Pink Carnation

Thank you Daniella for beta-reading. 

Thorn-Apple: Disguise. 

Pink Carnation

Chapter 17: Thorn-Apple

He wasn't even sure how they had gotten to his house that fast, but here they were. They were sitting on his bed with Kikyo half on top of him kissing his neck and unbuttoning his shirt. His own hands were by his side, not even touching her. He had been the one to invite her over hadn't he? This was the same woman he had fully turned down in his office wasn't it?

She was a whore; she was the one that had completely broken Kagome's heart. Of course, it shouldn't matter what she did to Kagome. He couldn't hurt her because she was not interested in him.

But he was better then that wasn't he?

Meanwhile Kikyo was busying trailing her hands down his shoulders, causing his shirt to slip off. She could tell he was a bit distracted and she was getting clearly annoyed. She lowered her mouth a bi, trying to get him to focus on her. Why wasn't he touching her? Kikyo had won, he was all hers, and she wasn't about to let him go.

Sesshomaru had been so determined when he had invited her over and now he didn't know anymore. It didn't matter that Kagome wouldn't be his, or that she didn't want him. For too long he had been her friend… meaning this was somewhat of a betrayal. But, could he forget that the woman he loved would never be his?

Kikyo would never be Kagome; there was no doubt about that. She probably couldn't even be a replacement or a copy. Yet he had wanted her to come over. Perhaps because he had been hurt and he wanted to hurt. Maybe it was because in the past, he wouldn't have given a damn whose feelings he damaged. He had his share of one night stands in the past way before Kagome came around.

She had made an entrance in his life, and now she was slowly disappearing.

Kikyo's frustration was growing thus she took both of her hands and moved Sesshomaru's face so that he was looking at her. It was then that she pressed her lips against his for the very first time, tasting her victory. Sesshomaru was hers; she had won over that little bitch.

Victory was sweet.

For the first time Sesshomaru brought his hands to her back, bringing her a bit closer. The kiss was deepened slightly as Kikyo ran her fingers through his hair. Sesshomaru was taking his sweet time and she was used to men undressing her a lot faster than that. She didn't really mind, she was only afraid that he would pull away.

Then again if he was going to send her back, he wouldn't have taken things that far.

Sesshomaru felt her invade his mouth with her tongue and weirdly he winced. He could think of all the places she had been and somehow, that didn't feel right. It was more than the fact that she had hurt Kagome and slept with Inuyasha she had also… well the fact that she had slept with Inuyasha was disgusting enough.

He tried to empty his mind to go through with it, but all the flashes going through his mind were enough to cause him to put a halt to the whole thing. He put his hands on her shoulders and slightly pushed her away which caused her to glance down at him in confusion

"What's wrong?" she inquired with a sexy smile upon her lips.

"You need to leave," he said as he grabbed the collar of his shirt so he could lift it up and put his clothes back on properly.

Kikyo pursed her lips. "You want me to leave?"

"Yes," he said as he fully pushed her off him so he could rise to his feet. "Get out of my life."

She arched an eyebrow. "You told me to come here, and now you're going to throw me out? Why because of her?"

"No, because you're filth."

"Then why did you come to me?"

"I almost made a mistake during lapse of judgment. Now get out before I throw you out myself."

Kikyo glared at him, rage filling her heart, but she held back herself. She wanted nothing more than lash out at him but did not. He had been right in the palm of her hand…and she would lose him? No, it didn't make any sense! He had been so into it back at the bar… what had made him change his mind?

"I'll make you forget about her."

He scoffed. "I don't need to forget about her."

"Really? I'm sure you were upset back at the bar. What did she do?"

He resisted the urge to smack her across the room. She had no right to ask what Kagome was doing. He himself didn't want to think about what Kagome was doing. It was hard to stop thinking about her kissing Inuyasha. He didn't want to know if she liked it or how things had ended up.

"Get out," he repeated as politely as he could.

