AFF Fiction Portal

If You're Not The One

By: KogasAngel
folder InuYasha › Het - Male/Female › Sesshōmaru/Kagome
Rating: Adult ++
Chapters: 26
Views: 45,395
Reviews: 293
Recommended: 3
Currently Reading: 3
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha, nor make money from this story.
arrow_back Previous Next arrow_forward

It's Not What It Looks Like

A/N: Well, I am kind of back, but I thought you guys might enjoy an update on this story, so here you go. Thanks so much for the well wishes. They meant a lot to me. Now, someone wanted me to get to the action between Sess and Kagome. Don't worry. I am getting there. I am enjoying the sexual tension that is slowly building between them and I love teasing Sess. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. Kagome's morals will fly out the window soon. Bear with me. My muse is starving, so please feed her. It makes her happy. Thanks again, and please enjoy.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

He was a complete and total fool. Once again, he had been played for a sucker and once again, he had fallen for every single word that had fallen from her painted mouth. He had decided to drive to Hojo’s place, but decided to stop back at the restaurant and speak with the waitress who had witness Kikyo nearly getting hit by the car.

The girl was shocked to see him and was happy to help him. He found himself grinning down at her and asked what her name was. The girl giggled and said, “My name is Shiori.”

Inu Yasha found that he liked the way her name sounded and then shook his head. He asked Shiori about the car that had nearly hit his wife and if she had gotten a good look at the driver. When Shiori told him what she had seen and described the man who had helped Kikyo to his car, Inu Yasha nodded and thanked Shiori for her help.

Shiori was a bit worried that she had done something wrong, but Inu Yasha quickly assured her that she had helped him quite a bit. After receiving a sweet smile from her, he left and drove quickly over to Hojo’s apartment.

He knew that he was going to get it. He had known the minute he had seen Yumi crying. Now, as he pulled into a parking space, he got out of his truck and walked up to the door, hoping that he could convince Hojo to hear him out.

He took in a deep breath and then knocked. He waited for a couple of minute and then turned to leave, but the sound of someone unlocking the door made him pause. Inu Yasha watched as the door opened and a very pissed off Hojo stepped out.

“What in the fuck do you want?” Hojo snapped, no longer concerned with keeping up appearances.

“Listen, I would like to apologize to Yumi for frightening her today. It was not my intention to upset her nor was I planning on threatening Kagome. Kikyo had told me that Kagome had said some things to her and I snapped when I saw Kagome at the restaurant. I realize that I was probably lied to, but that does not excuse my behavior. May I please apologize to Yumi?” Inu Yasha asked.

Hojo’s eyes narrowed. “Let me guess. You heard the news of mine and Sesshomaru’s buyout of your company’s stocks. Well, my bitch, as you called her in the restaurant, is not up for visitors nor does she want to look at you. Get out of here, Inu Yasha before I call the cops and have you arrested for trespassing. Oh, and tell Kikyo that her days of luxury are over.” He sneered. Hojo turned his back and walked back into his apartment and shut the door, leaving a stunned Inu Yasha behind.

Slowly, Inu Yasha walked to his truck and climbed in. He put the key in the ignition and pulled out of his parking space. Sighing, he drove to the one place he knew could help him resolve at least one thing that was out of control in his life.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Kouga whistled under his breath as he drove to his home. Kagome was asleep and he was currently thinking of the many ways she increased the quality of his life. Yes, he would admit it. He was in love and Kami help him, he was enjoying every single minute of it.

As he pulled up to the massive house, he smirked and prided himself on having a home that was just as big and luxurious as Sesshomaru’s. Kouga loved the fact that it was in the middle of the forest and to get to it, one would have to drive down a long road that was surrounded by trees. On more than one occasion, Kouga had heard the wolves that lived in the forest howl at the night sky and he would always close his eyes and savor that sound.

He drove around the huge circular driveway and stopped directly in front of the doors. He quickly got out of the car and went to Kagome’s side. He opened the door and reached over and unbuckled her seatbelt. He gently lifted her from her seat and situated her in his arms before turning and walking to the door.

The door opened and his assistant and cousin, Ginta, stepped out. The younger man’s eyes widened and he held the door open for Kouga.

