Where The Heart Lies

Where The Heart Lies

Chapter 2


Dammit, I said it already! Okay, okay, I don't own Inuyasha or any characters from the series!!!! There now, Happy???


When Sango opened her front door the last thing she expected to see was her ex's mother standing on the porch with a gift in her hands. The long raven locks of her hair fluttered in the wind. Pink sweater dress made to fit. Although the ensemble was quite modest, Izayoi pulled it of with the grace and sex appeal she was famed for.

Though she and Inu had broken up over a year ago, Sango and Kohaku still remained tight with his parents. Sesshoumaru was in college and living in an apartment in the city so Sango didn't see him often if ever. What was with the gift anyway? It wasn't anyones birth day, and the holidays were a little under three months away.

“It's a bit early for Christmas gifts isn't Mrs. Mitsuki.” She gave the older woman a questioning smile which was returned with patience.

“For the thousandth time, call me Izaoyi, and the gift isn't for you my dear” at Sango's quirked brow she compelled herself to explain.

“Today in Ayame's birthday, is it not?”

“Yes it is, and I gave her my gift this morning at school.” When the woman sent a wicked grin her way, Sango began to squirm. She already knew where this was going!

“Well I haven't seen much of her lately, and since you're were probably going to her party anyway, I thought you could deliver it for me.” Izayoi knew that Sango was too bright not to see through her little ploy. But she had to try something. Though Sango hid it very well, anyone with half a brain knew that she was suffering. She had gotten her son to confess the demise of his and the young woman (she looked to like the daughter she'd never had) relationship. Though Inuyasha had handled it badly, she understood that Inuyasha was nothing if not young and compulsive.

She'd always cherished Sango as well as the bond that she and her youngest son shared. The young woman had been her hanyou child's first friend, seeing as he and Sesshoumaru never really got along. Sango was smart and responsible. Loyal and devoted. Warm hearted and gentle all wrapped up in one very beautiful package. It wasn't hard to guess who she rooted for when her baby boy finally turned his attentions to girls. Now if only her oldest would only take some advice about love. She'd hated almost every girl Sesshoumaru ever brought home. They weren't good enough for him in her opinion, and Izayoi was always grateful when the females' time was cut short.

Although Sango and Inuyasha had history, Izayoi learned from first hand experience that young hearts seldom remained true. It was inevitable really, though she still hoped against it. Not that the woman doubted her son, but Inuyasha was still a very young man. He'd lived in one place for a long as he could remember, only shared his time with those he'd already bonded with.

When at the end of their sophomore year, he and Sango had been selected for the yearly summer abroad program their school participated in along with other high schools from all over the world, she thought it an excellent idea. Actually, Sango was nominated, and Inu was just riding her coattails. The only reason he was allowed was because Inutaisho Mitsuki was an insanely generous sponsor.

Tragedy struck when Hitomi fell ill and Sango refused to leave. Inu having been siked about experiencing a whole summer in a Brazilian rain forest, insisted upon going. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity after all. Though Sango gave off a nonchalant air, truth was she really needed all the support she could get.

Izayoi had talked to her son all but twice the entire summer for communication was limited. He hadn't even been informed of Hitomi passing at summers ends. The students returned the day before classes were suppose to start and he'd been downloaded with a host of information. Inuyasha returned a to school a as junior with a loads of new experiences and a new love interest. Further crushing the young girl he'd left behind already broken spirit. As his mother, Izayoi couldn't deny that she was disappointed...for Inu had given up on something truly wonderful. What bothered her more was knowing that Sango would have never given up on him...He'd broken the heart of some one who was very dear to his mother.

“Truth is Mrs.- I mean Izayoi” Sango started, looking at anything other than the woman in front of her, for she was a terrible liar. “I really wasn't planning on going. Kohaku and I where going to rent some movies and order a pizza. We'd made these plans a while ago, I'm sorry. But I'll be happy to drop the gift off at Ayame's tomorrow for you.”