Kikyo held the glance a bit longer before she fixed her shirt. "You will not get this opportunity again. You better make sure you want me out."

He didn't speak, but instead he returned the intensity of her glare. Hopefully she would know what was good for her and she would walk out. The seconds ticked away, but she remained standing still in front of him. It was then that he decided to take a step forward trying to intimidate her.

Kikyo scoffed, shaking her head. Did he really think he was scaring her? He had tried that a long time ago and it hadn't worked. She imitated his actions by moving closer as well. "You can't scare me, dog."

Her words seemed to be the thing that made him snap. Before she could blink he closed the distance between them and grabbed her neck with his hand. "This surely feels familiar," he said, knowing very well she loved to push his buttons when she didn't get her way.

He dug his claws ever so slightly into her flesh, just enough to draw a little bit of blood. Sesshomaru then proceeded to graze his claw down so he left a nice line on her pretty porcelain white skin. "I do not enjoy repeating myself."

"I do not enjoy being turned down," she said, inclining her head back even more.

Sesshomaru tightened his grip on her neck and used a bit of force to push her away, nearly all of his claws leaving scratches upon her neck. "Get out. This is your last warning."

Kikyo grabbed her throat, wiping off some of the blood. She knew that youkais could be a little dangerous. She could push her luck, but she intended on leaving with her life. She fixed her hair up a bit before walking past him, her head held high. He might think he had embarrassed her, but he hadn't. After all he had asked her to come to his house.

Eventually it would be his downfall.

As soon as she slammed the door behind her, Sesshomaru dropped to his bed. He ran his fingers through his hair, feeling the slight dampness of his scalp. What in the world was he doing? He allowed himself to drop on his back upon the bed, feeling the rage swell up inside him. He was hot, bothered, angry, and hurt.

This was not how he was supposed to feel.

Sesshomaru poured himself another glass of whiskey and downed it immediately. Just what in the world was wrong with him? One girl did one thing he didn't like and he had decided to throw away all his standards? This was not like him. His grip tightened on his glass as his frustration rose. He didn't do impulsive and he especially did not do it with trash like Kikyo. It wasn't as if she was beautiful or charming. Heck, she could not pretend to be Kagome.

Yes, maybe he wanted Kagome, and perhaps she was the closest he could get to her, but he had realized something during the previous night. He wouldn't have a copy. He was not some low life who settled for less. Either he obtained Kagome, or he didn't go after someone who looked like her.

It had been a pathetic choice.

He was frustrated with his own choices. Yes, he had made the conscious decision of bringing Kikyo into his house. At least, he had been able to turn her down. Problem was, he had a feeling it would come back and bite him in the ass.

Unfortunately for him, Kikyo wasn't his only problem. Kagome was one of them as well. He couldn't disappear, he couldn't avoid her and he couldn't ignore her. That meant he would have to face her because he wasn't one to be a coward and run away. Plus, perhaps he wanted to see with his own eyes that she had truly turned him down and not Inuyasha.

There was the small hope that… she hadn't?

Perhaps it had been nothing more than a kiss. She could have had lingering feelings, and it had pushed her into kissing him back? It was still very disappointing if that happened but… less.

A deep sigh rolled off his lips as he tilted his head back.

He didn't need this.

-P-

This was not right.

Kagome had called Sesshomaru four times and she had not gotten any answer. She had tried to reach him right after Inuyasha had left her apartment, and then she had attempted again three times after she had woken up. She understood that Sesshomaru was a busy man, but… nothing? Not even a text message?

After Inuyasha had troubled her, she had wanted to talk to him. As a matter of fact, she had even completely forgotten about the kiss they had shared. Her first instinct had been to reach out for him. Now, she almost wondered if it was a good thing that he hadn't contacted her back.

