threw the oranges at Inuyasha. The oranges hit the garbage can causing loud booms to echo in his ears, "ARGH!" he screamed inside the garbage can but regretted it when the sounds echoed inside the can. He slipped on a banana peel and fell over knocking Sesshoumaru over with him.

Bankotsu stared at Kagome with shock, "Dang... Remind me to never get on your bad side," he laughed. He turned his attention to the pain stricken Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha, 'You got what you deserve...'

"Let's get out of here, get in," he nodded to his car. Kagome shook her head, "I can't, I'm covered in garbage and smell like rotten milk..." She pinched her nose and gagged to prove her point. Bankotsu glanced at his watch, "I'll drive you home, we have 45 minutes before we have to get to the shop." Kagome nodded and hesitantly got in the expensive car. Kagome rolled down her window and yelled, "LOSERS!" as she passed Kouga trying to help Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru. Bankotsu laughed heartily, "Kagome, you are one crazy girl."

-0-0-0-0-0-

Bankotsu shut the front door of Kagome's house with a soft click. 'This is where you live?' as he glanced around the house with a hint of sympathy. Kagome detected a hint of remorse for her in his voice, "It's not extravagant, but home is home." She gave him a reassuring smile and he returned it. Bankotsu's hand reached over and plucked a garbage scrap off of her hair, "Go take a shower, I'll wait down here for you." Kagome nodded and quickly headed up the stairs.

He walked over to the couch and turned on the television. He noticed some books on the floor by the couch and grabbed one, "The Chronicles of Narnia..." Bankotsu chuckled, and reverted his attention back to the television, he flipped through the channels mindlessly until he noticed a small shine from the shelves next to it. He got up from the couch and walked over to the shelves with photographs in frames in various shapes and sizes. One in particular is in front of a velvet box, and the largest frame at the shelf. He marveled at the carefully carved wooden frames of the photos that was aligned around a small velvet box. A man in a Japanese male kimono stood proudly behind a young mother holding a small newborn in her arms. The photograph was in sepia, the edges were crumpled and a little burnt.

Kagome walked down the stairs softly with her moist hair in a messy bun. She donned on a simple white baby tee with a v-collar neck and a peach colored pencil skirt. She noticed Bankotsu staring at her favorite photo, "That's my grandfather and his wife and daughter." He turned around and his breath hitched in his throat, 'she looks really...' Kagome blushed as she noticed his weird stare. He cleared his throat, "This was your grandfather?" Kagome nodded, "He was wonderful, he loved me and Souta to death, and spoiled us a lot" she smiled as she recalled her memories of her grandfather giving her and her little brother candy before dinner.

"Is... he gone?" Bankotsu hesitantly asked. Kagome shook her head, "He's alive... Hey! It's almost three, we have to get going if we don't want to be late!" She walked over to the front door and pulled out a pair of brown plaid, open toed one inch heels. Bankotsu noticed she avoided the subject, 'Perhaps it's better not to ask...' He followed her to the door.

-0-0-0-0-0-

"Yo! Banko," a young man around his twenties greeted Bankotsu and Kagome as they entered the cafe/lounge.

"Hey Hiten" Bankotsu nodded to Kagome, "I've got a great girl who can fill out the spot in the shop." Hiten noticed Kagome and whistled, "Wow, you're gorgeous." Kagome blushed shyly, "uhm.. okay.. thanks." Bankotsu rolled his eyes,

"Don't worry about it Kagome, Hiten and Manten are a bit straightforward. Speaking of which, where is Manteen?"

Hiten shrugged, "Out with his girl probably. Hey Kagome, would you like to work here?" Kagome smiled and nodded, "Of course!" Hiten walked around Kagome in a circle examining her features, "You're going to look great in our uniform. Be right back," he walked inside a small room around the corner of the lounge and came back with a uniform. Kagome stared at it sheepishly, "It's a bit revealing isn't it?" Hiten laughed, "Not at all! Go on now, change in that room!" Kagome nodded hesitantly and went in the room to change.

Hiten smiled, "so when are you going to tell her?" Bankotsu raised an eyebrow, "tell her what?" Hiten laughed and patted his back roughly,

"That you own this place!" Bankotsu smiled, "Probably later, keep it a secret from her okay?" Hiten nodded. Kagome came out momentarily dressed in a white wife beater and a crimson tanktop over it. Kagome fidgeted with her jean shorts that was only several inches below her private. Hiten gulped, "wow" he whispered. Bankotsu nodded in agreement, "Yep..." Kagome had golden armlets on her biceps and a brown wristband with the words " LaLa Lounge " on it. Kagome walked over to the two men, "Isn't this a little too much for a cafe job?"

Hiten laughed, "Nonsense Kagome! This is one of the hippest lounge in the city, and you look great! Right Banko?" Kagome blushed and folded her arms around her chest self consciously. Bankotsu absorbed her every feature and nodded, "You'll do fine here Kagome," he smiled reassuringly.

"Alright Bankotsu, I trust you" she smiled. Hiten gave her a short tour around the lounge and showed her how to work the counter and take their orders. The three of them chattered happily in the lounge. Their happiness was short lived when an angry group of male teens barged in the lounge.

"Hiten! I need to go to my apartment," a silver haired male ordered. Hiten ran to the counter and threw the keys to him. Kagome thought that voice sounded familiar and turned around to find a very dirty and angry Sesshoumaru. Kagome squealed and sank in the soft armchair in fear, "Oh no.. Bankotsu! why didn't you tell them they come here?!" Bankotsu shrugged, "I told you, but I told you before you beat up Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha" he laughed.

Sesshoumaru knew he heard a squeal and some voices, he walked to the back of the lounge to find the girl who ruined his car, and his uniform wearing the lounge's uniform. He growled loudly, "YOU are DEAD!"

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MS- Lol.. uh ohs!

How will Kagome cope with Sesshoumaru's rage?

I'm sorry, the chapter's kinda short O_O

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Read and Review please!!

MS- Lol i'm updating later and later aren't i?

Sorry but life gets too hectic and i barely have time to sleep =/

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Surprisingly i have less reviews for this story than AAC O_O

Actually now that i think about it, my hits have been dropping and same goes for reviews.

Do you guys don't like the story? the characters?

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anyway, on with the story!!

Beneath It All
MiserablySweet

Chapter 5- Kanna

Previously...

Sesshoumaru knew he heard a squeal and some voices, he walked to the back of the lounge to find the girl who ruined his car, and his uniform wearing the lounge's uniform. He growled loudly, "YOU are DEAD!"

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Present...

Kagome squeaked as she dodged his arms that try to grab her biceps, "Look, I'm sorry okay?!" Sesshoumaru and Kagome circled around the coffee table with anger seeping out of Sesshoumaru, and anxiety out of Kagome. Sesshoumaru snorted and gave her a growl, "a simple apology won't do."

Kagome huffed and placed her hands on her hips, "and why not?" she countered. Sesshoumaru placed a feet on top of the marble coffee table and got ready to pounce on his prey. Kagome squealed and Bankotsu shielded her with his body. Sesshoumaru stopped and stared in disbelief, "Are you defying me?"

Turquoise eyes met piercing golden hues and locked together in a stalemate, "No, but I am defending the helpless."

Sesshoumaru growled loudly, "LOOK at me," he pointed at his stained uniform, "she is NOT helpless!" He gave a death glare over to Kagome who was peeping over Bankotsu's shoulder with wide fearful eyes.

"She is defenseless against you Sesshoumaru," Bankotsu stood bravely in front of Kagome, still defending her. Several long minutes of heavy tension hung in the air until Sesshoumaru ran his hands in his hair and sighed loudly, "I can't believe you're going against me for some poor girl." He rolled his eyes and turned his back on a furious looking Kagome and dumbfounded Bankotsu.

'He just discriminated me again because I was poor?! Stupid Prick! I'll show you how tough a poor girl can be,' Kagome left the safety of Bankotsu's presence and hauled a cushion at Sesshoumaru's back, "HEY!" she yelled. Sesshoumaru froze in his tracks, 'that wretched girl...' He spun around on his heels swiftly, "WHAT?!" he barked loudly.

Kagome mentally gulped and inhaled deeply, "I am poor, so what? A poor person don't have eyes, hands, hearts? Do we not have brains, senses, affections or desires? Do we not eat and drink the same food? Do we not catch the same diseases as the rich? Do we not get cold or warm by the same seasons we all share on earth? If you cut us, do we not bleed? If you hurt us, do we not feel remorse? SO why, please tell me oh high and mighty prince, what makes us Poor people different from the rich?" Kagome's eyes held a burning desire to make the rich to finally understand that the rich and the poor are no different from each other.

Sesshoumaru stared at Kagome with a cool and collected face but inside, he was in turmoil, 'Such a speech from such a girl. Perhaps she does make sense. Wait! NO! What am I thinking?!' Sesshoumaru cleared his throat, "Spare me the lecture girl, you are the last person I want to hear lectures from. But for your information, true; we all have eyes, hands, hearts, brains and senses. If we cut you, indeed you will bleed, and share the same seasons, but if you hurt us, we will brush you off like you're a speck of dust. If we catch a disease we have enough money to pay for medical procedures to cure ourselves. Also, we don't eat the same food, the poor eats low grade produce while the us, the rich eat the high quality and expensive dishes. So, in this world, the poor is lazy and unable to get off their butt and complain about being poor." Kagome's breath quickened, 'How dare you...' Her body began to shake in anger over his arrogant reply and stalked over in front of him and stared at him with fierce eyes, "You..." Kagome clenched her hands into fists as she tried to contain her anger.

"...are..." Kagome swallowed a heavy lump in her throat, "... impossible" she jabbed her fingers in his chest repeatedly. Sesshoumaru smirked, "Like I care what you think about me?" Her anger spiked through the roof, her hand twitched; aching almost to feel the impact of his cheek against her palm. Kagome shivered at the proximity of the distance between her face and Sesshoumaru's face. Kagome held her anger at bay.

Sesshoumaru saw her hand twitched and his arrogant smirk widen, "you won't dare." Kagome growled and threw her arm back slightly and swung it to his face. Sesshoumaru's arrogant smirk turned to a shocked face as her fist made impact to his cheek. His head swung to the side from the great impact. He touched the corner of his lips and confirmed his suspicion when he tasted something metalic.

"You bitch," he raised his hands to strike Kagome but she didn't flinch one bit. She stood proudly in front of Sesshoumaru with a determined stare. He clenched his hands tightly as he noticed he couldn't bring his arm down to strike her, he would never strike a female. The audience stood in shock of what Kagome did to Sesshoumaru. Bankotsu rushed to Kagome's side and pulled her towards the front entrance of the lounge, "Let's leave Kagome..." Sesshoumaru's eyes never left her head even as she left with Bankotsu. He eased his arm down and touched his aching cheek softly, 'I can't believe she just did that,' he thought in disbelief.

Inuyasha ran up to Sesshoumaru, "Yo Sessh, are you- DAMN!!" he was about to ask if his elder brother was alright when he noticed the huge mess of a dark purple and blue discolored bump on his lower cheekbone. Sesshoumaru stared at Inuyasha with a bewildered expression, "What?" he barked.

Inuyasha laughed loudly and pointed at the bruise, "the.. girl.. hahaha" he couldn't even finish his sentence. The rest of the group glanced at what Inuyasha was laughing at out of curiosity. Their eyes bulged and hands flew up to their mouths to hide their amusement. Sesshoumaru growled in frustration, "WHAT?!" he demanded to know. Hiten nodded towards the mirror hanging a few feet away from Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru glanced in the mirror and grew lightheaded from the reflection. The bruise was darkening by the second and a highly noticeable bump was growing at the lower part of his cheekbone. Sesshoumaru continue to stare and poke at the bruise through the reflection in disbelief and roared, "THAT GIRL!!!!!!"

Oh how he will make Kagome pay for this flaw on his flawless face, 'you will regret messing with this Sesshoumaru.... Kagome,' he said her name for the first time.

-0-0-0-0-0-

Kagome huffed and threw her hands up in the air in exaggeration as she fumed about Sesshoumaru's arrogant attitude, "Bankotsu I can't believe you were ever friends with that... that.. prick!!" Bankotsu waved his hands in mid air to attempt to calm the angry Kagome.

"He may play tough and arrogant on the outside Kagome, but he's a true and honorable friend," Bankotsu defended Sesshoumaru. Kagome huffed and stared directly into Bankotsu's eyes, "yea right."

Bankotsu chuckled, "It may be hard to believe but, Kagome he has bailed my family out of debt for many many times. I owe him a lot." Kagome narrowed her eyes suspiciously at her new friend, "Then why are you defending me against him if he has helped you so many times?" Bankotsu wrapped his braid around his neck loosely, "I said he's an honorable and true friend... to people who he approves of. But to strangers... well he just don't care what others think about him. And somehow I can't seem to forgive him and the rest of the group about what they did to Kanna."

Kagome nodded and glided her hands on the smooth leather interior of his car, "I've been hearing a lot about Kanna, who is she exactly?" Bankotsu's eyes glazed over in remorse. Kagome gasped, "Only if you feel comfortable telling me Bankotsu. If not it's okay," she gave him a cheery smile.

Bankotsu returned her smile, "I'll take you to her."

-0-0-0-0-0-

Bankotsu pulled his car to the hospital's parking lot. Kagome glanced at her surroundings and found it awkward that a mental institute would be located on top of a hill, "Hey Bankotsu?" He turned to face her, "yes Kagome? Is something wrong?"

Kagome shook her head, "why is the hospital on top of the hill?" Bankotsu smiled, "it's a serene place isn't it?" he inhaled the refreshing scent of earth and mist. Kagome shrugged, "It is rather peaceful." Bankotsu laughed at Kagome's agreeing face, "Let's go in." She nodded and followed behind quietly. Bankotsu greeted the receptionist at the front entrance.

"Good afternoon Ms. Kain," the elderly lady bowed softly and noticed Kagome behind Bankotsu, "bringing a friend to meet Kanna?" she asked with an raised eyebrow. Bankotsu nodded, "they have many things in common already." Kagome tilted her head in confusion.

"This way," Bankotsu motioned to the elevator not too far from the desk, "she might seem a bit distant at first, but it's almost as if she hears you... but has trouble breaking her shell." Kagome listened carefully, "has... has the doctors said anything about her finally coming back to this world?" she hesitantly asked hoping she won't offend him.

Bankotsu shrugged, "They told me she may never return to her old self," the elevator stopped on the eighth floor and they exited the moving contraption. "They told me, the chances of Kanna regaining her memories and emotions were one in a thousand." Kagome gasped when they arrived to Kanna's room. Bankotsu knocked on the door softly, "Kanna, it's me" he called out before he turned the knob and pushed the door open. Kagome squinted her eyes as the room emitted a strangely bright light. She raised an eyebrow at the colors in the room, mainly just color. Kagome and Bankotsu were the only things, living or inanimate in the room that was not washed in white. The walls were painted white, the wooden floor was bleached to a creamy white, the bedsheets, furniture, curtains, ornaments were all white.

Bankotsu silently headed to the silent girl with silver hair. He pulled a chair merely inches away from touching the bed and sat down facing the girl. Bankotsu grasped her hands softly in his and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles, "Kanna, it's me." Kagome felt her heart jump out of her chest as Kanna lifted her face and stared at Bankotsu; her eyes as dark and void as space itself, 'oh my god... she really... she...'s.. trapped.' Bankotsu motioned for Kagome to come closer, "Kanna, this is Kagome."

Black voids met cerulean depths, "K..aa..gu..mee" Kagome heard her eerily soft whisper and shivered. She walked over and bent down and stood on her knees and folded her hands on the soft bed, "Hi Kanna, it's very nice to meet you" she gave Kanna a sweet and gentle smile. Bankotsu closed his eyes as a heart constricting feeling pulsed through his body. He inhaled deeply and sighed and opened his eyes once more. His eyes widen as the corner of Kanna's lips tilted up ever so slightly, "n..ni..ccce" she whispered. Kagome inhaled sharply as Kanna lifted her hand and touched Kagome's soft midnight tresses, "b...lue..."

Bankotsu jumped up from his seat and rushed out of the room. Kagome grew frightened and snapped her hand behind to only catch a glimpse of Bankotsu's back, "BANKOTSU?!" she cried out. Kanna's hands flew to Kagome's folded hands and grasped them tightly, "K..aa.. gu.. mee.. sh..s..tay" she mustered. Kagome swallowed nervously, 'this is really freaky... omg am i trapped in a horror movie?!' Kagome's eyes never left Kanna's void depths in fear of something devouring her if she did. Bankotsu soon rushed in with several doctors trailling close behind.

"She spoke!" Bankotsu exclaimed as the doctors looked him dumbfounded.

"Impossible," one of the doctors exclaimed as he checked over her progress report repeatedly. Bankotsu shook his head, "it's not impossible! Kagome," he turned his attention to Kagome, "tell them, tell them what she said!" Kagome gulped and looked at the doctors,

"Kanna repeated the word "nice" after I greeted her, and said the word "blue" when she touched my hair," Kagome looked over to Kanna who was still staring at her with her void eyes, "she also told me to stay when I was about to run after Bankotsu after he left the room in a rush." The doctors shook their heads in disbelief, "Dr. Isagi, please run a MRI scan on Kanna," the doctor with the framed glasses then turned to the female doctor, "Dr. Ichio, we will perform another test for high platelet and white bloodcells." Kagome grimaced in pain as Kanna clenched on her hands tightly. She looked up to the silent female before her, "Kanna? What is it?" she whispered tentatively.

Kanna shook her head slowly, "Nn..oo..bl..ud..sh...ots," she managed to muster. Kagome caught on and called after the doctors, "Doctors, please wait!" they turned around and stared at her, "yes?" Kagome cleared her throat to get rid of the lump that was lodged there, "she... Kanna. She doesn't want the bloodtest. She said, no blood shots."

The doctors stiffened, "Why is it that she will only talk to you?" Dr. Ichio called out. Kagome shrugged and looked at Kanna's face, "I don't know. I honestly don't know..."

-0-0-0-0-0-

The drive home was in complete silence, a whole hour of quiet yet comfortable silence. Bankotsu double parked in front of Kagome's worn down house and braked his car. He sighed, "Kagome, I'm sorry if I scared you back there. I was just so excited that Kanna spoke." Kagome smiled, "It's alright Bankotsu.

Hasn't she been speaking to you as well?" Bankotsu shook his head, "this is the first time I've heard her speak in such a long time Kagome."

"Oh... I'm sorry to hear that," Kagome mumbled. Bankotsu let out a hearty laugh, "Don't be sorry Kagome! Kanna responds to you for some odd reason, she spoke! The doctors told me several months ago she can only break out of her shell when she begins to speak again. And god Kagome! Thank you so much!" Bankotsu reached over and pulled Kagome in a happy embrace, laughing merrily. Kagome blushed at the contact and leaned into his embrace, "Thank me for what?"

"Thank you for being here, for being you, for helping Kanna," Kagome's blushed deepened, "Oh no I didn't do anything." Bankotsu pulled back from their embrace and sighed, "you're a miracle to me and Kanna, Kagome. Thank you so much" he reached over and brushed his lips against her cheeks. Kagome stiffened,

"Isn't this too much for a 'thank you'?" she joked. Bankotsu blushed, "yeah, I suppose it was. Sorry." Kagome shook her head, "don't be. Well, Good night!" she stepped out of Bankotsu's car and slammed the door as softly as she could. Kagome waved goodbye and he waved back and drove off in the distance, 'How nice...' she thought. Kagome reached the front door and inserted her keys and twisted the door knob.

She smiled when she saw Souta and Kohaku chatting away nosily on the couch playing Chinese poker.

"Oh Kagome, you're back!" Sango greeted from the kitchen doorway. Kagome nodded, "hi guys." She walked over and ruffled Souta and Kohaku's hair earning a growl from the growing boys. Sango hugged best friend, "So, tell me all about it!"

Kagome sighed, "over dinner?" Sango grinned, "Of course! Come on guys let's eat!" The boys cheered and raced the the small kitchen and sat down waiting for their shares. Souta stuffed his face with his favorite dish, preserved bean curd and thinly sliced white carrots and asparagus, then his face lite up suddenly,

"Oh yea Kagome! Some guy with a really deep voice from your school said to go in several minutes early so he can talk to you in the Principal's office," he coughed as he choked from trying to talk and swallow at the same time. Kagome raised an eyebrow, "deep voice?" she shrugged it off, 'I'll go in earlier, no harm done.'

The boys soon finished their dinner and raced off to the living room to watch tv. Sango and Kagome cleared the table and began washing the dishes, "So... tell me Kagome. What happened on your first day of school?" Sango drawled out.

"A lot of things Sango.. a lot..." Kagome sighed.

Sang rolled her eyes, "Stop being such a drama queen and tell me already!! Start from the beginning!" Kagome began telling Sango about her whole day, from breaking the car window to beating up the brothers. Kagome and Sango squealed in laughter in Kagome's room as she finished her story.

"Oh my god Kagome, I can't believe you did that!" Sango laughed as she clutched on to her aching stomach. "I'm so dead tomorrow though Sango," Kagome whined and flopped down her bed. Sango shrugged, "But Kagome, you won't give in to them. Tell me more about this Bankotsu," she changed the subject. Kagome shrugged,

"Nothing much about him Sango. He helped me with finding me the job, defending me against Sesshoumaru, and well not being a prick," she said casually. Sango stared at her best friend suspiciously, "How does he know you needed a job?"

"I told him remember?" Kagome chided and knocked Sango's head softly. Sango giggled, "Oh yeah! But then again, a waitress job at $60 an hour... that's insane, I bet he owns the place." Kagome tilted her head, "Now that I think about it... he found the job for me a few hours after I tol dim. That's kinda strange isn't it?" Sango nodded in agreement.

"Well, I'm tired, scoot over Kagome! Stop hogging the bed!" Sango complained as she jumped under the blankets. Kagome scowled then laughed lightly, "Good night Sango." She reached over the night table and switched the lamp off and snuggled under the blankets with Sango.

-0-0-0-0-0-

"Kagome!! wake up lazy butt! You're going to be late for being early," Sango yelled towards the stairs. Kagome scrambled out of bed, "What time is it?!" she looked at the digital clock on the night stand; it read 7:32 a.m. "Oh my gosh!" Kagome raced to the bathroom and rushed to do her morning rituals. She raced down the stairs and into the kitchen and found a peanut-butter and jelly sandwich sitting on the table. "Kagome eat it, oh I took your dirty uniform to the dry cleaners earlier this morning, it's on the couch." Kagome stuffed the peanut-butter sandwich in her mouth and finished it in a few bites and gulps, "fank wu!" she squealed in gratitude and took the uniform to her room and changed into her uniform.

"I'm leaving, bye Sango!" Kagome called out as she slipped on her uniform heels, "I still hate wearing heels during school" she mumbled darkly.

-0-0-0-0-0-

Kagome knocked on the grand mahogany door and waited for a reply. She stood for several seconds only but to her it felt like hours.

"Enter," a loud baritone voice sounded from the other side of the door. Kagome swallowed nervously and pushed the doors and entered the massive room. Kagome's eyes glowed with astonishment as shelves of books mounted against the walls reflected the light from the sun to Kagome's eyes, "Wow..." that was the only word she could muster out.

"Do you enjoy looking at books, or reading them, Ms. Higurashi?" the baritone voice interrupted her musings. Kagome blushed, "Sorry sir," she bowed apologetically. Kagome squinted her eyes to try to get a better look of the prinicipal but the window behind the study desk allowed massive amounts of light into the room. Kagome only saw the dark shadow amongst the blinding light.

"Sorry, the light must be in your way," he stepped out to of the light and walked towards Kagome until he was only two feet away, "Is this better?" Kagome gasped at her principals image."Y..yes" she managed to answer, 'He looks exactly like Sesshoumaru... but older.'

The principal chuckled, "let me introduce myself, I am Principal Taishou, Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha's father, and President and Founder of Taishou Inc." he extended his hand out to Kagome. Kagome hesitantly shook his hand, "I never met such an important person before Mr. Taishou" she said before thinking. The elder man laughed, "everyone is important in this world Ms. Higurashi. More importantly I asked you to come is to speak with you about my son, Sesshoumaru." He walked to the back of his study and pulled out a thin folder, "here" he handed the folder to Kagome and motioned for her to sit.

Kagome sat on the comfortable leather chair and opened the folder. There was only one piece of paper and it listed Sesshoumaru's impressive grades on tests, but poor grade point averages for each class, "What's this?" Mr. Taishou shielded the blinding light from the window with a grey translucent curtain allowing certain amount of light in the room.

"Sesshoumaru has great knowledge, yet he refuses to attend all his classes. These test scores were taken on the same day without breaks. It took him several hours but he aced them all. He skipped all those classes and managed to pass the midterms," the principal sighed "I am worried this behavior will be embedded in him when he inherits the company."

Kagome gasped, "inherit the company? Sir, how old is he?" Mr. Taishou smiled, "He is 19 as of several months ago."

"That's too young to even consider inheriting a company sir," Kagome exclaimed. Mr. Taishou raised an elegant eyebrow, "is that so Ms. Higurashi? My company is a very important aspect in this country. Everyone dreams of affordable insurance that doesn't cut corners, and I supply it. I will need Sesshoumaru to be ready to inherit the company."

"Sir, if you don't mind me speaking freely. Sesshoumaru is an arrogant stuck up prick who does not even understand a little the hardships of being poor. Though I know him for only one day, he doesn't seem like the type that will change just to inherit a company," Kagome exclaimed. Mr. Taishou laughed, "I like the way you talk my girl."

Kagome blushed bashfully, "Hm... heh." Mr. Taishou chuckled and cleared his throat, "That is why Ms. Higurashi, I need you to help me change Sesshoumaru. I need him to understand that the foundation of this country, the world starts from the poor. The poor who works hard to make something out of themselves. I regret and admit that I have spoiled him and his brother since they were born. They don't know the meaning of hardships, yet I am not strong enough to cut off their assets. So Ms. Higurashi, for a good cause help me make Sesshoumaru understand." Kagome gulped, "Such a hard task for such a nobody..." Mr. Taishou chuckled,

"You are not a nobody Ms. Higurashi. I have faith in you," he walked over to Kagome and placed a hand on her shoulder, "I KNOW for sure, you can change Sesshoumaru. Though it may take time, are you willing to help me?" Kagome gulped, 'For the good of his company... Then again it would be amazing to see the stuck up prick owning and running a company that needs the help of the poorer population. I should, for the good of the poorer population.' Kagome stared at her principal directly in his eyes,

"I'll do it," she pledged.

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MS - Done! yay! another chappy!

Someone brought up that there was a lot of Bankotsu and Kagome from chapter one to four.

Truthfully, yes there is. But i had to build a solid foundation of their friendship. As you can see Kagome and Sango are really close, close enough to share houses, beds and food O_O

.

Please review guys, if you like this story tell your friends about it. I hate to see my Hit rates drop.... it's so painful..

... my little heart might just break....

MS- Aww.. i wish i get more reviews for this story, I love writing it!

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I hope you guys enjoy reading it as much as I do writing it...

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Enjoy this Chapter!

Beneath It All
MiserablySweet

Chapter 6- The Innocent Prank

Previously...

"You are not a nobody Ms. Higurashi. I have faith in you," he walked over to Kagome and placed a hand on her shoulder, "I KNOW for sure, you can change Sesshoumaru. Though it may take time, are you willing to help me?" Kagome gulped, 'For the good of his company... Then again it would be amazing to see the stuck up prick owning and running a company that needs the help of the poorer population. I should, for the good of the poorer population.' Kagome stared at her principal directly in his eyes,

"I'll do it," she pledged.

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Present...

Kagome sighed as she took her time to head to her first class. She pondered over why the Principal will want her to change Sesshoumaru, 'There are other poor girls in the school aren't there?' Kagome snorted, "yeah right, when pigs fly." She turned the doorknob of her classroom and entered, a little wary of the fact there were no one else in school this early. "Not even teachers, huh?" Kagome shrugged and carelessly threw that thought out of her mind. She strolled to her seat and placed her bag on top of the table and noticed outside one of the large windows was a beautiful red maple tree in a small meadow.

"A meadow in the middle of the school premises?" Kagome questioned with incredibility. She opened the window and leaned out to notice there were no doors on the three walls she saw but she did notice some benches alongside the walls, "if there is no doors, why would there be benches in there?" She pulled herself back from the ledge of the window and scanned the room. Kagome glowed in triumph when she noticed a door with the same color of the walls of the room was hidden behind a curtain. She twisted the knob and entered the small meadow, "Wow..." she breathed.

Maple leaves floated with the waves of the wind around the meadow. 'Amongst this pompous school, there is some peace and something that's not affected by the wealth of the students,' she thought bitterly as she sat down under the shady maple tree. She leaned against the bark and sighed. These few days were hectic from her. Strangely the maple tree reminded her the morning when Sesshoumaru stole her first kiss. Kagome snorted, "First kiss? I have no time to worry about first kiss. Besides it wasn't even a kiss! It was a... a peck! Yeah that's it!" she conversed to herself. Her first kiss was the least of her worries, she had other more important matters to deal with.

"What to do with Sesshoumaru...," she pondered and let her eyes droop close. Kagome relaxed against the cool bark of the tree as she recalled her principal's very words.

"I'll do it," she pledged. Her principal chuckled at her determination, "However, Ms. Higurashi I do agree with you that he is much too young to inherit the company now. I do plan to live much much longer" he joked. Kagome blushed at her forwardness, 'Heh... I made him sound like he was going to die in several years.' She glanced over to his desk and saw his name tag, 'Touga Taishou'. Kagome smiled, "What a regal name..."

Touga cleared his throat, "Ms. Higurashi, our school's annual Autumn Sports festival is coming up and I would like it very much so if you are able to convince Sesshoumaru to participate." Kagome tilted her head,

"Autumn Sports festival?" she questioned. Touga nodded his head, "The whole school gathers together in the school field. Our school is basically divided into two... how you say 'categories'. The brutal, physical contact of sports or the inspiring elegant theme of music" he explained in a very light excited tone. Kagome raised an eyebrow at his enlighted face, "How does this involve Sesshoumaru?"

"Our students are either Pro Sports or Pro Music, those who are in between are usually outcasts and us as teachers and principals can't do anything about that. The group of friends both my sons trust are the outcasts, but they are the 'popular' outcasts. Both teams want the group of handsome teens to join them and they can't decide, so Sesshoumaru sits out of these festivals" Touga explained and folded his arms in front of his chest. Kagome snorted softly at the word "handsome,"

'They think they run the school,' she thought bitterly. "So... you want me to convince Sesshoumaru to participate in this festival on one side?" Touga nodded his head, "If Sesshoumaru joins, the rest of them will follow."

"Like dogs," she mumbled darkly. Touga laughed, "Yes something like that. Are you up to it?" Kagome laughed sheepishly, "Do I have a choice sir?"

Touga shook his head, "No, no you don't. And if you succeed, you will be rewarded handsomely." She titled her head slightly wondering what her reward could possibly be.

"I suppose it won't hurt to try... Alright, I'll give it a shot" she beamed at her principal. Touga nodded in approval and dismissed her, "Ms. Higurashi, this will be a very interesting year..." he whispered as she closed the large office doors.

Kagome sighed and felt herself grow too comfortable, "After breaking his window, hurting his hand, holding his car for ransom, then dumping garbage all over him and his little brother... I highly doubt I can (yawn)... I doubt I can convince him to scoot over in the hallways..." Kagome drifted asleep in the comfortable lull of leaves rustling in the wind.

-0-0-0-0-0-

Sesshoumaru snorted as he sat quietly in Inuyasha's car. The morning breeze made their way through the car window and lifted Sesshoumaru's silver strands. His eyes trailed down to his small slight that a brown layer of scab covered over it, 'Today will be rather entertaining' he smirked and glance at the backseat of Inuyasha's car through the car mirror. There were several large piles of shaving cream, red paint and nail polish remover.

"Inuyasha," Sesshoumaru glanced at his brother from the corner of his eye.

"Yo," he nodded. Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes at his brother's weird habits but let that thought slide for another day, "have you informed the others of the lunch plan?" Inuyasha nodded, "Yep. I didn't tell Bankotsu though." Sesshoumaru donned on an evil smirk, "Good, he won't be in our way then. But we have to find a way to distract him from going to the cafeteria."

Inuyasha nodded, "Yep, Maten and Hiten will do that part." Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes, "You told Maten and Hiten?" Inuyasha shook his head,

"Nope, I'll call them to call Bankotsu and say something's wrong at the shop or something." Sesshoumaru snorted, "What makes you think the brothers will listen to you?" Inuyasha smirked, "They owe me a favor." Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes as his unusual smirk, 'Brothers... can't live with them, can't plan with them either.'