There was no way in hell she was stepping any where near that party. Sango prided herself on not looking like a jackass. Not one loud fiery emotional display, nor even a single tear was shed in public eye. After the confrontation on her way to her car over a year ago, she hadn't uttered a word to Inuyasha. And for a whole year she'd hardly talk to her friends despite their protest. She didn't want them to choose and it was just to hard being around her now unrequited love. So she'd made herself scarce.

She was a senior now for gods sakes! And she hadn't been to one damned party in over a year. Noooo, she was to busy making sure her god damned grades were impressive...and paying the god damned household bills...and making sure Kohaku did his god damned homework! She was stretched so fucking thin that thought of even getting dressed for a party was just too tiring.

Not that she was complaining at all, for things could have been much worse. She could have watched as everything her parents worked for went to the banks and other greedy bastards, while in a foster home completely separated from her brother. Now that would be hell!

Izayoi gave the young woman a hard glare. “Sango dear, those who truly have no talent for lying, should refrain from doing so. It makes them look ridiculous.” She continued on with a sly smile. “And I know it to be fact that Kohaku is currently in my basement playing video games and eating cookies with Shippo... And will be doing so all night.

“On whose authority?! Sango asked, eyes widened astonished shock.

“Mine and his of course.” At her hurt yet angry expression, completed with crossed arms, the older woman tried a different approach. The honest one. Her expression as well as her toned softened.

“Sango, we're all worried about you. You barely talk to your friends anymore and besides school, you're practically a shut in. Because I understand, I won't ask that you talk to Inuyasha, but Kikiyo and Ayame don't deserve this. Hell, neither do Miroku and Kouga. We all love you and it's unfair to shut us out like this.” Both stood there, basically on the verge of tears. Sango couldn't bring herself to meet the woman she look to as a second mother's gaze. Not when the pain was so close to the surface. She wanted to run! Say that she didn't know anything! No one did! That she was fine, and what she really wanted was for everyone to leave her the hell alone. Lash out until she exhausted herself. But she couldn't. Not to Izayoi, not to her friends, not even to the people who really deserved her wrath. She felt more helpless than before now. Maybe they really could help. Sooth her wounded heart and broken spirit. But could she trust them enough too?

“You said you understand right” Sango asked as a single tear trailed down her cheek, as a promise of many to come. Her voice began cracking as she spoke. “Both my parents are gone. My sweet little brother is tittering on the edge of depression and the only thing thats keeping him from going over is this ridiculous super girl facade I have to keep in place. And last but definitely not least, my one true love breaks up with me for some girl he hardly knows. So what you do....What you do when some body says a word, or two and then suddenly” she said her voice nothing more than a broken whisper “just stops loving you?”

Izayoi stood gazing at the young girl who was stronger than she could ever be. She'd been utterly crushed when her own parents disowned her for baring the spawn of a demon. With child and no where to else to turn, she was forced to marry the widowed Inutaisho. She'd didn't love him in the beginning. It was more or less two to people turning to each other for comfort. Yes. Those were dark days. When intermixing laws were brutal in Japan.

Sango watch as a shadows of the past cleared from the woman's eyes. Both were in tears now, and Sango felt bad having drudge up the harsh memories.

Eyes still unfocused and remembering as she spoke in a soft yet certain voice. “You live Sango dear...You live strong just as your parents taught you to. The only way you know how to live.”Sango stepped forward into a warm embrace. She'd missed being held like this. By a mother figure if not her actual mother. She was able to let it all out, as she cried into the soft fabric of Izayoi's sweater.

Izayoi let her own tears flow in mourning for the two people who'd been like family to her. Hitomi was the first she'd had in a long time. After everyone found out that she'd left her fiancée, Takemaru due to his jealous nature and wayward dick, only to give herself to a demon a short time later, she'd lost everyone close to her in what felt like a matter of minutes. When Hitomi died, although her life had been rebuilt stronger than before, Izayoi still felt lost. Ten years of friendship gone in the blink of an eye. The couple across the street had never judge her or her family. Nitsuyei and Hitomi deeply
believed that has long as one was happy, who cared if demons and humans intermixed. Both had even fought in the great war.

