Pink Carnation

Thank you Daniella for beta-reading.

Lichen: Solitude

Pink Carnation

Chapter 16: Lichen

Roses. Everywhere.

Kagome raised an eyebrow as she glanced at the mess of flowers lying on her doorsteps. Bouquet after bouquet and single rose after single rose. At first the thought had crossed her mind that Sesshomaru might have been the one to do this, but she soon realized that he wouldn't have left her with something like that to clean.

Her eyes scanned over the mess, attempting to find a card or an indication of whom it was from. It was after a few seconds that she spotted a white card buried somewhere amongst the sea of red. She bent down slightly and reached for it. Once it was in her possession she flipped it around to read it. I'm sorry, was all it read. Still, it was enough for her to know whom they were from.

Before she knew it, she kicked one of the bouquets with her foot and stepped on another one to unlock her door. Once she was inside she dropped her purse to the ground before grabbing a garbage bag from under the sink. If it was up to her she would leave the mess outside, but she assumed the other people living in the building wouldn't enjoy that.

A sigh rolled off her lips as she opened the door with her foot before dropping to the ground on her knees. Slowly she began shoving every single flower in the garbage bag, ignoring some of the notes she was now spotting inside the bouquets. They were all from Inuyasha and she didn't want any of them.

Seconds became minutes as she cleared the entire mess. Once it was over she tied the bag and threw it in her apartment. Oh yes, Inuyasha had given her a great gift; she had wasted half an hour of her time. Sometimes he truly didn't think before he acted. Then again, it didn't come as a surprise. That was the main reason why they were no longer together.

She dragged her feet to the living room where she dropped on the couch. This hadn't been the way she had expected to come home.

Last night she had fallen asleep at Sesshomaru's house after watching movies all night and she was still exhausted since she had only gotten a few hours of sleep. Inuyasha had simply made her day even harder. She tilted her head back as she searched for the remote with her hand.

As she turned on the TV, she couldn't help the ache in her heart.

Why was Inuyasha tormenting her? Hadn't she been clear enough when she had told him it was over, when she had kicked him out and told him never to come back? After he had betrayed her twice, she didn't want anything to do with him. He should have stayed out of her life, even after she lost her memory. If he loved her, he would leave her alone.

But Inuyasha was stubborn and selfish. He wanted it all.

The sound of the television was filling the room but in her own mind it felt like it was on mute.

Although her relationship with Inuyasha had ended a year ago, to her it still felt recent. This was troubling her because she didn't know how to move on. Inuyasha had been her only boyfriend and now she was throwing herself into the world and it was scary. It had nothing to do with him cheating and everything to do with her not knowing how to be with someone.

She had never needed to learn how to be with Inuyasha, they had just been. Could she do that with someone else?

Of course the someone else she somewhat had in mind was Sesshomaru.

Every day he proved to her that he was completely different from what she had initially believed. And the way he looked at her with those longing eyes… She knew there was a lot inside his mind he didn't share with her and sometimes it was killing her. Kagome knew she would no longer dwell on lost memories, but it didn't help her figure out all the secret thoughts Sesshomaru was having.

Suddenly, a knock on the door echoed through the apartment, pulling her away from her thoughts. Kagome raised an eyebrow slightly confused since she wasn't expecting anyone. She rose to her feet as the thought that perhaps some more flowers were being delivered crossed her mind. As she closed the distance between herself and the door all she could do was groan.

Quickly she flung the door open, ready to turn around whoever was at her door when she found herself staring right at Sesshomaru. She quickly closed her mouth and transformed her lips into a smile. "Oh, what are you doing here?" she asked.

Sesshomaru arched an eyebrow, slightly amused. "I'm happy to see you as well."

She shook her head quickly. "No, it's just I thought it was more flower from Inuyasha."

His good mood dissipated slightly at the mention of his half-brother's name. "Inuyasha?"