-0-0-0-0-0-

Sesshoumaru and the rest of the group noisily entered the still deserted classroom, "Wow we're early for once" Kouga joked as he sank into his cushioned chair and lifted his legs and placed it on top of the table. Inuyasha casually leaned against the mahogany table, "So, how do we plan this thing?" Kouga, Miroku and Inuyasha chattered noisily about the details of their prank.

Sesshoumaru left the group and turned the knob of the door that leads to the red maple tree. "Yo Sess?" Inuyasha called out. Sesshoumaru ignored his brother and shut the door upon entering the small meadow shielded by walls. Sesshoumaru inhaled deeply and embraced the sun's ray on his pale skin. He headed towards the maple tree but noticed dark strands of hair that floated along with the wind. He narrowed his eyes and crept closer to what he assume to be an animal behind the maple tree. The scent of jasmine drifted to his nose as he inched closer the the tree, the hair of the so called animal was longer than he expected. A pair of long slender legs emerged behind the base of the tree.

Sesshoumaru growled when he realized it was her. 'How did she find this place? This was supposed to be secluded and I'm the only one who is allowed in here,' he shoved her roughly with the tip of his shoes, "Wake up." Kagome stirred softly be remained in a deep slumber. The breeze picked up causing Kagome to sneeze unexpectedly. Sesshoumaru groaned and attempted to wake her again.

"Wake up!" he called louder than before and shook her shoulders sharply. But Kagome remained asleep and that annoyed Sesshoumaru to no end. 'How can she not hear me?!' He crouched down and cupped her head in his large hands and smirked. A small trail of drool glistened and Sesshoumaru couldn't resist. He pulled out his cellphone from his pocket and quickly took a snapshot of the sleeping Kagome. 'This will come in handy sometime later in the future,' he resumed his attention on her face, he pinched each ear on each hand respectively and pulled it away from her body harshly, "HEY PIG!" he yelled loudly.

Kagome squealed when she felt her ears were being pulled from it's natural position harshly. Sesshoumaru couldn't resist but guffawed at Kagome's face, eyes widen, her mouth dropped open, her ears stretched a little making her seem like a human Mickey Mouse. He released her ears and fell back on his rump and clutched his abdomen with his other arm supporting his weight behind him. Kagome growled, "That was rude you know!" But strangely felt happy when she heard his honest laugh.

Sesshoumaru cleared his throat smirked, "Don't flatter yourself." He stood up and straightened his uniform, "You don't belong here" he bluntly stated. Kagome raised an eyebrow, "I'm a student in this school just like you. I do belong here." Kagome stood up and defiantly stared at him. Sesshoumaru growled,

"No, you don't belong here. This place. No one is allowed here but me," he enunciated the words 'here, no one' and 'me'. Kagome was shocked to say the least, "What makes you think I step in this place, huh? You don't know this property!" she challenged forgetting his father was the principal of the school.

"Au contraire, my father owns this school. The property in which the school stands belong to my father," he said arrogantly. Kagome chided herself, 'Dang it, I forgot about it...'

"Well your father own it, not you. So HA!" Kagome spatted and rushed towards the door that leads back into the classroom. Sesshoumaru swiftly turned around and caught her by her wrist and jerked her back to him.

"I wasn't finished," he angrily growled. Kagome gave him a defiant glare, "Like I care?" They stared at each other for several long seconds before the bell rung, signaling the beginning of the first class which they unfortunately are in. The stare was only a few seconds but to Sesshoumaru, it felt like hours. Kagome jerked her wrist back to her body and rushed towards the door.

"Why didn't I counter her?" he wondered out loud at his own stupidity. 'It matters not, she will know not to mess with me soon,' he smirked and anticipated lunchtime.

-0-0-0-0-0-

"Oh Kagome! I never knew you were so smart!" Shiori complemented as they headed out of the class together. Kagome blushed, "No not at all Shiori..." Bankotsu called for Kagome to wait for him.

"Good afternoon Kagome," he greeted with a friendly tone. Kagome returned his greetings, "Good afternoon Bankotsu, it's lunchtime... do you want to head down with us?" Bankotsu shook his head, "Hiten... uh... asked me to help with his lounge, something came up he said." He tried to cover the fact that he was the owner of the lounge and not Hiten or Maten. "Oh alright then... I'll head down with Shiori," Kagome waved goodbye to Bankotsu while he called to her, "I'll catch you later!"

Sesshoumaru and the others smirked, "It's time..." Sesshoumaru nodded to Miroku and Kouga, both rushed ahead of Kagome and Shiori who both didn't think much of it. Miroku smirked as he shook the two cans of shaving cream, one on each hand. He popped the cap quickly and emptied the contents all over the first step of the stairs, the side Kagome was on. Kouga grunted as he hauled the bucket of red paint towards the ceiling and secured the rope that was attached to the handle and over a railing. He then emptied dozens of bottles of nail polish remover in a similar bucket and hauled it to the ceiling like what he did with the red paint bucket. Miroku and Kouga high fived each over and Miroku rushed behind fenced wall and held on to the rope that secured the red paint bucket, while Kouga did the same with the nail polish remover bucket.

Sesshoumaru almost felt sorry for Kagome. Almost. When he got closer to the stairs he thought he detected a little bit of cigarette smoke but didn't think too much of it, 'Who would be an idiot and smoke in the school stairs?' Kouga and Miroku looked at each other thinking the same thing when they too smelled the offending scent.

"Hey Kouga, do you think we should check if there is someone smoking down there?" Miroku whispered. Kouga shrugged, "I don't anyone will be stupid enough to smoke in the school." Miroku nodded in agreement and settled in, waiting for the perfect moment. Sesshoumaru was feeling awfully uncomfortable as he saw Kagome and Shiori near the staircase. He was fearing the worse, something was indeed smoking at the bottom of those stairs, then he saw it, smoke. His eyes widen and his heartbeat quickened as the adrenaline rushed through his veins.

"You there!" he called out to Kagome. She turned around and noticed Sesshoumaru rushing towards her with such a expression, she was startled. Kagome stepped back several steps... "KAGOME!" Shirori cried out. Kagome slipped on the shaving cream and sent herself tumbling down the stairs. Kouga and Miroku didn't notice Sesshoumaru's frantic waves and yells for them to stop and they pulled the ropes that secured the buckets of foul smelling liquid. Blood red pain poured out of the bucket and onto Kagome as she continue to roll down the stairs. Nail polish remover drenched her hair and thinned some of the red paint from her clothes. Kagome clenched her mouth and eyes shut fearing if she opened them the foul liquid will invade her body.

Sesshoumaru dashed towards the stairs, "Someone is smoking down there!" he called out to Kouga and Miroku who both grew frantic. They rushed to the flight of stairs on the other side to check, but no one was there. Kagome cried out in pain as she felt a sharp jam at her ribs, 'Don't tell me it's broken...' Bitter tasting nail polish remover slipped into her mouth and Kagome coughed and gagged, attempting to drain the contents from her mouth. Kagome groaned in pain as she came to a halt when she came to a dead end, with a back door leading to the end of the cafeteria.

Sesshoumaru rushed down the stairs, almost slipping himself to Kagome. There she was laying on the floor covered in red and clutching her ribs. He felt guilty, extremely guilty. Sesshoumaru sighed with relief when he discovered no one was at the bottom smoking. He reached over to the uncomfortable Kagome, "hey..." he whispered softly. He didn't expect her to get injured, well he did but he expected a couple of bruises. Sesshoumaru bent down and noticed she was not releasing her rip on her side, mainly around her rib cage.

"Does it hurt?" he poked the side softly earning a sharp cry from Kagome, "Get AWAY!" Kagome knew. She knew it was him who organized this prank. She felt tears sting her eyes, how can someone... no a student do this to another student? Sesshoumaru swallowed the lump in his throat, "let me help you" he offered and slipped an arm under her knees. Kagome refused and kicked him forcefully back, "Get away I said!" Sesshoumaru stumbled back, "Look, I didn't mean for the prank to go this far! Now stay still and let me help you to the infirmary!" He bent down to try to pick Kagome up again.

"SESSHOUMARU!!" He heard Miroku cry, 'What in the world?' was his last thought before the scent of burning paint invaded his nose. Miroku's eyes widen as he saw a cigarette stub float down from the flight of stairs above and down on the staircase that had the shaving cream. Miroku held his breath as he saw the stub roll down the steps, 1... 2... 3... the stub touched the red paint only slightly. Miroku sighed in relief as stub didn't ignite the paint, "phew..." His relief was thrown out the window as a spark flashed from the paint and started to spread quickly down the staircase, eating the trail of red paint and nailpolish remover on its way.

"FIRE SESSHOUMARU!" Kouga cried, 'Oh my freaking god.' Kouga's hand flew up to his hair and he gripped his strands painfully, he grew very very frantic. "SOMEONE! Call the fire department! There is two people trapped down there!!!"

Sesshoumaru heard every word and felt his blood grow cold, he caused this. He rushed over to the door and attempts to open it. It didn't budge. Sesshoumaru tried again this time with more force, not a single creak. Adrenaline rushed through his blood as he reacted quickly without thinking, he removed everything on him that had any traces of flammable paint, only his shoes. Then he looked at Kagome, she was covered head to toe with red paint. Sesshoumaru quickly glanced at the top of the staircase, he saw the golden flame flicker on top of that flight. He reached down to Kagome and hauled her drenched shirt over her head and threw it on top of the stairs, next her skirt. Kagome protested, but was helpless. Her ribs ached horribly and she let him continue. Kagome was too much in pain from her broken rib to scream for help to save them from the fire. Sesshoumaru threw Kagome's skirt, socks and shoes to the flame that progressed another two feet down the stairs.

Smoke filled the narrow staircase as he scanned the floor, there was about a good 2 feet of clean flooring, untouched by the flammable liquids. He looked down at the very scared Kagome who stared at him with such helpless eyes. "God dammit!" he banged the locked door, "SOMEBODY OPEN THE DOOR!" Another several seconds past, nothing. No response. Kagome coughed and gasped for air as the oxygen in the staircase was diminishing due the the burning fire. They were trapped, like a hamster in a hamster ball in a cardboard box. Sesshoumaru shrugged off his wool vest and picked up Kagome in bridal style, "we're going to die..." Kagome whispered helplessly and buried her face in his neck.

"No, I won't let you," He covered Kagome with his vest, wool was the least flammable natural fiber out there, he hope that will protect her for now. "KOUGA, MIROKU, OPEN THIS DOOR!!" he yelled as loudly as he could, his voice was hoarse from the large amounts of deadly smoke he inhaled. Miroku and Kouga rushed around to the other flight of stairs on the other side of the building, which the fastest runner of the school will take as long as two minutes to reach the flight of stairs.

'Can they wait that long?' Miroku prayed to god they can survive. Sesshoumaru coughed as the fire was only two feet away from him and Kagome. The only thing protecting them now was the small patch of clean floor, it was shorter than two feet. If they didn't get burned alive, they would've died from smoke inhalation. Sesshoumaru clutched Kagome closer to his body, hoping she can live through this horrifying ordeal. "Kagome" he called out, she was unresponsive and limp. He looked down at the unconscious girl in his arms, her lips was stained a dark hue. Not good, she was dying from the lack of oxygen. Sesshoumaru felt himself grow weaker by the second as the smoke was affecting him as well. He continued to pound on the door, no response.

The flame flickered closer to the two, "I'm sorry..." he whispered in her ears. Never before seen tenderness radianted out of his eyes as he caressed Kagome's pale cheeks, "I'm very very sorry." He was the cause of her death, and his as well. He was a murderer. He slid down to the ground, with his back to the door. His mind was in a haze, he couldn't think straight. His body was shutting itself down to preserve what little oxygen was left in the narrow staircase, his eyes were drooping...

Miroku and Kouga reached the door. Dark smoke poured out from the small crack between the floor and the bottom of the door. "Sesshoumaru!!! HOLD ON!!" Miroku cried out as he attempted to pull the door. It wouldn't budge. Kouga and Miroku together pushed it door, nothing. Something was wrong, the door wouldn't budge and they couldn't hear any sounds from the other side. They were fearing the worse. Miroku groaned loudly in frustration and suddenly he noticed it, a ray of hope hanging on a hook several yards away from the door. Miroku dashed towards the set of keys and tossed it to Kouga who caught it with ease. Kouga fumbled with the keys, there were too many. One... Two... three... four... seconds ticked away as the keys failed to open the door.

Miroku banged on the door, "HOLD ON SESSHOUMARU!!" he yelled as loud as possible hoping they didn't give up yet. Sesshoumaru's eyes widen suddenly as his head felt a little impact from the other side. He heard Miroku's voice, he can't give up, "OPEN THE DOOR!" he cried.

"IT'S LOCKED! WE DON'T KNOW WHICH KEY TO USE!" Miroku replied. Sesshoumaru coughed, his chest heaving from the lack of oxygen, his body was forcing itself to shutdown again, 'Key... which key...' he tried hard to remember the set of keys his father explained to him.

'My freaking god why didn't I pay more attention?!' He slammed his fist on the door. The flame crept several inches away from his knee a large flicker singed his knee and he cried out sharply, a sudden flash of memory jogged through his head, a silver key with a triangular head.

"SILVER!! TRIANGULAR HEAD!" he yelled through clenched teeth, his knee was badly burned. Kouga fumbled through the set of keys, there were four silver keys, but none of them had a triangular head. Kouga tried them anyway. Nothing. Kouga growled and grabbed the doorknob and shook it vigorously, "GOD DAMMIT!"

Miroku sank to his knees, 'I killed them...' he thought with guilt spilling out of his eyes. Loud yells sounded across the cafeteria and caught the attention of Miroku and Kouga. Half dozen men in yellow uniform rushed towards them holding a crowbar.

"SESSHOUMARU! HELP'S ON THE WAY!! STAY AWAKE!" Kouga pounded on the door continuously hoping the loud booms will keep them awake. Kouga cringed in pain as the heat of the metal door burned his skin slightly. Sesshoumaru gasped for breath, he was losing it. He was slipping into unconsciousness despite the loud booms from his friend. The golden flames was mere inches away from him and Kagome. "Kagome..." he whispered and looked down at the pale female in his arms.

"It was supposed to be a small prank..." he whispered before he slipped into the world of darkness.

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MS - OH NO!!! MY SESSHYY!!! KAGOME!!!

Will they survive?

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Please review guys, review review!!! I want to know what you guys think!!!

MS- Hahaaaa!!

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I knew you guys would love that chapter!!

Now, you know my stories.. the surprises never ... ever end! (snickers)

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XxHaku-Spirited-Away-RoseXxXx, Sesshoumaru and the rest of the youkais are indeed human in this story, weird hair color is "natural" in this story ^_^

Enjoy this chapter!

Beneath It All
MiserablySweet

Chapter 7 - Unexpected

Previously...

"SESSHOUMARU! HELP'S ON THE WAY!! STAY AWAKE!" Kouga pounded on the door continuously hoping the loud booms will keep them awake. Kouga cringed in pain as the heat of the metal door burned his skin slightly. Sesshoumaru gasped for breath, he was losing it. He was slipping into unconsciousness despite the loud booms from his friend. The golden flames was mere inches away from him and Kagome. "Kagome..." he whispered and looked down at the pale female in his arms.

"It was supposed to be a small prank..." he whispered before he slipped into the world of darkness.

Present...

Sesshoumaru ran as fast as his tone legs can take him. He was trying to escape from the dark shadow eating everything in it's path, and he was on the only path that lead to a source of light. Beads of sweat slid down his forehead as the blazing fire crept closer to his heels. He willed his legs to go faster, "WAIT!" he cried out. His voice echoed in the dark depths of nothing, there were no corners, no cracks, everything was black except for the stone path in the middle of the void that led to the only source of light. The faster he ran, the longer he ran the source of light became further away.

"WAIT!" he cried to the light as if it was a living object. His heart pounded in his chest, his lungs quivered for oxygen, his legs... they were getting sore. 'No!' his mind screamed as his legs began to stumble and his body instinctively slowed his pace. Adrenaline made his blood pump through his veins with a deafening boom with each pulse. His chest heaved with a rapid pace, he clenched his eyes shut and willed his body to push on, faster. His eyes snapped open when he tripped over a large crack in the stone path, his scream echoed in his own ears as he sent his body falling over the edge of the path and into the endless black depth. Sesshoumaru roared in pain as blazing flames burst out from the depths below and singed his body. He clenched his throat as his lungs quivered from the lack of oxygen, 'WAIT!' his mind screamed as he felt deeper into the depths, the source of light now diminishing to a speck of dust. His heart spasmed, unable to pump fresh blood through his body from the lack of oxygen and the blazing heat. The corner of his eyes and ears began to leak blood, 'I don't want to die...'

"I DON'T WANT TO DIE!" he cried out as his eyes snapped open to reveal a cream colored ceiling. Sesshoumaru's hand flew to his eyes and ears to see if there was any blood, there weren't any. He gasped for air, the collar of his hospital shirt drenched with his sweat, "It was only a dream..." he reassured himself. Sesshoumaru caught his breath and leaned against the backboard. He shivered at the memory of his dream, it felt like he was dying. His eyes widen, 'Hospital! I'm at the hospital!' he realized.

Sesshoumaru swung his legs to the edge of his bed and jumped on his feet and hauled his sore body to the door. He cried in pain as he jerked his arm that had the IV needle embedded in his flesh. He growled inhumanely at the offending object and tore it off of his body and continued towards the door with one thing in his mind, "Kagome..."

He dragged his body to the receptionst who stared at him with, what he thought was desire. Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes, "I need the number to a room," he spat out coldy. The female receptionst, not much older than him nodded dumbly, "Name please?"

"Kagome..." he trailed off, he didn't remember her last name at all. He groaned and ran his hand through his hair, "Sir, I need the last name as well." Sesshoumaru shook his head, "I don't remember her last name." The receptionist sighed, "Well my name is Yuki Kuroi... you?" she bashed her eyelashes, attempting to flirt with him.

Sesshoumaru growled and slammed his hand on the counter, "LISTEN, I'VE DONE SOMETHING HORRIBLE AND I NEED TO APOLOGIZE. I HAVE NO TIME TO EVEN LOOK AT THE LIKES OF YOU!" He raised his voice loudly, everyone, no anyone who was passing by stopped and stared at them to see what was going on. The frighten girl shook slightly, "K-Kagome... Higurashi?" she asked in a meek voice. He nodded sharply, "Room 241." He huffed and raced to the other side of the floor.

'Thank god I am already on the second floor,' he thought. His burned knee was killing him, sending pulses of raw, unrestricted pain through his body with each step he took.

"237... 239... 241!" he slammed open the door to Kagome's room, "KAGOME!" he cried out. There were several girls, a young boy and an elderly woman in the room. The girl, Shiori he guessed stared at him with a moment of shock, and then anger flashed through her eyes.

"YOU! Stay away from her... you... you... BUTTHEAD!" Shiori yelled at him, she stumbled to find the right word for Sesshoumaru without cursing. In fact, she has never been this angry in her life. Shiori growled and left the room in anger. Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow at her but didn't think too much of it and brushed past her, hoping Kagome was alright. His breath hitched in his throat as he saw an oxygen mask, aiding her with to breath by supply fresh oxygen to her nose and mouth. She had to be put under an IV drip to rehydrate her body. Her lips were still a pale blue, but was slowly retaining her natural color back.

"How long was she sleeping for?" He asked in a hushed voice. The other girl who he never seen before spoke, "3 hours... no thanks to you," she remarked bitterly.

"Why would you do something like that anyway, huh? Is this all a joke to you? That you're immortal? You can't get hurt, HUH?!" she stomped in front of Sesshoumaru and glared at him with her hazel eyes, "Get. Out." she seethed through her clenched teeth. Sesshoumaru kept his head leveled and glared back at the offending female.

"I don't have to leave," he countered, "It was only an accident." The female's eyes widen in shock and astonishment, "Only?" she whispered dangerously.

"ONLY?! You almost KILLED her! Do you understand? KILL! Her life is already miserable enough, you don't have to add to it!" the hazel eyed female poked his chest with a pointed finger. The young boy cowered behind the fuming female, "Sango... calm down." Sango shook her head,

"No Souta, this guy right here thinks it's okay to hurt people and pass it off as an accident! Let me tell you this," she turned back to Sesshoumaru. "You rich, high and mighty pricks don't understand what she goes through, what she went through. You better open your eyes pal. Your life may be a picnic on the park, shielded by money, spoiled by rich parents for all I care, but you can not endanger Kagome!" Sesshoumaru growled, the female in front of him was annoying him to no end.

"I assure you it was a mistake, I only meant for it to be an innocent prank... I didn't mean to put her life in danger," Sesshoumaru whispered softly. Sango was about to continue yelling at him but the elder woman interrupted, "Sango, I think it's best if ye stop yelling. The young man looks guilty enough." Sango huffed, "Yeah? I hope the guilt is eating him alive Kaede." Kaede shook her head at Sango's rambunctious attitude.

Sesshoumaru sighed and pulled a chair and sat next to the sickly looking Kagome, his guilt was eating him alive. He wanted to apologize to her, he wants to make it up to her. He knew what he did was horribly wrong... but what could've happened to their lives sent him over the edge, "Kagome..." he whispered hoping she would wake up. He tried again, "Kagome" but no use, she was still in a deep slumber.

A soft knock sounded through the room, the door pushed open revealing a doctor in his uniform. He pushed his glasses further up on the bridge of his nose. Souta's eyes widen, "Dr. Masuyo! You're Kagome's doctor?" The middle aged doctor nodded, "I was really surprised to see young, healthy Kagome admitted in the hospital under critical care before." Dr. Masuyo shook his head, "I can't believe that happened to her, I was really shocked some heartless guy would do such a thing" he eyed Sesshoumaru suspiciously.

Sesshoumaru sighed, as if this day can't get any worse, "I apologize, I only meant it to be a small prank. I wouldn't never done it if I knew some idiot was smoking in the school's staircase..." The doctor shook his head, "In any case, you shouldn't never even thought of such a prank to a student. Two other lives depend on her," Sesshoumaru's eyes widen in shock, "She's carrying twins?"

Bankotsu barged in right when Sesshoumaru asked if she was pregnant with twins. Bankotsu's eyes widen, "What?! SESSHOUMARU!" he gripped Sesshoumaru's collar and hauled him to his feet, "It wasn't enough you had to make her day miserable, you had to kill her children too?!" Sesshoumaru growled at his friend, "Accident" he said for the millionth time today. Bankotsu shook his head sharply, "Sesshoumaru I can't believe you would do something like this. First Kanna, now Kagome, do you have something in your head that triggers your stupidity?"

"Please calm down you two, you'll disrupt the patient," Dr. Masuyo motioned them to sit. The two male teens obeyed, "She isn't pregnant," the doctor started. Sesshoumaru and Bankotsu sighed in relief, Bankotsu glared at Sesshoumaru with a look that said 'You're lucky she isn't pregnant.'

"But she is the guardian of her younger brother here, Souta and her grandpa who is hospitalized in this very building. It's such a shame to see a hardworking girl to get hurt," he shook his head and checked over her progress report. Sesshoumaru blinked several times, "Guardian of her grandfather? Doesn't she have parents?"

"We don't talk about them, at all. Especially not in front of Kagome," Souta mumbled and held Kagome's hand next to her bed. Bankotsu knew something was off when Kagome avoided the subject when he asked about her family, "Why?"

Sango patted Souta's head, "Kagome's father attempted to steal all the Higurashi's fortune when she was only nine years old and Souta was only a few months old, and he succeeded. He took all the family fortune and left the Higurashi family to starve. Her mother was heartbroken but she managed to get a job and support them financially for the next several years. Kagome even tried to help out, she got a babysitting job and that's how I met her. But her mother grew deathly ill by Kagome's 16th birthday and had to be hospitalized for series of heart failure. Kagome and her grandpa worked harder to keep up with the medical bills," Sango felt tears brim her eyes, "Her mother knew they had to pay for her medical bills. So... she snuck into the medicine cabinet in the laboratory and stole a bottle of euthanizing liquid and a needle. She injected the whole bottle of liquid inside her IV and she waited for her own death, and she passed away while Kagome was working."

Bankotsu felt an aching pull in his heart, "She has gone through a lot hasn't she?" Sango nodded, "It wasn't the end of it... Her grandpa was shocked by the death of his only daughter, he just... shut down. He fainted in the hospital and never woke up, he's still in a coma today in this hospital. Kagome was still in high school, the hours were longer, she couldn't take another job or else she'll have to drop out of school to support her grandpa and young Souta. We tried the best we can by helping her pay the bills, we can only do so much," Kaede squeezed Sango's shoulder, her face filled with guilt and remorse.

"The social workers and child service agencies tried to take Souta away from his sister. Kagome had to go to court to fight for authority over her brother. When the jury and the judge heard of her story they sympathized for her, but argued she wasn't old enough to support her little brother and her grandfather. But somehow she managed to persuade them to let her keep him. That fight alone took a year. Kagome thought it was all over until..." Sango stopped, she didn't want to continue. It was a heartbreaking story to tell. Sesshoumaru held his breath, 'She has suffered a lot...'

"Until...?" Bankotsu pressed on. He wanted to hear more of her past, it was depressing and fascinating to him at the same time. He sympthasized for her, but he wants to help her, he wanted to know more. A meek voice answered him,

"Until my grandfather's condition worsen and had to be moved to critical care, and it took more money to manage his condition" her voice was hoarse, her throat was drier than the Sahira Desert. "Kagome!" Sango cried and hugged her best friend. Sesshoumaru moved to help her sit up. Kagome was shocked at Sesshoumaru's tender expression, "Sesshoumaru?" he nodded, "Do you want some water?" she nodded. Souta smiled excited and hopped on the bed and sank next to Kagome, "You're alright!" he exclaimed. Kagome smiled and shook her head, she lifted her hand to the breathing mask and pulled it over her head. Kagome coughed at the sudden change and her chest heaved for several seconds, Sesshoumaru handed her a glass of water.

"Now Ms. Higurashi, you know you shouldn't have done that" Dr. Masuyo scolded. Kagome chuckled, "Sorry..." she lifted the cold glass to her still pale lips and drank the cool liquid. Dr. Masuyo walked over to Kagome and checked her pupils. She grimaced when the bright light invaded her sight, "All is well... I'll leave you talk to your friends. You know, it's a miracle that you woke up this early." Kagome tilted her head, "hmm?"

"From the amount of soot we found in your nasal cavity and throat, well the damage was high enough to push you into a coma, but... you've always been a miracle child," he chuckled and left the room leaving a confused Kagome. Bankotsu sat next to Kagome on the bed, "How are you feeling?" he forgot about Sesshoumaru, for the time being. Kagome smiled softly at the worried Bankotsu, "I'm... I've been better."

Kagome glanced over to Sesshoumaru, she noticed his knee was bandaged, "Are you alright Sesshoumaru?"

Sesshoumaru noticed her staring at his knee, 'Hm...' she's too compassionate for her own good, "I'm fine. It's just a dull pain. How's your rib?" Kagome coughed for a short while, "I'm not sure... but it still hurts." Bankotsu felt guilt creep to his conscience when he saw Sesshoumaru limp to the sofa, 'He didn't escape without getting hurt.' He sat next to Sesshoumaru, "Hey... uhm.. I'm sorry about before" Bankotsu started. Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow at him, "about?" Bankotsu huffed, "About going off on you about Kagome. I didn't realize you were hurt."

Sesshoumaru snorted, "It's only a burn," he played it off as it was nothing. Bankotsu reached over and smacked his knee with a little pressure causing Sesshoumaru to yelp in pain, "BANKOTSU!" he scolded. Bankotsu laughed, "Only a burn" he mocked. Sesshoumaru growled and tilted his knee away from Bankotsu's reach, 'Just in case...' he thought grimly. Bankotsu scoffed playfully and squeezed his shoulder, like what a brother would do, "I'm glad you're okay." Sesshoumaru let a small smile grace his lips, "Yeah... thanks." Kagome looked on in shock at the brotherly scene, 'They must be really close...'

"Bankotsu?" Sesshoumaru called out his name softly after several long moments of silence between the two, "I'm sorry" he bluntly stated. It was Bankotsu's turn to be confused, "Huh?" Sesshoumaru leaned back on the sofa, "About Kanna." Bankotsu shook his head, "It wasn't really your fault... more of Inuyasha's. It just seem logical to blame you since... well you know... you agreed to it." Sesshoumaru nodded, "Well, I was involved. I'm no better than Inuyasha." He paused for several moments and shivered, Bankotsu laughed.

"Sesshoumaru, you've always been better than that babbling idiot," Bankotsu joked. Sesshoumaru nodded in agreement, "indeed..."

"Kagome, when you get better let's go eat at Cafe Hello again!" Souta exclaimed out of nowhere, breaking the comfortable silence in the room. Kagome giggled, "Of course. Anything for you" she kissed his nose affectionately and giggled and Souta made a stinky face. Bankotsu smiled warmly at Kagome's motherly attitude.

"Sango, Kaede, what happened to the cafe? Shouldn't you guys be opened now?" Kagome asked. Sango nodded, "We got a phone call from the hospital saying you were in the emergency room. We left it to Kohaku's care and picked up Souta to see you." Kagome nodded, she felt guilty Kaede and Sango's business have to slow down a little just because of her, "I'll be fine here, you should get back to work before you lose all your loyal customers!"

Kaede chuckled, "Are ye sure?" Kagome nodded, "One hundred percent sure." Her voice was beginning to get raspy once more, speaking was straining her vocal cords. Sango embraced Kagome briefly, "call me if anything, alright? I'll take care of Souta for the next few days, I have a feeling you'll be in the hospital for at least a few days." Kagome nodded, "Thank you so much Sango."

Souta briefly kissed Kagome on the cheeks and waved goodbye to Sesshoumaru and Bankotsu. Kagome sighed and leaned back against the bed. Her hand touched her mending rib and grimaced, Bankotsu shot up from his seat and rushed to Kagome, "Does it hurt? Do you want me to call the doctor here?" Kagome laughed, "I'm fine Bankotsu, it's just a small pain." Sesshoumaru snorted, "You're acting as if she's your lover."

Bankotsu and Kagome blushed, "Mind your words Sesshoumaru! You know there's no one for me but Kanna" Bankotsu scolded. Kagome laughed, "Bankotsu, do you mind if I visit her again once I'm discharged?" Bankotsu nodded, "Of course." Bankotsu glanced at his watch, "I have to get going, Sesshoumaru you better take care of Kagome. If I see a scratch on her, you're the first one I'll come to" he threatened.

Sesshoumaru snorted again, "I am not going to eat her..." Bankotsu bid his goodbyes to Kagome and Sesshoumaru. The two sat in silence, "So... uhm..." Kagome began. Sesshoumaru cracked an eye open, "You should keep quiet." Kagome gasped, 'Why you little...'

"You'll damage your vocal cords if you keep talking," he finished. Kagome blushed, "Oops..." Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow at her soft whisper. He got up and limped over to the bed and sat at the corner. He stare at Kagome's lips, 'still pale.' Kagome lowered her head and fidgeted with her fingers under Sesshoumaru's intense gaze.

"I'm sorry," she heard him say. Kagome's eyes widen, "You're apologizing?!" she raised her voice slightly in disbelief. Sesshoumaru snorted,

"Of course, I am the cause for your injuries. It's only the responsible thing to do," he retorted. Kagome let out a meek scoff.

"Don't worry about the hospital bills, I'll pay for them" he continued. She shook her head firmly, "No, I can pay them myself." Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes and ran his hand through his hair and grunted, "I need a shower..." he said as the smell of burnt debris invaded his nose. Kagome nodded, "me too." Sesshoumaru sighed, "Let me pay for the hospital bill, don't think of it as a pity present. I injured you, and I'm being responsible."

Kagome shook her head, "I don't need you to repent for your deeds. I can take care of myself thank you very much!" Kagome's anger began to surface, and Sesshoumaru's patience was wearing thin, real thin.

"Shut up and let me pay for it!" he yelled at Kagome with a deadly glare. She didn't give in, "Don't tell me to shut up! What right do you have to tell me to shut up?!" she raised her voice and returned a glare of her own. 'This girl is impossible,' he thought and slammed his fist on the mattress.

"Because I CAN," he gripped the end of the blanket that covered Kagome's body and tug it towards himself. Kagome narrowed her eyes and began to pull the soft blanket towards her, "I don't need you paying my hospital bills OR telling me to shut up! Let go of my blanket!"

Sesshoumaru tug the soft material harder, "I caused the fire, so I'M BEING RESPONSIBLE! The blanket's not YOURS!"