She felt the girl in her arms start to settle and raised her chin to wipe away the last few salty trails. It brought a smile to her face, remembering she used to do this for Sango when she was a only little girl. After scraped knees and fights with Inuyasha. But Sango wasn't a little girl anymore. Oh no, the person who stood before her was a beautiful and strong young woman, and Izayoi felt a deep sense of pride in having taken part in her shaping. Her growing. Not that she didn't like the delightful girl that was Kagome Higurashi, it was just, in her eyes, Kagome was no match for Sango Tetsumi.

Both women, older and young gave a light hearted laugh and each other one last squeeze. Izayoi spoke as she wiped away a few dark strands of Sango's hair.

“Now I want you to go up stairs, and pretty yourself up, but not before you burn these ugly gray sweats you're so attached to.” Both women laughed again as the older began to walk away. “And don't worry about Kohaku, he'll be fine. You can pick him up in the morning. And Sango” she tossed over her shoulder as an after thought, “If you come back before eleven, I'll take you over my knee and spank you myself. Just because you're seventeen now, doesn't make you to old. “ Laughter erupted from both when Sango playfully hid behind the door with a fearful look on her face.

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She gave herself a once over. It was the tenth once over in the last thirty minutes. Her hair was clean and shiny. She'd dab herself with perfume at least six time already. Applied four coats of lip gloss and mascara. And every wrinkle and crease and had been straightened out perfectly. To say that Sango was stalling was an understatement. The dark jean mini, she wore was just the right length with the matching jacket of' course. She bought her tan colored
Uggs a few months ago, but had never gotten around to wearing them. And her tan cami showed off her well toned abs and look cool with the outfit in case she decided to ditch her jacket.

With a silent prayer for a peaceful evening, Sango grabbed her keys and headed for the door. The warm, breezy September weather was just to nice to pass up, so she opted to walk instead of driving. Besides, Ayame's was only three blocks over. Strolling along, she could already hear the music blaring, and wondered how those with demon hearing could stand it. She wasn't even there yet and it was already to loud for her.

People were everywhere, some on the front lawn, others standing near the park cars on the street. They all greeted her warmly, she was still very popular so it seemed. Sango suddenly spotted something that made her heart drop. It was impossible to miss it really, it was freaking huge. Her chest tightened as the memories came rushing back. She'd had some good and some very intense moments in there. Walking past Inuyasha's black hummer, she allowed a small sad smile to grace her features.

The front door was already opened, so she step inside. The All American Rejects was blaring over the sound system. She loved this song. Move Along reminded her a lot of her own situation.

When all you gotta keep his strong,
Move along, Move along,
like I know you do


Even when your hope is gone,
Move along, Move along
Just to make it through.


Sango began nodding head to the music as she search for the birthday girl. Although it was a bit old fashion, Ayame's house was huge. Not as big as Inuyasha's and Kouga's houses, but still huge. She live with her grand parents on account of her father living in America for business purposes, and her mother died giving birth to her. Sango had once asked what it was like growing without a mother. Ayame's frosty reply stunned her at first. “Can't miss what you never had” She'd said. Sango knew it was much more to it than that though.

“Sango! I can't believe you actually came!” Before she could turn around completely the excited red head barreled right into her. Ayame threw her arms around the startled girl and gave her the biggest hug ever. Mindful of her strength she loosened the pressure a bit.

Sango was shocked at first, but quickly returned the gesture. It felt really nice to be welcomed.