Kagome felt like cursing at herself mentally. It wasn't like she wanted to keep information from Sesshomaru or anything, but she wished she hadn't mentioned it right away. She was exhausted and Inuyasha was by far her least favorite topic of conversation.

"Yeah, when I came home there was a bunch of roses by my door."

Sesshomaru's eyes traveled to inside her apartment looking to see if she had kept them all. Instead all he could see was a full garbage bag resting by her counter. He lifted a hand and pointed at it. "I'll assume they are there."

She nodded. "I don't need them." Kagome couldn't help but glance down at his other hand, which was holding a paper bag. "Tell me those are donuts?"

Sesshomaru couldn't help but chuckle slightly. "I figured you'd be in a better mood if you had some sugar in you."

"How did you guess?" she asked as she took the bag from him. Quickly she opened it only to have her nose filled with the sweet scent of chocolate and her eyes attacked by the sight of sprinkles. "I hope you already had some," she said with a mischievous glance in her eyes.

Without allowing him to answer, she immediately grabbed a plate so she could empty her breakfast on it. Sesshomaru shook his head softly as he closed the door behind him and put his coat away. Kagome's love for sugar would never change no matter what.

"I'm warning you," said Kagome as she walked in direction of the living room, holding the plate of donuts. "I'm going to eat all of these and pass out on this couch for a few hours."

"Good thing I have a meeting in an hour," he said as he followed her.

He should have gone straight to the office, but he had preferred to stop by before. Granted he had seen her less than an hour ago but he had wanted to bring her some food before he'd disappear for the rest of the day. He had spent a good amount of time with her since she had allowed him back in her life and frankly he was close to being behind on his work.

Just like before.

When Sesshomaru talked about his work it reminded Kagome that he worked with Inuyasha. That was when Inuyasha actually showed up to work of course. She couldn't help but wonder if Inuyasha bothered Sesshomaru about her. After all, he seemed more desperate then before and he going to work for once would have its advantages since he might be able to find out some things about her.

Of course, she knew Sesshomaru probably ignored Inuyasha.

Kami she wished he could disappear along with the pain he had brought her.

-P-

"Do you plan on standing in front of my door for much longer?"

Inuyasha was clearly more stupid than Sesshomaru believed him to be. Did he really think Sesshomaru could not smell his presence? The idiot had been standing in front of the door for over ten minutes now and as much as Sesshomaru didn't wish to talk to him, he was getting very irritated by Inuyasha's scent lingering in his office.

Slowly his door opened and revealed a very enraged Inuyasha. He was trying to control his temper but Sesshomaru was making it so difficult. "WHY?" was all he managed to say.

Sesshomaru didn't bother to raise his head and kept his eyes on the papers he was currently signing. "Did you only come in my office to fight Inuyasha?"

Inuyasha walked in direction of the desk and pressed his palms against it. "She's mine."

"I believe this matter was already closed. Kagome does not belong to you."

Inuyasha resisted the urge to bear his fangs at his older brother. He didn't care how many times he had to talk this over with Sesshomaru, or how many threats would be made; he was going insane without Kagome. He had tried leaving messages and sending her gifts, but each time she completely ignored him. He knew though, that Kagome was not ignoring Sesshomaru. Her scent was all over him and it only deepened his rage.

"She ain't yours either. She was always mine."

"You're beginning to sound like a broken record," stated Sesshomaru while doing his best to keep himself under control.

He knew Inuyasha was causing Kagome to be stressed and it was becoming more and more difficult to not rip Inuyasha's head off. After all, it would solve the whole matter. Still, Sesshomaru kept himself in check.

Inuyasha bit on his bottom lip so hard some blood spilled out. His nerves were tensed and his hands clenched into fists. "I won't tell you again, do go near Kagome again."

This time Sesshomaru raised his head and looked right into Inuyasha's eyes. "I think Kagome can decide for herself who she wants around and who she doesn't."

"Maybe someone is just messing up with her mind. I think you're influencing her and making sure she keeps me out of her life."