"It's on MY bed, covering MY body, so it's MINE. I can pay for myself! Why are you being so persistent?!" Kagome growled and her grip tightened on the blanket in a deadly tug-of-war. He jerked the blanket towards his body with such force, Kagome felt her arms will pop out of the sockets, "You don't own this blanket, or the bed. I want to pay because I am responsible, WHY ARE YOU SO STUBBORN?!"

Kagome kept her death grip on the blanket, "LET GO! I'm not stubborn, you're just ... unbareable!" Sesshoumaru yanked it to him once more, "Why do you have to make something so easy, so difficult?!" he seethed.

"ME?! YOU'RE MAKING THIS DIFFICULT, WHY ARE YOU INSISTING SO MUCH?! LET GO!" Kagome screeched, her throat stung with every word she spoke, but she didn't care. She wasn't going to let Sesshoumaru win this war. She heard him growl, "BECAUSE I FEEL GUILTY!!!" With a final yank from both ends, the blanket tore in half. Sesshoumaru sent himself flying to the floor, Kagome banged her back against the hospital bed's railing. Kagome stared at the panting Sesshoumaru,

"You feel guilty?" Sesshoumaru nodded.

"It is my fault you know," he whispered through pants. He grimaced as the burn wound on his knee begin to sting. Kagome nodded, "It was your fault for organizing such a nasty prank!" Sesshoumaru scoffed, "Who told you to be so... so... annoying?!"

'This isn't happening to me,' Sesshoumaru thought. He was losing his composture over this one annoying, screeching girl on the hospital bed.

"I wouldn't be so annoying if you weren't being such a damn spoiled prick!" Kagome countered, her voice raising once more, along with her anger. Sesshoumaru shook his head and eased himself to stand on his feet, and stomped towards her, "What did you say about me?" Anger flashed through his eyes, Kagome felt scared for a second. Just a second, until her own anger grew visible to Sesshoumaru, "I said... Damn. Spoiled. Prick!"

"You think everything belongs to you oh mister high and mighty! Just because your rich you..." her voice droned on and on as he found himself staring at her lips. Her raspy voice hurt his ears, he wanted her to shut up. Really. A weird feeling bubbled in the pits of his stomach, gnawing him. Out of impulse to shut her up, he gripped each side of her face and smashed his lips against hers. Kagome squealed in shock as she saw him staring at her face and a split second later he was kissing her.

'GOD DAMN!' his mind screamed the moment their lips touched. Just as fast as it happened he pulled back and swiftly left the room. Kagome's hand flew to her chest, her heart pounding frantically, "What... just happened?"

.

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MS - Awww.. heh that was so cute..

Sesshy and Banko made up, Bank was kinda sore at Sesshoumaru and the rest of his friends for hurting Kanna... in case no one knew..

As always, if anyone have any questions, just review =)

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Tell me what you guys think!! Please review!

MS- Hey guys!

thanks everyone for waiting...

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Enjoy this chappie!

Beneath It All
MiserablySweet

Chapter 8 - Cold Sweat

Previously...

"You think everything belongs to you oh mister high and mighty! Just because your rich you..." her voice droned on and on as he found himself staring at her lips. Her raspy voice hurt his ears, he wanted her to shut up. Really. A weird feeling bubbled in the pits of his stomach, gnawing him. Out of impulse to shut her up, he gripped each side of her face and smashed his lips against hers. Kagome squealed in shock as she saw him staring at her face and a split second later he was kissing her.

'GOD DAMN!' his mind screamed the moment their lips touched. Just as fast as it happened he pulled back and swiftly left the room. Kagome's hand flew to her chest, her heart pounding frantically, "What... just happened?"

Present...

Sesshoumaru slammed the door of his hospital room shut, "Why the hell did I just do that?!" He clenched his hands into fists tightly at his side and took several deep breaths to calm himself down. He limped over to the couch and flopped down lazily. Sesshoumaru sighed, still flustered from that unexpected kiss with Kagome.

He groaned and slid a hand on top of his head, entangling his fingers with his long silky hair. He shook his head softly, "Stubborn girl." Sesshoumaru sighed and leaned his head against the soft couch, "How can one measly kiss from an annoying girl affect me like this?" He could feel his lips tingling from Kagome's pale, cold lips. A slender finger touched the corner of his lips, 'My first kiss...' He snorted and tossed that idea out to window,

"That was not even a kiss" he said denying the fact that it was a kiss. He shifted on the couch until he laid his head on the low arm rest, he was feeling rather exhausted. Sesshoumaru noticed his trip from Kagome's room to his took quite a toll on his body. He was short of breath, and he felt terribly cold and yet he was sweating.

"It must be from the smoke," he closed his eyes and took in several deep breaths, 'I'll just sleep it off.' Sesshoumaru willed his body to relax on the sofa and he soon drifted into a deep, cold slumber.

-0-0-0-0-0-

A soft knock sounded through Kagome's room, "Come in" she answered. A nurse smiled warmly and headed towards a still flustered Kagome on the bed,

"How are you feeling?" the nursed asked politely. Kagome smiled, "I've been better" she managed to say through her breaking mask. The nurse handed her a sleek, cordless phone, "There is someone on the line asking to speak with you. He says it's urgent." Kagome tilted her head, 'who can it be?' She thanked the nurse and removed her breathing mask. Kagome coughed as the oxygen levels changed, she placed the phone against her ears, "Hello?"

"Good afternoon, Ms. Higurashi," a deep baritone voice sounded from the other end.

"Mr. Taishou?" Kagome asked in shock, 'Oh... we're in for it...' Kagome flinched and held the phone away from her ear thinking her principal will scold her.

"Yes, I am terribly sorry for the trouble my blasted son have caused you. I would've never thought he would do such a thing," she heard him mumble. Kagome let out a sigh of relief, "It's alright Mr. Taishou, the fire was unexpected for the both of us."

"Ms. Higurashi, I assure you I will discipline all the students who were involved with this accident when I return." Kagome shivered, the intensity and firmness of his voice gave her the goosebumps. It's save to say that Kagome was feeling rather sorry for Sesshoumaru and his friends when Mr. Taishou returns. 'Wait, return?'

"Sir, are you on leave?" Kagome curiously asked. Her throat was still burning her with each word she spoke, but she wanted to know where her principal was.

"I left after meeting with you in my office, my company in Hong Kong had some troubles that had to be dealt with in person." Kagome mouthed an 'Oh.' Her mind drifted back to Sesshoumaru, 'he didn't expect the fire either, and he at least didn't abandon me and tried to save me. Maybe I can help ease his punishment a little.'

"Mr. Taishou?" Kagome began, "Is it possible for you to go easy on the punishments? After all, they didn't expect there will be a-" Kagome was interrupted.

"Ms. Higurashi, it matters not they expected the fire or not. A school is a school, and I will not tolerate such stupendous acts in my school! They will be dealt with according to the school rules, it is bad enough they wanted to 'bruise' you." Kagome swallowed hard, she was really fearing for their lives. Her principal just now sounded so fierce and calm at the same time, it was unnerving.

"I understand, have you spoken with Sesshoumaru yet?"

"I haven't, I will speak to him in person when I return in a few days. Your hospital bill will be covered by the Taishou family, do not worry. That is all," her principal hung up on the other line.

"But -" Kagome was cut short by the dialtone. She sighed at the resemblence between father and son, "Why can't they understand I want to pay the bills myself?!" She leaned over to the night table and placed the phone on the surface softly. She glanced over to the clock that hung on the wall next to the television, it read six o'clock p.m.

'Television?' Kagome, for the first time scanned her room. From what she could tell, the sofa was made of pure leather, the curtains were of expensive silk. Her eyes widen, "I can't believe there's a hospital for the rich!" she exclaimed. Kagome shook her head and sighed, "unbelievable..."

It had been at least two hours since Kagome last saw Sesshoumaru. Kagome blushed when the memory of his warm lips on hers flashed in his head. 'Second kiss,' her mind subconsciously told her. Sesshoumaru's stern expression haunted her, he still smelt of smoke and ash but Kagome found his presence comforting. Kagome groaned and buried her head in the soft pillow, "I can't believe this! I lost my first kiss... TWICE! To that... JERK!" She fisted the sheets and growled, 'Sesshoumaru... you will pay!'

Kagome cautiously shifted her legs to the side of the bed. She noticed there were a pair of slippers that laid neatly on the floor and slipped her feet in them. A light tug on her inner elbow caught her attention. Kagome grimaced as she slowly pulled the IV needle from her arm. She shivered, 'Needles...' she thought grimly. Kagome wrapped one side of the torn blanket around her back like a shroud and braced herself to stand on her feet. She took a deep breath and slowly eased herself on her feet. Her knees wobbled for several seconds, she gripped the nightstand for support. Kagome let out a sigh of relief and slowly took her first step. That alone was putting strain on her body, 'Maybe I should head back to bed?' She discarded that thought and slowly headed towards the door.

Kagome gasped for breath when she reached the receptionist desk, "This... is harder than I thought." She gripped the counter and noticed the bubbly receptionist talking on the phone, "Excuse me, Miss?" Kagome attempted to get her attention.

"And you know what totally happened? He yelled at me saying he doesn't have time for me! Yeah, that was like totally rude! But he was so hot," the receptionist ignored Kagome and continue to chatter away to the other line. Kagome narrowed her eyes at the older girl, 'What an airhead...'

"Excuse me Miss?" Kagome tried again with a louder voice. But the receptionist girl glanced at her and looked away, "I'm on break" and laughed from what the other line told her. Kagome gritted her teeth together. She reached over the counter and pressed the 'End' button on the cord phone. The receptionist looked at the reciever, "Hello?"

The receptionist noticed a finger pressing against the phone, "Hey! That was so rude!" Kagome raised an eyebrow in irritation, "I need the room number for Sesshoumaru Taishou... please" she hesitantly said 'please.' The receptionist rolled her eyes and checked the computer, "Room 221." Kagome sighed and thanked the airhead receptionist, 'Room 221... that's pretty far from here' as she glanced at the room number closest to her, 'Room 231.' Kagome began the ten room journey to Sesshoumaru, "When I get there, you are so dead!" she cursed.

Kagome gasped for air and wiped beads of sweat from her forehead. It took fifteen grueling minutes to travel 10 rooms, needless to say Kagome was beyond exhausted. Kagome sighed and turned the knob of the door and headed in, "Sesshoumaru?" she called out. The room was dark, the only source of light was from the headlight at the bed. Sesshoumaru was nowhere to be found.

"That's weird," Kagome walked over to the nightstand and poured herself a cup of water, "One little cup wouldn't hurt" she strolled over to the dark couch and attempted to sit. Something groaned and shifted underneath her, Kagome squealed and stumbled onto the floor. She noticed several strands of silver hair that reflected the light from the lamp.

"Sesshoumaru?" Kagome could hear ragged breathing and wondered if Sesshoumaru was alright. She stumbled near the door and flicked on the room light. Sesshoumaru's arms and legs were dangling off of the couch, his shirt soaked with sweat and his hair clung onto his skin, "Sesshoumaru?!" Kagome was scared. She had never seen anyone look that ill before. She wobbled over to Sesshoumaru and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Sesshoumaru?" she called again.

Sesshoumaru groaned but his eyes remained closed. Kagome swallowed the lump in her throat, she moved her hand to his forehead. The instant her hand touched his skin, she pulled back. Kagome gasped, "You're so cold..." She watched helplessly as Sesshoumaru shivered, beads of sweat continued to sprout from his body. Kagome instantly lifted his legs and arms back on the couch. She covered his body with the blanket that was wrapped around her. Kagome wobbled to the hospital bed as fast as she could and bundled up the blanket in her arms.

"Something's wrong," she mustered out loud as she covered Sesshoumaru with the blanket. She went to the bathroom and soaked a cloth in warm water, and rushed back to Sesshoumaru. "I'll be back with help," she whispered to Sesshoumaru as she placed the warm cloth on his forehead. A hand instantly darted out from under the blankets and gripped her wrists,

"No... I'll be fine," he gasped, his chest heaving for air. Kagome shook her head, "No Sesshoumaru, you need help!" His grip on her wrist tightened and cracked his eyes open. "Stay..." Kagome gasped, he looked so helpless. She couldn't help but nodded and sat on the floor with her head resting against the sofa. Sesshoumaru's ragged breathing unnerved her but she couldn't do a thing except sit next to him. Kagome try to gently pry his grip off of her wrist, "Stay..." she heard him whisper again.

"I will Sesshoumaru. Don't worry, I'm going to change your towel" Kagome patted his hand. Sesshoumaru reluctantly released his grip on her hand. Kagome went into the bathroom once more with Sesshoumaru's dripping wet towel. She noticed a bright red object at the corner of her eyes, 'a basket?' Kagome took a closer look, it was a small red plastic basin. "This can help," she whispered aloud and filled the basin with warmer water. Kagome placed the basin on top of the coffee table and soaked the cloth in the warm water. She began soaking up the sweat on his forehead, neck and shoulders with the warm cloth then placed it on his forehead.

Kagome sat silently besides Sesshoumaru and turned on the television, setting the volume to mute. Sesshoumaru coughed, "Water..." Kagome nodded and grabbed the container of water and cup. She filled the cup to half way and lifted his head, "Here" she placed the opening of the cup to his lips. Sesshoumaru opened his mouth slightly and the cool water slipped in. He choke and coughed the water out when his throat refused to comply with what his brain was telling it to do.

"Sesshoumaru?" Kagome panicked when the water poured out of his mouth. 'He can't swallow the water?' Kagome quickly soaked up the water before it seeped under the blankets. Kagome tried again, she slowly poured the contents, little by little into his mouth. But it was the same result, 'What is going on?' she paniced. Sesshoumaru gasped for water again, his throat felt like it was drying up by the second. Kagome saw the pain in his eyes and reacted quickly without thinking. She saw this in a TVB drama before, she poured a little water in her mouth and grasped his chin and opened his mouth. Kagome's heart was pounding in her chest, the girl in the drama was much calmer than she was. She closed her eyes and gently touched his lips with hers. Her hand flew to his throat and massaged the sore muscles as she released drops of water from her mouth to his.

Kagome pulled back in time to see the water drain down his mouth, his muscles around his throat quivered; he swallowed the water with a little help. Kagome smiled and continued to feed him water with her mouth until he was satisfied. She sighed in relief when she noticed his body was warming up again. She was extremely tired, she was ready to sleep until the next day. Kagome shook her head, Sesshoumaru was in bad shape and she needed to help him. She rolled her eyes at her conscience, 'I hate you...' He tried to hurt her, and yet here she is, taking care of him. Kagome sighed as she dipped the cloth into the now luke warm water and soaked the cold sweat from his body. Kagome leaned against the sofa and stared at the mute television.

Kagome's eyes began to droop, her head bobbed to the side. The sound of Sesshoumaru's soft breathing relaxed her. Sesshoumaru, was slowing coming through.

'A little nap... won't hurt,' she thought as she let herself drift of to sleep, to much relief of her exhausted body.

-0-0-0-0-0-

Sesshoumaru groaned softly when a source of bright light blinded his eyes. His hand attempted to rub his aching forehead, he realized there was a cloth on top of his head. "What is this?" he removed the cloth and stared at it, "Where did this come from?" he wondered out loud. Sesshoumaru turned his head slightly and noticed a head full of midnight blue hair, "Kagome?"

His eyes widen when clips of Kagome taking care of him throughout the night played in his head. Unknowingly, a smile formed at the corner of his lips, "Stupid..." He noticed she was asleep, with only her gown. He shook his aching head and eased out of the sofa hoping he wouldn't wake her up. He flinched slightly when the pain from his burned knee crept up his leg. 'How annoying,' he thought grimly.

Sesshoumaru hooked an arm under her knees and another around her shoulders and hauled her up. He carefully limped to his hospital bed and softly laid her on the mattress. He headed back to the couch and retrieved the blankets for Kagome. He placed the blankets over the sleeping Kagome and stared at her, "You're too compassionate for your own good" he whispered. He pulled up a chair next to the bed and watched the television silently.

Sudden images of Kagome's face hovering over his flashed through his head, 'What the heck?' He propped an elbow on the bed and rested his head on his hand, and closed his eyes. The image of Kagome's face intrigued him, 'when was that?' He concentrated harder. The background was light, he saw the light flicker on her skin. Perhaps that was the television. He concentrated harder, he remember he ached for water to quench his ever growing thirst.

Water? Had she fed him water? He furrowed his eyebrow and buried his face on the bed, 'I... don't remember.' He groaned and lifted his head to stare at Kagome once more. She had dark eye-bags under her eyes, her lips were still very pale. "Lips," he whispered as he brushed a finger on her soft appendage. He pulled back immediately and shook his head, "What is going on with me?" He sighed and returned his attention back to the television.

Sesshoumaru can hear soft padding outside the room, "She's gone!" a feminine voice said. That voice was strangely familiar to him, it almost sounded like the girl who was yelling at him. The door swung open to reveal a frantic Sango and a very worried Dr. Masuyo.

"OHH!" Sango screeched and stomped towards Sesshoumaru. She shoved him off his seat and stared down at him, "Where is Kagome?!" Sesshoumaru growled at the annoying girl in front of him, "Open your eyes fool." He nodded towards the bed. Kagome was sleeping peacefully on Sesshoumaru's hospital bed.

Dr. Masuyo stepped in and helped Sesshoumaru to his feet, "How are you feeling?" Sesshoumaru shrugged and headed over to the couch. He watched silently as Sango woke Kagome from her slumber.

"Kagome?" Sango softly shook her shoulders. Kagome moaned and shrugged Sango's hand off of her shoulder, "Two more minutes" she begged. Sesshoumaru inwardly smirked at her sentence. Sango groaned, "Kagome, wake up you lazy butt!" She poked Kagome's side.

Kagome cried out softly, scaring everyone in the room. Sesshoumaru unknowingly jumped to his feet, "She has a broken rib fool, don't cause her any more pain than she already is in." Sango slowly turned around on her heels, "Stop calling me a fool!"

Sesshoumaru snorted, "Stop acting like one, then I will cease calling you a fool." Sango growled and opened her mouth to speak until Kagome's voice broke through the heavy tension, "Sango? Dr. Masuyo?"

Dr. Masuyo nodded, "How are you feeling?" he asked as he checked her pupils with his flashlight. Kagome sighed her voice was hoarse and her throat was worse than yesterday, "I feel terrible" she mumbled. Kagome noticed Sesshoumaru standing up by the couch.

"Sesshoumaru! Are you alright? You made me so worried yesterday," Kagome began. Sesshoumaru turned his head to face a wall, "I'm fine."

Dr. Masuyo raised an eyebrow at the two, "What happened yesterday?"

"It was horrible! I came in to give Sesshoumaru a piece of my mind and I found him on the couch breathing heavily and his body was dangerously cold, but he was sweating at the same time," Kagome said, her voice quavering. Sango offered her some water which Kagome gratefully drank.

Dr. Masuyo noticed their IV's were detached from their body. The doctor walked over to Sesshoumaru to check his breathing and pulse, then he handed him a thermometer "Here." Sesshoumaru stared at the object with disbelief, "What do you want me to do with that?"

"Put it in your mouth...?" Kagome retorted. Sesshoumaru shot her a glare and placed the thermometer under his tongue. He ignored Kagome's snicker and sat on the couch impatiently. After several seconds the meter beeped, and Dr. Masuyo checked the temperature, "101.2 Fahrenheit" he read it aloud. Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow, "Shouldn't it be 98.6 Fahrenheit?" The doctor nodded, he then retrieved an instrument to check his blood pressure.

"Hmm... I believe you were suffering cold sweat that was caused by heat exhaustion," the doctor concluded.

"Heat exhaustion?" Kagome asked out of curiosity. Dr. Masuyo nodded, "It's fairly common with those who were trapped in high temperated places. In both your cases, you were trapped with no ventilation for quite a while. With the lack of oxygen, your bodies was shutting itself down very slowly."

"Why did it appear so many hours after the fire?" Kagome asked.

"There are certain symptoms that arrive later, and in Sesshoumaru's case he was dehydrated, which caused his body to have cold sweat, his pulse fast but weak, and ragged breathing. Kagome let me check over you just in case," Dr. Masuyo walked over to Kagome and began taking her temperature and her blood pressure. He shook his head, "Kagome it's best if you do not remove your IV, and keep your oxygen mask on."

Kagome swallowed, she felt like she was being chided for doing something awfully wrong, "Sorry... I'll go back to my room then." Kagome attempted to stand on her feet but her knees gave out. Her head swam, her vision blurred and she felt very nauseous. Sesshoumaru limped next to Kagome and pulled Dr. Masuyo to the side.

"Doctor, I believe she should stay in the same room as I am," Sesshoumaru didn't believe what just came out of his mouth. 'Why the heck did I say that?!'

Dr. Masuyo shook his head, "Each patient can have their own room, no need to share rooms."

Sesshoumaru shook his head, "It'll be better for her if I can monitor her condition as well." Sesshoumaru mentally groaned, 'What is this junk coming out of my mouth? I don't want to share rooms with her!' Dr. Masuyo rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "Very well, you do make a good point. I want you both to stay in the hospital for at least two more days. I will go make the arrangements to add an extra bed in here." Dr. Masuyo left the dumbfounded Sesshoumaru in the room.

Sesshoumaru groaned and rubbed his temples, "Why did I say that?"

Sango pampered Kagome, offering her water, fluffing her pillow, asking if she wanted more blankets. Kagome shook her head and thanked Sango for her kindness. A soft gurgle interrupted the girl's conversation. Sango stared at Sesshoumaru who had his face to the wall, avoiding their gazes. Kagome giggled, "Sango, can you go buy some food for us?" Sango shrugged,

"Sure, what would you like?" Kagome patted her stomach softly, "How about... Congee with pork and preserved egg?" Sango nodded and turned to Sesshoumaru 'Might as well ask him too.'

"What about you?"

Sesshoumaru glared at Sango, "Water Chestnut and Coconut muffin, Pork-chops stuffed with barley and apricots, cranberry apple desert risotto and side of orange juice" he said casually, as if he ate this daily. Sango and Kagome's mouth dropped open, "What?" Kagome asked in disbelief.

"That is my breakfast, surely you can buy something like that" he arrogantly replied. Sango huffed in frustration, "You'll eat what I buy you" she stomped out of the room, slamming the door shut. Kagome laughed and shook her head. For some odd reason the corner of Sesshoumaru's lips tilted up into a light smile, her laughter was very pleasant.

His eyes trailed away from Kagome and to the coffee table, where he noticed a cloth had some writing on it. He eyed the material, "Wasn't this on my head?"

Kagome looked at where he was pointing and nodded, "I used it to soak your sweat... why do you ask?" Sesshoumaru's hand clenched into fists at his side, his body shook with anger, "It came from the bathroom didn't it?" he said in clenched teeth. Kagome looked at him wary,

"Where else would I get it then? The convience store?"

Sesshoumaru growled, "Did you know where it touched?" Kagome shrugged,

"Hey! I was trying to save you. I didn't have time to do an experiment on it," Kagome retorted. She was growing a little scared. Sesshoumaru was raging with anger,

"Did you put this rag on my head?" Kagome nodded. Sesshoumaru shook his head in disbelief, "You stupid girl!"

Kagome's anger flared, "I was trying to save you Sesshoumaru! Stop calling me stupid! The cloth can't be dirty!" Sesshoumaru glared at her, and grabbed the cloth and limped to Kagome. He stood next to the bed with his chest heaving in anger, he untangled the cloth and held it to her face.

"Read... It..." he said through clenched teeth. Kagome diverted her eyes from Sesshoumaru's face to the cloth he was holding up.

"I don't know why you're making a big deal out of this," Kagome began as she focused on the text, "Toilet seat cleaning cloth." Kagome's eyes bulged. She was speechless, "Oops..."

Sesshoumaru was raging with anger, "OOPS?! All you can say is OOPS after you put a cloth that have everyone's butt print on it on my head?!" Kagome shrunk into the bed and threw the blanket over her head, 'This will be a long two days...'

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MS - hahahahahahaha

I loved the "butt print cloth"

Tell me what you think guys!

.

As always, if you have any questions/comments just review!

MS- Yea...

Butt print cloth... i love that lol

here's a fluffy, playful chapter for you guys!

Beneath It All
MiserablySweet

Chapter 9 - Soda Fight

Previously...

"I don't know why you're making a big deal out of this," Kagome began as she focused on the text, "Toilet seat cleaning cloth." Kagome's eyes bulged. She was speechless, "Oops..."

Sesshoumaru was raging with anger, "OOPS?! All you can say is OOPS after you put a cloth that have everyone's butt print on it on my head?!" Kagome shrunk into the bed and threw the blanket over her head, 'This will be a long two days...'

Present...

It's been two days since they entered the hospital, and well surprisingly things were going very well...

Well..........

"TURN IT DOWN!" Sesshoumaru yelled over his shoulder. He huffed and covered his sensitive ears with the pillow. 'I knew it was a huge mistake staying in the same room with her!,' Sesshoumaru growled as he tried to drown the sounds from his surroundings, the television and Kagome's irritating laughter. Personally he doesn't mind her laughing, but as of right now he was sick of it... Kagome was tied in bed with bags of chips, a bucket of ice cream and laughing at her 'favorite' television show.

Kagome squealed and hauled her pillow towards the television delightfully, "I knew it!! Dang, I wonder why the guys never see the danger of their kids whacking them in the crotch with the baseball bat or the ball!" She shook her head and mumbled, 'Ignorant people' under her breath.

"The most ignorant person is in this room," Sesshoumaru raised his voice a little assuming the television would drown out his sarcastic comment. To his dismay, the second he began his sentence the television show blacked out into commercial, letting Kagome hear every word in his sentence.

Kagome snorted and smiled, "Yes, Sesshoumaru. That ignorant person IS in this very room." Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow and sat on the bed, putting the soft pillow on his lap, "Yes and I am staring at it." Sesshoumaru nodded his head towards Kagome, hinting that very person was her.

"I am staring at it too," Kagome countered with a mouth full of ice cream, "Apparently the ignorant person in this room looks like it has no sense of humor!"

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at Kagome, "What are you talking about -"

"Shush! My show's back on!" Kagome silenced Sesshoumaru and return her attention to her favorite show, America's Funniest Home Videos. Sesshoumaru sneered at her with disgust and sat quietly on the bed thinking to himself, 'Stupid girl... annoying laughter... stupid funny videos...' He unconsciously watched the show, a clip where a little boy was trying to drink water out of a hose, but the water kept missing his face when the water bounces off his chest.... because he held the hose to close to his armpits.

Kagome cooed at the little boy's smile when he finally got a sip of water after five attempts. Sesshoumaru smirked slightly out of mirth and shook his head slightly. Kagome caught a glimpse of movement and was shocked to see him smile, even if it was a small one, "Oh my gosh!! You're not doomed to die miserably without ever laughing at television shows!"

Sesshoumaru glared at her and was about to retaliate when Kagome ushered him to watch the next one. Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow at the dog in the screen, a pug he assumed. His owner was trying to put something in the pug's mouth, 'Dentures?' he questioned. His eyes widen considerably when the so called dentures was actually a set of plastic vampire teeth. He choked back his laughter when the vampire teeth fit in the dog's mouth and it started to open and close its mouth repeatedly, it really did look like a vampire dog chomping away at air.

"VAMPIRE DOGGIE!" Kagome laughed as she clutched her abdomen and gasped for breath, "Too... funny... hahaha!" Sesshoumaru was still trying to stop himself from laughing, but he was doing a miserable job at it. The room was filled with Sesshoumaru and Kagome's loud laughter. Moments later after their laughter ceased, they returned their attention to the show, together laughing at other people's pain.

The show ended with the Vampire Doggie, or so Kagome calls it, winning the $10,000 prize. Kagome sighed and flopped down onto her bed,

"That was awesome!" she squealed and giggled to herself.

'Now that's the kind of laughter I like from her,' he thought unconsciously and replied, "Indeed." Kagome sighed and turned on her side, facing Sesshoumaru. They were given the clear to take off their IV during their time awake, but had to put it back on before they sleep.

"Neh, Sesshoumaru" Kagome stared at him with such at intensity it made him blush. Heat crept up in his cheeks, 'Oh God No...' he turned his face to the wall, hoping Kagome would not see his now rosy cheeks. Luckily for him, he was sitting right in front of the window, the sun's rays casted a shadow on his features.

"Hn..." Sesshoumaru wasn't too interested at looking at her right now, his pride was at stake.

"Why do you have to be so stiff... so 'cool' all the time? Doesn't it get boring? I mean, you are much cuter when you laugh and smile," Kagome gave him a genuine smile. Sesshoumaru stiffened and turned his shocked face to her. He remained silent, he was letting his eyes talk. Kagome raised an elegant eyebrow, 'What did I say? Gosh he's so weird... I only said he looks cuter when he la... Oh My GOD!'

Kagome's face flushed brightly and she swiftly turned onto her other side, her back facing him and laughed nervously, "Heh... You know what I mean..." Sesshoumaru snapped out of his stupor and his eyes burned a hole at her back, "Do I?" he teased, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

"I know I'm irresistible either way, Kagome" he let Kagome's name roll off his tongue. Kagome stiffened and shot up on her bed, facing Sesshoumaru with dumbfounded shock,

"Wha..?" she managed to open her mouth slightly. Sesshoumaru leaned over to his side slightly, with his arm supporting his weight. His legs crossed beneath him and his other free hand twirling his hair between his fingers, "Yes, Kagome?" he continued to tease the shy girl.

Kagome shivered and gulped, 'He's pretty hot... Wait! No! I'm supposed to hate him!' She shook her head sharply and grabbed the closest item next to her, her huge bag of Spicy Nacho Doritos chips. Sesshoumaru smirked, "Oh, I'm not hot enough for you? Ka-" He abruptly stopped when Kagome hauled a handful of chips to his face,

"Nope, You're not hot enough, take these Doritos chips and eat them for the next several days... maybe their tasteful flavor will rub off on you," Kagome laughed when the flavorable red powder stained his silver hair with red streaks. Sesshoumaru stared at her with disbelief, "First you say I have no sense of humor, and when I express I do, YOU say I am not flavorable?!"

"Yep, good thing you're not deaf too!" Kagome was on a roll and she didn't want to stop. Sesshoumaru sneered at her and grabbed the bucket of melting vanilla ice cream, "Oh yeah?" He smirked at Kagome's now fearful expression.

"You wouldn't dare," she whispered in a deadly voice.

"Oh, But I Would!" He dipped his hands in the creamy substance and scooped some of it into his hands. Kagome squealed and ran towards the bathroom and clicked it shut. Kagome's heart was pounding in her chest cavity. Her hand flew to her ecstatic heart, 'He wouldn't... would he?'

"You can't stay in there forever!" She heard him say as he pounded on the door several times. Moments later, the room was silent. Kagome pressed her ear against the bathroom door and heard the door to the hallway click, 'Did he go out?' Kagome cautiously opened the door as silently as she could. Her head stuck out of the bathroom and scanned her surroundings. He was nowhere to be found. Kagome sighed in relief and fully stepped out of the bathroom.

"BOO!" Kagome whirled around to see Sesshoumaru smirking devilishly at her, "Happy to see me?"

"No..." Kagome whimpered. Sesshoumaru smirked and grabbed her shoulders before she can run and held her back to his chest, "It's pay back time..." Kagome squealed and clenched her eyes closed as Sesshoumaru's hand, filled with ice cream smeared all over her face. Kagome struggled against his hold but, it was useless. Sesshoumaru screamed in pain when Kagome bit his finger that touched her lips.

Kagome dashed towards the bed and grabbed her two liter Coca-cola and points the cap to Sesshoumaru, "Come any closer and I'll shoot you!"

Sesshoumaru snorted, "Soda can't shoot idiot." Kagome smirked and shook the large plastic bottle up and down, until it was ready to pop. Sesshoumaru growled, "You wouldn't dare."

"Oh, But I WOULD!" She let out a barbarian war cry and popped the cap open and started to spray the dark, sweet and sticky liquid at Sesshoumaru. He yelled out in surprise, the soda content squirting into his mouth. Kagome continued her war cry and ran after Sesshoumaru as he tried to escape the brown liquid of hair killer. He smirked when he noticed a two liter Sprite bottle sitting on the floor next to it. Kagome saw him dash towards her other bottle of soda, "Oh no you don't!"

Kagome grabbed the bottle and laughed in his face, "HA! I got it!" Sesshoumaru had his hands behind him, he had the most sadist smirk she had ever seen. Sadist in a playful way at least. Sesshoumaru moved his hands from his back and held it in front of him. In his hands was the other sprite bottle he had been looking at.

"Who said I wanted that one?" He smirked. Kagome looked at her empty coca-cola bottle and casted it aside.