“Is that Kagome, Kouga? She is a real beauty. How long is she going to be here?” Ginta asked, earning himself a glare from his cousin.

Kouga sighed in aggravation. “She will be here as long as it takes my attorney to get a permanent restraining order on that idiot, Inu Yasha.” He replied.

Ginta nodded and quickly led the way upstairs. Kouga had called and told him to prepare a room close to his own so that he could keep an eye on Kagome, but Ginta knew better. Kouga wanted Kagome close to him because he wanted her, plain and simple.

Ginta hurried to the room that he had selected and noticed that Kouga was now sporting a huge grin. Obviously, he had chosen well.

Kouga told Ginta to leave them alone, and the younger man quickly left, saying that he was going to go and find his brother. Nodding, Kouga watched Ginta run off and then carried his precious cargo to the bed.

Once he had set her down, Kouga took a good look at the woman he would one day make his wife. Her dark hair framed her lovely face and long, thick, dark eyelashes graced those ivory colored cheeks that he had imagined running his finger over. Her skin was soft and silky and he found that the thoughts of her legs locked around his waist as he made love to her was quickly bringing him to erection.

Shaking his head, Kouga quickly left the room before he did something that he would regret. He would never force himself upon a woman, but Kagome was somebody that did things to his body and he found that it was becoming harder to control himself around her.

He walked into his bedroom and closed the door. Stripping himself of his clothing, he ran for his shower and shivered as the cold water helped ease his stiffened cock back down. He placed his forehead against the wall of his shower and he closed his eyes. He had been right. Cold showers were definitely becoming a normal part of his routine.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Sesshomaru rolled his eyes and watched as Jaken screamed at the driver of another car that had nearly hit them. As the small man made rude gestures and hollered that he was not one to be messed with, Sesshomaru began to wonder what Kagome was doing at that moment. Hojo had called him and told him that Inu Yasha had dared to come to his apartment and tried to speak to Yumi, but that he had run the little bastard off.

“He knows about the stocks.” Hojo had said in a smug tone. The young man had laughed when he described the look on Inu Yasha’s face as he shut the door. It was one of pure shock and sadness.

“He actually thought that I would allow him to speak with Yumi and apologize. He tried to blame Kikyo for his actions. Has he always been like this?” Hojo had asked.

Sesshomaru could not remember what his answer was, as he was too busy picturing Kagome in Kouga’s bed and ended up making an excuse to hang up with Kuama. Makasuno had better not touch her. If he did, Sesshomaru was certain that they would have to find a new partner.

As Jaken drove, Sesshomaru saw that the sun had started to go down and that evening was upon them. He smirked at the thought of showing up unannounced at Makasuno’s house and pissing him off.

When they reached their destination, Sesshomaru nodded in approval at Makasuno’s choice of area to live in. It suited his nature. Makasuno was wild and carefree, so living near wilderness suited him. However, the large house that came into view pulled Sesshomaru out of his musings and he straightened his tie.

Jaken came to a stop and was told to stay in the car. Sesshomaru climbed out and went to the door. He rang the door bell and waited for a few moments, but then was graced with a young woman who smiled up at him.

“Hi, there. Are you here to see Uncle Kouga?” She asked. Sesshomaru studied the girl carefully and determined that the girl was probably in her early teens. Finally, he nodded and she grinned before stepping aside and letting him in.

“My name is Rin. What’s yours?” She asked, her dark curious eyes reminding him of Kagome’s.

“I am Sesshomaru Takashiro. Please tell your uncle that I am here to speak with him.” Sesshomaru replied, his voice unusually polite. Because this girl held a striking resemblance to Kagome, he felt the need to soften his tone.

Rin smiled and then called for Ginta. When the young man appeared, he gasped and bowed slightly to Sesshomaru.

“I will inform Kouga that you are here, Sesshomaru-Sama. Please follow Rin into the study.” He said, his voice wavering a bit. He would admit it. Sesshomaru Takashiro intimidated him. He could not understand how his cousin could deal with him and not break a sweat.

Sesshomaru rolled his eyes. “I will wait right here. Get him. Now.” He ordered.