This time, something inside of Sesshomaru snapped and he rose to his feet. The anger he felt was swirling within him. "I believe that you simply cannot accept the fact that she doesn't need you. You betrayed her and she doesn't want you in her life."

Inuyasha refused to see things the way Sesshomaru did. He didn't betray Kagome, he made an unfortunate mistake. Kagome was hurt, he understood that, but one day she would see clearly and realize he was the only one for her. He just hoped he would be able to help her see that before she made a big mistake with Sesshomaru.

He didn't care what it would take he would not give up. Kagome was his and he would make sure Sesshomaru wouldn't lay a hand on her, no matter what he had to do. "She's mine, she'll never be yours," said Inuyasha before turning around.

Inuyasha had every intention to leave work right now and prepare his next surprise for Kagome. It didn't really matter to him if he worked or not since the only reason he had been coming in lately was to keep an eye on Sesshomaru. His brother was conniving, and Inuyasha wanted to keep track of his progress.

Since Sesshomaru refused to back down, even though Inuyasha had threatened him more than once, he would have to take matters in his own hands. Since their father passed away, nobody had stepped up to the alpha position since Inuyasha and Sesshomaru had never been close, or a pack. Sesshomaru had eased into the role, but he had never actually claimed the title. It meant that he had no control over Inuyasha.

Kagome would be his no matter what and he would prove right now that he was the better male.

Sesshomaru watched his brother leave with a bad feeling settling inside of him. Inuyasha was very irrational and he acted upon his feelings without thinking them through first. He tapped his fingers against his desk for a few seconds before deciding to call Kagome just to give her the heads up. He had seen how troubled she had been by all the flowers and he didn't want Inuyasha to hurt her again.

He quickly dialed her number and waited a few seconds as the phone rung. After a few minutes there was still no answer which forced him to hang up. Perhaps she was out and that wasn't a bad thing.

Still, Sesshomaru couldn't chase away the nervousness building up inside. He knew very well what Inuyasha had been trying to do and he wouldn't let him. Kagome was his, at least somewhat, and Inuyasha wouldn't step in his territory. He was aware that Inuyasha believed it to be the other way around, but it hardly mattered.

Sesshomaru knew he should stay at work and finish up his current business, but he decided against it. Quickly he pressed the intercom button while grabbing his coat with his free hand. "Cancel all my appointments for today."

Perhaps he was doing this for nothing, but he couldn't help it. Usually his instincts were pretty good and he was getting a bad feeling. Before his secretary had a chance to answer, he released the button and finished putting his coat on. Afterwards, he sped through the building until he reached his car.

Inuyasha had made threats before, and there was no reason to think this time he'd go the extra mile, but Sesshomaru couldn't ignore it. From what Kagome had been telling him, every time Inuyasha did something to get her back, it was bigger and bigger. He knew Inuyasha wouldn't physically harm Kagome but often, emotional damage was just as worse.

He drove as calmly as possible to her apartment, almost feeling foolish that he was going to bother her. She could handle herself no matter what came her way, but he couldn't help his desire to protect her. For the last year it was all he had done and it was hard to break from that habit.

The minutes went by before he finally arrived in front of her apartment building. Quickly enough he took the elevator. His foot tapped against the floor the entire time.. As soon as the elevator dinged and the door opened, he rushed out. He was almost certain that Inuyasha wasn't there yet, but it didn't stop him.

Maybe he was just a bit afraid.

Inuyasha was known to never give up, like most dogs, and perhaps a part of Sesshomaru was scared that if Inuyasha had enough determination that maybe Kagome would break down, and just maybe she'd return to him. Sesshomaru was well aware that Kagome was not an idiot, but sometimes the heart didn't listen to the mind. He was no fool; he knew Inuyasha and Kagome had a long history together, and occasionally it was hard to forget.