"Oh.. it's ON!" she growled and shook her sprite bottle profusely, Sesshoumaru did the same. The two paced around in a circle, bottle head facing each other. Hands on the cap, ready to pop it open and drench the other with the sticky substance.

"Too bad you're already wet Sesshoumaru!" Kagome bragged. Sesshoumaru's hair was drenched and his hair strands clumped together. The back of his pajama uniform clung onto his back, his sink as sticky as can be.

"Don't worry about it I'll get you soon enough," he smirked. He suddenly took a step forward then halted, scaring Kagome who instantly opened her cap and sprayed it towards Sesshoumaru blindlessly. Sesshoumaru smirked, "Big Mistake!" He dodged Kagome's blindless aiming and grabbed a stick of Mentos. He popped several of them inside his bottle and held it close. Kagome opened her eyes just in time to see Sesshoumaru pointing at her with his own bottle.

She looked at her nearly empty one, "Oh no..." Sesshoumaru smirked, "It's Payback TIME!" He shook the bottle once more and released his hand on the opening. The mentos inside the bottle, with the shaking of the bottle added extreme squirting force at Kagome. Kagome yelped as the sticky liquid drenched her and the force send her flying onto the ground.

Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes at Kagome's dramatic fall. He tossed his one time use soda bottle to the side and stood over her, in all his sticky glory.

"Hey?" Sesshoumaru poked her with his toes, Kagome whimpered. Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes worriedly, 'Did her fall damage her ribs?' He hovered over her and with a sticky hand touched her cheeks, "Kagome?"

"JERK!" Kagome screeched and miraculously sprinted up and poured the remaining of her soda on top of Sesshoumaru's head. The clear yet bubbly liquid streamed down his cheeks and hair, then adding to his drenched shirt. Kagome fell back laughing at Sesshoumaru's irritated face.

"..." he growled at Kagome. She looked at him innocently with tearful eyes, "What's the matter? A little soda fight hurt your feelings?" she said in a cooing, baby tone voice. Sesshoumaru launched his body towards Kagome, tackling her down beneath him. He straddled her between his legs, his knees bent by her hips, "Take it back!"

Kagome struggled underneath Sesshoumaru's tight grip between his legs, boy did that sound sexy. She pounded her fists against his thighs, "NEVER! You'll never get me to say it!" Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes at her dramatic voice, it made her sound like some villain was trying to make her betray her friends or something. In a way, yes he was. Sesshoumaru grew tired of Kagome's poundings and gripped each hand in his and pinned it on the floor one on each side of her face.

"Say it," he lowered his face dangerously close to hers. Kagome huffed and turned her face, "Let me go you... you sticky puppy!" Sesshoumaru raised his eyebrow at Kagome's use of words,

"Sticky Puppy?" he questioned. How in the world did he resemble a dingy, whiny dog? Kagome looked directly into his eyes, her own depths shining with defiance.

"Yes, sticky puppy! You're acting like someone stepped on your tail!" Kagome inwardly grimaced at her poor choice of words, 'Ah.. he's on top of meee!!!' her mind screams at her. Sesshoumaru continued to question her, not realizing their position was highly awkward for Kagome.

"Oh, you have stepped on my tail, Kagome. If you haven't noticed, you drenched me in SODA!" He emphasized the word soda with a hint of anger in his voice. Kagome rolled her eyes at him and huffed, she was annoyed he was yelling at her again, "So! It was funny!"

Sesshoumaru nodded, "Yes... It was funny drenching you in soda." Kagome narrowed her eyes at Sesshoumaru, who twisted her own words against her. Kagome stuck out her tongue and blew a raspberry in his face, "You're awful!"

Sesshoumaru started at the moist, pink appendage that snuck out of her mouth. He lowered his face to her until the tip of their nose touched. Kagome's eyes widen and stammered, "What are you doing?" Sesshoumaru's eyes glazed over to something Kagome can figure out. His hot breath brushed against Kagome's lips, 'Oh my gosh is he going to kiss me again?! NO NO NO!!'

Kagome turned her head to the side, "Sesshoumaru get off of me!" She began to struggle once more under this firm grip. Sesshoumaru release one of Kagome's hand and pushed her face back to meet his, "Kagome... Yes,"

Sesshoumaru didn't finish his sentence and lowered his lips on hers. Kagome's pupil's dilated, 'Oh my god, STOP KISSING ME!' She attempted to move her lips away from his by turning her face by his hand held her head in place. Her hands flew up to his shoulder and tried to push his body off of her, but he was too heavy for her to budge. After several attempts Kagome gave in to his kiss as he sucked in her bottom lip into his mouth and nibbled it slight, she closed her eyes and relished this rare moment.

Kagome whimpered and unconsciously moved her lips against his, her tongue brushing his top lip. That action sent electricity surging through his veins, he grew bolder. Sesshoumaru released his grip on the side of her face and eased it beneath her head, cushioning it from the hard ground. He entangled his fingers in her sticky hair and pulled her head slightly back, letting him deepen their kiss. Kagome's mind swirled, her thoughts muddled by the exotically sweet taste of his mouth, though it was really the soda that was on his lips. Her hands gripped his shoulders, she was in a world of her own.

Sesshoumaru didn't even know what he was doing, his body unconsciously reacted to her, nibbling her lips, caressing her sweet tongue with his. He was aching to taste her. Kagome's soft and innocent moans and whimpers sent his body dwelling in fire, he was burning up. Their tongues danced sensually together, warm liquid slipping from the corner of their mouths. They were really lost in their own world.

Sesshoumaru eventually pulled back, gasping for breath. His eyes were half lidded, his breath ragged, his hands laid comfortably underneath Kagome's head. Kagome looked at him with a muddled conscious, 'That... was amazing...'

Sesshoumaru blinked his eyes several times, 'Why does she look so out of it?' Realization hit him like a ton of bricks, he kissed her again! This time it was hot and sensual, unlike the other two that was short and brief pecks, "Uhm.... sorry... about that." Kagome blushed at his apology and nodded. Truthfully she enjoyed that kiss... a lot. Kagome stared at Sesshoumaru's blushing face, 'He's very shy in a way...' They broke out of their thoughts when they heard the door swing open.

"SESSHOUMARU?!" Bankotsu's jaw dropped and he stammered, "K-Kagome?!" He dropped his bags of snacks for them and rushed over to the two flustered teens. Bankotsu helped Sesshoumaru get off of Kagome, then helped her up.

"What the heck happened to you guys?! Why are you both so sticky?!" he grimaced at the nasty feeling when the skin on his fingers stuck together. Kagome and Sesshoumaru avoided each other's gazes,

"We-" they both said at the same time. Kagome blushed and turned around from the two males. Sesshoumaru cleared his throat, "We were... having a soda fight..." Bankotsu raised an eyebrow, "Soda fight?" he questioned incredibly. Kagome nodded and retrieved the groceries from the doorway.

Bankotsu scanned the room and shook his head, "This... is a MAJOR mess... How the heck are you going to clean this up?" All over the walls were wet soda stains, the bed sheets had streaks of chip flavoring and soda. The carpet was stained and moist.

"Clean? Who said we were going to clean it?" Sesshoumaru asked. Bankotsu laughed and helped Kagome place the groceries in the nearby fridge.

"Did you expect the nurses to clean this?" Bankotsu raised an eyebrow, "Don't answer Sesshoumaru." He knew his childhood friend would say yes. Bankotsu snickered at the work they have to do to clean this room up, "Well... I thought I'd visit you guys but, I have to go... uh clean my car!"

"Bankotsu, you make your maids do that" Sesshoumaru called out as Bankotsu snuck out of the room. Kagome remained silent throughout their conversation until now,

"Do we have to clean this up?" They didn't realize the Dr. Masuyo entered the room until the last moment,

"No, but this will be added to your bill!" he shook his head in disappointment. Kagome whipped around to see Dr. Masuyo rub his temples,

"Good afternoon...." Kagome said sheepishly. Dr. Masuyo sighed, "What in the world were you both doing in this room?!"

"Soda fight," Sesshoumaru bluntly said. Kagome shot him a glare that said 'Shut Up.' He snorted and faced the other direction.

"We'll clean it up, doctor. Don't worry!" Kagome beamed him a smile. Dr. Masuyo shook his head, "Gather your things and bring it to room 251. This place will take days to clean." He grumbled and walked out the room. Kagome growled,

"It's all your fault!" she began throwing her clean sleeping clothes into her duffel bag. Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes at the fuming girl, "Oh is it? You were enjoying it as well." Kagome gaped at him with disbelief, "Well you didn't have to tease me!"

"Please, don't flatter yourself," Sesshoumaru smirked at Kagome's anger. He, was getting accustomed to her mood swings after spending three days together with her. He gather two pieces of his sleeping clothes and his boxer and headed towards the bathroom. Kagome eyed him curiously, "where are you going?"

"To take a shower... do you want to join?" Sesshoumaru replied casting a glance at Kagome over his shoulders. Kagome's face flushed, "Let me take it first."

Sesshoumaru's mirth fell through the ground, "Why? I'm taking it first." Kagome grabbed her own sleeping clothes and undergarments and brushed past Sesshoumaru, "Ladies first!" Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes, "Yeah, there are no ladies in this room." He grabbed her wrist and hauled her away from the bathroom. Kagome growled at him,

"What?!" Sesshoumaru smirked, "I said, there are no ladies in this room." Kagome shoved him away from her,

"I heard you the first time, stupid jerk! I'm taking the shower first and it's final!" Kagome dashed towards the bathroom door. Sesshoumaru growled and hurried after her. With his long, toned legs he caught up to her before she can slam the door shut.

"SESSHOUMARU!!" Kagome scolded. She struggled to push the door closed, and Sesshoumaru? He easily pushed it open and entered the bathroom, closing the door behind him. Kagome cowered to the corner of the shower space, "Get out!"

Sesshoumaru snorted, "I said I was taking a shower first. I don't care if you're in here or not." He began unbuttoning his top. Kagome squealed and covered her eyes with her hands. Sesshoumaru chuckled at her childish behavior. He shrugged off his shirt and let it fall to the ground.

"Let me out!" Kagome dashed towards the door but unknowingly slipped on the wet floor. Out of reflex Sesshoumaru circled her slim waist with his arms, he too slipped on the wet floor, his elbow knocked the shower knob. Kagome squealed as the water from the shower head seeped into her clothes, making the skin underneath visible. Sesshoumaru laid above her, panting. Kagome swallowed, "Sessho-?"

She was cut off by a hot searing kiss from Sesshoumaru, 'Again?!'

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MS - Lol a fluffly chapter for Sesshy and Kags.

... they seem to be kissing a lot... *snickers*

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And papa taishou comes home tomorrow! Uh ohs!

MS- Thanks for the amazing reviews everyone!!

Our little sesshy hot and sticky in the previous chapter... *yum*

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Enjoy this chapter!

Beneath It All
MiserablySweet

Chapter 10 - First Official Kiss

Previously...

"Let me out!" Kagome dashed towards the door but unknowingly slipped on the wet floor. Out of reflex Sesshoumaru circled her slim waist with his arms, he too slipped on the wet floor, his elbow knocked the shower knob. Kagome squealed as the water from the shower head seeped into her clothes, making the skin underneath visible. Sesshoumaru laid above her, panting. Kagome swallowed, "Sessho-?"

She was cut off by a hot searing kiss from Sesshoumaru, 'Again?!'

Present...

Sesshoumaru sat on his new hospital bed and sighed, "I can't believe I kissed her... so many freaking times." He berated himself for losing control. Sesshoumaru was never the one to fall for female charms. He snorted, at least he never fell for Kagura's charms attempting to seduce him. What was it about Kagome that changes everything he know how to do? Was it because he never had a dirt poor acquaintance? Or perhaps her natural beauty and personality shines through that no amounts of make can change. He sighed again and massaged his aching temples, 'She is a dilemma...'

Sesshoumaru heard the door to the bathroom click open. Kagome walked out of the steamy bathroom, avoiding eye contact. Kagome's hair was in a wet bundle, beads of water would slip off her silky strands and stain the floor with watery spots, "The bathroom's free..." she whispered meekly. Sesshoumaru raised an elegant eyebrow. Why did it matter if the bathroom was free? He narrowed his eyes, trying to think of any that was related to the bathroom. A shiver crept up his spine, 'That's right... The kiss in the shower...'

Kagome felt his searing hot lips on her own soft ones. His kiss was fervent and rushed, the warm shower water soaked their clothes. If they were in love, this would've been exotic and sexy. But Kagome felt her pride and dignity going down the drain just as the water was. Where was her sense of dignity? Letting an arrogant male kiss her in such a way. The worst part of it all, she enjoyed it. Kagome felt his hands wander around her stomach, she stiffened. This was not something she wanted. She didn't want Sesshoumaru, sure he was attractive but her heart belongs to her family. She had no time to indulge herself in such petty events.

Kagome broke their kiss, both panting for air, "Sesshoumaru... get off me" she whispered. Sesshoumaru seemed shocked to her, 'Why did I kiss her again?' He growled softly and eased himself up and stood at the corner of the shower space. Kagome sprang to her feet and dashed out of the bathroom and slammed the door shut.

Kagome buried her face in her fresh pillow, 'How can he just shamelessly kiss her like that?' She sighed and relaxed on the bed, at least the soot that clogged her nose was gone thanks to modern technology. She was surprised Sesshoumaru recovered quickly. Dr. Masuyo said he wanted Sesshoumaru to stay one more day in the hospital to make sure he's recovered, they were schedule to be released tomorrow.

"Neh, Sesshoumaru?" Kagome called his name from under her blanket. Sesshoumaru nodded his head, not taking his eyes off the larger television, "Yes?"

"Dr. Masuyo says you recovered quite fast, faster than the average person... How is that possible?" Kagome was curious. Was Sesshoumaru a supernatural human? She giggled at the thought of Sesshoumaru with dog ears and a tail. Sesshoumaru shrugged, "I always been healthy and athletic."

Kagome nodded, "I see... That doesn't really explain how you heal so quickly." She wondered if there was a mutation in Sesshoumaru's mother's womb when Sesshoumaru was an embryo. 'Maybe he was exposed to radioactive elements when he was an infant,' Kagome thought. The tension between the two melted away, at least Sesshoumaru doesn't seem to remember what happened before, that could work well in Kagome's favor.

"Maybe you're just weak," Sesshoumaru bluntly stated. Kagome huffed, "And you're a jerk." Sesshoumaru glared at Kagome. He saw her slip on her slippers and headed for the door. He didn't bother asking where was she going, or telling her to come back alive. They were in a hospital for heaven's sake, and besides. She meant nothing to him. He returned his attention to the television, letting the moving pictures turn his brain to mush.

Kagome sighed as she reached the eighth floor. Even with the elevator Kagome was out of breath. The fire did take a heavy toll on her body. Kagome slowly headed to room 811. She turned the knob slowly and entered the door, "Grandpa?" she whispered. Kagome was half expecting her grandfather sitting on the bed reading his favorite novels. But her other half knew, her grandfather would never wake up. She smiled softly and sat on the bed, holding his wrinkled hand in hers. Her grandfather was only 67 years old, but he looked much older due to stress. His hair was pure white, wrinkles adorned his forehead and the corner of his eyes. The wrinkles would appear often when he would laugh and smile.

Kagome caressed his cold cheeks softly, "Grandpa, I've got a new job that pays a lot! Now Souta and I can live a normal life hopefully. Sixty dollars an hour, can you believe that?

"The new school is filled with rich snobs, but... a few of them are very nice. Especially my new friend Bankotsu. He's the one who got me the job, then there's Sesshoumaru..." Kagome huffed softly when she thought of Sesshoumaru. "He's such a big jerk. Did you know his father is the principal of the school I'm attending? Father and son is alike, they both want to pay my hospital bill! Oh, right I didn't tell you. Sesshoumaru and his friends decided to play a small prank on me. I fell down a flight of stairs covered in nail polish remover and red paint. Can you believe that?! OOHH!! He's such a jerk!" Kagome relived the memories of falling down the stairs with the foul stench infiltrating her lungs. She paused for a second, "Then all I heard after that was 'Fire!' and well I saw Sesshoumaru running down to get me. And the fire spreads quite fast at the stairwell. We were trapped for gods know how long. I guess I fainted first... when I woke up, I was on the hospital bed... I remember Sesshoumaru holding me in his lap, telling me not to give up. Maybe his voice pulled me through when I fainted, I don't know..." Her voice had a hint of an airy, dreamy tone when she remembers Sesshoumaru holding her in his lap.

"Maybe I can't blame him for the fire. He even apologized to me grandpa! I was so surprised. I mean he always act so... arrogant and distant. It's a wonder he has friends. But Bankotsu says he's a great friend once he accepts you. I wonder if I'm considered as his friend?" Kagome asked her sleeping grandpa. She sat down on the chair and laid her head on top of his hand, "You know... I miss mom. I wonder if she's happy up there. I would remember her cradling me, rocking me back and forth in her arms when I had nightmares..." Kagome sighed, her eyes began to droop. She didn't hear the door open so she continued to talk to her grandpa.

"She would sing to me... do you remember how it sounds? Would you like me to sing it?" Sesshoumaru blinked several times. He came to get her back to the room so she can rest but he was surprised to see her talking to the elderly man on the bed. His eyes widen when her sleepy voice would whisper verses of her song, her voice diminished by the second until she was sound asleep. Sesshoumaru walked over to Kagome, 'That was the song her mother sung to her?' He shook his head at his problem; Kagome was sound asleep and he had to take her to their room. What was he to do? Carry her?

-0-0-0-0-0-

He puffed out a breath of air and dabbed his forehead with his head. Carrying Kagome down four stories of stairs was an exercise to behold. Under normal circumstances he could've done it with ease. But since he just recovered, he was pretty weak. Sesshoumaru heard soft whimpering from the slumbering Kagome and glanced down. Small droplets of tears seeped from the corner of her eyes and onto the white pillow.

'She's crying?' He sat down on the edge of Kagome's bed cautiously. Sesshoumaru wonders what she was dream about, 'About her family?' He had an urge to reach over and brush her tear stained cheeks. 'Why? Why is this one annoying and poor girl affecting me like no one has before?' He thought angrily. He tenderly smudged the tear stains off of her soft cheeks. Sesshoumaru shook his head and sighed, "I am losing it." He covered her body with the blankets and retrieved to his own bed. He laid still for several hours before his eyelids grew heavy and he went to a dreamless slumber.

-0-0-0-0-0-

Kagome mewed softly and stretched on her bed, 'That was the best sleep I have ever had!' She sighed and relaxed on her bed, her eyes closed and oblivious from the amount of visitors in her room.

"Good Morning Kagome," a soft, tender voice called beside her. Kagome's eyes snapped open at the intruding yet familiar voice. "Bankotsu?" she propped herself up on the bed and noticed there were visitors in their room, a lot of visitors, "Mr. Taishou...?" Kagome's mouth dropped open. , Sesshoumaru, Miroku, Kouga, Inuyasha, Bankotsu and Sango were in her room, the tension was unbearably thick and hostile.

"Good morning Ms. Higurashi, I trust you are feeling better?" Mr. Taishou smiled softly at Kagome. Kagome hesitantly nodded, "Why... what is everyone doing here?" She noticed Sesshoumaru was really tense, his face firm and cold. Did it have something to do with his father being here? In fact, Kagome never seen Sesshoumaru or his father together in the same room until now.

Sango walked over to Kagome and placed a hand on her shoulder, "They're being punished." Kagome gasped, 'Punished? Oh... for the prank and the fire...' She honestly didn't want Sesshoumaru or the rest of them punished harshly, well a part of her did but the other side of her... Well let's just say that the last few days in the hospital changed her initial judgement of Sesshoumaru, just a little.

"Mr. Taishou, if I may say something?" Kagome waited for his approval. When he nodded Kagome continued, "Don't punish them too harshly... I'm sure they didn't mean to put our lives in danger, or the rest of the school. The fire was an accident, wasn't it?" Kagome noticed her principal stare coldly at Inuyasha.

"Yes, the fire was an accident Ms. Higurashi. The prank was not, the smoking was not," Mr. Taishou said with anger seeping into his voice. Kagome was puzzled, her principal was staring at Inuyasha with such intensity it made her want to shrink inside a corner.

"Inuyasha, tell her" Mr. Taishou commanded his youngest son. Inuyasha gulped, he had a feeling Bankotsu and Sesshoumaru was going to kill him.

"I... was the one who was smoking at the stairwell," he confessed. Kagome heard Bankotsu growl, "WHAT?!" He rushed towards Inuyasha and hauled him up on the wall by his shirt collar. No one made a move to stop Bankotsu, not even Mr. Taishou. Sesshoumaru was beyond furious, but was silent. Bankotsu however, was expressing his thoughts clearly, "Why? Are you sick in the head Inuyasha?! You could've KILLED them both!"

"I-I thought Sesshoumaru would want to scare her," Inuyasha's voice quavered at Bankotsu's anger. "I thought if the prank went well, she would stop bothering us."

'A bother? Was I such a bother to them?' Kagome thought, she was furious of course. But she was blaming herself, "Was I really that annoying?" she whispered softly, her voice broke. Was it their intention to really hurt her? Was she such a bother to them? All she ever wanted since her mother died was to support her family, to make sure Souta grew up in a good environment and neighborhood. Her edcuation mattered greatly to her, and she never really had time for friends. Hearing repeatedly that she was a bother, that they had to scare her to stop bothering them was a great blow to her.

The room grew silent, all was looking at Kagome. Her head was bowed, her arms were wrapped around her chest, her voice soft and dejected. Bankotsu released Inuyasha who unceremoniously fell onto the floor. Bankotsu stuttered, "K-Kagome? Are you alright?" He hope she wouldn't break like Kanna did. When Kanna woke up in the hospital, she threw a tantrum then... she never spoke since.

Kagome shook her head, "Mr. Taishou" she called out to her Principal's name. The school wasn't fit for her, she didn't belong there even at the beginning. They were rich, she was poor. They were rude, she had manners. They had an untouchable aura around them and she, she was plain and approachable.

"Yes?" Mr. Taishou was fearing she would do something rash. He knew both his sons has caused her a great deal of trouble, 'Maybe I shouldn't have asked for her help after all.' They watched her as she went to her duffel bag and quickly stuffed her belongs inside. Sesshoumaru had a feeling she was leaving, for good.

"Sango, can you sign me out?" Sango got the hint and hurried out of the room to the receptionist, leaving Kagome alone in the room. Bankotsu gasped, "Kagome! Where are you going?" He rushed over to her and grabbed onto her duffel bag. Sesshoumaru watched curiously, he was a bit jealous of Bankotsu and he didn't know why. Kagome gave Bankotsu a small smile, "I'm discharging out of the hospital."

Sesshoumaru was wary, the feeling was gnawing at him. It wasn't painful, but it was a very annoying feeling. He saw Kagome star at him, "Sesshoumaru, I'm glad we both escaped that ordeal alive and unscathed." She turned her attention to her principal with a very serious yet solemn face,

"Mr. Taishou, I would like to transfer out of RedWood High..." Mr. Taishou closed his eyes, he had no right to stop her. His sons did cause her immense trouble both physically and financially. "If that is what you want, Ms. Higurashi."

Sesshoumaru's eyes widen at his father's response, "Father?!" He didn't know why he was reacting in such a way. But he knew, this wasn't the answer to their problem. Kagome leaving for good, just wasn't the answer, 'it just isn't' he thought. Mr. Taishou shook his head

"We have caused her a great deal of trouble. It is only reasonable to do that for her." Kagome nodded and bowed, "Thank you." She took a glance at Sesshoumaru and headed towards the elevator. Sesshoumaru stood there, dumbfounded. She was really gone, 'No...' he thought.

Bankotsu's chest heaved in anger and punched Inuyasha across the face, "Look what you did! Are you happy now?!" Inuyasha growled and attempted to punch back, "This is what we all wanted, wasn't it?!" Miroku and Kouga remained silent, their heads hung in shame. Inuyasha growled at them, "COWARDS!" He grunted in pain as Bankotsu landed another punch to his gut. Mr. Taishou didn't bother to stop, his youngest son needed this beating. He shook his head, academically Kagome was one of the brightest students in his school. It was a shame to lose her.

Sesshoumaru had an uneasy feeling in his chest, he didn't want to stop seeing her. He didn't know why but... he wanted her to stay... with him. She was his source of entertainment for the past several days. He has grown to enjoy her company. Yes, he did regret playing the prank on her. He didn't want her last words to him to be, 'I'm glad we both escaped that ordeal alive and unscathed.' No, he didn't want her to leave. Sesshoumaru rushed out of the room and ran towards the elevator, his silver hair floating behind him.

Don't go...

Sesshoumaru watched Kagome's face disappear behind the elevator's metallic doors. His heart raced, how was he going to get her now? His eyes spotted the stairwell. Without another thought he raced down the flight of stairs, he prayed to God he can reach the lobby in time. Sweat dripped down the side of his temples, chins and neck. His collar was soaked by the time he reached the lobby's elevator. He heard the elevator ding, he waited impatiently for it to open.

His eyes darted from person to person as they exited the elevator, but none of them were Kagome. He was too late. He sighed, he was more than disappointed. Sesshoumaru really wanted her to stay, but he didn't know why at all. He wanted to hear her annoying laughter, to see her angry face, to hear her call him 'Jerk.' Why? Well, now that's a question he couldn't answer. Sesshoumaru sighed, she was gone now and perhaps if they were meant to be friends, they would see each other again.

Sesshoumaru rested against the wall, next to the elevator shaft. He closed his eyes and slowly leveled his breathing. He furrowed his eyebrows when he heard the elevator on the other side open. He heard soft chattering of a female, 'Kagome?' Sesshoumaru's eyes snapped open, and there she was. Kagome smiled softly at her friend. Kagome and Sango brushed past Sesshoumaru, both didn't realize he was there. Sesshoumaru wanted to talk to her... privately. He noticed the elevator's door was about to close and snatched Kagome's wrist and pulled her towards the elevator with such force, she didn't even know what was going on. "SANGO!" Kagome screamed, she watched the elevator door close before Sango can turn around and see what happened to her.

Kagome frantically turned around to find Sesshoumaru staring at her. She narrowed her eyes at him, "What do you want?" she bit out harshly. Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes at her tone, "I only want to talk to you... for a little bit." Kagome scoffed. Why was he acting like a jerk again? He was the one who wanted her to stop bothering him and his friends, so she's is leaving them for good. And now he wants to talk to her?

"Sesshoumaru, I thought you didn't want me to bother you guys ever again?" Sesshoumaru was silent. He pressed the fifteenth floor button on the elevator, then leaned against the metal walls, "At first I did find you annoying. But," he chuckled softly. Kagome couldn't help but smile, even if she was furious with him. His laughter was so smooth and silky, it really warmed her heart. Sesshoumaru cleared his throat,

"But, the way you defied me... it was something different," he confessed. Kagome swallowed, she felt as if he's confessing his love to her. But in fact, he wasn't. Heart her pounded in her chest, out of anxiety. But in the back of her mind, she liked what he was saying, it was almost as if she yearned for him to ask her to stay.

"What are you trying to say?" Kagome pressed on. Half of her knew what he wanted, the other half of her was still angry with him. Sesshoumaru sighed, why did he want her to stay? Why is he trying to ask her to stay? What is wrong with him? Couldn't he just let her leave and this will all be over with? They would live their separate lives. He would still be rich and popular, and she would do whatever she like. Kagome waited patiently for his answer. When she realized he isn't going to give her one. She reached for the elevator button that said 'Lobby.'

Sesshoumaru growled, "What are you doing?" He snatched her hand away from the elevator buttons. Kagome huffed, "Well you're not going to answer me. I'm wasting precious time, you're not talking. Why should I even be here then?"

Sesshoumaru narrowed her eyes at her, "Why are you so aggravating?"

"What?! I'm aggravating? Sesshoumaru, you snatched me from my friend, dragged me into the elevator telling me you want to talk to me. And guess what?!" Kagome dropped her duffel bag on the floor and poked his chest, "You're. Not. Talking!" Sesshoumaru swatted her hand from his chest,

"If you would give me time to think, then I would tell you" Sesshoumaru retorted, he was getting angry at her. He was relieved in a way, at least she wasn't ignoring him. He watched with amusement when Kagome's eyes with flash dangerously between anger than viciousness, 'A feisty one isn't she?'

"I'm leaving!" She huffed in anger and darted behind Sesshoumaru and aimed to press the lobby button. Sesshoumaru reacted fast and encircled her waist with his arms and pulled her back. Kagome managed to press the button to the second floor. Kagome smirked in triumph, she didn't mind walking two stories down. Sesshoumaru growled at her defiance, "You're not going anywhere until I say I'm done talking to you."

Kagome narrowed her eyes at the arrogant male in front of her, "You're not the boss of me. You can't tell me what to do or where to go!" Sesshoumaru stared at her and then smirked. He's about to say something that will really piss her off, "You're right. But I know..." He bent over next to her ear. Kagome stiffened at the sudden proximity between them.

"But I know... I can bribe the bank with enough money to buy your shaggy house," he whispered with an arrogant tone. Kagome gasped in shock, how could he say something like that?

"Is it funny to mess around with someone who is poor, Sesshoumaru?!" Kagome screeched. Her anger was over the top, she wanted to smack that arrogant smirk off of his face. She watched incredulously as he answered her question, "Nope, but it's fun messing around with you." Kagome growled, 'That's it!' She flexed her hand, getting herself ready for the impact, a split second later she lifted her hand with immense speed. Her palm aiming for his cheeks.

Sesshoumaru smirked, 'Yes... the fervent attitude was back.' From the corner of his eyes, he saw her hand swinging right for him. With faster reflexes he gripped the wrist of her swinging hand, his other arm encircled around her waist and with his chest he pushed her back. Her back parallel to the elevator floor. Kagome gasped at the sudden change of view. She was now staring at the face of her arrogant silver hair male. He closed in their distance, his nose barely touching hers.

"Stay..." Kagome heard him whisper, he kept his face still, his hot warm breath fanning against her lips. She stared into his eyes, the golden hues were sincere and hopeful. Kagome smiled softly, she understood why he wanted to get her angry. It was to break the tension between them, to help him ask her to stay in RedWood High.

Kagome's other hand left his shoulders to the back of his head, entangling itself in the silky silver mass. She swallowed nervously and tilted her chin up, closing the distance between her lips with his. Kagome's eyes fluttered closed, she didn't know why she had the urge to kiss him. This time, the kiss wasn't unwanted. In fact it was most desirable for both parties. Sesshoumaru smiled softly into the kiss, 'I suppose this is officially my first kiss' they both thought in unison.

Kagome and Sesshoumaru was too wrapped into their kiss to hear the elevator door open. Turquoise, violet, brown and golden eyes stared at the scene in the elevator. Miroku, Kouga, Inuyasha, Bankotsu, Mr. Taishou and Sango gasped, either inwardly or out loud.

"KAGOME?!" Sango cried out. Kagome broke their kiss and stared at the group. Sesshoumaru's face flushed in embarrassment and rush to press the 'Open/Close' button of the elevator. The sliding door closed, quickly before any of them got in. Sesshoumaru leaned against the wall, "I suppose we have to tell them you're staying now...?"

Kagome stared at Sesshoumaru and smiled, "Yes, I'm staying."

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MS - (laughs) another kiss.

But at least this one they consider it to be their "first kiss" the other ones were unexpected and unwanted.

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So, tell me... my lovely readers. How is the story so far?

MS- I'm so sorry everyone for this super late update. I've been too busy, way too busy to even sleep. Hope you'll forgive little ol' me =)

Because I am sooooo late, I decided to make the chapter a little longer!

Thanks for the reviews everyone! And enjoy this chapter!

--- Many thanks for Runya for betaing for me! You’re so awesome!

Beneath It All
MiserablySweet

Chapter 11 - The Punishment

Previously...

"KAGOME?!" Sango cried out. Kagome broke their kiss and stared at the group. Sesshoumaru's face flushed in embarrassment and rush to press the 'Open/Close' button of the elevator. The sliding door closed quickly before any of them got in. Sesshoumaru leaned against the wall, "I suppose we have to tell them you're staying now...?"

Kagome stared at Sesshoumaru and smiled. "Yes, I'm staying."

Present...

Sango tapped her feet impatiently while she stood frowning in front of the elevator Kagome and Sesshoumaru were in. 'Wait until I get my hands on you, Kagome!' Sango thought angrily. She couldn't believe what she had seen when she was waiting for the elevator. Kagome, her best friend, lip locking with the arrogant teen who caused her to be hospitalized in the first place.