She hit her head against the nearest pillow and sighed heavily. Why did her life keep getting more and more complicated each time? She didn't know what she wanted with Sesshomaru or what to expect. He had known her for longer than she did technically and she was afraid to rush herself into a relationship.

There was one thing she was sure of however. She didn't want Sesshomaru to completely fade away from her life. She enjoyed his presence and she didn't want it to end because she hadn't said anything after he had kissed her. Her toes twitched a bit before she decided to jump on her feet. If he didn't want to pick up the phone, she'd go to his house.

He was probably at the office, but it wasn't personal enough there, it was the place where he worked and she didn't want to cause any trouble. She grabbed her purse from the table and her coat from the hanger before heading outside. She felt a tingle of nervousness as she rushed downstairs a little with an added sprint to her steps.

Time went by as she drove to his place, her fingers tapping against the wheel the entire time. It took a while before she could finally see his house come in view and she felt a bit relieved. She hurried to park her car and took a deep breath before coming out. She was about to close the door of her car and head for his house, when she remembered her purse. She rushed to get it before finally being on her way.

She assumed that one of his employees would let her into the house and allow her to wait inside for Sesshomaru. Surely that kind of situation would have happened before. She was no stranger and there was no reason for them to turn her around right? Perhaps that was something she should have thought of before she headed for his house.

Kagome was about to reach the sidewalk when suddenly she nearly crashed into someone. She stopped straight in her tracks only to glance up and find herself face to face with Kikyo. Kagome held her breath back, shock showing all over her visage. This was… the woman, the one who… For an instant, it was as if her thoughts no longer made sense, and she had to take a step backwards.

She wanted to ask so many questions but she couldn't find the words to speak.

Unfortunately for her, Kikyo had plenty to say. "Oh Kagome," she said, her sweetest tone laced with venom.

"Kikyo," said Kagome her eyes hardening.

"I wouldn't go in there if I was you," said Kikyo, fixing her hair up a bit. "I mean, Sesshomaru's busy, was busy."

"He's home?" There were plenty of things she should say or do to Kikyo, one of them including a slap to the face, but instead she wanted to know what she was doing at Sesshomaru's so early.

Kikyo raised her eyebrows. "Of course. I don't think he wanted to go in to work today."

Kagome knew what Kikyo was trying to say but she refused to believe it. Sesshomaru was her friend was he not? That wasn't something he would do to her, not him.

"I must say he's very classy. I mean sure a pure white bedroom is rather plain, but he has a nice sense of decoration. Especially that breathtaking painting hanging above his bed. The colors in that night sky are amazing."

Why would she know what Sesshomaru's bedroom looked like?

Her heart was beating way too fast but she refused to glance away from Kikyo. Why was this woman such poison? Why did she have to have a taste of everything that was precious and important to Kagome? The urge to slap Kikyo was growing strong, but Kagome didn't. If she lost all control, Kikyo would be satisfied and it was the last thing she wanted.

The tears were stinging her eyes however.

Sesshomaru should have been better than that. At least, she had expected him to be. Maybe her expectations of him were too high. Inuyasha and he were related after all.

"Sleeping around like a cheap whore… does that make you feel better about yourself?"

Kikyo took a step forward, almost to appear threatening. "Losing all your men to a cheap whore, does that make you feel good about yourself?"

"At least I'm not a cheap lay."

"Oh honey, you don't get laid at all. Inuyasha told me. Why do you think he came to me? You just weren't woman enough to keep him."

It was at that precise moment that her control snapped, and she found herself smacking Kikyo hard on the left cheek. The slap nearly echoed through as fire was dancing in Kagome's eyes. She was hurt knowing what Inuyasha thought of her, but what annoyed her most was how good Kikyo thought she was.

"Inuyasha might have gone to you, but he came back to me. Clearly you're the one who can't keep them."

Without allowing Kikyo to strike back, Kagome turned around and walked to her car. She could have stayed, or even gone to knock on Sesshomaru's door like she had planned to but she couldn't. The tears were cascading down her face, and she didn't want her to see them. Her heart felt ready to burst and she wished for nothing more than her warm bed where she could hide from the world.