Ginta yelped a bit and took off. Rin offered their guest a drink, but was turned down. She grinned at him once more and said that she would leave him alone because she had algebra to do and that algebra was gross. When she was gone, Sesshomaru let out a sigh and looked around. Suddenly, there was a loud crash and a scream that sounded a lot like Kagome. He needed no further prompting. Sesshomaru was off and running up the stairs and soon found himself gazing down upon a sight that had his blood boiling with fury. He had just known that something like this would happen. Damn that Makasuno.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Kagome had woken up and found herself in a very nice bedroom. Her bag was on a chair and there was a robe slung over the back of the chair. Stretching, Kagome got up and grabbed the robe. She placed it on the bed and walked over to the bathroom that was in her room. She smiled when she saw that it was fully stocked and she thought that a nice, hot shower would be just the thing to calm her nerves.

Giggling, she skipped over to her bag and pulled out a clean pair of panties. They were silky white. She loved the way that this particular style hugged her curves and never rode up on her. She hated the ones that went straight up her butt. She spent the entire day walking and tugging. Finally, she gave up and tossed those out and replaced them with a style that she liked. She walked back to the bathroom and turned on the shower. She placed her panties and a towel upon the counter of the sink and quickly got undressed.

She stepped into the hot water and sighed. That felt good. The water made her skin tingle and she closed her eyes to allow the stresses of the day melt away. When she opened her eyes, she grabbed the shampoo that was sitting on the side and quickly washed her hair. Next, she lathered her body and hummed a tune as the soap was rinsed away. Finally, she allowed the water to hit her lower back and when she had determined that she had been in the shower long enough, she reached down and shut the water off.

She stepped out onto the fluffy mat that was lying on the floor and reached for her towel. She quickly dried her hair and body, then reached for her panties. She pulled the silk up and then wrapped the towel around her body. She gathered up her clothing and opened the bathroom door.

However, the room was pitch black and she figured that the light bulb had burned out. Cursing under her breath, she edged her way over, but ended up tripping over her high heels that Kouga had placed on the floor. She fell down with a loud thud and screamed in pain when her wrist was caught underneath her.

The door suddenly burst open, and a dark figure rushed in, but because he could not see where he was going, he ended up tripping over those damn shoes as well and landed on top of Kagome. His body was between her legs and his face was planted between her breasts. Kagome’s face reddened when she realized that when she tripped, her towel came undone and that Kouga's face was pressed against her bare skin. She had never been so humiliated.

Ginta stepped into the room and snapped on the lamp. Kouga quickly lifted his head and he found himself looking at perfection, something he would remember for the rest of his life. Ginta's eyes were wide as he looked at the couple on the floor, but everyone’s attentions were drawn to the door when Sesshomaru came to the doorway.

It was clear that Sesshomaru was pissed. Seeing Makasuno between Kagome’s legs and his head so close to her breasts made him see red and he did the only thing he could think of. He reached down and grabbed Makasuno by the neck, hauling him up. Sesshomaru watched as Kagome yelped at the sudden exposure and quickly covered herself. She quickly stood up and reached for the robe, slinging it on and then turned to the three males before her.

Makasuno was very angry. What in the hell was Takashiro doing at his home? He finally pried the angry man’s fingers from his throat and fell down to the ground, rubbing his sore neck.

Kagome opened her mouth to speak, but one glare from Sesshomaru quieted her. He turned his cold gaze to Kouga and he said, “I allowed you to bring Kagome to your home to watch over her, not molest her. I can see my trust was misplaced.”

Kouga bristled. “You have no right to be here, you pompous ass. What you saw was an accident. It isn’t what it looked like.” He snarled.

Kagome blushed and nodded. Sesshomaru had simply come at the wrong time and did not see the entire picture. She stepped forward, but quickly found herself over his shoulder and staring at the ground.

Sesshomaru did not want to hear excuses. He grabbed Kagome’s bag and saw her step forward. He grabbed her arm and lifted her over his shoulder and marched himself out of the room, down the hall, down the stairs, and to the door. Makasuno was hot on his heels and yelling at the top of his lungs for Sesshomaru to put Kagome down.