The elevator shaft chimed softly before the metal doors began to slide open. Oh how that few seconds wait for the elevator to finally arrive felt like hours. Sango growled impatiently at the slow pace, 'Taking your sweet time?!' she scolded the metallic doors. She inserted her hands between the sliding doors, gripped on the smooth, polished metal on each side and began to pull it apart faster.

Kagome gasped at Sango's fierce attitude, 'Uh oh...' She was going to be in for it. Sango is very scary when she... no she is thee scariest person alive when she is angry. You wouldn't want her to get on your bad side. Sesshoumaru raised an elegant eyebrow with mild amusement when Sango began to push the door apart. She almost looked as if she was in the middle of a jumping jack. Her arms were spread out as far as possible, forming a straight ledge, her legs spread apart, her breath heaving, and her face reddened with anger.

'Who does she think she is? Superman?' Sesshoumaru commented mentally. The way Sango looked as she pushed open the automatic doors, indeed make her seem like she was using inhuman strength to rip open the metallic doors.

"Ka – go -- me --" Sango growled. She rushed in and jerked Kagome by the arm away from Sesshoumaru. Kagome fought against Sango's brute strength.

"Sango! Calm down!" Kagome grimaced at Sango's vice grip on her wrist. "Sango, stop! It hurts!" Kagome attempted free her aching wrist by jerking her own arm away from Sango.

Sesshoumaru was unbelievably confused. Why was her best friend treating Kagome so roughly? She didn't seem like the type to abuse Kagome, she seemed... overprotective of her. 'Overprotective? From what? Boys?' he snorted. Sesshoumaru saw the anger in Sango's eyes when she saw him kissing Kagome. Why did it matter to her? Kagome was her own person; who she kissed was her own business. Sesshoumaru glided next to Kagome and circled her shoulders with an arm when he noticed Sango was fighting back a little too hard. Kagome stiffened instantly under this touch, Sango's angry eyes were now fixed on his person.

"Get – off – of -- her" Sango enunciated every word with a venomous tone.

Sesshoumaru scoffed, "You're the one who should release her wrist." He nodded at Kagome's wrist. Sango growled softly and released her vice grip on her best friend's wrist. Kagome sighed in relief and rubbed her sore wrist tenderly.

"Kagome... Are you okay?" Sango's eyes softened dramatically.

Kagome smiled with understanding. "I'm fine."

Kagome knew why Sango got so angry when she saw them kissing. 'I would be too,' Kagome sighed softly. She wrapped her arms around Sango's shoulders and pulled her into an embrace. "Sango, you don't have to worry about a thing, I'm fine."

Sango nodded on Kagome's shoulders. She couldn't help but feel overprotective over Kagome. They have been her best friend for years. Kagome being Kagome, she is easily fooled sometimes. Well, make that many times.

Bankotsu rushed down the hallway, behind him was Sesshoumaru's father, Inuyasha, Miroku and Kouga.

"HEY!" Bankotsu yelled loudly. The two girls broke their hug and stared at Bankotsu. The turquoise eyed male was desperately trying to catch his breath. "How in the... seven hells... did... you... get down... here... so fast?" he asked nodding in Sango's direction.

"Huh?" Sango questioned blankly. "What do you mean?"

Miroku trailed up behind Bankotsu, and he too was gasping for breath, "You darted down the stairs the split second the elevator door closed. How long did you wait out here for the door to open?" Miroku was amazed at how fast this one girl could run. He guessed she waited at least six seconds before the doors opened.

Sango shrugged. "I guess it was around a few seconds. It felt like minutes though," she said nonchalantly.

Mr. Taishou slowly approached the rest of the group. He glanced at his watch. ‘12:41 p.m., I suppose it's too late to return to school,' the elder male thought to himself.

"Come, we shall all go to my home," Mr. Taishou began heading towards the entrance of the hospital. Kagome blinked several times in confusion, 'Wait... his house?' She wondered how the Taishous lived. Maybe their house is as big as three two-family buildings. Kagome sighed briefly, and thought it would be for the better if she did as she was told, from her principal at least. She stole a brief glance from Sesshoumaru's face. He looked uneasy and pale. 'Is he sick?'

"Sesshou-" Kagome began to ask him if he was feeling alright. Sesshoumaru glared at Kagome for a moment, then turned his head and followed his father.

Sango growled. "Arrogant prick."

Kagome nudged Sango's ribs softly and stared at her in disbelief. "You said that pretty loud." Sango shrugged,

"Who cares? It's the truth, after all."

-0-0-0-0-0-

Kagome's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when the sleek, black limo they were riding on pulled into the estate grounds. The ride from the entrance gate to the Taishou's house was at least two minutes long. Kagome gasped at the beautiful scenery that flew past her eyes; from lush green grass to the red leaves that drifted down towards the ground with the wind.

It was autumn. The leaves on the trees on the estate grounds varied from pine green to lemon yellow and finally to cherry red. Kagome was baffled, to say the least. She never had the time to enjoy nature. Day and night, she was booked, whether it be from babysitting Souta, or studying for exams, or working on a part-time job.

The sleek, black limo pulled up to another gate, this time the gate was much smaller. Kagome heard the driver exit the limo and scurry to open the door. "Sir, we've arrived."

Mr. Taishou nodded and stepped out of the car.

Kagome stretched silently; she was glad the ride was over. The tension inside the limo was suffocating -- not to mention silent and boring. Aside from the occasional growls and scoffs from Inuyasha and Bankotsu towards each other, there were no reactions from the others.

"Wow..." Kagome gasped in awe when the front view of the Taishou Manor revealed itself. Kagome never thought she would ever see such a large Torotei House with such a modern twist.

Mr. Taishou chuckled softly at the midnight hair teen, 'How innocent. But I suppose my home is rather magnificent.'

As the elder Taishou stepped inside the entrance room, or 'lobby', as he called it, there were servants already waiting for him. They bowed lowly. "Welcome home, Master Taishou, Young Master, Young Sir." the servants said in unison. Mr. Taishou waved his hand and dismissed his hardworking servants, he turned towards the bewildered group; they were all dumbfounded at how the structure looked so traditional and modern at the same time. The servants brought in soft house slippers for everyone to wear once they took off their shoes.

"Come, my study is not far from here," Mr. Taishou began to walk towards the western wing of the Torotei House. The rest of the group followed obediently. Kagome wondered what punishment Sesshoumaru's father had in store for him and his friends. She sighed softly and stole another glance from Sesshoumaru's face. 'He looks so annoyed,' she commented to herself. Why did he look so annoyed? It seemed as if his house was the last place he wanted to be at.

The group stopped in front of a beautiful mahogany carved double door.

"This family sure likes mahogany," Kagome heard Sango whisper.

Kagome nodded, "You have no idea. The school's floor is mahogany wood, too."

Sango swallowed loudly. 'This must be some filthy rich family.'

Mr. Taishou pushed open the doors. "Take a seat, girls, Bankotsu." He purposely called out to the girls and Bankotsu, ignoring the rest of the males who were involved with the prank. He sighed inaudibly and sat in his large black leather office chair. He had a grim look on his face. Kagome and Sango tentatively sat on the couch and waited for him to speak.

The tension hung heavily in the room, like smoke from a burning fire. Kagome was beyond nervous, for the boys that is. Why does she even feel this way? They were the ones that planned her near death experience, so why did she have to feel pity for them? "Mr. Taishou, you sh-" Kagome began, but was forced to stop when the elder Taishou raised a hand for her to stop.

"Call me Touga when we're not in school, Kagome," He stared at her sternly. Kagome blushed deeply, it was wrong to say but the elder Taishou looked incredibly handsome. "I know what you're going to say Kagome. 'Punish them lightly,' am I correct?"

Kagome nodded, "Yes I-" She was interrupted once more, but this time it was by her best friend.

"Forget it! They can't be punished lightly! Kagome, are you stupid? They almost killed you!" The group of teen boys bowed their heads in shame. Touga nodded in agreement,

"That's right. Kagome, they were using your life for a short lived entertainment act."

Kagome glared at Sango for several seconds. "Sango! Shush!" She then turned her attention back to Touga. "But we're safe now..." Kagome sighed softly; she felt she heard this conversation before -- on the phone with Touga.

Kagome bowed her head. "Yes... You're right..." She was defeated. Kagome couldn't think of a solid reason to back up why they deserve a lighter punishment.

Touga nodded and snapped his head around, facing the males. He stood up proudly in his six feet five inch frame; he was a figure to behold.

"YOU FOUR! ON YOUR KNEES!"

Kagome jumped at his loud booming voice. If the intensity of his voice wasn't enough to make the arrogant four go on their knees, Kagome didn't know what else would.

Their knees slammed onto the cold wooden floor in unison. Kagome did indeed feel a little sympathetic for them. That was for sure. They bowed their heads in shame. "Sorry" she heard them mutter under their breaths.

"Sorry is not enough. It's NEVER enough!" His voice shook the walls of his study. He circled around the group, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Sesshoumaru was closest to the desk, next to him was Inuyasha. Behind the brothers were Miroku and Kouga, kneeling shoulder to shoulder. Kagome noticed Sesshoumaru was acting quite differently. She noticed he would not move an inch other than to breathe and blink. 'Will he be alright...?' Kagome felt a sudden surge of worry wash over her. 'What the heck?' Why did she have to care about him? He was just some arrogant teen that needed to grow up!

Touga let out a very rough grunt. "You boys should be jailed for such acts of entertainment!"

Kagome heard nervous gasps from the boys. But she would've never in her life expect her to hear Sesshoumaru's next words.

"Arrest us then," Sesshoumaru said coldly without hesitation. Inuyasha's eyes widened greatly; he crawled over to Sesshoumaru on his knees. He clutched his elder brother's biceps. "SESSHOUMARU! DON'T!" It was clear Inuyasha and the others looked up to Sesshoumaru as a leader. Kouga and Miroku too, placed a hand on Sesshoumaru's shoulders, begging him to think of another way.

"Sesshoumaru, we don't want to go to jail!" Miroku was distraught, Kouga was hyperventilating a little, and Inuyasha was bawling.

But Sesshoumaru kept his passive and cold demeanor. "One has to be responsible for what one does." Touga and the girls were taken back a little by Sesshoumaru's answer.

"Hmm..." Sango leaned against Kagome and whispered. "I never thought he would be this responsible. What do you think?" Kagome shrugged slightly. She would never think this arrogant, silver hair male would be responsible for his actions. Was his 'cool' act something he had to do when he was in school? To put on a show so they'll fit in or something? "I don't know Sango... Do they really deserve to go to jail?" she whispered back.

Bankotsu stood up on his feet and bowed lowly towards Touga. "Sir, please give them another chance!" Bankotsu didn't want to see his best friend go to jail. Well, if it were Inuyasha, he couldn’t care less. But for Sesshoumaru, always the responsible and noble friend taking the blame on himself, he would try to fight.

Touga sighed. "Et toi, Bankotsu? You're making this very hard on me... as a Father. But as the principal I must do what I deem fit." The elder Taishou skimmed over the faces of the miserable male teens. He didn't want to arrest them. But what was he supposed to do? By law, smoking in the school was illegal, and bringing in such foul liquids to school was illegal too. If the firemen didn't access the situation after the fire, Touga could've brushed it off with detention or suspension since it was a private school. Instead, he was now getting a massive headache. "Boys, by law, you only have two choices. Either go to jail for several days until your hearing or I can sentence all of you for community service."

"Community service?" Inuyasha peeped, looking hopeful. "How many hours?"

"Each person serves 105 hours," Touga glanced down on the letter.

Inuyasha groaned loudly. "105 HOURS?! COME ON! I have a life! I can't be seen picking up trash and wasting time on this kind of thing! Dad, can't you do something?" Miroku and Kouga joined with Inuyasha to beg their elder to shorten their time for community service.

Touga had enough. He narrowed his eyes,

"SILENCE!" his voice vibrated off the walls.

"You should be happy you're not going to jail," Sango peeped, adding fire to the blazing tension. Kagome nudged Sango's ribs with her elbow and scolded her with a barely audible Sango!

"What?! They deserve it! I can't believe you're still so easy on them!" Sango huffed, crossed her arms in front of her chest and turned her back to Kagome. Kagome sighed, then a thought suddenly struck her. She jumped on to her feet. "I got it!"

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow and turned around to face Kagome, who looked ecstatic. Touga nodded to Kagome. "You have something to add, Kagome?"

Kagome smiled sheepishly, "Well... I have a way they can work off their community hours without having them to pick up trash."

"You do?" Bankotsu asked incredulously. Kagome nodded, "They can help the school plan and prepare the Autumn Festival!"

"WHAT?!" Inuyasha screeched, "I RATHER PICK UP GARBAGE!" Kagome jumped slightly at Inuyasha's loud outburst.

"Don't yell at me!"

"WHO TOLD YOU TO THINK OF SUCH STUPID IDEA!" Inuyasha jumped onto his feet, ready to rush to Kagome and give her a piece of his mind. Before he could take the next step, Sesshoumaru grabbed Inuyasha's ankles and jerked him onto the floor.

"Who told you to stand?" he growled softly. Kagome sighed, relieved. She thought Inuyasha was going to attack her.

Inuyasha grumbled something under his breath and returned to his position on the floor.

Touga rubbed his chin thoughtfully. He grabbed his PDA from his suit pocket and skimmed through it.

"Hmm... That's actually not a bad idea, Kagome," he concluded and placed his PDA on his desk.

Inuyasha growled, "Why do we have to attend that stupid festival? Isn’t it enough we have to hear people sing every day during school?!"

"Inuyasha," Sesshoumaru growled threateningly. Oh, how he hated his little brother and his big mouth. How dare he blame his father for trying to improve their school? No matter how much he despised his father, Sesshoumaru held the utmost respect for him. Ironic, wasn't it?

"We will accept your punishment, Father," Sesshoumaru lowered his head ever so slight.

Kagome smiled; she would've never thought Sesshoumaru to be so responsible. Kagome always thought he would brush his father off like he brushed her off when he almost ran her over with his car. She shrugged. 'Maybe there's much more to him than I originally thought.' Kagome was brought out of her stupor with a sudden outburst from Inuyasha.

"NO!" Inuyasha growled out. He didn't want to attend the stupid festival. His girlfriend would bash him all the way to hell! "I can't!" Once his girlfriend found out he was going to be performing in the festival, she would make his life miserable!

Inuyasha specifically remember her saying: 'If you're going to be a part of that festival, I swear Inuyasha, no sex for you.' He had groaned softly. 'No sex?! How is that even possible?'

He dropped his shoulders and hung his head low. Oh, how he hated Kagome right now.

Touga noticed his youngest son's change of attitude and knew what he was thinking. "Inuyasha, you must be mistaken. Kagome never said for you to ATTEND or perform at the festival. You boys are merely preparing the stage, the stands, and whatever else the committee needs," Touga cleared. He watched his youngest son sigh a breath of relief. 'His girlfriend has a wrath to behold,' he thought and shook his head.

"When do we have to start?" Miroku asked. He didn't think helping out at the festival would be a bad idea at all. His eyes slowly wandered to the girl next to Kagome. He couldn't help but feel very attracted to her. Out of all the females he's been with, she was one that didn't swoon for handsome males. And may he say so himself, 'I'm pretty darn hot,' he smirked. The thoughts of repenting for his actions dissolved into thin air, 'I'm going to have her.'

While Miroku was busy thinking of ways to make Sango fall for him, Touga mentioned their punishment would start tomorrow after school.

"How long do we have to work?" Kouga asked. He too believed helping out the Autumn Festival wouldn't be such a bad idea. He always wanted to join the sports tournaments – well, it was more of a secret desire, of course. He couldn't tell his friends; they would ridicule him and kick him out of their group. Truth be told, he always loved music and sports. Kouga could only hope that the group would join in the festival other than building the stages.

"The materials will be shipped to the school by tomorrow. The committee plans to start right away. I'd say they work an average of five hours after classes end."

Inuyasha groaned loudly. "Five hours?!" He quickly silenced his whining when he saw Sesshoumaru give him a death glare, one that could freeze hell for all eternity.

"On top of that, Inuyasha, you will be grounded until the Autumn Festival ends. No allowance, no shopping… nothing at all. You're not allowed to take a step out of this house other than to go to school," Touga added. He knew his youngest son would protest.

"WHY?!" Inuyasha screamed. "Why am I the only who has that punishment?!"

Touga rubbed his aching temples. Inuyasha was hard to handle.

Sesshoumaru was getting tired of his younger brother's outbursts. Not only was he incompetent, but he was also immature and unable to think logically.

"It's simple. You're the stupid idiot that set the paint on fire!" Sesshoumaru retorted.

"Kagura kept telling me that the girl was bothering you, so I thought I did you a favor!" Inuyasha yelled back. He wasn't putting the blame on Kagura. She was the one who told him this as well. "She told me she wants to keep what belongs to her... Too bad she's your girlfriend!"

Kagome gasped and felt a sudden spike of interest course through her head. 'Girlfriend? Sesshoumaru's dating that snotty girl?!'

"That girl has a brain the size of a penny. She presumes a lot of things, and this is one of them. I am not, and never will be, her boyfriend," Sesshoumaru countered.

He heard Kagome's light gasp. For some odd reason, he felt he must defend himself, to make himself clear that Kagura has massively big dreams. Why did he care if Kagome heard he had a girlfriend or not? But he did, and for what reason he was not sure himself. "Inuyasha, it is best for all of us if you can serve out your punishment in peace. Why you may ask? Because your a gullible idiot with no common sense. You purposely put another person's life in danger with no apparent reason. What if the firemen arrived at a later time? Kagome and I could've died," Sesshoumaru growled lowly. He watched as Inuyasha lowered his head in shame again.

Did Sesshoumaru feel bad that he just ripped his younger brother's pride apart? Yes, he did, but it was the truth.

"Inuyasha," he sighed softly. "Stop being an idiot and listen to Father." Sesshoumaru stood up and bowed towards his father and left the room.

Touga sighed. "You may all go."

The rest of the group hurried out of the room. The group was escorted by a servant towards the entrance of the mansion. Sesshoumaru was nowhere to be found and Kagome wondered where he had gone to.

"Kagome! I almost forgot! Kaede needs me to run the shop for the night shift. Hurry, we have to catch the bus!" Sango began to pull Kagome towards the front door.

Kagome sighed. "Sango, I want to walk around first. I haven't been able to get out much in the past weeks."

Sango reluctantly agreed to see Kagome back at her house in several hours.

-0-0-0-0-0-

"Honestly! Where is the exit to this place?" Kagome had been wandering around the front gardens for the longest time. Her feet hurt and she was starving and dying for a cup of cold water. Even though she was in pain, she enjoyed the sound of leaves rustling when the wind blew and the scent of the grass swaying from side to side. Kagome inhaled the heavenly scent of nature. She could never get tired of this. When was the last time she relaxed like this?

"Never," she smiled slightly to herself.

She found herself standing in front of an extremely large maple tree with beautiful red leaves. She walked over to the base of the tree and knelt down. The magnificent tree provided plenty of shade from the burning sun. It was an ideal place for Kagome to rest before searching for the front gates again. She tilted her head back until her skull rested on the rough bark of the tree.

"This feels great." she said to herself.

"Keep it down," a voice sounded from the other side of the trunk.

Kagome squealed and darted several feet away from the tree.

"Who is there?!"

"Won't you be quiet, Kagome?" the voice replied.

Kagome wrinkled her nose. She knew who it was.

She huffed softly. "Why are you here Sesshoumaru?" She headed towards where Sesshoumaru rested on the other side of the tree, meeting Sesshoumaru's eyes for a second before he shrugged and closed his eyes.

"I thought you left," Kagome peeped. She wasn't going to give him peace if he was going to ignore her. She smirked. It was safe to say she considered Sesshoumaru as a friend -- somehow.

"If I answer you, will you leave me be?" Sesshoumaru turned his head slight towards Kagome, and watched her sit beside him from the corner of his eye.

Kagome wrinkled her nose again, this time in dismay. "Nope." She had a feeling he wanted her company even if he was saying otherwise.

"Why must you be a headache?" Sesshoumaru groaned.

"I'm a headache? What is that supposed to mean?" Kagome folded her arms in front of her chest and glared as "deadly" as possible. Then again, she was as harmful as a teddy bear with an inflatable toy sword.

Sesshoumaru snorted at her attempt of trying to strike fear into his heart. 'Yeah, right.' he thought.

"Trying to intimidate me?" the corner of Sesshoumaru's lips tilted up slightly and mirth twinkled in his eyes.

"I can really do some damage you know!" She stuck her tongue out playfully.

"Oh really?" He couldn't hide his mirth any long. He definitely enjoyed messing around with her. "Try me."

Kagome laughed, "Are you sure? I can punch pretty hard!" Kagome rolled up her sleeves past her elbow. 'Oh and I know just what to aim for.'

Sesshoumaru nodded and waited for her 'painful' punch.

Kagome inhaled sharply and launched her readied arm towards her target, his face. Sesshoumaru's eyes widen in shock and with lightning fast reflexes dodged her attack. Kagome's fist missed his soft cheek. Instead, it hit the rough textured bark.

"Why did you dodge my hit?!" She cried out in pain and cradled her aching knuckles.

"You were aiming for my face!" Sesshoumaru countered. How dare she try to ruin his flawless feature? He noticed her eyes were a little bit watery. She was cradling her hand with a little too much attention. Sesshoumaru stretched his neck slightly to peek over her shoulders. He saw several blotches of red staining her pale knuckles. "Are you alright?" he asked worried.

"No! It's all your fault!" Kagome huffed and turned her back to him.

He felt somehow guilty. All he had done was dodge her attack. So why was he feeling guilty?

"Here, give me your hand" He reached over and pulled her towards him.

Kagome shifted on her knees until she rested in front of Sesshoumaru. "What?" she blurted out.

Sesshoumaru ignored her harsh tone and examined her wound. It was nasty, indeed. Tiny pieces of bark infiltrated her skin. The skin that covered her knuckles was torn and bleeding freely. He lifted his other hand and attempted to peel the embedded bark from her skin.

"Ow!" Kagome tried to jerk her hand back reflexively but Sesshoumaru held a firm grip on her hand.

"Hold still," he whispered. He carefully peeled out the intruding pieces of bark.

Kagome couldn't help but stare at Sesshoumaru's expression. He looked so concentrated, so determined and focused. The jolts of pain that shot through her body before were now numbed by the warmth and tenderness that emanated from his hands.

Sesshoumaru retrieved a rich crimson colored cloth from his pocket and cautiously wrapped it around her knuckles.

'Didn't this happen before?' He remembered the day when he bruised his hand when he was protecting the back of Kagome's head from the cement floor. The orange rays of the setting sun began to set the atmosphere of enchantment. Kagome couldn't take her eyes off of Sesshoumaru. The orange rays emphasized his light golden hues, his silver hair glistened playfully. He was truly handsome.

Kagome had an overwhelming urge to scoot over to Sesshoumaru... and she did. The closer she got, the more dazed she seemed to be.

Sesshoumaru stared at her in confusion. 'Why is she coming closer to me?' He brushed his thumb across the soft skin on the back of Kagome's hand. He had no idea why he still held her wounded hand… he just liked it.

Kagome was mere centimeters away from Sesshoumaru's nose. She felt his hot, moist breath on her lips. Sesshoumaru was trapped in her mesmerizing sapphire depths. He felt he would drown if he didn't break away, but he held still, waiting for what he knew was coming. He wanted it. Even if it was the slightest brush, he wanted it.

Kagome's head inched closer and closer with each passing second. Sesshoumaru held his breath. She lowered her lips on his warm, smooth cheeks and put the slightest of pressures she could on his cheek.

"Thank you, Sesshoumaru." she whispered against his skin.

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MS - ^_^ It's another kiss! but a cheek kiss... hehe

Sorry again everyone for this super late update. I'm trying to get my life back on track right now and hopefully I'll be able to update regularly again by the end of June!

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Thank you all for reading! Please review!

MS- GAH! MUST... UPDATE!

As always, I am so sorry I am updating irregularly. I'm still horribly busy and I'm trying the best I can everyone. Please forgive me!

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Enjoy this chapter!

--- Beta'd by Ko Torii

Beneath It All
MiserablySweet

Chapter 12 - WHO?!

Previously...

Kagome was mere centimeters away from Sesshoumaru's nose. She felt his hot, moist breath on her lips. Sesshoumaru was trapped in her mesmerizing sapphire depths. He felt he would drown if he didn't break away, but he held still waiting for what he knew was coming. He wanted it. Even if it was the slightest brush, he wanted it.

Kagome's head inched closer and closer with each passing second. Sesshoumaru held his breath. She lowered her lips on his warm, smooth cheeks and put the slightest of pressures she could on his cheek.

"Thank you, Sesshoumaru." she whispered against his skin.

Present...

"What time is it now?" Inuyasha had been asking the same question for over a long while now. He looked at his now empty wrist that once was adorned with a solid gold and diamond watch. Where was his watch, you may ask? Since his father, the Principal of RedWood High, put him under complete house arrest he had no choice but to pawn his three thousand dollar watch to buy 'I am Sorry' gifts for his girlfriend. ApparentlyKikyo will forgive him if he spends the rest of the day with her.

Inuyasha had this uncontrollable, aching feeling in his heart; something telling him that today will not be very pleasant. If he didn't spend time with hisKikyo she will leave him for sure. Inuyasha sighed a very troubled and lonely sigh. 'Oh my God, Kikyo's going to kill me. I just know it.'

Inuyasha felt he had been there for hours sweeping the rather clean pavement. He was the young sir of Taishou Inc, he never had to lift a finger. Anything and everything was at his disposal if he just opened his mouth to ask for it. He growled to himself, 'It's all your fault,Kagome. I'll find a way to get back at you. I will make sure I do.' Inuyasha was determined to take his revenge one way or another, but now he had to get out of there.

Inuyasha glanced over his shoulder and shouted, "What time is it Miroku?"

Miroku glared at Inuyasha, "Inuyasha. We came here less than an hour ago. We still have a long while to go."

Inuyasha flung his outdoor broom to the floor and threw his hands up in frustration. "Why can't we let the janitors do this?!" He pointed angrily at elder men dressed in dark grey jumpsuits, drinking their coffee and chattering away.

"Because Inuyasha, if you didn't drop that cigarette stub down the stairs we wouldn't be caught in this mess!" Kouga growled at him. He'd had enough of Inuyasha. He had been complaining nonstop since they'd arrived at their school. They wouldn't have been in this situation if it wasn't for him. "I mean, it is your fault after all."

"Oh like you had nothing to do with this?" Inuyasha's growled lowly. He shifted his body until he faced Kouga. He flared his nostrils and glared Kouga and began walking, almost stalking, towards him while flexing his hands. Kouga rolled his eyes at his friend, "Don't take your anger out on me Inuyasha. You have to admit, it really was your fault. Who said to get caught in Kagura's web of lies?"

Inuyasha blinked; he was dumbfounded. 'He's right, why did I listen to Kagura?' He sighed and slumped his shoulders. "She's always hanging around Sesshoumaru. I thought it was true," Inuyasha shrugged and straightened out his shirt. Truthfully he wasn't about to hit Kouga. He was just... frustrated. "But I guess you're right," Inuyasha picked up his broom and resumed the daunting task of sweeping the already clean pavement.

Inuyasha felt someone was missing, but who? He glanced over their small group and noticed that Sesshoumaru was a distance away brooding. "What's with Sesshoumaru anyway?" The group looked over to Sesshoumaru. He was sitting alone on the cement stairs listening to his Ipod. Sesshoumaru had his usual stoic mask, but Inuyasha could tell he was brooding. He could always tell what his brother was feeling.

Miroku shrugged, "He's been like that since we left your house Inuyasha."

"Since we left my house?" Inuyasha raised an eyebrow in Sesshoumaru's direction. 'It's been six days already,' Inuyasha stated in mild astonishment. "Has he been brooding all this time?"

"Yes Inuyasha," Kouga answered in a slightly annoyed tone. He rolled his eyes at Inuyasha, 'You'd think a dog have good hearing.' He glanced warily at Inuyasha and shook his head. 'Apparently something that looks like a dog, and barks like one... isn't one.' The funny thing was that Inuyasha always claims that he has the instincts of a dog; sensitive hearing, strong nose and not to mention a little something extra while in bed, or 'heat' as he called it.

"Why do you think he's like that?" Inuyasha questioned. Miroku and Kouga sighed. They knew their friend meant well for his brother, but honestly; he can be extremely annoying sometimes.

"Don't know, Inuyasha. Get back to work," Miroku called out and held his broom in position. He really wasn't in the mood to clean either. He had been trying to contact Sango for days now. Apparently the number she gave him was the number of an erotic telephone service. He didn't really mind at first. He chatted with several girls for a couple of hours, and found out that they were stalling to make him stay on the line longer.

'Figures,' Miroku snorted. 'Everyone's after money,' he commented. He was never the one to turn down beautiful women face to face, or on the phone, but after he met Sango everything changed. Even if they only met for several hours, he loved her fierce attitude, her stubbornness, and most importantly her lush sighed dreamily shifting his weight onto the large broom.

Kouga scoffed at Miroku's rather perverted smile, "Get back to work!" He shoved Miroku's legs with the bushy end of the broom. Miroku snapped out of his daydream and scowled at his friend, "Hey! I was a little busy you know."

"Yeah Yeah Yeah, keep your 'buddy' limp while we're around will ya? There are a few things in life we don't need to see, and that's one of them."Kouga smiled knowingly to Miroku, 'Bet you can't do that while you're still daydreaming.'

Miroku chuckled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head with his free hand, "Yeah... sorry." He cleared his throat and started to sweep once more. He enjoyed the sound of the broom bristles scratching roughly against the cement. He couldn't help but trail back to thinking about his 'Devil Angel', the name that he deemed fit forSango.

'Hmm... If I remember correctly, I really didn't make a good first impression for her did I?' Miroku thought back to six days ago when Sango and Kagome were at the Taishou Mansion. The day he met Sango was the same day that he was on his knees begging his principal to reduce the time for their community service. Not too manly.

"Well, I suppose I'll just have to make another first impression. Anything for that beautiful cushion," Miroku noted himself. Kouga heard Miroku's little comment and blinked several times in shock.

"Bro, Are you talking to yourself?" Kouga asked incredulously. Miroku brought his fisted hand to his mouth and coughed into it.

"Uh... I had a little tickle in my throat," Miroku faked another cough into his hand. "There, that should get rid of the tickle for good." A faint blush crept up his cheeks. 'Did I really say that out loud?'Miroku couldn't recall what he had said aloud, but hey, did it really matter?

Kouga rolled his eyes dramatically and scoffed, "Yeah. Okay."

-0-0-0-0-0-

Bankotsu knocked softly on the white door, "Kanna? Look who came to see you." He gently swung open the door and motioned for Kagome to step into the room. Kagome was astounded to see objects with vibrant colors in the monochromatic room. Vases in various shapes and sizes brought life and depth in the barren room. And there, in the middle of the room was a bed. A wooden frame bed adorned with lush cerulean hue bed sheets and blanket. Something inKanna had obviously changed.

"Hey Kanna," Kagome smiled softly and sat at the edge of the bed. She noticed Kanna had colorful markers surrounding her on the bed, and some scattered on the adjustable bed table. Kanna released her grip on the green marker and slowly raised her head to meet Kagome's eyes.

"Kagome?" Kanna whispers with excitement. She lifted her eyes to meet Kagome's ocean depths, "I... missed you."

Kagome gasped, 'S-she can talk!' She was highly surprised in what one visit can do for someone. Kagome met Kanna's magenta eyes. "You have eyes!" Kagome exclaimed when she noticed Kanna's eyes were not of the pitch black void she first met her.

Bankotsu cleared his throat, "Yes Kagome. She has eyes." Kagome blushed in embarrassment and mumbled a soft apology. Bankotsu strolled over to the other side of the bed and wrapped his arms around Kanna's shoulders. "You know," he began "Kanna's recovery has surprised all the doctors in the hospital. Now they're in the laboratory testing." Bankotsu smiled and squeezed Kanna's shoulder. He was beyond ecstatic that Kanna was on the road to recovery.

"Testing?" Kagome tilted her head, "Testing for what?"

Bankotsu released Kanna's shoulder and sat next to his love and held her small hands in his. "They're testing to see if patients with a certain amount of the problem react to strangers visiting them. They were astounded by Kanna's recovery after you visited her." Bankotsu refrained from using words related to insanity, mental illness and depression. He was afraid Kanna would react poorly to those words now that she had begun to take note of her surroundings.

"I see," Kagome smiled and patted Kanna's knees, "Kanna, it's great to see you improving." The corner of Kanna's lips tilted up into a faint smile.

"I-I like y-your hair," Kanna mustered out.