She wanted to run away from it all.

As soon as she entered her car, Kagome pressed her head against the wheel, the tears pouring down her face. Nothing more than a kiss had happened between her and Sesshomaru so why did it hurt so much? What the hell was it about Kikyo that they couldn't keep their hands off her? What did Kikyo have that she didn't?

She didn't want to dwell in self-pity, but it did sting. Everyone she thought she knew turned out to be completely different. All her world was nothing more than an illusion. When would it strop shattering? When would she see people for what they really were?

Kagome took a deep breath before wiping the tears and mascara stains from her cheek. She wouldn't break down in front of his house, especially not with Kikyo near by like this. Even if it was fake she would appear to be strong. She tilted her head back, glancing around but saw no sign of Kikyo. Perhaps she had left after being slapped.

For a second, Kagome had truly thought that Kikyo would slap her back. Kagome wasn't one to lose her temper and attack someone physically but if someone deserved a bitch slap, it was Kikyo.

She breathed in heavily again, before putting the key in the ignition and starting the car. Kagome was terribly tempted to peer at Sesshomaru's house one last time, maybe in a silly hope to see him, but she didn't.

Maybe there was an explanation for the whole story, but perhaps that was her wanting there to be one. Why would Kikyo know the inside of his bedroom? No, it was better if she just left.

Dealing with him while being in this state would do no good to anyone.

For once, she had to let go. Of course that didn't stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks as she began driving away.

Meanwhile, Kikyo was watching Kagome leave with a smirk on her face. She hadn't expected Kagome to slap her, but the rest of the little encounter had been perfectly flawless.

When Sesshomaru had kicked her out of his house a few hours back she had intended on completely leaving, but then had decided against it. She knew that he felt guilty because of Kagome, and she had expected him to eventually go meet up with her. That would have been when Kikyo would have followed him, and ruined the little meeting.

Then unexpectedly, life had decided to be kind to her. As soon as she had seen Kagome park and come out of her car, her heart had done jumps inside her rib cage. This had been an even better opportunity. At first she had been worried about making it look real, but once Kagome had returned to her car she had run to the sidewalk and everything else had gone smoothly.

She might not have obtained what she wished for from Sesshomaru, but she had still been able to break down that little bitch, and that was just as good.

Perhaps Kagome would finally realize that when both of them were facing each other, she didn't stand a chance.

Poor little girl.

-P-

There was a pile of pictures on the kitchen table staring at her. Kagome could feel her heart squeeze, but she couldn't reach out for them yet. Those were all the pictures of her and Sesshomaru that she had been given back. How could she be sad that she lost Sesshomaru when she couldn't even remember what was there to begin with?

And why in the world had he kissed her now? Hadn't they been friends for a whole year and nothing more? Why hadn't he done it then? Though it appeared he was pretty much ready to take anyone…

Once again, she found herself sighing as she inclined her head forward. Slowly she grabbed half the pile and dropped it in front of her. She had already gone through some of the pictures, but not all of them. She wanted to know, she wanted to see. No it didn't have anything to do with the past, or trying to be whom she used to be.

She just wanted to know if the kiss had actually meant something to him.

Kagome slowly began browsing through the pictures, her eyes lingering, trying to find something…anything. Most of them were clearly taken without either her or Sesshomaru's knowledge and she could easily tell that Sango was behind it. If you looked at things in a superficial manner, they made a strange pair her and Sesshomaru.

Yet, from what she had gotten they seemed alike. Though obviously she had been wrong about that. Just thinking about Kikyo coming out of his house was enough to bring tears to her eyes. At least this time she hadn't been cheated on. A part of her couldn't help but wonder if Sesshomaru would have told her if she hadn't found out.

Kami knew Inuyasha kept it from her for a long time.