“Happy seventeenth Yummi.” Sango whispered, more than a little grateful that Izayoi convinced her to come. They'd been best friend since first grade, and Sango allowed excuses and a broken heart to come between them. She felt a deep sense of shame like never before. The two separated and looked each other over with smiles. Ayame was a true beauty. Crimson locks hung in loose curls against her shoulders. Full pink lips curved in a pleasant smile. The lime green mini dress hugged her curves perfectly and flared slightly at the bottom. It was a off the shoulder number with quarter length sleeves.
Glancing at her feet, Sango's smile broadened. She'd bought Ayame the copper colored knee boots and matching belt last year as a Christmas present. She was also wearing the gold bracelet Sango had bought her for this year's birthday.

“Thanks Sanny, wow you look great! Sango reached into her bag and pulled out Izayoi's gift. Ayame thanked her again, and went into chatter mode. Both girl walked around the party searching for Kouga as the female wolf brought Sango up to speed on the latest happenings.

“Gotta go check on grandpa Sanny. I just know he'll try to spike the punch like last time. Remember?”
Sango burst out laughing. Oh hell ya she remembered! She could still see Miroku dancing on the cocktail table in his boxer shorts. The boy practically hunched and rolled all night, and made At least a hundred dollars in the process. Thinking of Miroku....

“Hey! Wheres Kikiyo?”

“Oh she's probably in a dark corner some where.” Ayame raised her brows suggestively. Sango just chuckled at went searching. Just as she separated and turned away Ayame launched herself at the other girl and threw her arms around Sango's neck from behind.

“I'm really happy you came Sanny” The other girl smiled again and gave her arms a squeeze.

“Me too Yummi...Me too.”

Just as Ayame predicted, Kikiyo was huddled in a dark corner. She was perched on top of Miroku's lap as they made out like it was going out of style. A smile came to her lips as she thought back to when they'd first hooked up. The day Sango and her friends meet Kikiyo Higarashi, was when she'd received the worst punishment of her entire life. It gave her chills just thinking about how angry her parents had been.


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Three years earlier....

He'd thrown stones at the window, but there was no answer. Inuyasha finally got fed up and decided to climb throw the window. Sango always kept her window slightly cracked. Landing lightly on a tree limb close enough to reach her window, he quietly raised the glass until he could fit through. Having done this a thousand times over, Inuyasha didn't even make a sound.

All he knew is that she looked like an angel. Hair splayed out over the pillow, silky skin glowing in the moon light. No wonder he'd fallen in love with her. Sango looked so innocent as she slept. So unlike the spitfire he'd given his heart to. He doubted she knew how often he'd done this. Watch her as she slept while listening to her even breathing and heart beats. It calmed him to no end. Though he could do this all night, fact was there were people waiting for them outside.

Sango felt someone shaking her gently. As she stirred, as clawed hand covered her mouth. She was startled until she look up to see a pair of amused amber eyes. It was only Inuyasha. She shouldn't have been surprised. He often came to her at night. They'd lay in bed and talk all night, usually till sunrise. When she saw his jacket, she got confused. He wore a look of urgency. He had to whisper, for Nitsuyei was a very light sleeper.

“Put ya shoes on and grab a jacket, every bodies waitin.” Without question Sango did as she was told. Maybe it was some kinda secret mission. What ever it was, she was game.

Inu landed soundlessly on the lawn, with Sango in his arms. When she saw the sparkling white truck running, with Kouga and Ayame peering out the back window at her, she began to protest.

“Inuyasha, you're only fourteen.”

“Yeah, so?”

“You don't have a drivers license yet.”

“Your point?”

“You stole this car!”

“I burrowed it!”

“Okay, you burrowed this car without permission!”

“I'm not seeing a problem here.”

“Inuyasha,” Sango began in a patient tone. “Your fourteen, with no drivers license, in a stolen Lexus truck that just so happens to belong to Sesshoumaru. It's brand new!

“No it isn't!” Inuyasha was trying to keep his voice down. Why couldn't she just get in the car? Why did she have to always question him?