"Her vocal cords have not been used for a while. She might stumble once or twice on a word. I hope you won't mind," Bankotsu explained. He took note of every little improvement Kanna made. After all, she was and still is his first love.

Kagome shook her head, "Of course I don't mind. I'm happy she's improving." She grasped a dark navy blue marker from the bed and held it in front ofKanna. "If you like my hair color, do you want to dye your hair to be a similar color?"

Kanna nodded, "Any-t-thing blue."

"Alright then! I'll go buy you some funky hair dye," Kagome jumped onto her feet, determined to dye Kanna's silver hair... blue?

"Uh... Kagome?" Bankotsu stared at Kagome with wide eyes, "How about we highlight her hair with a blue hue instead?" He was reluctant to see Kanna's beauitful mass of silver hair engulfed in blue. He absolutely loves Kanna for who she is. Kanna nodded in agreement, "Highlights."

"I suppose I was a little too enthusiastic," Kagome hummed to herself and rubbed her chin.

"A little?" Bankotsu joked.

Kagome glared at her friend's playful behavior. She hasn't seen Bankotsu this happy in all this time she's spent with him. 'It's good to see him happy,' Kagome smiled. "I wonder if Shiori would like to visit," Kagome mumbled out loud. She missed Shiori, and hadn’t seen her since the day the fire broke out. Sango told her she visited but stormed out in anger after calling Sesshoumaru a 'Butthead.' Kagome giggled, 'Butthead Sesshoumaru.'

"What's so funny?" Bankotsu head Kagome mumbled and then laugh to herself. "You're not going... um... you know... delirious are you?"

Kagome scoffed, "No!" She smiled brightly, "I was wondering if Shiori would like to visit. I'm due to go back to school tomorrow, and since we're going to put in some pretty blue hues in Kanna's hair, I was thinking of asking Shiori to come. If that's alright with the both of you."

Kanna nodded with a big smile, "I m-miss her, too." Bankotsu agreed as well, "Shiori was Kanna's close friend back at school. She wanted to visited Kanna for a while now, but. I didn't think Kanna was in a stable situation. But now, I think I should've asked her to come sooner."

"Perfect, we'll have girl to girl time tomorrow!" Kagome glanced at her watch, "It's already past three? I should get going, I have to be at RedWood in thirty minutes."

"School? For what?" Bankotsu eased Kanna onto her back, "You should get some rest. You've been up all day."

"I'm helping out at the festival. Shiori called me this morning, talking nonstop about the festival and somehow she convinced me to help out," Kagome smiled. "You should stay here with Kanna." Kanna shook her head and smiled. 'She seems to be smiling a lot lately,' Kagome commented. Of course it was a good thing. Kagome couldn't wait to actually spend some time with Kanna.

"Well then now that you're all settled honey," Bankotsu tucked Kanna in and kissed her forehead "I'll bring Kagome to the school. You'll be alright by yourself?"

"Yes," Kanna whispers sleepily. Bankotsu chuckled and guided Kagome towards the door. The two clicked the door shut quietly behind them.

Kagome relaxed at the comfortable silence between them. She had a feeling that Bankotsu had a lot of questions to ask but, being the gentleman he was, he was restraining himself from asking. Kagome laughed softly, "You know Bankotsu, I won't be offended if you want to ask me some questions." Bankotsu nodded and held open his passenger door for Kagome to step through. She thanked him softly and he stepped into the driver's seat.

Bankotsu sighed, "Are you sure you won't get offended?" He had a lot of questions to ask of her indeed, too many to count, but he was afraid asking them would break the trust betweenKagome and himself.

"Shoot," Kagome nodded as she waited for his questions.

Bankotsu started up his car, "Well for starters, where were you the past week?"

"Oh, I was staying over at Sango's house. She insists I do until I am completely healthy," Kagome explained. She hasn't left Sango's house for about a week. Today was the first day she was able to move back in her own home.

"I see, I don't know how to ask this next question, but I'll try my best," Bankotsu cleared his throat "D-do you like Sesshoumaru?"

Kagome choked on her half swallowed mouthful of water; spewing water all over the car window. "Oh my god I'm so sorry!" Kagome reached into her worn purse and grabbed her handkerchief. Unknown to her, a rich crimson fabric pepped out of her purse. She blushed prettily while wiping the water off of the stifled his laughter and tried not to let it burst out. Kagome glared at Bankotsu , "Why did you ask me that?" The window, and other parts that were stained, were now cleared of spit water after a fifteen minute cleaning fromKagome. She was rather happy that Bankotsu wasn't angry with her.

Bankotsu cleared his throat, "Well... We caught you kissing in the elevator. So you know, we assumed you two had something for each other."

Kagome shook her head. "No way. I mean, the kiss was- not really- I mean- gah," Kagome stammered. "I can't explain why that kiss happened, but I can promise you that I don't like him." She was getting a little worked up over the subject.

Bankotsu laughed, "Relax Kagome. I have nothing against you liking each other. It's just that the question's been gnawing at me since we caught you. And besides,Sesshoumaru's been brooding ever since you left the Taishou Mansion. It just looked like he was brooding over you."

"Just because Sesshoumaru's brooding, doesn't mean that it's about me," Kagome folded her arms and looked out her window. 'Is he really brooding about me? Why is he brooding anyway? Is he feeling ill again?' she asked herself. 'Not that I care,' she added with a hint of indifference. But she was extremely curious about whySesshoumaru was brooding. It couldn't be about her. Could it? He was rather uptight and stiff while his father was around. That could be a reason. 'Or maybe he doesn't want to serve his punishment anymore,'Kagome concluded.

"Well, whatever it is he's brooding about, we'll find out soon enough."

-0-0-0-0-0-

"Bankotsu, let me carry some bags!" Kagome reached to snatch the heavy bags from Bankotsu.

Bankotsu sighed and lifted the heavy bags above Kagome's head with ease, "Kagome. They're too heavy. Let me carry them. Besides, you just fully recovered, and I don't think putting that kind of strain on your body will do you any good." He chidedKagome softly with a 'You know I'm right,' smirk.

"I'm not weak you know!" Kagome crossed her arms and huffed. "They can't finish all these drinks and takeout anyway. Why did you buy so many?" Kagome was amazed how Bankotsu knew the eating habits of the group. 'Hmm... Inuyasha loves ramen and lemon flavored drinks, Miroku likes to eat Thailand curries, and Kouga loves meat subs. Who would've guessed they would eat takeout?' Kagome smiled. 'You know, I should be angry with them, or hate them even, but hmm… I don't know why I'm not though.'

"Banko!" Kouga waved to his friend and Kagome. "Awesome! You got us food!" Miroku and Kouga threw their brooms onto the floor and stampeded towards Bankotsu. Kagome jumped out of the way and watched in horror as Inuyasha, Miroku and Kouga dug into the bags filled with goodies.

"Hey! I want that!" Inuyasha ripped the bowl of shrimp ramen from Miroku's hands. He tore off the paper lid and slurped down the contents, and sighed happily as the scalding hot soup poured down his stomach. "I'm starving."

"God Inuyasha! Control yourself!" Kouga barked. He brought his foot-long roast beef with melted Swiss cheese, sliced tomatoes, olives, and purple onions, drenched in marinara sauce to his 's eyes nearly bulged out of her eye sockets when she saw how wide Kouga's mouth could open. Kouga smiled dreamily when the flavors sent his taste buds to heaven. He then took several more bites which stuffed both his cheeks to the max.

"I never knew that human cheeks could stretch that wide," Kagome whispered in amazement.

Bankotsu chuckled, "Don't worry Kagome. They're only like this when no one else is around."

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?" Kagome raised an eyebrow. That little statement made Kagome feel a bit invisible.

Bankotsu smirked, "Does it?"

"Nope. Not one bit," Kagome turned around with her back facing the group as Bankotsu joined Miroku, Kouga and Inuyasha in their small feast. 'Sesshoumaru?' She spotted Sesshoumaru by the stairs with his eyes closed. 'He does look a little... what's the word? Sullen? Maybe he does need a little cheering up.'Kagome reached over and grabbed a Lipton Green Tea bottle and headed to where Sesshoumaru was at.

Kagome nudged Sesshoumaru's shoulder with her knee. Sesshoumaru freed one of his ears from his headphones, expecting to hear one of his group friends. "What?" he bit out harshly.

"Are you thirsty?" Kagome asked. She was taken aback by his harsh tone, but she expected it in a way. He was always so different from the people she met. 'Not that I care,'Kagome added. She seemed to be adding that thought in a lot whenever she was on the subject of Sesshoumaru.

Sesshoumaru thought he heard a female's voice. He couldn't really tell, the music was blasting in his ears. He peeked at the being next to him with a half closed eye and found Kagome standing in front of him, "Kagome?"

"No it's the circus man," Kagome scoffed sarcastically. "Who did you think I was?"

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow at Kagome's sarcasm, "I wouldn't think otherwise. You have the voice and looks of one." He reached to take the bottom of Lipton Green Tea from her hands. Kagome snatched it back towards her body. She stuck out her tongue at Sesshoumaru. Kagome crossed her arms and glared at Sesshoumaru, who in return scoffed. "What a childish behavior." Half him expected Kagome to play along. But surprisingly, she didn’t.

Kagome narrowed her eyes at the being in front of her, "To think I was worried about you. You obviously seem fine." She hmphed softly and turned her back to him and began to walk away. Kagome didn't realize she told him the truth that she wanted to dismiss. In all honesty, she was worried about him when Bankotsu told her Sesshoumaru was brooding. She told herself, 'You're not worried. You're just curious Kagome!' Kagome, herself, didn't want to think that there was something going on between them, as friends or as... something more.

'She was worried about me?' Sesshoumaru looked up at Kagome's retreating figure. 'Impossible. We are nothing more than acquaintances. Then again, she nearly died because of me, but I didn't go unscathed either!'Sesshoumaru sighed. The headache he had before was coming back, 'What the heck are we to each other?!' He simply couldn't figure out what they were to each other.

He sighed and inhaled deeply. Sesshoumaru felt his throat constrict. He gagged and began to cough ferociously out of nowhere. He gripped his muscle shirt tightly. The pain was excruciating.

"Sesshoumaru?" Kagome heard his vicious coughing and hurried back to him. She unscrewed the bottle cap and handed the green tea to Sesshoumaru, "Here drink this." Sesshoumaru shook his head. His lungs were burning and his body felt weak and numb. Kagome kneeled by his side and wrapped an arm around his shoulders and eased him back until until his head tilted up slightly. "Sesshoumaru, just try to drink it," she lifted the bottle head to his lips. He took a small sip into in his mouth.

"Sesshoumaru?!" Kagome cried out in shock and fear when Sesshoumaru gagged and spewed out the tea. The rest of the group heard Kagome's cry and rushed over to them. Kagome dug inside her purse and grabbed her ivory handkerchief without a second thought, "here Sesshoumaru." He groaned in pain and accepted the cloth and covered his mouth.

"Kagome! What's going on?" Bankotsu noticed Sesshoumaru was in a coughing fit.

"I-I don't know. He's started to cough out of nowhere!" Kagome patted Sesshoumaru's back softly and grimaced when she saw tiny blotches of black staining her ivory handkerchief. "S-sesshoumaru?" Kagome feared the worst. It was not normal to cough up black, tar like substances.

Inuyasha noticed what Kagome was looking at and scoffed, "Keh, don't be too alarmed. The idiot tried to smoke about an hour ago." He folded his arms in front of his chest. Sesshoumaru's coughing slowly diminished. He looked up and glared at Inuyasha,

"She didn't need to know that." His voice was raspy and hoarse. He reached for the green tea and drank it hungrily.

Kagome was shocked, "What?" She whispered. 'I-I can't believe I was worried about someone who deliberately tried to harm their own body!'Bankotsu saw Kagome’s face and knew she would want to talk to Sesshoumaru privately. He coughed and rubbed his hands together,

"Hey guys, the food is getting cold?" Bankotsu began to walk back towards the small feast, "If you don't want it I'll eat it then." Kouga, Miroku and Inuyasha looked at each other with skeptical expressions before dashing past Bankotsu and resume their small feast.

Sesshoumar’s eyes harden, "Go ahead." He knew Kagome wanted to yell at him for doing something as stupid as trying to smoke. Why did he think she would care anyway? He couldn't really put his tongue on it, but in the back of his mind... he just knew it.

"Go ahead what?" Kagome sat on the step above Sesshoumaru's. Kagome was strangely calm for some reason. It unnerved Sesshoumaru.

"Aren't you going to yell at me? Say something about how stupid it is to smoke?" Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow and looked up at Kagome. Who simply just shrugged and remained quiet. 'Why isn't she yelling at me? Isn't that what she would normally do?' Sesshoumaru tried to shrug it off. 'It doesn't matter if she yells at me or not. What the heck. It's not like I want her to care,' he tried to pass it off. He didn't believe that he wanted her to care. Well actually, he did want her to care. Even if it's just a little, "Kagome. Why aren't you angry with me?" Sesshoumaru tried to get something out of her.

"Sesshoumaru. What do you want me to say? I mean you're your own person. And. I-I don't even know if we're friends or enemies or whatever the heck we are to each other. I mean, I shouldn't care,"Kagome ranted on. She felt rather angry, and worked up. Kagome sighed, she's had enough of this talk. She got up and started to walk away.

"Wait, I don't understand what you're trying to say" Sesshoumaru rushed after her, grabbed her biceps and pulled her around to face him.

"What's not to understand Sesshoumaru? If you want to deliberately hurt yourself by smoking that poison, then by all means, go ahead. I-I really don't care," her voce was laced with uncertainty and rage. Kagome try to shrug off his arm, but he was not letting go. "Sesshoumaru, let go."

"What? I was upset because of you. This past week... I was thinking about- you. I was wondering the same thing, what are we to each other? As much as I hate to admit it, I was wondering why you didn't go back to school the next day. I was sort of... worried," Sesshoumaru swallowed a huge lump in his throat. Never in his life did he expect to give such a mushy speech. Granted, he wasn’t confessing his feelings for her. He didn’t know if he have feelings for her. But recently, the thought of Kagome resenting him really caught him off guard. He was angry that he didn’t retain his distance from girls, angry that he had kissed her more than one occasion. Most of all, he was angry with himself for setting up that prank that nearly cost them both their lives.

Kagome scoffed and stared at him incredulously, "Seriously Sesshoumaru? What kind of prank are you coming up with now?"

"What?" Sesshoumaru had a confused look on his face, 'She thinks I'm pranking her right now?' It wouldn't be unusual since Sesshoumaru did indeed plan the first prank, but he was serious now. "What's wrong with you? You're not yourself."

"Myself? I’m not being myself? Just how well do you know me Sesshoumaru? We don't know each other enough to even be friends. Just- let go," Kagome jerked her arm back and forth trying to make him lose his grip on her biceps. Kagome didn't know why she was so angry with him. The thought of him trying to hurt himself set her body on fire, an angry fire. That fire seemed to consume every ounce of common sense she had, and she didn’t plan to stop it from spreading. She jerked harder as his grip on her arm became tighter.

"S-stop it!" Sesshoumaru was surprised at Kagome's strength. She nearly made him slip. "Kagome! Stop it!" He growled in frustration. He pulled her body to him wrapped an arm around her slim waist. "You're going to hurt yourself."

Kagome glared at Sesshoumaru. Her face was mere inches away from his. "Let me go, Sesshoumaru." Sesshoumaru shook his head,

"Not until you've calmed down."

"Let me go or I'm going to scream," Kagome threatened. She didn't like the proximity between them. She didn't want him to touch her right now. Hugging was out of the question. She didn’t want to be this close to Sesshoumaru. At least, not at that moment.

Sesshoumaru shook his head, “You won’t.” Kagome growled and inhaled deeply. Sesshoumaru’s eyes widen in shock. He didn’t want her to scream. It would alarm Bankotsu and the others, and he will never find out why Kagome is acting like a hormonal cat. ‘Not another one,’ he mentally sighed. Before she could open her mouth to scream, Sesshoumaru closed in the distance and covered her lips with his. Kagome squealed in shock, and ultimately anger.

"Get off!" Kagome managed to say through clenched teeth. His grip on her hair tightened. He roughly smothered her with his lips. Kagome squealed in frustration and fisted her hands on his chest. She tried to shove him off of her body, but the more she managed to push him away the tighter he held onto her. Kagome squealed and whimpered loudly, hoping someone would get the strong male off of her.

Bankotsu heard Kagome's distressed squeal. He turned around to find Sesshoumaru crushing Kagome into his body, while she was fisting and trying to push him off. 'What the heck?' Something was really off, "Guys, what's going on with Kagome and Sesshoumaru?" Miroku, Kouga and Inuyasha looked up and their eyes widened in shock.

"Looks like he's kissing her," Kouga stated causally.

"I don't think she wants him to kiss her," Miroku added with a little concern. Bankotsu nodded. The four headed to the struggling Kagome, but none of them noticed the sudden flash of black until it was too late.

"GET OFF OF HER!" Another male voice boomed throughout the field and schoolyard. All eyes were on the black clad male as he ripped Sesshoumaru off of Kagome. Kagome yelped as she fell on the rough concrete. The black clad male glared at Sesshoumaru. He gripped Sesshoumaru’s shoulder as Sesshoumaru stumbled to balance on his feet, and kneed him in the gut. "Don't touch her again!" Sesshoumaru grunted from the sharp pain. The male then shoved him towards Bankotsu's feet. The black clad male rushed over to help Kagome to sit on her bottom. "Are you alright?"

Kagome stared at him blankly, "Yes..." She had an overwhelming feeling she knew this handsome male holding her in his arms. She watched numbly, almost frozen, as he caressed her bruised lips. She couldn't take her eyes off of his chocolate hues. "He shouldn't have touched you at all," she heard him whisper and her eyes widened in shock as he lowered his face closer to hers. Kagome's breath hitched in her throat; she wanted to move away, but her body wouldn't respond. 'What's going on?' Kagome swallowed nervously, ‘Who are you?’ His lips were a hair away from touching her own. 'I don't want this,' Kagome whimpered softly.

Sesshoumaru growled and raced over to snatch Kagome away from the strange male before his rancid lips can touch hers."Who the fuck are you?" He felt his mask go haywire. Something about this male in front of him annoyed him greatly.

Kagome felt weak in the knees. Was it from the protective embrace of Sesshoumaru or the sudden appearance of the handsome male? She didn't know.

"I suggest you hand Kagome back to me," the male narrowed his eyes dangerously at Sesshoumaru. Kagome flinched under his gaze and felt her knees give out underneath her. Luckily for her, she didn't fall on the concrete. Sesshoumaru wrapped his arms around Kagome’s waist and pulled her into his body until he supported most of her weight. She closed her eyes and buried her face in his chest. She wasn't feeling too well. All thoughts of being angry with Sesshoumaru subsided, and now she was plagued with thoughts of the male in front of her. ‘Who is he?’

"Who are you?" Bankotsu asked and stepped in front of Sesshoumaru and Kagome, blocking the male's view of them.

"Me?" He pointed a finger at himself. Bankotsu nodded. The black clad male smirked and replied, "I am her boyfriend."

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MS - (MAJOR GASP)

Can anyone guess who that is? OMG?! Kagome has a boyfriend?! How come SHE doesn't even know it herself?

Uhohs.. what about sesshy? He seems to really like her too!

Reviews please!

MS- Another chapter, another insanely late update.

(Sobs) This lowly Misera is sorry!!

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On better news, Beneath It All has been nominated to be Dokuga's 2nd Quarter 2.0's Best Alternate Universe Story.

Thank you all who nominated this lovely story!!!

.

Enjoy this chapter!

--- Edited by Infinite Silence

Beneath It All
MiserablySweet

Chapter 13 - A Competitor, A Confession

Previously...

"Who are you?" Bankotsu asked and stepped in front of Sesshoumaru and Kagome, blocking the male's view of them.

"Me?" He pointed a finger at himself. Bankotsu nodded. The black clad male smirked and replied, "I am her boyfriend."

Present...

'This... can't be happening,' Kagome groaned warily. She had no idea who the guy, rather handsome guy, was in front of her. He was introducing himself as her boyfriend! 'This can't be happening!' She heard the hushed gasp from Sesshoumaru. She was scared, no horrified, that he would misunderstand the situation. It really wasn't the fact that she might enjoy spending time with him. It was that she doesn't like to be involved with rumors, gossip and mainly troublesome misconceptions.

"Sesshoumaru, it's not how he says it is. I don't even know him!" Kagome shrugged out of Sesshoumaru's arms and stared him in the eyes. 'He has to know the truth,' She was convinced that misunderstandings between her and Sesshoumaru was not a smart idea. Before Sesshoumaru could even register what Kagome had said, a strong arm wrapped around her slim waist from behind and pulled her back. Kagome's heart skipped a beat. Who was that was holding her?

"Now now, my precious Kagome. What misunderstanding? You've agreed to date me since we were in Kindergarten together," the stranger donned on a charming smile and brushed the side of her jaw. Kagome gasped and attempted to wriggle out of his warm grasps.

"Please, I don't know you," Kagome sounded rather frantic and scared. Her voice came out as a hushed whisper. She didn't want to be in his arms. Definitely not. Even if she knew him, she would never go as far as to hug a man in public. She was conservative and discrete... somewhat.

Bankotsu and Sesshoumaru picked up on Kagome's distress through her voice. Sesshoumaru had, had enough. First, he was taken by complete surprise and was kneed in the gut. Now this man, no boy, in front of him claims to be Kagome's lover. 'Impossible,' Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes dangerously at him. "I suggest you release Kagome now. Or else," Sesshoumaru flexed his fists.

Sesshoumaru had no idea why he was so possessive over Kagome. He never thought in his whole life he'll fight over a woman. Then again he was never the one to fight, but he was not one who will back down from a challenge. And that stranger was challenging Sesshoumaru to his limit.

"Or what?" The chocolate eye male smirked arrogantly. He slowly released his grip on Kagome. Who in return dashed out of his reach and into the safe arms of Bankotsu.

"Are you alright, Kagome?" Bankotsu looked at the frightened girl in his arms. Kagome nodded. She wasn't scared of him. No, that wasn't it at all. From the look of those two, Kagome could tell there would be a fight. Over her. 'Why?' Kagome questioned. She was scared that she had caused all this trouble for everyone she had just met. She didn't want any of this. She never planned to have a boy claim himself as her boyfriend, or a group of extremely handsome males to be her friend. All she wanted was to keep Souta in her care until he was old enough to take care of himself. 'Is that too much to ask for?'

Kagome held her breath when she saw a sudden emotion flash through the black clad male's features. It was a raw, unrestrained emotion to fight and win. She looked over to Sesshoumaru. He too, had a very determined look on his face.

"Are you challenging me? " Sesshoumaru sneered at the over confident teen.

"Yes, " the stranger replied. It was a simple and short answer, it was all the stranger had to say before setting Sesshoumaru's temper off.

"You look pretty confident that you'll win, " Sesshoumaru stiffened his body, readying himself to react when needed to.

"Oh, I know I'll win. I'll beat you and make you look like a fool and then I'll take Kagome as mine again, " the black hair male grinned with great arrogance.

"She was never yours. You won't win, stand down, " Sesshoumaru kept his body on heightened senses. His eyes stared down at the shorter teen, daring him to make a move.

"What makes you think I can't beat you? From the looks of it, you don't look very strong, " the stranger taunted. He was more than sure he'll win, nothing can stop him from defeating the overly arrogant silver hair teen.

The rest of the group stood silently as they spectated their converstaion. Kagome's body grew rather numb and cold with every reply they exchanged. 'Did it matter who will win or not? Why is there a fight anyway?' She blinked her eyes rapidly, trying to think why in the world would they fight in a place like this. No matter how hard she try to think of a reason, it wouldn't come to her.

"Bankotsu, why do they look like they're about to fight?" Kagome asked her friend with a frightened whisper. "Is... Is it about me?"

"Partially. That guy challenged Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru never backs down from a challenge. The fight that's about to happen is no longer about you, but about their pride and strength. Whoever wins will be the strongest one between the two, " Bankotsu swallowed hard. He wasn't worried for Sesshoumaru's well being. He was convinced Sesshoumaru can take care of himself. What Bankotsu was worried about was their Principal. 'What will he think of this?'

"Aren't you going to stop them?" Kagome whipped around to face Bankotsu with her frightened eyes. Bankotsu shook his head,

"Sesshoumaru wouldn't appreciate it."

"No..." she whispers. She didn't want to see Sesshoumaru fight. She didn't want to see anyone get hurt. She's never witnessed a fight in her entire life, and she wasn't going to break that today. "Stop," Kagome wanted to yell out for them to stop. But her fear consumed her body, seeping into her very core, her voice was above a mere whisper.

'Please, stop...' Kagome silently begged. Her eyes widen dramatically when the two males charged at each other. The distance between the two was a good sixty feet apart, with each step they took the distance between them slimmed. The window of opportunity to stop them was closing, quick. Kagome swallowed her fear, she can't allow this to happen. This started with her, and now it'll end with her. She darted into the closing distance of Sesshoumaru and the stranger. She ignored the frantic call of Bankotsu. She ignored the sudden gasp and cry of Sesshoumaru and the strange male for her to get out of their way. The two well built males attempted to slow down their speed. But their momentum was too fast, it was too late.

Kagome clenched her eyes shut, she knew the impact was going to come sooner or later. She just prayed it wouldn't be horrendously painful. That second of collision seems like minutes to Kagome. She awaited the impact and watched through squinted eyes. She silently prayed for a quick, sharp pain followed by immediate blackout.

'Here we go...' Kagome clenched her eyes shut and her body tensed, preparing itself for some form of massive pain. Kagome's mouth shot open as the two teens collided into her. The pain was unbareable, she was unable to make a sound due to the sheer force of the two teens. Her body was like a cushion in between the two males. The unknown male slammed into her back, and Sesshoumaru from the front. The impact was strong enough to knock the air out of Kagome's lungs and send them quivering into shock. The pain was short lived, she blacked out immediately; just as she hoped would happen.

Everyone watched with baited breath as Kagome's small frame crumbled onto the concrete floor.

"Oh my freaking god," Miroku swallowed nervously. All he wanted was to finish his time quietly, hoping not to be sent to the Principal off again. He felt the pit of his stomach churn and twist in fear. He knew his Principal had something special planned for Kagome. If the Principal finds out about this, they would be punished all over again. Miroku shook his head to clear his selfish thoughts, 'Her health is our first priority now.' He looked over to Bankotsu, whose body was visibly shaking in shock. "Banko, we need to check over Kagome. Kouga, call the ambulance," Miroku spoke as calmly as he could at the current situation, but it came out rather shaky and unsure.

Bankotsu nodded numbly, "Yeah." Miroku was right, Kagome's health was definitely the cause for concern. She was just released from the hospital. Miroku, Kouga, Bankotsu and Inuyasha rushed over to the two strongly built teens hovering over Kagome's body.

"What do we do?" the stranger panicked and slid his hand under Kagome's limp form to try to haul her up. "Maybe we should lift her up," his hoarse voice raked against the heavy tension in the small group.

Sesshoumaru snatched one of the stranger's wrist before he lift her body up, "No. It's better if she remains on the ground until the paramedics come."

"Why?! She needs to get up!" The male in black attempted another try to haul Kagome's body up. Bankotsu quickly grabbed his shoulders and squeezed it firmly. The male in black instantly released his grip on Kagome and stared at Bankotsu with a deadly glare. "What was that for?"

"What she needs is to stay down until the paramedics arrive. We don't know if her ribs are broken, if they are... Moving her might puncture her lungs," Miroku's firm eyes never left the stranger's chocolate orbs. 'I don't know who you are, but you have no authority to order us or Kagome around,' Bankotsu narrowed his eyes ever so slightly in distaste. He had no idea whatsoever who he was. But he knew Kagome would tell them, if not them, then just him if she had a boyfriend, and he didn't trust the stranger one bit.

"The ambulance is on it's way," Kouga flipped his cell phone and stuck the device in his pocket. He wasn't too worried about Kagome to be honest. If she survived the fire that nearly killed her several weeks ago, she can get past this. What he was worried about was the familiarity of the teen in front of him. For some odd reason, this wasn't their first time meeting each other.

The stranger ran his hands through his bangs, brushing them to the side. "Well, what do we do now? We can't just sit here and wait for her to die!"

Sesshoumaru was confused. He sensed sincerity in the stranger's voice. Was it possible he really did care for Kagome. Or, he really believed he was Kagome's boyfriend? 'Impossible,' Sesshoumaru shrugged away those ludicrous thoughts from his head. He looked down to Kagome. Her body was still and quiet, except for her ragged breathing. "Is it possible her ribs were still damaged from the prank, Bankotsu?" He questioned his best friend, concealing as much worry from his voice as he could.

Bankotsu on the other hand, was shocked by the sudden question. But that made him think, "It is possible. We don't know for sure. All I know is that she told me she was released with a clean bill of health."

Sesshoumaru shook his head, "It takes longer than a week to mend a broken rib, doesn't it?" This was not looking good for Kagome at all. It was highly possible the rib that she broke while falling down the stairs might've broken again.

"Wait, what? Prank? What prank?" The black hair teen sensed something. 'Why was her rib broken in the first place? How did they know that it was broken... What prank?' He waited patiently for the group to answer his question. They looked at him with an annoyed expression and turned their attention back to Kagome. He tried again, this time louder and angrier. "I said, What Prank?!"

Bankotsu's patience was as thin as a sheet of paper for the stranger. "We scared her down a flight of stairs covered in red paint and nail polish remover. She slipped and fell and broke her rib," he kept his answer as short as possible without giving out too much. He knew he used the term 'we' instead of they. It didn't matter, they were friends. He hoped after this answer, the stranger will be silent until help comes for Kagome. But little did Bankotsu know, that answer has set off another flame.

"You son of a bitch!" The stranger launched himself at Bankotsu. Who in return scoffed.

Bankotsu was one of the best kendo and martial art fighter in the whole school. In fact, the whole group was the top five fighters in martial arts, self defense and kendo artists, with Sesshoumaru being the best. But the stranger didn't know that.

"I can't believe-" The stranger lunged his fist towards Bankotsu's cheek "- you bastards would do something like that." Sadly, his attack missed. Bankotsu simply dodged his advances and avoided hitting the emotion driven teen. "I can't believe-" The teen attempted to launch another set of blows, each one missing by a hair, "- Kagome had to go through all that pain!" With each missed blow, the teen got angrier and more determined than he was before.

"Enough child's play and keep quiet," Sesshoumaru tossed his annoyed opinion over his shoulder. He heard enough of the stranger's sincerity towards Kagome. He didn't want to hear it anymore. What he did want, were answers. Answers only the strange teen can give him and to Kagome as well. He was convinced Kagome was just as surprised as he was when the stranger claimed to be her boyfriend.

Bankotsu nodded in acknowledgment. He waited for the next fist the black hair male threw at him and he snagged onto his wrist. "Enough is enough. Fighting will only upset Kagome when she wakes up."

"How do you know?!" The stranger glared at Bankotsu with as much animosity he could muster. But it didn't phase Bankotsu one bit.

"She's hurt and unconscious because she didn't want to see you and Sesshoumaru fight. Is that enough proof for you?" Out of spite and anger Bankotsu swung the stranger's arm away from his face with great force. He watched with bittersweet triumph when the stranger's shoulder slumped and looked away in defeat. It was true after all.

The group heard the siren of the ambulance not too far away from them. But a louder sound of an car engine drowned out the siren.

"Oh no..." Inuyasha gulped. His body was suddenly stricken with fear. He knew the sound of that engine. It could mean no other than...

"INUYASHA!" A feminine shriek sounded through the enormous school yard. A well dressed, black hair teen stomped up towards Inuyasha with fury and fire burning in her eyes.

Inuyasha's body grew numb and unresponsive, "Hey... babe..." he mustered sheepishly. It was all he could manage to say.

"Don't you 'babe' me, Inuyasha. I told you I hate being called that. What is the matter with you? You were supposed to meet me at my house an hour ago!" Kikyou jabbed her manicured finger in Inuyasha's chest.

"I was busy with the cleaning!" Inuyasha gathered up his courage and shouted out his answer. It was a little too loud for his girlfriend's comfort.

"Are you yelling at me? How dare you?! Wait until I ..." Kikyou stuck her head out and stole a glance behind Inuyasha. 'Hey, I know that girl.' Kikyou saw Kagome laying listlessly on the ground. "What's wrong with her?" It was a miracle for Inuyasha, and the rest of the group's ears. Kikyou's scolding can really send you to hell.

"She's unconscious," Bankotsu answered. He for one, was not scared of her one bit.

"Ane-ue (elder sister)," the stranger bowed his head slightly to Kikyou. Who in return gasped, and suddenly squealed in happiness.