As she kept flipping through the pictures, one of them really caught her eye.

It looked like they were at a restaurant and she was holding a wine glass. Her eyes were locked with Sesshomaru and they both had a smile on their faces. There was even a hint of a blush on her face. Joy was radiating from the picture, and Kagome almost felt jealous of herself. She wanted that happiness back, she wanted to remember it.

She shook her head softly as she tossed the picture aside.

No more dwelling on the past.

What did those pictures prove? That perhaps at one time he did care deeply for her, that he showed her attention, and provided her with comfort even during the darkest times? It was clear that whatever he had felt back then was long gone or he wouldn't have done what he did.

Maybe he loved that Kagome. Not the one who couldn't remember him.

With her heart heavier than ever, she got up from the chair and headed for her art studio. She missed it terribly, yet every time she went inside she couldn't paint or draw anything. Her will to do so had completely vanished. Then again her artistic side was highly tied with her emotions. When she felt drained like this, she couldn't do anything.

When she had actually been happy, then she had been too busy to draw.

Kagome opened the door slowly peering in. All of her old work was still up untouched. However there was one piece she was interested in and she headed straight for it. The black painting. There was nothing special about it. After all, it was just a canvas covered in black paint, yet she didn't want to touch it. It had to remain the way it was because it was perfect that way.

She wasn't sure how exactly it had happened, or why she had done that to the canvas, but whatever she was feeling then she was feeling now. She raised her hand and touched the painting with her fingertips. It felt like it was absorbing her inside. Before she knew it, one single tear rolled down her cheek, causing her to chuckle.

How did this happen to her twice? She hated Kikyo, everything she was, and everything she represented, but apparently she was extremely talented at obtaining her way. What was it about a whore that attracted men? Was it the easy goal or did they find her beautiful?

She had always thought that certain things were meant to be shared in the intimacy of a close relationship. Perhaps she was the only one who still thought that way. She bit on her bottom lip as she finally retracted her hand away from the painting. She was still in the same old life, same old memories.

Maybe what she needed was a fresh start.

It seemed a bit crazy, and perhaps a bit rushed, but maybe she needed to change a few things around in her life. Kagome didn't want to change towns or anything but she wanted something new, something that would help her move on from everything. Including people she thought she knew.

On the ground at her feet were still a few pictures. She kicked one of them gently before bending down and picking it up. In the picture was her, Sesshomaru, Sango and Miroku. All of them were smiling and even Sesshomaru was offering his own version of a smile.

Could he really have slept with Kikyo? Why did she want to give him the benefit of the doubt? It was almost a certainty, but a part of her wanted to believe in him. He didn't seem to care for a physical relationship all that much, at least not that desperately.

It was the fact that she wanted to believe he hadn't done to her what Inuyasha had that made her heart sink into her chest. Hadn't he been the one to help her twice after Inuyasha's two betrayals? If he had seen what state it had put her in, why would he do it to her? Granted they weren't a couple... but… even as a friend, why would he do it?

Surely he had an explanation did he not?

The picture slid from her hand and fell upon the ground. She soon followed. Her knees hit the ground and she hid her face in her hands. The last thing she wanted was to feel that pain again. Her heart was swelling and she didn't wish to experience those feelings anymore.

She just wanted to know she was right to believe.

Then again… he hadn't returned her phone calls.

And it was then that more tears poured from her eyes.

-P-

"Mister Taisho, Miss Higurashi called three times for you."

Usually the only times Kagome called the office, she was answered immediately. The rest of the time, Kagura could only imagine that she had no problem reaching Sesshomaru. The fact that her phone calls were not answered was quite pleasing.

"Thank you Kagura," said Sesshomaru as he disappeared inside his office.

Yes he knew Kagome was trying to reach him. He had ended up turning off his phone yesterday because he didn't want to see any more missed calls by her. He was well aware that he should pick up, since to the best of her knowledge there was no reason for him not to, but he couldn't. If he talked to her, he might very well become transparent and let all of his emotions show.