Sesshomaru put his mask on as he knocked on her door and waited for her to answer. It only took her a few seconds to do so, and once she saw him, he noticed the smile appearing on her face.

"I thought you had work today," she said, pushing her hair behind her ears.

"I have a little break." It wasn't really a lie; he had decided to grant himself a break.

"Well, come on in," she said brightly as she moved out of the way so he could walk in.

Sesshomaru glanced inside, almost as if he was expecting Inuyasha to be there. Obviously Kagome wouldn't let him in, but Sesshomaru was still on his guard. At least he knew Inuyasha hadn't tried to contact her or she wouldn't be all smiles. He walked further into the apartment until he reached the counter, and he leaned against it.

He inspected the vicinity, only to notice the whole kitchen was a mess.

There was flour on the counter, on her face, chocolate chips on the floor, and syrup trailing upon her whole work area. He resisted the urge to chuckle; Kagome had always been messy no matter what she did. "Baking I see."

She rolled her eyes. "Trying," she said as she picked up the bowl and batter.

Her tongue stuck out of her mouth while she put all her strength and energy into mixing her blend. As he watched her struggle, he decided to pull her out of her misery. "Give it to me," he said as he reached out for it.

Kagome pouted slightly as she handed her stuff over.

Sesshomaru used his speed and strength to mix it faster than she was capable of doing. Unfortunately the amount of power he used was too much and some of the mixture ended up flying out of the bowl. Some of it landed on his cheek, while she was hit on the nose. Kagome couldn't help but scream slightly as she laughed.

He on the other hand was not as pleased. Sesshomaru put the bowl down before wiping some of the cookie mix off his face. Kagome couldn't help but laugh even louder as his expression was filled with disgust. She shook her head softly while she took a step forward so that she could reach his face. Gently she used her finger to remove the smudge he had missed.

It was then that their eyes met, and for a second, she almost forgot to breathe. The intensity in his eyes was troubling, and she knew she couldn't glance away. Her heart was hammering in her chest as she watched him bend down slightly. At first she wanted to back away a bit, but she didn't. Instead she remained still like a statue.

He didn't know what he was doing, but she looked breathtaking. When she had laughed and gently touched him, he had found himself with the Kagome he knew, the one that recognized him and it was hard to stop himself. Softly he licked away the mixture on her nose and he felt her shiver under him.

Sesshomaru didn't dare to move, almost as if he was afraid to scare her away.

Kagome's heart was beating so hard it was almost bringing her pain. She had never been so overwhelmed and so confused in her whole life. It felt right to be beside Sesshomaru, but she was scared. What if there was a side to him she didn't know? Granted she had quickly gotten close to him… but it didn't mean anything.

Sesshomaru was the one to make the decision for the both of them. He decided to be bold and do something he had never dared to do back then. He lifted a hand and gently cupped her face, before bending down even more so he could capture her lips in a kiss.

At first she remained still, but once his lips began moving against hers, she couldn't do anything but respond. As Sesshomaru tasted her sweet mouth for the first time, he found himself leaning into her even more.

She tasted as divine as he always thought and her scent was more intoxicating then ever.

He wanted more, he needed more, but he found himself pulling away. Sesshomaru pressed his forehead against hers, almost feeling breathless. Unlike a few seconds ago, Kagome was not looking at him. Her eyes were locked on the floor as a sweet blush was decorating her cheeks. He allowed his hands to rest on her shoulder and he could feel the heat radiating from her body.

There was however only one thought filling his mind; had he made a mistake?

Since she was not talking he couldn't tell if he should be apologizing or not. He tried to meet her eyes, but she refused to look up at him. Was it out of embarrassment?

Kagome felt the heat taking over her face. Sesshomaru was now the second person she had ever kissed. She had believed that perhaps their friendship would take that turn, but she didn't think it would happen now. She wanted to speak, to say something, but she couldn't find her voice.

Sesshomaru didn't want to tear himself away from her, but he did. He hid the hurt in his eyes as he glanced upon her face one last time. "I should go," he said. There was a sense of deep longing in his voice.