“No.” Was all the reply that Kouga received and Sesshomaru flung the door open. Kagome stared at Kouga was a confused expression. ‘What in the hell just happened?’ she wondered.

Sesshomaru got to his car and opened the door. He placed Kagome inside the car and then turned to Kouga.

“Listen to me, Makasuno. If I ever catch you pulling another stunt like the one you pulled tonight, I will see to it that you suffer a fate worse than Inu Yasha. Kagome is not some whore that you can bring into your home and have your way with. I will not allow her to be used for your sick pleasure.” Sesshomaru hissed, his golden eyes narrowed in anger.

Kouga felt his entire body grow cold. “Takashiro, you have gone too far. I am not looking for a quick screw with Kagome. I have feelings for her, deep feelings and you will not stop me from being with her. I know that she is loyal to you, but I know that she cares for me and I won’t allow you to destroy her chance at a future with me.” He replied, his black locks swishing wildly around him.

Sesshomaru glared at Kouga. “You are not even close to being in her league. She is not for you, boy. She needs a man who will take care of her and provide her with the things that she needs and deserves, not a man who is reckless and wild, who gives no thought to his actions or deeds. You don’t deserve her, Makasuno.” He snapped.

Kouga’s fists balled up at his side. “Oh, and I suppose that the man that she needs is you, huh? I don’t think so. Kagome is a grown woman and can make her own decisions.” He said.

Sesshomaru grunted and shook his head. “Kagome’s ability to make decisions for herself at this point in time is lacking. Until further notice, I will be the one to care for her and she will reside at my home. Oh, and Makasuno. You will never be in a position with her like the one I caught you in this evening. If you wish to see her, do so at my home, but make sure that you leave your hormones in your car.” He sneered before getting into the car. Once inside, he snapped at Jaken to drive, and soon, they were on the highway.

Kagome sat stiffly beside Sesshomaru. Her mouth was in a thin line and it was clear that she was highly pissed.

Sesshomaru could almost feel her anger radiate off of her body. Her young, nubile body. Shaking his head, he smirked to himself as his mind took a detour into the gutter. However, the image of Makasuno’s face pressed between Kagome’s pert breasts popped up and he found himself wanting to punch something.

Finally, Kagome could take no more, and Sesshomaru had to admit that he was impressed with how long she had kept her mouth shut. This was a new record for her.

“Why did you do that?” She asked, her eyes flashing as she turned to look at him. “Kouga did nothing wrong. I tripped. He came to check on me and ended up tripping as well. Nothing happened, damn it.”

Sesshomaru gave Kagome a sideways glance and shrugged. “It was inappropriate for you to be at his home anyways. This way, we all save face. As for the incident, I do not believe that Makasuno tripped on accident. I believe that he planned that entire situation and you merely fell for it.” He said, his eyes staring straight ahead.

Kagome snorted. “Oh, yeah. That’s clever. Sure. You’re right, Sesshomaru-Sama. Kouga planned on me falling on my ass, legs spread and then would dash into the room when he believed that I was in position. Then, he would pretend to fall between my spread legs and plant his face in between my breasts. I wonder what he had planned for after dinner? Perhaps he would trip and fall into my bed as well. Good thing you came along in time or I would be in trouble.” She said, sarcastically.

Sesshomaru lifted an eyebrow. “I am glad that you see my point, Kagome. And sarcasm is not very becoming on a lady as beautiful as you. Try not to do it again.” He said, mentally kicking himself for calling her beautiful.

Kagome opened her mouth to argue, but quickly shut it when she realized that he called her beautiful. When did he start thinking that?

Sesshomaru inwardly smirked. If calling her beautiful was what it took to shut her up, he might have to do it more often. The blush on her face told him that she was flattered by his comment and he silently patted himself on the back for finding a weakness in the woman beside him.

The drive was silent from there on out, both Kagome and Sesshomaru were lost in their own thoughts about the person next to them.