"Naraku! When have you returned from Japan?" Kikyou embraced her adopted brother with loving arms. She always loved him as her little brother, whether he was adopted or blood related to her. Her heart nearly broke when he had to go to Japan with her father when he was in kindergarten. 'Oh how I've missed you!' She admired her little brother's handsome face. Kikyou saw regret and pain swirl painfully in his chocolate orbs. She was instantly alarmed, "What's wrong Naraku?"

"Kagome... she's hurt because of me," Naraku solemnly nodded to Kagome on the ground.

"What... did you do exactly?" Kikyou was somewhat skeptical that Naraku cared about the girl he just met.

"I saw this guy hurting Kagome. I went to stop him and somehow Kagome didn't remember me at all. It was weird, that's for sure. The guy challenged me, and we were about to fight but Kagome came in between us and... got squished." Naraku briefly explained to Kikyou.

"You're Kikyou's brother?" Bankotsu questioned with wonder. Naraku hesitantly nodded. He was still a bit wary of Bankotsu.

"How do you know Kagome?" Miroku couldn't help but repeat the question.

"I will tell you all when Kagome is awake and safe in the hospital," Naraku firmly stated. He didn't want to tell them anything. Kagome, was the first person who he wanted to remind who he was.

Kikyou sighed dramatically. "Well, it seems like the ambulance is here," she noted at the blaring siren and the flashing lights. Kikyou turned her attention to Inuyasha, "Honestly, Inuyasha. What do I have to do to keep your hands off of a girl when I'm not around?!"

"What?! No! This time it wasn't me! It was Sesshoumaru and your stupid brother!" Inuyasha pointed at Naraku. "It was his fault this time. Why the hell do you always think I'm cheating on you?!" Inuyasha raised his voice louder and louder. He had enough of Kikyou accusing him day in and day out. Was she that insecure?

"Maybe because you give me something to accuse you of," came Kikyou's silent whisper. She hated the loud sirens, it racked her brain into pieces. And she hated Inuyasha's attitude towards women. She's had enough of her boyfriend. She reached over and grabbed Naraku's wrist softly and pulled him away, "Come little brother. We're leaving." With that said, Naraku cast a final glance at Kagome's body before silently following his elder sister to her car. It was not wise to provoke a hurting woman.

Inuyasha stared at her retreating figure, 'What is she talking about?' His eyes never looked away for a second as the paramedics swarmed in around the group to help Kagome into a gurney. His eyes were glued to the spot where Kikyou stepped into her car and drove away. 'Does... this mean we're over?'

-0-0-0-0-0-

"How is she, doctor?" Bankotsu worried over his new friend. He was still a bit confused as why he cared for Kagome so much, but it was not a time to think about such trivial matters.

"Considering she was just released from the hospital from her previous injuries," Dr. Masuyo pushed his glass further up the bridge of his nose. He had a solemn look on his face. 'When will these kids learn? She may recover now, but the injuries like these can cause fatal problems when she's grown old...'

"Dr. Masuyo?" Bankotsu urged the doctor to continue. He held his breath. He prayed Kagome had no fatal injuries.

"Let's just say, Kagome is like a daughter to me. Her grandfather has been my patient for a long while now. If anything happened to her... it will not be one life, or two lives. But three lives on the line. I pray you boys will be careful with her. These repeating injuries are taking a toll on her already stressed body," Dr. Masuyo paused shortly after his small speech. He took in their somewhat guilty faces and sighed, "She is fine, except for a few bruises around her chest and below her back shoulders."

Sesshoumaru let out the breath he was holding since the doctor came into the room. He understood what the doctor was trying to say. He readily agree to it too, but... what happened was out of his control. It was never planned. He... He felt a surge of jealousy and anger when the stranger claimed to be Kagome's boyfriend. But the main question was; why?

"Thank you Dr. Masuyo, we'll make sure she will be safe from now on," Bankotsu escorted the expereinced doctor out of the room.

"You know. Kagome's going to freak when she realizes she's in the hospital again," Kouga joked and folded his arms in front of his chest. The response to his joke was two pairs of eyes glaring at him, another pair of eyes staring into space and another pair looking at him with confusion. "What? I'm just trying to lighten the mood. Tough crowd." Kouga scoffed and headed out of the room. He felt rather unappreciated at the moment and wanted to do something to lift up his mood. 'Maybe flirt with some hot nurses,' he smirked. Miroku caught on his smirk and promptly followed his friend out of the room.

Bankotsu sat at the edge of the hospital bed. He look a quick glance at his best friend who was sitting there like a rock. "Sesshoumaru?" He was worried for his childhood friend. He hasn't been acting like himself ever since they met Kagome. Could Kagome be the cause of all this commotion? "Sesshoumaru, are you alright?"

"Yeah," Sesshoumaru whispered in a monotone voice. He was obviously in deep thought over something. However, Bankotsu didn't know about. But he dare not ask what it was about. Sesshoumaru might seem cool headed most of the time, but Bankotsu knows better. Sesshoumaru can raise hell if someone pushes him to the edge. It was almost like the look on Sesshoumaru's eyes when he was facing Kikyou's brother.

'Can it be?' Bankotsu felt he was coming to an odd conclusion. He glanced around the room to see if Inuyasha was still around. Surprisingly he was nowhere in sight. 'Maybe he left a while ago?' Bankotsu shook his head and directed his attention back to Sesshoumaru and Kagome. 'Well, it's now or never.'

"Hey Sesshoumaru, can I ask you something?" Bankotsu placed a warm hand on Sesshoumaru's should to snap him out of his thoughts.

"What?" came Sesshoumaru's icy response.

"I don't know how to ask this but," Bankotsu felt a sense of deja vu coming. It was like asking Kagome the same question. Will his friend deny it too? Is it even wise to ask Sesshoumaru while he's so grumpy?

"What is it Bankotsu?" Sesshoumaru bit out in annoyance. He wasn't in the mood to wait for his friend to ask him a question that might not have anything to do with him. But then again, Bankotsu was never the one to waste time. "What is it Bankotsu. Spit it out already."

"Do you like Kagome?" Bankotsu blurted out after Sesshoumaru urged him to tell him the question faster. He watched Sesshoumaru's eyes widen slightly, then squint, and close for several seconds before opening them once more. Sesshoumaru looked at Kagome with confusion swirling in his eyes. "Well Sesshoumaru? Do you like her?"

Sesshoumaru was silent. He didn't know how to answer that question. He wasn't sure of the answer himself. All he knew was that Kagome, was different from the girls the group hung out from time to time. "I don't know," Sesshoumaru responded honestly.

"Well Sesshoumaru, that's quite an answer," Bankotsu laughed softly, "it's quite different from Kagome's answer."

This caught Sesshoumaru's attention, "You asked her if she liked me?" Sesshoumaru felt his heart skip a beat. 'What the hell?' It was uncalled for. His fingers felt tingly, like a thousand tiny needles poking him endlessly. He felt his neck grow hot and sticky, was it him or the room was getting hotter by the second?

"Yep." Bankotsu smirked. 'So he does care after all. My my my Sesshoumaru, you are only denying your own feelings.'

"Well? What was her answer?" Sesshoumaru pressed on. He really didn't know why he wanted to hear her answer. Subconsciously he hoped Kagome liked him. With that answer, he can convince himself she was a witch and put a spell on him. 'What?' he questioned himself for that stupid thought. He scoffed and threw the idea aside. Sesshoumaru wanted to know. Maybe her answer will help him decide whether or not he should like her or give her up to Naraku.

"I can't tell you, Sesshoumaru. You'll have to ask Kagome yourself," Bankotsu didn't want to play matchmaker. He just wanted to know why his friend was acting this way. And well, he got his answer. It was Kagome. Plain and simple. 'Well, there's nothing simple about her,' Bankotsu shook his head softly with a smile on his face.

Sesshoumaru grunted in frustration, "You're impossible. You know that? I can never get any answers from you."

"Yes, I know. But I want an answer from you," Bankotsu pointed at Kagome's sleeping face and wagged his finger vertically. "Do you like Kagome?"

"I told you, I don't know," Sesshoumaru was getting frustrated all over again. He really didn't know. All he knew, honestly knew, was that he didn't want to give Kagome up to that stranger. He would rather not acknowledge his name.

"It's simple, I'll give you what I think if you answer my five questions with honesty. Unless, you can't handle it," Bankotsu challenged his best friend. His friend never backed down from a challenge for as long as he knew him. It was a good fifteen years of friendship since they met in Kindergarten when they were both four.

"Go ahead," Sesshoumaru arrogantly replied. 'What do I have to lose anyway?' Yes, testosterone can be a very tricky hormone.

"Would you give Kagome to Naraku? As in, let them become a couple?"

"No," Came Sesshoumaru's sharp and quick reply.

Bankotsu smirked 'One point to Like.' He nodded and asked Sesshoumaru his second question, "When you kissed Kagome, did you like it?"

"Which one?" Sesshoumaru asked and regrets it immediately. He heard Bankotsu's gasp. Sesshoumaru mentally scolded himself. His friends never knew about the kisses Kagome and him shared other than the elevator kiss and the forced kiss in the schoolyard.

"Wow Sesshoumaru, how many did you even share with her?" Bankotsu was rather shocked to hear that question from Sesshoumaru. He wanted to pat his friend on the back and say 'Well Done,' but who knows how he'll react.

"Is that another question?" Sesshoumaru grimly retorted. Bankotsu shook his head in response.

"You didn't even answer my second question. Did you enjoy the kisses you shared with Kagome?"

"Yes," came Sesshoumaru abrupt answer. "Wait, No." Sesshoumaru paused again, "... maybe..."

"Well, which one is it Sesshoumaru. That was three answers," Bankotsu didn't want to admit it but, he enjoyed seeing Sesshoumaru with his composure down. He was like any other babbling fool without his mask.

"My answer is... maybe," Sesshoumaru concluded. Bankotsu nodded, 'Another point for Like.' It was obviously true Sesshoumaru enjoyed kissing Kagome, somewhat at least. He just didn't want to admit it. 'That's two points for Like, zero for Don't Like. Oh Sesshoumaru, I wonder how you'll score.'

"My third question, The moment you heard Naraku say he was Kagome's boyfriend, were you jealous or angry?"

'That is a good question, I was... angry... and jealous,' Sesshoumaru furrowed his eyebrows. He wasn't sure were Bankotsu was going with this, but he can tell Bankotsu was taking in every second of amusement from this as he could. "Both. Jealous and Angry."

'Ah-ha, Three points for Like,' Bankotsu nodded to himself, 'I wonder how he's going to take it?' He shrugged softly and began his fourth question, "What would you do if Naraku really kissed Kagome before you stopped him?"

"I wouldn't let him kiss her. I'd stop him in time," Sesshoumaru responded confidently. "Bankotsu, what does this have to do with anything?"

"You'll see, Sesshoumaru. But there's one more question I want to ask you." Bankotsu waited for Sesshoumaru nod and asked his final question. "Would you take her on a vacation?"

"What?" Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow, "What kind of question is that?"

"Just answer it," Bankotsu stood up on his feet and walked to the couch. He sighed softly as he leaned back against the soft couch and waited for Sesshoumaru's answer.

Sesshoumaru was taking his sweet time thinking over this question. Would he take her on vacation? 'What kind of stupid question is that? I mean, sure if she'll go. If he means would I pay for her vacation, then yes... why not?' Sesshoumaru sighed, he had no idea where Bankotsu was going with these odd questions but hey, like he said before, what harm can it do? "Yes Bankotsu, I would."

As if on cue, Kagome stirred in her sleep, catching the attention of Sesshoumaru immediately.

"Sesshoumaru?" Kagome mumbled softly under her breath. Where is she now?

"You're in the hospital. What were you thinking? Are you sick in the head? Have you stressed yourself out so much that you'll throw your body in danger? What the heck is wrong with you?!" Sesshoumaru yelled out the last question. Kagome narrowed her eyes dangerously at Sesshoumaru.

"No! You! You, stupid, rich.. idiot! I was trying to stop a fight!" Kagome sat up on the hospital bed and glared down at Sesshoumaru. Who, in return, stared at her with twice the anger she was directing to him.

Bankotsu chuckled softly to himself, "Five Points..." Unknowing to Sesshoumaru and Kagome, he has formed a plan to bring those two stubborn idiots together. He sprang up from the couch, "I have to get going. I'll leave you two alone." He then walked over to Sesshoumaru and brought his mouth to Sesshoumaru's right ear, "Just for the record Sesshoumaru. You like her." Bankotsu whispered as softly as he could. He didn't wait for his friend's reaction and immediately left the room.

Sesshoumaru's body stiffened, "What?"

"What?" Kagome glared at him with resentment. She didn't like him too much at this moment. She wakes up sore and groggy, and he throws all these questions at her. And worse yet, he yelled at her for no apparent reason! 'Gah! Men,' Kagome huffed to herself and folded her arms in front of her chest and looked the other way.

Sesshoumaru blinked several times in confusion, still shocked from Bankotsu's response. He looked at Kagome and subconsciously asked himself, "I like you?" How did Bankotsu know when he didn't know it himself?

Kagome's breath hitched in her throat, "What?" she whispers. Her head swirled like a whirlpool in a middle of a raging typhoon. 'What the heck did he just say?!'

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Misera - WEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! SHOCKA BABY SHOCKA!

(giggles) sorry for my childish behavior, but I couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear while writing the last portion of this chapter.

I'm so sorry for the late update, it's a long story and I rather not write it for public view!

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Please review!

Misera- UHM.... HI =D

The Sequel to As A Courtesan(Chap.1) will be the next update!

Enjoy this chapter!

--- Edited by Ice Lioness

Beneath It All
MiserablySweet

Chapter 14 - Surprise, Surprise

Previously...

"What?" Kagome glared at him with resentment. She didn't like him too much at this moment. She wakes up sore and groggy, and he throws all these questions at her. And worse yet, he yelled at her for no apparent reason! 'Gah! Men,' Kagome huffed to herself and folded her arms in front of her chest and looked the other way.

Sesshoumaru blinked several times in confusion, still shocked from Bankotsu's response. He looked at Kagome and subconsciously asked himself, "I like you?" How did Bankotsu know when he didn’t know it himself?

Kagome's breath hitched in her throat, "What?" she whispers. Her head swirled like a whirlpool in the middle of a raging typhoon. 'What the heck did he just say?!'

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Present...

Sesshoumaru stared at Kagome with a puzzling face, "What?" He knew he heard her respond in a very shocked and dubious manner. But what was it that made her react this way? Was it something he said? 'I'm pretty sure I haven't said a word after Bankotsu told me...'

Sesshoumaru trailed off. Bankotsu's word replayed again in his head, it almost seems like it was taunting him. Of what though?

'Is it that bad to like this girl?' He asked himself. He scoffed lightly, his other side; the more rational side, claims that she is poor and ordinary. Sesshoumaru leaned back against the chair, 'Maybe ordinary is what I need.' Then again, there was nothing ordinary about Kagome. Sesshoumaru couldn't help but chuckle softly at a memory they shared not too long ago. 'The human Mickey mouse,' he shook his head lightly.

"What prank are you coming up with now Sesshoumaru?" Kagome hissed through her clenched teeth. She saw his amused face and somehow she assumed it wasn't a good thing about her. This teen in front of her just confessed to her. Should she be happy? Or should she be wary that he might as well be pulling another prank on her. 'He is the one who landed me in the hospital,' she wrinkled her nose in dismay. Then again, he wasn't irresponsible about it. In fact,Kagome remembered him rushing down the stairs to check if she was alright. 'That's a point right?' But then again, he was the reason why she was in the hospital... sighed dejectedly. She had a bad feeling about this...

"So, you think I'm joking around right now?" Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms in front of his chest. He watched Kagome nodded somewhat hesitantly before continuing. He couldn't tell her anything else. For all he knew, he could be dreaming! 'Wait... If I dream about her then, does that make me like her?'Sesshoumaru sighed and rubbed his face with his hand in a very frustrated manner. "What can I say Kagome? I don't know if I do or I don't," he replied honestly. Kagome was a dilemma…a dilemma he wouldn't mind solving , but he wouldn't want her to disappear as soon as he figured it out.

Kagome narrowed her eyes at Sesshoumaru calculatingly, 'Is he serious? He just said he liked me and now he said he doesn't know if he likes me or not? Just what are you up to Sesshoumaru ?' She remained quiet, she felt if she opened her mouth, it would say some things that he was never meant to hear. The big question, no... problem, is that; was he serious? Kagome really would love to know. 'He's such a-ah... What's the right word to call him? A puzzle? An enigma? Hell, he seems more like a pain in the ass!' She huffed at his handsome smile.

"What's with the pout Kagome?" Sesshoumaru stood on his feet and patted the invisible dust and wrinkles from his uniform. He couldn't help but smile a smile only a prince charming can give to his princess. "So? Are you going to tell me?"Kagome shook her head and continues to pout. Her perky pink lips caught his eye; he couldn't help but stare at her all over again. He was beginning to think Bankotsu was right. Could he really be right? The more he found himself staring at Kagome, the more he realized that he enjoyed the flowery scent of her hair, and her unsteady cerulean depths. 'Could it be?'

"Impossible," Sesshoumaru's rational side proclaimed. It was near impossible for him to like a girl like her, right? Was it even possible? He shook his head. 'I'm letting Bankotsu get to me,' he sighed and ran his hand through his flawless hair.

"What's impossible?" Kagome finally spoke.

"Nothing important," Sesshoumaru bit out roughly. 'As if...' he thought grimly. He needed to time to think. Time away from Kagome, just for a moment. What can happen in a moment? "I have to go for a few minutes. I'll be back shortly," Sesshoumaru stated curtly. He turned sharply on his heel without another word. 'If Bankotsu's right; that I do like Kagome... I'll have to confess to her...wont I?' He dragged the door closed quietly behind him, leaving a very confused Kagome alone in the room.

"What was that about?" Kagome asked no one in particular. She just saw several chaotic emotions swirl around in Sesshoumaru's eyes. She only made one out though: confusion. What could he possibly be confused about? 'I like you?' His words played again her head like an unwanted broken record. Was it possible that he was telling the truth? He could be, right?

'Wrong,' Kagome scolded herself. 'He obviously said it in a question form! He probably just asked himself that to make sure he doesn't like me?' But then again, she reasoned, why wouldSesshoumaru be so kind to her if he wasn't sweet on her... not even a little? Kagome groaned exasperatedly and shoved her body against the backboard of the bed, 'I give up!'

Kagome shook her head softly, 'Would I even mind if we... I don't know. Became a couple?' So enveloped in her thoughts about Sesshoumaru, she failed to notice the door swing opening quietly. "... Kinda cute... " Kagome finished aloud, catching the attention of another visitor.

"Cute? Well thank you, my lovely Kagome. That is such a nice compliment," the visitor chuckled with mirth.

"You?!" Kagome pointed a finger at the friendly intruder. "What are you doing here? Who the heck are you?!" She nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard his familiar velvety voice. 'What is he doing here?'Kagome was not necessary scared of him, more of a dangerous curiosity.

"Kagome," Naraku began. He gracefully sat on the edge of her bed and grabbed her small hands in his, "I'm Naraku. Have you forgotten me already?" He looked deep into Kagome's eyes; searching for recognition, a short flash of memory... something. This girl in front of him has been the love of his life since kindergarten. 'I know you'll remember me...'

"You do remember me, don't you?" His chocolate hues burned with desperation. It was impossible for Kagome not to feel sympathetic for Naraku.

'Naraku... Why does that name sound so familiar?' Kagome closed her eyes. There was something on the edge of her thoughts, something that might tell her who this Naraku is. Something about him was so familiar, it was driving Kagome into the direction of insanity. 'Where have I seen those eyes before? I-I know those eyes. I've seen them somewhere...so long ago. But where?' A sudden image of a schoolyard flashed through her head. 'This place is so familiar...is this...my old kindergarten?' The more she forced herself remember, the clearer the picture became...

-----

"Neh neh, Kagome! Look what I have!" A chubby boy with raven hair and chocolate eyes giggled happily while holding a surprise for his best friend. "Wait! Don't look!" the five year old turned young Kagome around and set his present on the colorful bench.

"What is it Nakky?" Kagome grumbled irritably. She was starving! Her mother forgot to pack her lunch this morning and she's too afraid to ask her teacher for a little patted her rumbling stomach, “It's okay, tummy! We're going to have cookies soon!” She thought talking to her stomach might make it rumble less, as young she may be, she didn't know that her stomach didn't have a mind of it's own.

"Okay! All done! Lookie here Kagome!" Naraku grabbed her tiny hand in his chubby one and spun her around. "Tada!" He threw his hands up in the air and giggled loudly. In front of them was a messily decorated vanilla frosting cupcake. "You don't have your yummy lunch with you today, and I can hear your tummy talk! So you can have my cupcake! I made it myself!"

Kagome looked at the chocolate cupcake with vanilla frosting hanging off the edge. It looked like something was shoved inside the center of cupcake from the top, but Kagome didn't care. She was absolutely hungry and she'll eat anything at the moment. She grinned merrily and hugged her best friend, "Thank you! Thank you!" Holding the cupcake greedily in her small hands, Kagome began to devour the delicious desert.

Naraku tiptoed on his feet and glanced at the cupcake expectantly, almost as if waiting for something to happen. As if on cue, young Kagome grimaced suddenly and shoved her fingers in her chocolaty mouth to take out a white plastic ring covered with chocolate cake crumbs.

"What is this?" Kagome eyed the plastic jewelry questionably. What can this possible be?

Naraku took the plastic ring from her hands and brushed the chocolate cake crumbs off.

With his free hand, he grabbed Kagome's and slipped on the plastic ring, "My daddy's taking me somewhere far away. We can't see each other for a long time." The thought of leaving his best friend, his love behind scared him immensely. Naraku sniffled; trying to hold back his tears. "So, I got this ring so...it's a promise that I'll come back! And...and you have to marry me when I come back!" He proclaimed surely.

Kagome blinked in dumbfounded confusion, "When will you come back?" She whimpered through teary eyes. The boy who defended her from her bullies is leaving her. The very boy who would share his toys, snacks and books with her is leaving her. Young Kagome felt nothing but overwhelming sadness. The cupcake fell out of her hands as crocodile tears began to cascade down her rosy cheeks. "Don't leave Nakky! Don't leave me alone," Kagome wailed, not caring for the fact she was still very hungry.

"I'll come back! My daddy promised me that I'll come back!" Naraku smiled sadly and pulled the wailing Kagome into a comforting embrace. "So you have to promise me, you know! That you'll marry me when I come back... okay Kagome?"

Kagome looked up into Naraku's big eyes, eyes that reminded her of delicious chocolate truffles. "Okay Nakky. I promise you," Kagome tiptoed on her feet and kissed his chubby cheeks. "We’re gonna get married when you come back."

Naraku grinned through his tears, "I love you Kagome."

"I love you, Nakky."

-----

Kagome gasped in realization, "I do know you... Nakky... Naraku." She kept her eyes closed; she was afraid if she opened them, Naraku would hold out a ring and propose to her. What was she supposed to say? That she was young and stupid? She accepted his proposal when she was five. Five!Kagome was in no way old enough to make such a decision at that age. So...what can she say now? 'Better think of something Kags. Keep your eyes closed until you get a good excuse if he asks you to marry him!' Kagome ordered herself. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

Naraku waited patiently for Kagome to open her eyes after she said she remembered. But, she kept her eyes closed. 'Why?' Naraku tilted his head to the side in question. Was she trying to remember their sweet moments together? 'It must be!' He smiled assumingly. From this angle, Kagome's pink lips looked softer to Naraku. 'She would want a kiss,' Naraku assumed and focused his attention on her lips. 'I still love you, my Kagome,' Naraku lowered his eyes and inched closer to Kagome's face. 'I'd do anything for you...'

-0-0-0-0-0-

Sesshoumaru stared at his reflection in the men's restroom; he finally came to a conclusion: He had no idea if he liked her or not, but he'll risk it and ask her if she liked him. He has to know. He felt his brain was splitting apart just from thinking about it. His heart would skip a beat or two when a part of him would say he definitely liked her and that she was attracted to him as well. But his rational side, so he names it, said it was impossible for someone of his status to like a commoner.

"Commoner?" Sesshoumaru scoffed and continued to stare at his cold, stoic reflection. "We're not in ancient times, commoners and royalty don't exist in this world." He nodded sharply in agreement, but in the back of his mind he thought royalty might not exist, but wealth difference does. 'Well, we'll have to see if I like her enough for me to look past how much wealth we have,'Sesshoumaru turned the doorknob of the restroom door. He paused momentarily and looked back at the mirror, 'After all, beneath this mask... I'm only human.'

-0-0-0-0-0-

Sesshoumaru gripped on the doorknob to Kagome's room nervously, his knuckles turned a bright white color from the tension and force of his grip. 'Okay, breath Sesshoumaru. Just walk in, and ask her the simple question. That's all there is to it,' He nodded and exhaled his tension and turned the knob. "I can do this," he whispered his own words of encouragement to himself. 'I can do this,' Sesshoumaru pushed open the door quietly and looked up from the floor.

"K-" Sesshoumaru stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the scene in front of him. Kagome had her eyes closed, and Naraku was a breath away from kissing her sweet lips. 'What's going on?' He felt a sudden waves of jealousy and rage course through his body. 'How dare he?!' He took another step into the room before his rational side stopped him from interfering. 'So much for liking me,'Sesshoumaru clenched his jaws tightly; his teeth grinding painfully in his mouth. All of a sudden, his previous words of encouragement failed to give him any support to break the scene before him. 'I can't do this.'

Sesshoumaru grasped the metallic door tighter than ever and slammed the door behind him. 'Kagome... I can't believe you would let that bastard kiss you,' Sesshoumaru felt the hallway rise to a temperature of the burning sun. What he saw in the room unnerved him greatly. 'I-I need to get out of here,' he slammed his hand against a framed painting hanging in the hallway. He was angry. No, not even the word angry could describe his current state. He felt nothing but pain. But not from the glass shards piercing his skin, but the fact that Kagome might be out of his reach now.

'Out of my reach?' He asked himself. It was then when he knew the answer to his dilemma; he does like Kagome. 'Out of all the girls in the world, I had to like her. Kagome and her stupid laugh, her stupid smile and her damned eyes!' Kagome invoked emotions in him like no one else ever had. Her eyes enchanted his very soul and her laughter brightened his day...what was he to do?Sesshoumaru growled in frustration and swung his feet against a leg of a chair in the hallway. He had solved his dilemma and now he has a rival, and he had to decide. Beat his rival and confess to Kagome or just...give her up?

-0-0-0-0-0-

Kagome jumped in shock when the door slammed shut; breaking her concentration and the silence of the room. "Naraku?" She found his face dangerously close to her own and she didn't like it one bit. "What are you doing?" The proximity between them didn't bother her as much as the look on his face did.

"What does it look like? I'm about to kiss you," Naraku moved in for his prize. He would have her. He would marry her. At least, that's what he believed.

"No!" Her mind went into a frenzy when she heard his words and her right arm instinctively delivered an uppercut to Naraku's chin, "No!" She yelled again. Kagome paused for a moment, 'What just happened?' She opened her eyes to find her right arm hanging in front of her and Naraku on the floor clutching his chin tightly. "Oh my god, Naraku! Are you alright?" She hauled her legs off the bed and knelt beside him.

"You hit quite hard, Kagome," Naraku smiled warily, a tinge of blood spotted a corner of his lips. He didn't mind she hit him. After all, he was the one who made the advance. "My apologies, Kagome. It was an ungentlemanly act on my part," Naraku sighed and rubbed his chin tenderly. "What a punch," he commented with a mirthful nod.

Kagome smiled apologetically, "I'm sorry. I didn't know what to do at that moment. It- it was…instinctive?" She finished with a questionable sentence. She knew she saw the face of Sesshoumaru when she clenched her eyes shut. That was what made her suddenly uppercut the poor fellow. 'Why did I think of Sesshoumaru at that moment? How weird can this get?' Kagome shook the thoughts of Sesshoumaru from her head. There's a problem now, and it wasn't about Sesshoumaru. It was about Naraku, and their young promise to marry when Naraku returned.

-0-0-0-0-0-

Kagome took in a sharp breath as the view of RedWood High pulled closer. "It's been a while. To think I've been away for several weeks," she shook her head in disappointment, 'How will I even catch up?' Then again, RedWood High was not as bright as she thought the student population would be. It wouldn't be too hard, right? Kagome pushed open the double door of the prestigious school. She couldn't help but think back to her near kiss with Naraku. She wasn't thinking about it because of Naraku, more so, she wondered why she thought of Sesshoumaru at that specific moment.

"Why did I think of him?" It wasn't like she was in love with him, was she? Kagome shook the thoughts of the incredibly arrogant yet gentle teen from her head as she pushed open the door to her school. As always, she was a bit earlier than everyone else. If you can count ten minutes early a 'little bit.' She set her books softly on top of her desk and decided to sit patiently in the room instead of wandering around. A sudden gleam from an unknown object outside the window caught her eye. 'From the meadow?'

Kagome pushed open the hidden door to the 'secret' meadow. The cooling breeze caressed her bare legs and dragged several fallen leaves along with it. She had almost forgotten how beautiful and serene this place was. She scanned the enclosed area once more; to her surprise it seemed bigger than before. But then again, did it really matter?Kagome headed towards the leaves-shedding maple. "This place is so beautiful," she breathed out in wonder.

"Kagome?" a male voice called from the other side of the tree.

Kagome tilted her head in question and wondered who it could possibly be, although a side of her knew who he was. "Ah, Sesshoumaru?" She unknowingly blushed at his sharp nod. She noticed he was crouched down on all fours; almost as if he's looking for something. "What are you doing?"Kagome stepped closer to Sesshoumaru and kneeled besides him.

"Looking for my necklace," Sesshoumaru stated bleakly. He had lost it only moments ago when he accidentally tripped over a small hole. Given, he's not going to tell her that. She'd never let him live it saw her kneeling there; watching his every move. "Are you going to help me look for it or not? If not then get out of the way."Sesshoumaru pushed her aside softly. He was still quite angry at Kagome for letting that stupid Naraku kiss her. 'Her lips belong to me,' he unconsciously declared. Oh no, he wasn't angry. He was sore, extremely sore at Naraku, Kagome included. He had been thinking about nonstop for the past several days, and he couldn't decide to leave her or fight for her. She was giving him an immense headache.

"Neh, you don't have to be so rude as to push me!" Kagome huffed and placed her hands between his ribs and hips and shoved him off his knees. Kagome wrinkled her nose and turned her face away sharply.

Sesshoumaru growled threateningly, "What was that for?!" He has had enough of Kagome. The image of that bastard's face near Kagome's kept flashing itself over and over again in his head. It had been like that since he saw them in the hospital. It had been in his mind, flaunting itself in his head while he was thinking of her. He was about to lose it.

He didn't know where this sudden rage came from, in fact he was rather scared he might lose control and hurt her. He couldn't possibly bring himself to hurt her. He would never forgive inhaled deeply through his nose to calm himself down. He opened his eyes slowly once he attained control of his emotions once more. "Just forget it," he cleared his throat and continued to search for his missing necklace. He brushed past the heavily breathing Kagome. 'Is she angry?'

"What's the matter with you?!" Kagome shoved Sesshoumaru onto the grass once more. She didn't know why she felt so angry at him. Was it his sudden indifference after his confession? 'Was he really playing around with me?' It hurt her deeply that he would go as far as to make up a lie to hurt her. What did she ever do to him? It was possible after all, that he was playing with her. He was handsome and popular, why wouldn't he mess around with the new kid in school? That thought was all she needed to make her decision. "I hate you," she whispered out of impulse.

Sesshoumaru stiffened at her sudden words of hate, "What?" What did she just say?

"You heard me, you stupid jerk!" Kagome gritted her teeth painfully together and sneered at Sesshoumaru. "To think you can possible be serious about liking me. But I guess your confession was fake!" Kagome began to dash to the door but was stopped quickly as Sesshoumaru snatched her wrist.

"What are you talking about Kagome?" Sesshoumaru pulled her flushed against his body. 'What a familiar sight,' he mentioned grimly. "Now you tell me, what are you talking about?"

Kagome didn't bother to struggle. She knew if she struggled or tried to break free; it would be like the schoolyard incident. She might as well answer him, he did have a right to know. "You know,Sesshoumaru . I was really beginning to think you were a decent guy beneath all your stupid materialistic needs. I really thought you weren't those stereotypical rich playboys. I really thought beneath it all, you were honorable and responsible. But I was wrong." Kagome avoided his intense and confused gaze. She felt his body tense ever so slightly before instantly releasing his embrace.