“Your brother just got it two days ago, are you serious?” Sesshoumaru had gotten it as a gift from their parents. He was only seventeen and already a sophomore in college. No one could deny that the boy was brilliant. Sango knew this would end badly. The two already hated each other. Why add fuel to an already raging fire?

Here she was, outside in nothing but a night gown, slippers and, Inu's baseball jacket at 1:00 AM. Wasn't that trust enough? The cool night air made her shiver a bit and the hanyou took her into his arms. He lifted her chin to make her look at him. “Do you trust me Sanny?” Sango look into his bright golden eyes and answered without hesitation.

“Yes.”

“Then come on,” They began walking to the truck. “Miroku's waiting. He has a thing for that girl from Okinawa that just can't wait. Uhh... whats her name?”

“Kikiyo?” When Sango looked again, she noticed Miroku already in the truck. Sango laughed mentally when she remembered how he'd made an ass of himself. He'd asked her to bare his child, and she'd promptly slapped fire from him. Kikiyo and her parents were invited to the Mitsuki's annual wedding anniversary celebration. They were new to town, and it was the best way to socialize. Miroku should have known better than to be so improper.

While in the car, Sango was informed of the plan. Miroku was going to apologize then, confess his undying love for her. Rather dramatic for fourteen year olds.

Sango got in and said her pleasantries. “I want you all to know that this is completely crazy. I'm glad to be apart of it. Everyone was in their night clothes. They guys had on pajama pants with tee shirts. Ayame wore a pair of cotton short shorts with a matching hoody. Kouga's jacket was placed around her shoulders.

“A mission isn't a mission without you Sanny!” Kouga said while wrapping his arms around Yummi's waste. They did stuff like this all the time. It was the first time they'd stolen a car but still. Everyone would sneak out and went about the town wreaking havoc. Nothing to terrible, just teenage stuff. Sometimes they'd just go to the park and hang.

Like always, Ayame and Kouga were in the back seat with their tongues down each others throats. With Miroku watching intently. Sango merely content with holding Inu's hand as they drove through the night. Looking back, Sango could tell that Miroku was nervous, which was strange because he was never nervous around girls. They'd met Miroku in the third grade. He and his father moved just a little outside the neighbor hood, and despite his gropings and lewd behavior he fit in immediately.

“I think she lives in that house right there, pull over Inu” Ayame demanded. She just had to see this. Miroku seemed to have finally met his match, a girl who wasn't falling at his feet for a change. If she hadn't been in love with Kouga since age two, she would have went for the hansom human herself. Plus he was charming as all hell. Romantic and caring. Though Kouga had all the romantic makings of a caveman, at least he was loyal. Something Miroku totally wasn't.

'Poor Koharu' she thought. Miroku had broken up with her two days ago. She was completely crushed to say the least. When asked why he replied “We've been dating for three months, and I haven't even gotten under her shirt. Plus we're in high school now. Everyone knows that high girls are suppose to put out.”

Ayame herself hadn't had sex yet and neither had Sango. Both knew it was only a matter of time. The car was pulled over and Miroku jumped out and closed the door quietly. He was agile for a human and it showed as he with practice ease scaled the side of the huge house. Everyone laughed and made jokes about him being a professional. Finally, finding the window that belonged to his beloved, he knocked gently. Knocking again, but this time harder, Miroku began to get nervous. An feminine, yet very annoyed voice broke his concentration enough to almost make him lose balance.

“Is there a reason why you are trying to break my guest room window.” Kikiyo would have laugh at his startled expression had he not angered her earlier that night. She heard the knocking from the next room over, which was actually hers. The idiot was knocking on her own personal guest room window. Her parents really believed in their daughter having her own space. They were new age people, with new age ideas about parenting. She'd never been spanked or put on punishment for that matter. It was considered bad Karma in their eyes.