The only proper way to see her was in person, but he couldn't look at her right now. Not only because of what he had seen, but what he had done. His rage had overpowered him, and he wanted to describe it as a lapse of judgment, but he couldn't. He had known very well what he had been done, and he had still gone through with it.

Well almost. He had stopped it in time.

Still, even if Kagome was stupid enough to return to Inuyasha, he was not idiotic enough to sleep with a woman such as Kikyo. Also, just for the sake of the friendship they shared, he shouldn't have even thought of it. He did make stupid decisions in his life, and that was one of them. If he could take it back, he would. but he could not.

It had almost seemed appealing at the time. Not only was he in a way getting a taste of something he wanted, a cheap one, but maybe he was also getting back at Inuyasha. He was also taking away the sting of rejection away. Someone at least desired him, though it was someone as pathetic as Kikyo.

No he did not need women to be into him for the sake of his ego. He had enough self-esteem and he didn't need others for it to be high. However, Kagome was different and it was as if she knew how to make a dent into his ego. For an entire year he had not tried anything on her, even when she had been better…

Now that he finally did, it was as if he had been flat out rejected.

The thing that did scare him a bit and he did not get afraid very often, was that he would most likely completely lose her, no matter what was going on. If she was indeed back with his idiotic half brother, then he knew Inuyasha wouldn't let her near him. If in the case that things did not work out between them, he couldn't look at her.

Kagome was slowly slipping through his fingers and he could do nothing to hold on to her. Perhaps that was the most frustrating thought. But then again, as time would go by, it would probably become more difficult to be nothing but a friend. If she didn't have any desire to be with him, perhaps it was better to lose her now.

Suddenly his thoughts were interrupted by a violent knock on his door. He winced in annoyance before inclining his head back. "What is it?" he asked, extremely irritated.

It was then that his younger brother came busting through the doors, clearly annoyed. "Hey," said Inuyasha as he allowed the door to slam behind him. "I gotta talk to you."

Sesshomaru rubbed head, closing his eyes. "I do not have time for your gloating Inuyasha."

He stood back a bit. "Gloating?"

"Yes. I know about you and Kagome. Now if you do not mind, unlike you I have work to do."

Him and Kagome? Inuyasha was about to ask again, when he was quickly reminded of the event of the two days ago. But that couldn't possibly be it. After all, it had ended with him being kicked out of Kagome's apartment once again. Why would Sesshomaru think he wanted to gloat after that?

Inuyasha raised an eyebrow, perplexed. Did Sesshomaru only know about the kiss?

"Yeah, whaddaya hear?"

Sesshomaru let out a sigh; he was in no mood to play Inuyasha's little games. "Enough to know I was wrong about her."

So he didn't know? "Kagome told you?"

"I do not need someone to tell me what I saw with my own eyes."

Inuyasha almost wanted to burst with joy. This had to be a joke. Sesshomaru had seen him kiss Kagome and nothing else? Oh this could be a lie and deceit he could use to his advantage and he was going to. With a bright smirk on his face, Inuyasha took a step forward.

"She was mine first. I told you that."

It would be much easier to keep trying to get Kagome back if Sesshomaru wasn't constantly in his way. Plus, this whole situation was Sesshomaru's fault; he was just taunting Inuyasha with his stupidity. A few more seconds and he would not think what he was currently thinking. He should have stayed.

Though Inuyasha wasn't about to complain.

"I suppose you were right," said Sesshomaru, not-caring as he grabbed a file that had been on his desk. He wouldn't give Inuyasha the pleasure of obtaining a reaction out of him.

Inuyasha scoffed. "I know it's bothering you. You're not that good at hiding your emotions."

Sesshomaru lifted his eyes from the paper and glanced at his little brother. "She was a friend."

"Bullshit. She was more, you warned me."