Kagome wanted to tell him to stay, but she couldn't.

Instead all she could do was watch as he walked out of her apartment while she stretched out her arm as if to stop him.

-P-

Tears were burning her eyes as she shoved another cookie in her mouth. What in the world had she done? It wouldn't have been hard to stop him, to speak, but she had been unable to do it and now it was as if she had ruined everything. It seemed that no matter what resolution she took, she broke everything she touched and everyone she came in contact with.

For hours now she had been staring at the phone, thinking if she should call or not. Obviously he was most likely busy, but even leaving a message would be good right? However, she couldn't pick up the phone.

The last love and relationship she had betrayed her, and though she knew she couldn't compare Sesshomaru to Inuyasha, she couldn't be blamed for trying to protect her heart. Kagome took a deep breath prior to finishing the cookie she had been holding. She was about to allow herself to close her eyes when suddenly a knock on the door echoed through.

Immediately her heart skipped a beat. Sesshomaru?

She scrambled to her feet before rushing for the door. She flung it open expecting to see Sesshomaru standing there. Unfortunately for her, her heart dropped as she found herself staring at Inuyasha. He was holding a bouquet of roses and smiling at her.

"Did you get my flowers?" he asked glancing inside the apartment.

"They are in the garbage," said Kagome as she crossed her arms in front of her chest. "I thought I made myself clear last time we talked."

He knew he should have given her more time to calm down, but the fact that his older brother was spending so much time with her was driving him nuts. Maybe if he proved to her just how determined he was to get her back, she would come around.

"I know what you say, but Kag… we've always been together."

"Not for the past year," she said, her voice laced with hurt. "I want you to leave," she said taking one step forward to make sure he wouldn't try to come inside.

Inuyasha's gaze hardened as soon as she came closer to him. She reeked of Sesshomaru, which wasn't unusual lately, except the scent was different than before. It was stronger. He felt his rage build up even more and he approached her face slightly, sniffing it at the same time. As soon as the scent hit his nose he saw red.

"Just what the fuck have you been doing with him Kag?"

Her heartbeat picked up and she took a step back. "It's none of your business. I can do what I want with whom I want. It's not like you didn't do the same in the past when we were still together."

All Inuyasha could picture in his mind was Kagome and Sesshomaru together. Him having her in a way Inuyasha never did and it sent him into a fizzling state of rage. Kagome was his, he'd be the only one to have her, and he wouldn't let Sesshomaru step on his territory.

He dropped the bouquet to the ground before grabbing Kagome's shoulders and forcefully pressing his lips against hers. If she couldn't see past what he had done, perhaps that would remind her of how she felt toward him. He was quickly running out of options.

Kagome felt shocked out of her mind, frozen and unable to move. People really had to stop doing this to her. Though she had enjoyed Sesshomaru's kiss a lot more than Inuyasha's. She wanted to push him away but his grip on her was tight. She protested against his mouth before managing to lift her arms and push him violently. It barely did anything but he did budge.

"WHAT THE HELL?" screamed Inuyasha as he went into a defensive stance.

"What the hell? WHAT THE HELL?" How dare he! "What the hell is that I want you to keep your hands off me. We're over Inuyasha. OVER! Stay out of my life!"

Tears were threatening to fall but she fought them off. The last person that deserved her tears was Inuyasha. He had done everything to her from betraying her trust, to cheating on her. He was poison and she wanted him out of her life for good. "Just get out."

Inuyasha's own eyes were shining with tears. He didn't like the way she always spoke like it was officially over. It would never be over. If he couldn't live without her, then she couldn't either. It wasn't fair for him to feel so much for her while she could so easily cut him out of her life. Yes he had made mistakes but he was willing to change because he loved her. Why couldn't she see that?

He kicked the bouquet of roses with his foot before running away from her.

Kagome was his, only his.