Jaken made a face and rolled his eyes. This was sickening. It was obvious that his boss wanted the girl and that she wanted him as well. He had to wonder which one of them would crack first. By looking at the girl and her set expression, he sighed and knew that his boss would have to make the first move. It was clear to him that the girl had no experience in relationships and he had overheard Sesshomaru say that Inu Yasha had been her first real relationship. Also, the girl looked stubborn, and would probably challenge Sesshomaru, so Jaken could bet that things at the house would get very interesting very quickly.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

It was after seven when Inu Yasha left the office. Myoga had given him some great advice and as he walked to his truck, he called a friend of his.

“Hey, Hiten. I need a favor, if you are willing. Do you think you could set up surveillance on my wife? No, I don’t think she is cheating on me again. I know that she is cheating on me. Just follow her around and get pictures. You will be paid well for your time. Yeah, same to you, buddy. Give your wife a hug for me and tell the kids I said hi.” Inu Yasha said.

He hung up the phone and grinned to himself. Kikyo’s days were numbered. She wanted to bring in her lawyer and play these games, did she? Well, Myoga might be old and he might be cowardly on many things, but he was a shark in the courtroom and would tear Kikyo and her lawyer a new ass.

He got into his truck and started the engine. His cell phone rang and when he looked at it, he saw that it was Kikyo. He answered it and told her that he was on his way and for her to dress nicely. He had a surprise for her.

He grinned when he hung up the phone and then sighed. Myoga had done a great job of hiding money in an off-shore account for him. Kikyo did not know about it and once he got the information he needed, he would divorce Kikyo and live comfortably while she struggled.

He made his way home and saw the front door open. He could not wait to give Kikyo the news about his company. He should be upset, but a part of him was actually glad. He hated the business world and would rather travel. However, first he had to get rid of the ball and chain.

Kikyo sashayed down the sidewalk and got into the truck. She was wearing an ivory blouse with a long black skirt. Her hair was up in a bun and she had on a single strand of pearls. Her make-up was heavy and as Inu Yasha stared at her, he silently compared her to Kagome.

Both women were beautiful, but Kagome’s beauty was natural where Kikyo’s was the result of a cosmetics company. He placed the truck into reverse and pulled out of the driveway and onto the street.

Kikyo kept asking where they were going, and he grinned. “We are going somewhere that fits with our station in life.” He replied, his tone mysterious.

Kikyo squealed and sat back, a satisfied grin across her face. However, that grin did not last as he pulled into a WacDonalds. Kikyo blinked and then slowly looked over at her husband.

“Why are we here?” She asked, her dark eyes wide with anger. “This is a joke, right?”

Inu Yasha shook his head. “Nope. Hojo and Sesshomaru finally did me in. They bought the majority of my company’s stocks and they are going to force me out. So, I did not lie when I said that we were going to be eating at a place that fits our station. Now, get out. I want a cheeseburger.” He said, opening his truck door.

Kikyo, in a daze, got out and followed her husband inside the restaurant. Together, they walked up to the counter and he ordered. Kikyo wrinkled her nose at all the little children that were running around and shuddered. Little snot machines in sneakers. That’s what kids were.

Just then, a small boy toddled up and Kikyo narrowed her eyes at him. “Go find your mother, you little wretch.” She hissed.

The child’s bright green eyes were wide and then all of a sudden he hiccupped and then proceeded to throw up all over Kikyo’s foot. Her scream drew the attention of every single person in the establishment and the child’s mother ran to his side.

“Oh, I am so sorry. He was supposed to stand with his father. Shiro, look at what you have done.” The woman admonished. She apologized once more before Inu Yasha told her not to worry about it and that his wife would not break. As the woman turned away, the small boy looked at Kikyo and stuck his tongue out at her, causing Inu Yasha to laugh.

“Honey, I think you made yourself a friend.” He said, his golden eyes twinkling in delight.

Kikyo gritted her teeth together and said, “I am glad that you are so amused. These shoes cost over two hundred dollars. And, they are top of the line in fashion. Now, they are ruined.”

Inu Yasha shrugged. “Get over it. It was an accident and its not like you don’t have another pair at home.” He replied, turning back to the girl behind the counter and handing her money.