"And I was mistaken," said Sesshomaru as he rose to his feet. He slammed his palms against his desk, anger getting to him. "You can have her; I have no desire to take her."

Inuyasha crossed his arms in front of his chest, a boost of confidence going through him. "I can have her? I'm pretty sure I already do."

He breathed in heavily, ready to roll his eyes when a scent hit his nose. It was familiar. He decided to breathe in once more, his lips tightly pressed together. Where had he smelled that b-

"Kikyo? You smell like Kikyo?"

Sesshomaru felt his entire body stiffen for a second. He hadn't been in her presence for very long and he had taken a couple of showers since then. Surely Inuyasha's nose wasn't that good. Quickly enough, Sesshomaru recovered and his mask was back in place.

"What I smell like is none of your business Inuyasha. Now leave my office."

"Is that why you don't want Kagome anymore? Because you're fucking Kikyo?"

He had decided he didn't want Kikyo anymore, he had even turned her down, but that didn't mean that he wanted his brother to have her. Everything was his, and he didn't want Sesshomaru to have it. Plus, how could Kikyo go to Sesshomaru? He might understand that she was frustrated that he didn't take her back but… Did she seriously believe he'd get back with her after she had been with his brother?

He didn't want a whore.

"Stay away from her."

"I will go near anyone I want," said Sesshomaru with a bit of challenge in his voice. "Last time I checked, you were back with Kagome. Why is it any concern of yours what Kikyo does with her time?"

Inuyasha bit on his bottom lip, unable to answer. It wasn't any of his business, he just didn't like it.

"Unless you intend to break Kagome's heart again."

Inuyasha's hand clenched into a fist. "I won't. It was a mistake."

"Then what I chose to do with Kikyo shouldn't bother you."

Inuyasha, in an extreme attempt to keep his self control decided to turn the situation around. Sesshomaru was trying to get to him and Inuyasha refused to leave without doing the same.

"You're right it doesn't. Plus, I'm sure Kagome will love to hear you finally found someone."

He wasn't sure of Kagome's feelings for Sesshomaru, but this would hurt her wouldn't it? It was a bit risky for him to go back to her house after she had been so angry, but this was worth it. If he could tell her and get her to believe him, he might just win her back. Sesshomaru would no longer be the good guy.

Sesshomaru felt his heart drop just a bit. Didn't Inuyasha have any shame or concern for Kagome's feelings? She had been hurt enough by a similar situation, yet the hanyou was ready to bring her pain once more. Of course, Sesshomaru did do a foolish thing, but he didn't wish to see Kagome end up on some lonely road, soaked and covered in blood again.

"You're a bigger fool than I thought," said Sesshomaru as he sat back down.

Inuyasha scoffed. "We'll see."

It was then that he turned his back to his older brother, and began walking out of the office. Sesshomaru held his head in his palm his guilt rising within. Kagome could not possibly have gotten back with Inuyasha. He was stupider than he used to be. Sesshomaru hadn't failed to notice the small confusion that had occurred at the beginning of the conversation.

Did he have it all wrong?

He punched his desk violently, leaving a dent in the wood. Sesshomaru then scanned the room quickly only to have his eyes land on a picture of him and Kagome. As his frustration rose, he used his arm to push most of the things on his desk on the floor, including the picture. As soon as it made contact with the floor, the glass frame shattered.

What had he done?

What was he doing?

He usually headed straight into things without regrets, without questioning himself. When it came to her he was never the same. He might have freed himself from her, or he might have done the biggest mistake of his life.

Also, he might have very well given Inuyasha a weapon to hurt her. And now he was left with a big problem; could he fix it, and how? What if he got involved and she truly just wanted Inuyasha?

He smashed his desk again, pushing the whole thing upside down upon the floor. As soon as he did that, it revealed the picture once more folded on the ground. She was smiling at him and it twisted his guts.

What was she doing to him?

-P-