As soon as he was out of view, Kagome dropped to her knees. She took a deep breath and did her best to calm herself. She brought a hand to her chest while she felt a few tears roll down her cheeks. Hopefully this time it was over for good. Yet she couldn't chase away the fog that was clouding her mind.

Why did Inuyasha insist on hurting her so much?

"Inuyasha?"

Kagome took another step in his apartment while tilting her head to the side. They had a date and he hadn't showed up. It wasn't unusual for him to forget about her, but he hadn't even answered his phone! Even now, the door of his apartment hadn't been locked, allowing her to walk right in.

She kept walking further and further in his apartment looking for him. "Inuyasha?"

Kagome frowned as she was getting highly frustrated. It was then that she heard some noises coming from the bedroom. What in the world? Was he still sleeping? At five pm? Then again, it wouldn't surprise her that much. He was known for staying up all night and sleeping all day.

A sigh rolled off her lips as she hurried to the bedroom. Her footsteps were fairly quiet since she was walking on carpet making it almost impossible to hear her come. She grabbed the handle and swung the door open ready to kick Inuyasha out of bed. Unfortunately for her she was graced with a sight she hadn't expected to see.

In front of her there were Inuyasha and a woman lying in bed covered by nothing but bed sheets. It took the two of them more than a second to realize someone had disturbed their peace. Inuyasha was the first one to notice when Kagome's scent attacked his nose.

"Kag?" he said, as he scrambled to cover himself.

Her heart was beating so fast it was all she could hear inside her head. This was not happening. Her eyes watered before she knew it, and her whole vision was blurred. Tears were streaming down her cheeks and she couldn't move.

"Kag, wait let me explain," said Inuyasha as he tried to grab his pants from the floor.

However, he never reached them as Kikyo grabbed his hand to stop him. She had waited a long time to obtain this victory. Finally she was no longer a secret; she had proven to be the best one. Inuyasha was hers not Kagome's.

"Don't Inuyasha. It's time she found out about our love."

Inuyasha swallowed hard and he found himself stuck between the two. Of course he loved Kikyo, and he enjoyed himself with her. After all, they did much more than he and Kagome did, but it still didn't change the way he felt for Kagome. She was his first love, his everything. He couldn't lose her could he?

"Kag," was all he could say.

Kagome bit on her bottom lip, unable to believe the reality in front of her.

How could he do this to her?

-P-

He grabbed his shot and downed it before putting the glass back on the counter. He wasn't one for drinking but he was hurt. For the longest time he had promised himself he would be alone because people were only bothersome and they brought suffering. He had broken that rule that night with her and ever since then he hadn't regretted it.

Even when she had forgotten all about him, he had still stayed by her side, but this he could not do.

He didn't know if it was her hit to the head that still left her affected but the Kagome he knew wouldn't do what she did.

After spending hours regretting the kiss, Sesshomaru had decided to go see her. Of course the closer he had gotten, the more he had been able to smell his younger brother. He had hurled himself to Kagome's, more than glad to throw his half brother out of the building. Unfortunately, when he arrived there, Kagome had not been in trouble.

Instead he had witnessed a scene of passion.

When he had seen them kiss, he refused to believe it. He had wanted to believe that Inuyasha was forcing Kagome, but there had been no evidence of that. Her scent hadn't shown fear or frustration and she hadn't pushed him away. She had let him kiss her. His heart had snapped when he had heard her moan against Inuyasha's lips.

She certainly hadn't kissed him like that.

The first thing he had done was run as fast as he could and as far as could.

What was it that made her do it? Was it because he had kissed her and she had realized she wanted Inuyasha? After everything he had done for her, she had tossed him aside as if he was nothing. Instead she wanted the man who had broken her heart and betrayed her.

In frustration, he hit the counter as hard as he could.

It wasn't fair.