“Why yes actually, I was looking for you.” At her raised brow Miroku continued. “I wanted to apologize for my behavior tonight. As a gentle man, it was improper to regard a lady in such a way.”

She looked him over. He was really cute when he look all innocent and remorseful. She'd thought he was quite attractive anyway. Deciding to give him a hard time, she finally responded.

“Apology accepted. Good night.” She turned to walk away.

“Wait!”

“What!” Miroku for the first time was tongue tied. All he could think about were those rosy plump lips and how they'd feel against his own. And for once he was referring to the ones on her face. Her raven tresses were tousled about her shoulders, creamy skin displayed modestly by the white night gown she was wearing. She was beautiful.

“Do you want some ice cream” It sounded lame even to him. At her queer look, he continued. “My friends are in the car waiting. You know, Sango, Inuyasha, Kouga, and Ayame. I thought it would be nice to treat you to a cone. As a peace offering of sorts.”

Kikiyo was surprised that she actually wanted to go. She didn't even know these people. They'd just met this night. Then it occurred to her.

“Who's driving? You and your friends aren't old enough yet.”

“Inuyasha sort of borrowed his brother's car.”

“He stole it.”

“Exactly!” She flashed Miroku a dazzling smile. It melted his heart instantly.

“I'm game!”

After she'd gotten her shoes and jacket, they met the others at the car. Everyone greeted her warmly, as she climb in. Ayame was in Kouga's lap and Inuyasha as well as Sango occupied the front seats. As promised he bought Kikiyo her ice cream cone. The six drove around town, music blaring. They listened to the Gin Blossoms.

Do you think it'll be alright
If I just crashed here tonight
You I'm in no shape for driving
Anyway I've got no place to go


Tomorrow we can drive around this town
Let the cops chase us around

Hey jealousy!


It wasn't till the last minute that Inuyasha notice the cop car behind them.

Sango smiled at the memory. Man, did they get in trouble that night. Besides that it was good to see her friends still together. The only girl that could keep the lecher in his place. When they spotted Sango both detached from each other long enough to give one of their dearest friends a hug.

“Sango!” they both yelled in unison. They made a Sango sandwich as she was squished between the two. It was a rare sight indeed, because Kikiyo and Miroku were always so conservative. The preppies of the group. Once again Sango was engulf in warmth. She'd missed them both terribly. And could tell the feeling was mutual. Kikiyo often felt a deep sense of guilt. Kagome was her cousin after all. It was all Inuyasha's fault really. Kagome hadn't known about Sango. A gruff voice snapped them out of their revere.

“Good Gods! Is that Sanny?” Before she could even respond she was swept into a pair of strong arms and whirled about the room. She giggled like a small child at Kouga's boisterous antics. He settled her own her feet and Sango gave him a tight hug. They'd always been close. Yummi and Sango were friends first, then he joined their group.

At first Inu and Kouga hated each other. That is until four fourth grade full demons, starting picking on Inuyasha. The others saw it, and decided to put an end to it. The three first graders interfered and got the shit beat out them for it. But it was worth it though, and from that moment on the four had been inseparable.

“Hey guys” Sango said finally pulling away. She was feeling more comfortable by the minute. She looked them over. All her friends looked good. Kouga being the predictable athlete wore a football jersey, with lose jeans. Mirkou in his khakis and blue button down. Kikiyo wore a sky blue dress with thin straps the fit her perfectly, with a navy blue button up sweater that hugged her just right. Long hair hung in lose waves. They all laughed and talked until, Kouga being his usual insensitive self, brought up a very unpleasant subject.

“So, have you seen the mutt yet?” Sango as well as everyone else's smile faded. Miroku smacked him in the head and Kikiyo just glared.

“OUCH... WHAT? What I say?”

“It's okay guys. You didn't say anything wrong Kouga.” And just like that, Sango wrapped herself in a protective cocoon again. “I'm gonna go get something to drink, I'll be right back.”