Kikyo grumbled and went to the bathroom to clean her foot and shoe off. She sighed and walked out of the bathroom and found a table. Kids were running everywhere, and that brat who had thrown up on her was now eyeballing her. This was not the reconciliation dinner she had hoped for. She began to wonder what Sesshomaru was doing at that moment.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Kagome’s arms were crossed over her chest and she was pouting. Sesshomaru had told Jaken to stop by her apartment for some appropriate clothing due to the fact that Kagome was wearing only a robe and her panties. She blushed as she looked down and then up into a pair of amused golden eyes. Huffing, she turned her attention to her window. She would not give him the satisfaction of seeing her upset.

When they had arrived at her apartment, Sesshomaru handed her bag to her and told her that she would need to pack a suitcase. He followed her to her door and she groaned when Kaede opened her door and gave Kagome a curious look.

“It’s not how it looks.” Kagome said, weakly. Kaede nodded and said, “Well, it looks as though you are standing at your door wearing a bathrobe with a young man who does not look like the one you had with you earlier. Kagome, are you in need counseling? I can give you the number of a wonderful man who can help you off of the path you are currently on. Or, this is a giant misunderstanding and that the young man you were with was unavailable to care for you so this gentleman is taking over.”

Kagome blushed and said, “Sesshomaru-Sama came and got me. He felt it would be best if I were under his roof and didn’t give me a chance to change my clothes.”

Kaede nodded. “Alright, child. Have a good night, the both of you.” She said, her good eye twinkling merrily.

Kagome sighed and grabbed her keys out of her bag. She unlocked the door and walked to her bedroom.

Sesshomaru looked around for a moment, and then followed Kagome. He found a suitcase on her bed and some clothing already in it. He nodded and stepped up behind her in her closet.

“We are going to dinner after we leave here, so dress nicely.” He said. When Kagome nodded, he left her room and sat down on her couch. He saw a framed picture of Kagome, a woman, and a young man. He decided that they all bore a similar resemblance and that the people must be her family.

“That was taken a year after my grandpa died.” Kagome said as she set down her suitcase. “Give me a minute and I’ll change.”

He nodded and stood up. He walked over to her suitcase and then looked up. Kagome was walking down the hall and was wearing a pair of black slacks and a blue silk blouse. Her hair was loose and she wore little make-up.

Sesshomaru nodded at her attire and then picked up the suitcase. “Come. I am hungry and have a lot of work to do at home before I retire.” He said.

Kagome followed him out of her apartment and turned to lock the door. She watched as Jaken opened the trunk and placed her suitcase inside before slamming it shut. He held the door opened for Kagome and Sesshomaru and then closed it before slipping back into the driver’s seat. Sesshomaru ordered Jaken to drive to his favorite restaurant and soon they pulled up to a fancy looking establishment. Sesshomaru got out and then held out his hand for Kagome to take. He wrapped her arm around his and led her into the restaurant, knowing that he would receive a table very quickly. After all, he was one of their very best customers.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

By the time they left the burger place, Kikyo had a headache. She also had a very large and greasy stain on the front of her blouse due to her burger patty slipping out from between the buns and landing right on her blouse. She had thrown the buns down and glared at her husband when he started to laugh.

Now, as Inu Yasha drove, Kikyo reached up and found that her hair was a mess. She really wanted to cry. This night had been horrible and she could not believe her husband’s insensitivity to her misfortune.

Inu Yasha stopped at a red light and Kikyo looked over at a restaurant that Sesshomaru used to take her to. It was very expensive and had the most delectable goodies known around the town. Her breath hitched in her throat as she witnessed Sesshomaru climb out of his car. She wished that she were by his side at that moment. He never would have taken her to such a filthy place. Her eyes narrowed when a woman joined Sesshomaru. He dared take another woman to their restaurant. What a fucking pig.

Inu Yasha could hear Kikyo’s teeth grinding. He glanced over and found that she was staring over at his brother. Apparently, even pricks need to eat, but what caught his attention was a woman who was now standing at his brother’s side. The woman turned a bit, and Inu Yasha felt his body go ice cold. It was Kagome. He watched as Sesshomaru led Kagome inside the restaurant and disappear from their sight.

A horn honked behind them and Inu Yasha quickly stepped on the gas. He had been right. Sesshomaru was interested in Kagome. He wondered if Makasuno knew about this little development. Perhaps a call was in order.

arrow_back Previous Next arrow_forward