He had allowed her inside of his mind, closer to him that anyone else and she had betrayed him. He was fine with her not wanting him; he wouldn't force her to be with him since being friends would be enough. But for her to go back to Inuyasha? He couldn't take that. She was nothing like he pictured her to be.

Kagome was supposed to be strong, not weak.

His heart sunk in his chest as he took another shot. Alcohol wouldn't do much to him, but he still felt like drowning himself into something. For a year Kagome had been everything and he now realized just what a mistake that had been. His mother had been right; humans brought nothing but trouble.

"Rough night?"

Sesshomaru felt a hand on his shoulder and he tensed. Who was touching him? He tilted his head to the side slightly, glaring at whoever was behind him. It was then that he saw Kikyo smiling brightly at him and trying to look all innocent. Her hair was up in a bun and her face covered in make up while she wore a bright devilish red dress.

"It's none of your business," he replied before turning around, not wanting to look at her anymore.

Usually Kikyo might have walked away, especially since Sesshomaru was good at turning her down. However this time he was down, and she planned on taking advantage of that. She didn't have a clue of what happened but she could tell that it had something to do with Kagome which was perfect.

Even though he was being hostile, she sat down beside him. "Maybe I can help," she said, offering him her best smile. "My offer still stands."

Of course she'd prefer if he was doing her instead of Kagome, but she could live with being someone else for now. It wouldn't take too long for Sesshomaru to be all over her and she was willing to make a few sacrifices until that happened. She leaned into him seductively batting her eyelashes.

Sesshomaru glanced at her slightly, her cheap perfume attacking his nose. No matter how hard Kikyo tried she'd never be Kagome. Though apparently being Kagome wasn't such a great achievement. He still wanted to have faith in her; he just wished he had seen panic in her eyes instead of staring at her close eyelids.

If she had just done something that showed she had been against it…

He wouldn't mind seeing her happy in a relationship with someone else. He simply didn't want to see her with Inuyasha. He had saved her from near death that night and it had all been Inuyasha's fault. He couldn't see her go down that path again; she deserved better.

Then again, it wasn't like she cared.

And maybe he didn't care either.

"Aren't you going to buy me something to drink?" asked Kikyo when he still remained silent.

The fact that he hadn't turned her down was a good sign. She might have him in her grip very soon. When he looked at her and their eyes met, she made sure he couldn't glance away. She had been working hard to make Sesshomaru hers and she wouldn't give up now, not when she was so close. He might never hurt again, and she wouldn't get another opportunity.

She dared to put her hand on his shoulder again as she slowly approached his ear. "I'll make it worth your while," she whispered seductively.

Kikyo was nothing more than a cheap whore and he knew it. She had been around, and had probably done this kind of thing more than once to obtain what she desired. She was trash and he should be pushing her away, yet he wasn't.

She wanted something from him, he knew that. The problem was he wanted something at the moment. He was enraged and hurt that the person he trusted the most turned out to be a complete stranger.

He wanted to take his rage out and he wanted Kagome.

Kikyo might just be the answer to all that. It would seem like he was playing right into her hand, but frankly at the moment he wanted to use her just as much as she wanted to use him. Perhaps it could be a beneficial thing. He knew that he could toss her aside afterwards and even if she came after him again, he'd have no problem getting rid of her.

Every action had consequences but honestly this would be done out of his own selfish need.

Perhaps he was tired of doing things for her. This was about him. On top of that, it didn't even matter to her what he did. He would be a friend, and maybe not even forever. He was okay with the status of friendship; he just wished she made wiser decision when it came to her relationships.

Tonight would be the night he turned the page.

For a whole year he had harvested hope that perhaps he could be the one for her. Today he had been proven wrong. He was not one to dwell upon unnecessary things, and Kagome was one of them. If she required help, he would be there.

But he couldn't be that person any longer. It wasn't like him and it had been a mistake all along. He would be himself again once the night was over.

Tonight, with Kikyo out of all people, he'd forget Kagome.

He quickly downed his last drink. "Let's go."

-P-