"You're right," Sesshoumaru ran a hand through his hair. "I am materialistic, but do you know why?" He waited for her to look at him, and indeed she did. She glared at him from the corner of her eye. "Because I am rich. Filthy rich. I don't need responsibility. I don't want it. And yes, Kagome. The feeling is mutual, I was very wrong about you too."

This picked up Kagome's interest, 'What did I do?' She couldn't help but wonder how she has wronged him.

"I thought you respected your body," Sesshoumaru sneered. He couldn't help but let his mind wander back to her and Naraku. 'Disgusting.'

"What?"

"I thought, you were the type of girl to defend your honor and dignity. But I was very wrong. You-" Sesshoumaru pointed a well manicured finger at Kagome. "You kissed a stranger on the first day you met him. I regret defending you against him. Obviously you two were meant to be with each other."Sesshoumaru leered at Kagome's sudden reaction; realization.

"You were the one who slammed the door shut?" Kagome felt her body grow warm. She felt like a kid again, a kid that was caught lying about finishing her homework. 'Was that why he didn't come back like he said he would?'Kagome swallowed nervously. It was all clear to her now. Maybe, he walked in and saw Naraku and took back his confession to her. Was that really what has happened? "Sesshoumaru, let me explain." Kagome had to clear this mess up, she didn't want him to mistaken her. But she knew it would be nearly impossible while he was angry. She had pushed him onto the grass twice, and accused his pride and honor. She was sure, he wasn't going to grant her forgiveness.

"Forget it. I don't want to hear it," Sesshoumaru brushed past Kagome for the final time. He stopped momentarily and glanced back from the corner of his eyes, "Don't expect me to talk to you again after this." He scoffed and headed back into the classroom, abandoning his search for his necklace and Kagome. 'I don't ever want to hear your voice Kagome. I can't believe I let a poor girl cloud my thoughts. From this day on, Kagome... we will go our separate ways and never to speak to each other again.'

"But... I didn't kiss him," Kagome breathed out and stared at the door guiltily. She had wronged him, and now she got herself in such a mess that Sesshoumaru didn't even want to talk to her anymore. But was it really her fault? Kagome sighed, 'It is my fault. I should've asked him instead of accusing him.' She shook her head in shame. Maybe she can make it up to him if she found his necklace, she thought. Her naivety won over her common sense and she dove into the grass in searched of the missing necklace. "Ah! The gleam was from the necklace wasn't it?!"Kagome smiled triumphantly and estimated where the gleam had come from. After several seconds of guessing, she chose a spot not too far away from the base of the tree.

Kagome dug her fingers into the rich soil, "I know it's around here." Finding the necklace was all she cared about. Too occupied in her search,Kagome missed the bell; signaling to all students it was time for class. 'I'm sorry Sesshoumaru,' Kagome was sure he'd forgive her. It was a petty mistake on her part, right? He's kind enough to forgive her, right? "Aha!" She squealed with relief. A part of her was growing a bit afraid that she'd never find the examined the silver piece of jewelry, dusting away some of the dirt with her fingers.

"Wow," she breathed. It was magnificent. The metallic cube beads glistened brightly under the sun, announcing it's worth and preciousness. 'It's so pretty,'Kagome smiled. She didn't care that her fingers were dirty. She really wanted to let Sesshoumaru know that she was sorry. Kagome rushed back into the classroom and noticed students taking their seats. 'It's not too late!' She breathed in deeply and scampered across the floor to Sesshoumaru's seat. "Good morning Bankotsu," Kagome smiled charmingly at her friend and then turned her attention to Sesshoumaru. "Sesshoumaru?"

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes angrily for a split second before his infamous stoic mask hardened. He looked at Kagome from the corner of his eyes, "What?" He bit out bitterly. Didn't he just say he didn't want to talk to her after what just happened. 'The idiot,' he growled mentally.

"I found your necklace," Kagome held out her dirt covered hand with the irreplaceable necklace.

Sesshoumaru scoffed but didn't answer her. Instead he arrogantly called out, "Why would I accept anything from your dirty hands?"

Bankotsu, and the rest of the group gasped at Sesshoumaru's sudden indifference towards Kagome. "Sesshoumaru?" Bankotsu called out. But no reply. The class snickered amongst themselves and jeered at Kagome's dirty hands.

"Hey! I'm trying to be nice you know!" Kagome placed a hand on his shoulder to bring his attention to her. "I went through the trouble of getting it for you, why can't you say thank you?!"

Sesshoumaru clenched his jaws tightly. Kagome's voice was grinding against his ears and he didn't want to hear her voice anymore. He shot up from his seat and swung his arm from her touch, forcing Kagome to tumble onto the classroom floor clumsily. "Don't touch me with your filthy hands," he sneered. His eyes held true animosity at that moment. Her touch burned his skin; through his uniform. Her touch reminded him of how Naraku caressed the back of her hands. He hated it. He couldn't help but think that shouldn't he be happy that Kagome went through the trouble of finding this priceless necklace? 'The necklace.'

Sesshoumaru kept his icy stare on Kagome's shocked depths and bent over and grasped the necklace in his hand. He brought it up to his face and inspected the necklace. To his dismay, he found dirt and grass pieces between some of the metallic spheres. 'It's useless now,' he gripped each end of the necklace and snapped it into two with ease.

Kagome's breath hitched in her throat as the tiny spheres cascaded down onto her bare thighs.

"Dirty things revolt me," Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at the dejected Kagome. He ignored Bankotsu and his friends' comments. He didn't know why he did what he just did. He hated that look on Kagome's face. What he hated more, was that he was the one who made her feel that way. But he couldn't help it. He was beyond furious with her. Words such as anger, fury, and hatred could not describe what he felt when he saw Naraku on the verge of kissing her. This feeling he had...it was so very painful to bear.

For the first time in her life, Kagome wanted to beg someone for forgiveness. She had never in her life seen such emotionless, icy eyes. His eyes, Sesshoumaru's eyes were a hundred times colder than they were when she first met him. She bit back her tears, and tried to ease her aching heart. She felt numb and alone. Not even words of comfort from Bankotsu right beside her warmed her one bit. Kagome's lower lip trembled as she shifted onto her knees to collect the spheres in her shivering palms. Why was she collecting them off of the floor? For what purpose, what reason?

"Kagome, stand up," Bankotsu wrapped his arm around her shoulders to help her up. Kagome was unsteady on her feet, and he supported most of her weight with his own. "Sesshoumaru, what was that about? She was just returning your necklace." He scowled at his best friend. 'What happened between them yesterday? They were fine when I left them?'

"Dirty things revolt me," Sesshoumaru repeated again.

Kagome heard his underlining message. It was her who he was talking about. Not the necklace, not her hands, but her. He was referring to the scene he walked into while Naraku was about to kiss her. He honestly believed that she gave herself to Naraku. "Sesshoumaru, I-"

"Don't bother your beautiful head with his stupidity," a familiar voice cut Kagome from speaking the truth.

Naraku strolled into the classroom, wearing RedWood High's male uniform. With his hand in his pants pocket, he ignored the swoons and sighs of the female students in the room. "My Kagome, you're far too beautiful to cry for this-" Naraku glanced at Sesshoumaru for a brief second, "- this person." He used the term person rather loosely. No human would treat another human this way.

Sesshoumaru tensed at Naraku's sudden arrival, "What are you doing here in my school?"

"Oh it is not your school, my friend. It is your father's school. And I," Naraku took Kagome's dirty hand in his and kissed her dirt covered knuckles, "I am here to spend some more time with my lovely fiancé."

Sesshoumaru's eyes widen incredibly. He wasn't shocked, it was an indescribable feeling; his head swirled, his eyes felt pressured, his heart raced so fast it might've skipped a couple of beats. 'Kagome's so young, how could she have been engaged?'

"What do you mean fiancé?"

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Misera- Hehehe ^_^

I'm sorry again for the late update! But all is going according to plan!

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The chapter's not that confusing hopefully. It's been a while since I had free time to practice my writing again, so if you have any questions feel free to ask me!

Misera- Hiyo! I'm terribly sorry. Aren't you sick and tired of my late updates?

Enjoy this chapter!

--- Edited by WitchyKim (awesome beta! Thank you so much!)

Beneath It All
MiserablySweet

Chapter 15 - Changes of the Hearts

Previously...

Sesshoumaru tensed at Naraku's sudden arrival, "What are you doing here in my school?"

"Oh it is not your school, my friend. It is your father's school. And I," Naraku took Kagome's dirty hand in his and kissed her dirt covered knuckles, "I am here to spend some more time with my lovely fiancé."

Sesshoumaru's eyes widen incredibly. He wasn't shocked, it was an indescribable feeling; his head swirled, his eyes felt pressured, his heart raced so fast it might've skipped a couple of beats. 'Kagome's so young, how could she have been engaged?'

"What do you mean fiancé?"

Present...

"You heard me Sesshoumaru. This lovely lady here," Naraku pulled the numb Kagome into his arms, "This lovely lady is my fiancé." The corner of his lips tilted up in an arrogant smile and planted them on Kagome's forehead with a light brush.

Had it been Naraku's kiss she was worrying about, it would have done less damage to her fragile state of mind. Instead, it was his proclamation that she worried over. Now that Sesshoumaru, and the rest of the class caught up with her past and apparently present, what will happen to her? Will they shun her, torment her, or banish her? What if all three? She hoped everyone had missed what he said, hoped for it deeply enough to look up into her childhood friend's eyes and whisper two words that ultimately proved his exclamation true.

"You remembered?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, but the class heard it loud and clear. Oh what a cruel world, she watched him nod proudly to her question, and saw him throw another arrogant smirk at Sesshoumaru. The battle was over, and he was the victor to the game of a male's pride.

"So it is true," Sesshoumaru's eyes harden incredibly. "Witch," he heard his words slip from the confines of his mind and through his lips. He watched her ocean depths widen in shock before salty tears threatened to spill over. He would not let her affect his state of mind any longer. She would disappear from his thoughts, disappear from his sight, disappear from every aspect of life he knew of.

Kagome shook her head, "It's not what you think!" Her courage was ever so slowly returning to her troubled mind. But her attempt to defend herself was futile and the idea burst into flames as the silver tips of Sesshoumaru's lengthy hair disappeared beyond the classroom door. 'Sesshoumaru,' her mind was set, she had to explain to Sesshoumaru the truth. Truth? In all reality, what Naraku said was the truth, not a bit of it was a lie. Truth or not, deep down in the pit of her heart she knew she needed to explain to him, for her own sake. "Sesshoumaru, wait!"

"There's no need, Miss Higurashi," the once warm and friendly voice of Bankotsu rivaled Sesshoumaru's, as it was directed towards her. He no longer called her by her first name, but reverted back to formality. Not in a good way, to say the least.

"Bankotsu?" Kagome felt his grip on her wrist increase tenfold, when she turned around to look him in his emerald eyes. "What's the matter Bankotsu?"

"You lied to me. I'm such a fool to believe you were innocent and sweet," Bankotsu spat out his insults without even considering the mental wreck Kagome was in.

"Why- What are you saying?" Kagome couldn't believe her ears. The words her friend spoke stung her more than thousands of bees- the sheer bluntness of his words weighed heavily on her mind. She watched numbly as Inuyasha smirked at her, as if he was the one who has taken his revenge. 'Did he have something to do with this?' What is happening to her? Twenty minutes ago she was in the meadow with Sesshoumaru, twenty minutes later her friend Bankotsu glares at her like she is his life long enemy. "Bankotsu," she breathed out lightly, reaching out to put her trembling hand over his tight grip.

"Goodbye. Expect to be transferred out by tomorrow," Bankotsu snatched his hand away from her touch motioning for the rest of the group to follow him. Inuyasha once again tossed an arrogant scoff over his shoulder to Kagome.

'How can I fix this?' Kagome opened her mouth to say something, anything. Not a sound came from her lips. 'What's going on?' She felt numb and tired-- trapped and utterly helpless in the sea of despair, with no hint of wanting to continue to fight any longer. She wanted her friend back, her caring friend. Who would protect her against Sesshoumaru, who would bail her out of financial trouble? She wanted her friend, her Bankotsu, to rescue her from drowning in the typhoon of confusion and despair. She can not lose him. "If you are my friend..." Kagome started.

Bankotsu stopped in his path abruptly, right before stepping outside the doorway, and waited for her to continue.

"If you are my friend," Kagome began again. She knows that what she is about to say is wrong. Wrong to the point where she knew the answer, the outcome... to everything. Making Sesshoumaru misunderstand her situation was bad enough, losing Bankotsu as a friend was far worse than anything else she could imagine at the moment. She saw his crisp green eyes glare at her, waiting for her to continue. Those eyes can rival the Ice Prince's leer. Kagome inhaled deeply, she wasn't going to back down now-- she had to say it.

"If you are my friend, you would stay... for me, and understand my situation," Kagome bit her tongue hard enough to draw blood. 'I--I said it?' The class gasped in shock from her sudden change of emotion. Kagome herself was surprised by the hinted threat in her voice. The class waited on the edge of their seats for Bankotsu's response. Seconds ticked by, but it felt like minutes to Kagome. His bewildered stare shone with disgust and disappointment. 'I shouldn't have said that,' Kagome felt sick to her core.

"Or what, Kagome?" Bankotsu seethed and hissed her name in anger. "You'll stare at me with your fake eyes? Shower me with sad stories about your poor house? Spare me the tears. You are not worth my time." He squinted his eyes in disgust, "And don't bother coming in for work tomorrow."

"Work?" Kagome found herself unable to think of anything else to say. 'What does this have to do with my job?'

"I own the Lounge, plain and simple. I thought you needed the money to save your family, but it seems to me you have a very rich fiancé. Don't bother showing your face around that place ever again. You're fired," Bankotsu finished quickly and exited the room. Kouga and Inuyasha crossed their arms in front of their chest and laughed tauntingly.

"You'll never have a good day in this school again," Inuyasha jeered and followed Kouga out the room. Was it a threat? Most definitely. Did he learn from his first mistake of almost killing Kagome and Sesshoumaru... most likely not. 'She deserves it after what she did to me,' Inuyasha's lip tilted up in a sadist grin. 'You just wait...'

Kagome watched numbly as the rest of Sesshoumaru's posse gracefully exited out the classroom. She did notice Miroku, casting her a sympathetic glance before being whisked away by his friends. 'What... just happened?' It had happened so fast, Kagome's head barely managed to register the sudden event. Her nervousness intensified as the whispers and jeers of her classmates crept up her ears. She finally took notice of their harsh and unforgiving words.

"Did you see that? I bet she two timed Sesshoumaru and that new guy," Kagome's ears found its way to a particular group of female students.

"No way! You actually believe that bumpkin would catch Sesshoumaru's interest? I bet he was just toying with her," Kagome would hear another say. She was far too afraid to turn around to see who it might be. She could take the insults, why wouldn't she be able to? She was Kagome, a fiery tempered teenager who believed in poetic justice, who is also strong and stubborn and will never shed a tear for a boy. However... why is that now she couldn't help but want to break down into an unkempt mess?

This was the first time Sesshoumaru used such a cold tone with her, their first encounter was rather funny, once you think about it. The meetings after the first weren't completely pleasant, but at least he never spoke to her in such a way. Could it be, he changed his mind about something-- about her maybe? What has changed about her that had made Sesshoumaru uncomfortable with her?

"Forget them Kagome. You don't need them as your friends," Naraku squeezed her shoulders reassuringly.

"... I don't need them..." Kagome echoed the words of her friend through her lips. That's right, she knew what about her changed-- her identity, her reputation. She was now the fiancée of Naraku Mamoru, her childhood friend. Kagome reluctantly allowed Naraku to guide her to an empty desk and pull out a chair for her. It was amazing, how Naraku acted as if the event from a few minutes ago never happened, but nonetheless she thanked Naraku for his gentlemanly act. Kagome toyed with her pleated skirt as Naraku sat himself besides her.

"Kagome," Naraku clasped his hands over her fiddling fingers. "I know you're confused right now Kagome. But you shouldn't be. I'll take care of you Kags, I promised you that, didn't I?" He brushed his warm hands against her cheeks and noticed her tear brimmed eyes. "You know, you never did cry for anyone but me. I'm jealous," Naraku smirked playfully, trying to lighten her mood.

Kagome couldn't help but let out a mirthful scoff and held onto his gaze. Maybe he is right-- she is confused. Yet, she knew Naraku wouldn’t have hurt her in the past, and what about now? Would he harm her in any way now that they've grown into teenagers? It has been a good thirteen years since they last saw each other, did he change from his protective nature to another more-- dangerous and unknown personality?

"Yah-," one of the female classmates tapped a wooden yardstick on the desk in front of Kagome loudly, "Get out of here. By the looks of it, you're not going to be staying here for very long."

Kagome clenched her jaw tightly and cleared her throat, "Please leave," she said calmly. She retrieved her notebook from her backpack and attempted to scribble the notes into her notebook. She may look collected to her jeering classmates, but Shiori and Naraku knew better.

"Don't ignore me, witch!" the classmate forcefully shoved Kagome's notebook out of her desk, and laughed tauntingly as it fell onto the floor.

"Witch?" Kagome froze at the word. That was the same word Sesshoumaru had called her moments ago-- the wound still raw. She wasn't about to cry, no, never. Not in front of all these people and their jeering faces. The emotion that came out of her was not sadness-- but anger. Pure, unrelenting anger. Kagome snatched the wooden yardstick with her hand and jerked it out of her classmate's grasp. She knew she wasn't angry at her classmate. No, she was angry she couldn't prevent what happened a few minutes ago. She was angry that Sesshoumaru misunderstood her, and angry that Bankotsu treated her like his enemy. She really did need to vent, "Listen here." Kagome stood up onto her feet slowly, her other hand held onto the other end of the yardstick and began to bend it downwards-- almost like she was wanting to split the innocent wooden stick in half, "I don't know who you are to call me that-"

"That's enough, my sweet Kagome," Naraku placed a gentle hand on hers and eased her grip on the yardstick.

Kagome, still angry, shot him a murderous glare which Naraku ignored with a mirthful smile. She was not done venting, in fact-- she barely vented at all! "What?" She was beyond peeved at her friend, and yet in the pits of her heart she thanked him for stopping her before she said or did something unnecessary.

Naraku gently pried her fingers off of the yardstick, and set the wooden stick on the desk. He turned his attention to the insulting classmate with a mild hint of seductiveness in his voice. "Now, my fair lady," Naraku inwardly smirked as the female before him began to swoon at his velvety tone. "Is that how you should treat my woman? If you insult her, you insult me." He paused briefly for a dramatic effect and continued, "Do you want to insult me?" Naraku donned on a charming smile and stared into the eyes of the teen.

"N-no. Of course n-not," the female student stuttered breathlessly. His chocolate orbs melted away her jeering attitude and sent her to fan girl heaven. "I'm sorry, Kagome. It'll never happen again," she forced herself to apologize to Kagome. After all, she didn't want to offend her new, gorgeous idol in front of her.

"Very well, My Kagome is not a grudge bearing person. Thank you for your cooperation," Naraku bowed his head lightly and pulled the teen's hand under his lips and brushed her knuckles lightly. Naraku's pride grew tenfold when the other female classmates gasped in jealousy, and then swooned in endearment. "Now, the class is about to start," he nodded towards Mr. Myoga struggling into the classroom with his overly large backpack.

"Yes. Well. Bye," the female teen rubbed her knuckles tenderly and scurried back to her desk to gossip with her neighbors.

"Why did you do that?" Kagome finally broke her silence after witnessing such-- genius act of making someone like that to apologize to her.

Naraku chuckled lightly at her naive nature, "Because Kagome." He brushed her cheek tenderly with his well manicured hand, "I love you. I always did love you. The night I left for Japan, I couldn’t help but wonder if you got home safely to eat a square meal." He enjoyed Kagome's tinkling laughter at his last sentence. "It is true," Naraku pulled her hands to his lips and left a lingering kiss. "I missed you, Kagome."

Kagome's face flushed into a pool of redness. 'How is it, that he can make my heart jump with just a few words?' She really didn't know. "How can you make me laugh so easily, Naraku?" She couldn't deny the fact that she enjoyed Naraku showering her with his affections, 'It's-- inviting.' To answer her own previous thoughts about Naraku harming her, she resolved there was no way he would harm her in any way. Not after what she witnessed, not after he kept showering her with his undying love. Kagome smiled, she did trusted him completely now.

"Well, maybe it means you love me," Naraku grinned arrogantly.

Kagome let out another tinkling laugh, and snapped at him playfully, "Dream on, lover boy." She felt her face flush in shyness and quickly adverted her attention back to the board as her teacher who began calling out attendance. She felt Naraku shift in his seat, before she knew it, he brushed his lips against her cheek and whispered, "I dream of that every night, my sweet Kagome."

-0-0-0-0-0-

"Whaddya plan to do to her Sessh? Prank her again?" Inuyasha was beyond enthusiastic and hopeful-- and quite sure-- that Sesshoumaru would plan something to deliberately hurt Kagome again. After all, he didn't go through all that trouble for nothing. 'It better be worth it. Though I didn't do much to get Kikyou's brother to transfer to our school-- it was lucky that some guy was looking for the stupid girl, and happened to know Naraku too. Meh. Whatever.' Inuyasha grinned from ear to ear with gloating pride. He, the youngest master of his father's large company, didn't have to lift a finger to push his revenge in motion. You didn't think he was going to let it go that easily? Him-- and the rest of the group-- being punished for the prank that they planned for, and no revenge? Why, that's not Inuyasha at all.

"Sesshoumaru, is it wise to plan another prank?" Miroku rubbed his chin thoughtfully. It wasn't as though he felt sorry for Kagome-- well just a bit, he was more afraid of Sango rejecting him even further if his own friends hurt even a hair on Kagome's body.

"Of course he is! The whore's attracted to that Kikyou's rich brother and lied to us all," Inuyasha clenched his jaw painfully tight. "She needs to be punished." Yes, revenge meant everything to him. Kagome caused Kikyou to leave Inuyasha's immature antics for good. He'll blame her for that, and everything else that might happen to his friends-- even if it isn't her fault. Oh yes, revenge will be sweet.

Sesshoumaru remained stoically quiet, 'Inuyasha has made a point... yet, Miroku is perhaps, the wisest of our group. What should I even do?' It irked him to no end that he can't seem to find a way to get back at Kagome. Somehow, her presence has been carved into his existence, and he has no way of getting rid of her essence. Perhaps there is a way to end his own life. Sesshoumaru snorted arrogantly, "I will not waste my life for on her." Even the thought of ending his life early for a girl tipped Sesshoumaru's arrogance over to the next level. Arrogant or not, he has a dilemma on top of a dilemma. 'How will I forget you, Kagome?'

"You know," Bankotsu wondered out loud once they have reached the parking lot. Looking at Sesshoumaru's restored Bugatti Veyron has jogged his memory. "Sesshoumaru, you can always break some windows of hers, as revenge." He nodded at the restored rear window of Sesshoumaru's car.

"Oh?" Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow in mild astonishment. Bankotsu, the Bankotsu, who was defending Kagome against him not to far back, was now offering to plot pranks against the very girl. Was it even possible? "Are you... confused or something Bankotsu?"

Bankotsu shrugged and replied casually, "I'm fine. Why are you asking?'

"You do know you just plotted against Kagome?" Sesshoumaru pressed on, questioning his friend. Did something happen after he left the classroom? 'It did take him a little longer than usual to catch up to me,' he knitted his well groomed eyebrows together. 'If something did happen, and I wasn't there to witness it... What happened to Kagome?' Sesshoumaru subconsciously worried over Kagome's well being. The moment he caught himself wishing she was unharmed, he berated his poor excuse of a brain. It seems... Sesshoumaru couldn't really erase her out of his life after all.

"She certainly isn't the innocent type," Bankotsu scoffed bitterly, recalling Naraku's hands around Kagome's frame. There is a slight chance Bankotsu was starting to like Kagome, in a way a friend wouldn't like a fellow friend. Why else would Bankotsu change his opinion of Kagome so quickly? How is it that he is jealous of Naraku in a sense, and not jealous of Sesshoumaru, when he was the one who agreed to link the two together? This troubling emotion he had was indeed annoying-- Life is annoying. "Forget it. Let's leave... I'm getting hungry."

The group got in their respective cars and began to drive away to their favorite restaurant. Inuyasha smirked calculatingly as Bankotsu's previous words replayed over and over again in his head. 'Well, well, well, it seems I have an ally to play with,' his glossy eyes reflected the passing structures and trees from his car window. He loved the speed Sesshoumaru was driving at-- it gave him a sense of thrill, a sense of edge... something that he needs to continue his plan of revenge. 'You won't know what hit you... Kagome.'

-0-0-0-0-0-

"The teachers are pretty ignorant here aren't they, sweet Kagome?" Naraku strolled alongside Kagome to their next class. Yes, he made sure he was in every class she was in-- to get to know her even more that is. He knew she felt awkward, and completely surprised, when he called her his fiancé. To be honest, he didn't think she would remember him at all, and yet she did. That meant something, right?

"What makes you say that?" Kagome said with a hint of annoyance in her voice. 'One class left, one class left,' she chanted over and over again in her head. Shocked isn't the right word to describe what she felt when he said he was in all her classes. Of course, it was partially shock, but the feeling was of complete horror and devastation. Don't get her wrong though, she seems to trust Naraku, but really-- have you heard of someone taking all the same classes you do... in high school? No, right?

"I don't really know, sweet Kagome," without a hint that Kagome could detect, Naraku encased her shoulders in his arm. "Is something troubling you, love?"

Kagome tensed from the proximity between her and Naraku. She liked him, yes. But, she didn't like him that way. "Naraku, stop it. Everyone can see us," Kagome began to struggle in his tight, yet gentle embrace. She heard the murmurs of the gossiping girls as they passed by them-- giggling and taunting an outcast, like they were in fourth grade again. It disgusted Kagome, and at the same time she felt rather embarrassed.

"Why, love? I can proclaim our love to the world!" Naraku raised his voice loud and clear. His smooth, velvety baritone voice echoed through the walls of the hall-- all ears heard him loud and clear.

"Naraku!" Kagome's face flushed a deep shade of red and pulled him into another hall as fast as she could manage. Naraku didn't protest, in fact-- he loved her hands wrapped around his wrist. The two walked blindly down the hall until they reached a double mahogany door. 'Well, this is familiar,' Kagome couldn't put her tongue on how and where she knew this place, but she knows she been here before.

"Let's open it," Naraku hovered his arm over Kagome's small frame and pulled the double doors open, revealing a vast garden with a stream that ran around the perimeter of the garden.

Kagome gasped in realization, "Sesshoumaru" her voice was barely above a whisper, but Naraku heard it.

"Do you like him?" Naraku asked with well masked emotions. He’d had a sinking feeling, since the moment he saw her eyes water earlier this morning. And now, after hearing her whisper his name-- he didn't like it. Not one bit. The more he hated it, the more he realized that, he, Sesshoumaru, was the cause for losing Kagome's heart. 'I have to get you back, my love.'

The question caught Kagome off guard. 'Do I like him?' Kagome wondered. It was impossible, wasn't it? Everyone had witnessed how Sesshoumaru and his friends treated her, it was really impossible that she, or he, would like each other. But why is it that Kagome said his name the moment she saw the familiar garden? Was it the calming stream and its waterfall that made her remember the almost sweet moment she and Sesshoumaru had shared here? Or was it the divine scent of freshness and purity that made her realize Sesshoumaru might've been misunderstood by her the first time. Out of all that, the big question was... 'Do I like him?'

"Well?" Naraku lowered his eyes to the ground in somewhat of a revelation. "If you didn't like him, you wouldn't shed a single tear for him, sweet Kagome," he turned around and captured her warm hands. His eyes smiled upon Kagome's-- showing his concern, jealousy, and a hint of understanding. "No, Kagome. You don't have to answer me. I know it already. But I also know this: that I love you. I have, since we became friends in Kindergarten. I know we were young, very young, to realize the hardships we are going to face in the future... But I know now. Even that won't stop me from capturing your heart as mine Kagome," Naraku's chocolate orbs melted Kagome's stubborn retaliation. After that sweet confession... what can she say?

"Naraku, I-I," she began with uncertainty. "I don't like Sesshoumaru, Naraku. That doesn't mean I like you either. And about our promise... We were young then, and we are wiser and older now. I-I don't want to have a relationship, not yet at least. I just want to make sure Souta lives without regrets and trouble creeping around every inch of his life. I love him, Naraku. He's all that I have left in this world... I have to keep him under my care," Kagome tried to dissuade Naraku from chasing her heart, but somehow in the back of her mind, she knew he was just as stubborn as she is.

"It's okay, I understand," Naraku's heart lept into the sky with joy when he heard that she didn't have feelings for Sesshoumaru—well, for him either. But that can be arranged later. Grinning happily from ear to ear, Naraku pulled Kagome into his firm chest for a loving embrace, and buried his nose in the crown of her hair. "I love you, Kagome."

Kagome kept quiet and silently yielded to his affection. There was no point of fighting it, when he will not give up on her, so it seems. She cleared her throat moments later and eased herself out of Naraku's touch. "I have to go," Kagome whispered apologetically.

Naraku nodded and reluctantly released her hand, "You go first. I want to stay here for a bit-- it's very serene here."

Kagome smiled softly and looked to the bench where Sesshoumaru sat the first time she came to this garden, "Yes... it is." She nodded to Naraku and hurried out the garden and into the hall. She felt rather relieved that he wasn't going to follow her-- she needed time to think, some time to breathe, some time for her own.

Naraku stood still, and raised his arm, and 'grabbed' Kagome's retreating figure, "I'll have you soon."

Ring Ring Ring

Naraku reached in his pocket to take out his cell phone. "Father?" he asked out loud to no one in particular. It was a surprise to Naraku that his father would call, especially during a school day. Was it something important? "Hello, Father?"

"Yes, good afternoon son. How are you faring in your new school?"

"It's different, but I'll manage. Is something the matter?"

"Iie, I was wondering if you ever found Kagome Higurashi?"

Naraku grew nervous-- how did his father know about Kagome? Most importantly-- what does he want with Kagome? "Yes, Father. I have found her. What do you need with Kagome?"

"It is nothing for you to be concerned with, son. Enjoy your day." The other line hung up and left a monotone sound in its wake.

"How does Father know about Kagome?" Naraku repeated the question to himself, hoping that he would find an answer. He loves Kagome, and he'd do anything to protect her. If he has to hurt his father to protect Kagome, he will... without a doubt. "What does Father want with her?" he murmured softly as he entered the hall back into the main building. Whatever it is, he has to be wary of it now.

Unknown to either of them-- Kagome and Naraku-- a shadow of a figure was not too far away from were the two once stood. "His father?" the voice belonging to the person who cast the shadow, was a familiar one-- Sesshoumaru. "What does his father want with Kagome?" He too was puzzled by Naraku's sudden phone call. Sesshoumaru sighed and tried to relax again. Throughout the entire conversation, he was listening intently-- though somewhat unwillingly. He recalled Kagome denying that she had feelings for him, but was it true for him? Did he have feelings for her?

Sesshoumaru looked to his aching palms. Both palms were red, inflamed, and nail marks of blood could be seen. 'That's right...' he remembered that during the conversation, when Naraku pulled her in for a hug, he nearly ran out to punch him. That's right... nearly. He managed to stop himself in time and controlled his emotions-- but sadly the only way to control that was to clench his jaws and fists tightly together. Oh man, he was feeling the aftereffects now.

"Am I falling for you, Kagome?" Sesshoumaru closed his golden eyes and leaned his head against the pillar once again. Would that reason explain why he felt horrendously jealous and angry whenever Naraku was around Kagome. Insanely jealous. Sesshoumaru chuckled bitterly, "I, Sesshoumaru can finally say... money can't buy everything."

His bitter humor dissolved quickly as the words of Naraku in his phone call sunk in: Kagome. The phone call was about Kagome. 'What about Kagome?' Sesshoumaru felt this grab his entire attention. He felt his innards coil with discomfort, something... or someone would try to harm Kagome, and that person may be Naraku's father...

.

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Misera- *swoons* How would anyone not fall for a guy like Naraku?! LOL!!! Anyway, YES! Sesshoumaru might understand that he's falling for Kagome now! Haha stupid jerk! *jokes!*

And yes, I did purposely make Naraku so sweet... for plot intention only! I might make it NarxKag... HA! Nonono! I'm joking!

As for Kagome rejecting the both of them, well she gets to of course. But you know... I think we all know she has a little something something for Sesshoumaru. *winks*

Well, with the autumn festival in the way, and Inuyasha being a dick, and Naraku's mysterious father calling about Kagome... what will happen next?!

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Thank you for your support!!

See you again soon!