“Wait Sanny, I'll go with you-”

“Thats okay Kiki, I'll be right back. She didn't see the crestfallen look on her friend's face as she walk away. Making her way through the thick crowd, she soon discovered that the punch line almost a mile long. Groaning in frustration, she spotted two people that she was glade see. They were holding hands and kissing. They guy whispered something to the girl that made her burst into a fit of giggles. It seemed that Koharu and Kuranosuke Takeda were still going strong. She'd hooked them up two years ago.

He'd been in love with Sango since freshman orientation, though she'd only thought of him as a friend. Miroku and broken up with Koharu so when homecoming rolled around it only made sense to Sango that the two go together. A match made in heaven. Both spotted her, and she waved and returned their bright smiles. So far coming to the party had been a really good idea. Pushing past all the people, the happy couple made their way over.

“Hey Sanny, glad to see you came” the other girl greeted as she grabbed Sango's hand. Deciding not to let Inuyasha ruin her night, her mood instantly lightened.

“Thanks, wow you look so pretty” Koharu was a far cry from the young insecure girl she'd use to be. Kuranosuke had done wonders for her self esteem. The gray tee matched her eyes perfectly, and her dark jean skirt looked really good on her. Koharu thanked her, smiling as Kuranosuke grabbed her around the waist and place a kiss on the shell of her ear.

“Well I think both you ladies look lovely. How bout some punch, hopefully it isn't spiked like last time. No one wants to see Miroku in his underwear.”

“I do!” both girl declared teasingly. They laughed at his playful growl. After he walked away the two women chattered about everything that had been happening at school, parties and other social events. Koharu made good and sure she stayed clear of the Inuyasha subject. It didn't take a idiot to know it was still too tender.

“Hey Sanny, can I talk to you for a minute.” Sango's eyes widend and Koharu groaned. So much for staying clear of tender topics.” Though Sango had expected for something like this to happen, it still brought her up short. Just when she was starting to loosen up again. Just when she starting to have a good time. The dumb ass just had to rear his idiot head. She wanted to turn on him. Slap him breathless, then move on to the bitch that stole him. With clinched fist, she slowly turned to the one she'd loved for as long as she remember. Long silver hair flowing down his back. The white tee shirt hugged his muscular torso. And the look was completed with the black cargo's. Inuyasha was a god. Sango almost laughed as his ears twitched. They only did that when he was nervous. It brought back to many memories, thus making her livid with rage. It took everything in her being to keep from using his face as a punching bag. She had to steady herself before lashed out.

Inuyasha looked her over. Man was she pretty when she was angry. But he'd always thought so. What he couldn't stand was that fake porcelain doll expression she wore. So cold and lifeless. And he was the reason why it was in place. He didn't know what hurt more, that fact that she wouldn't forgive him, or knowing that he really didn't deserve it. Sometimes he wished he'd never gone to Brazil. But it was just to good a opportunity to pass up. Now he'd had a new girlfriend, but lost a best friend. Sometimes...sometimes it just didn't even out. Kagome was great, but things just weren't the same without Sanny around. She finally looked into his eyes, and his heart broke. Sango turned to leave and he called out to her.

“Sango wait,” She was walking away and he moved to grab her, but Koharu was suddenly blocking his path. There was a fierce scowl planted on her face as she stood with her arms crossed.

“Sango came here to have a good time Inu, just let her be.”

“And what will you do if I don't” He sent a challenging glare her way. He wanted to talk to her, and there was no way in hell little Koharu was gonna stop him.

“I won't have to do anything” she said with a smile and a sugary sweet voice. “Once I tell Ayame that you ran her best friend away, she'll rip you to shreds.” Inuyasha gulped and backed off. Ayame was scary when she was angry. Plus he didn't want to ruin her birthday. Nor Sango's night. Inuyasha vowed that he'd find a way to make her talk to him, then things would be just as they were before. He'd at least have his best friend back even if she wasn't his girl anymore.

For the tenth time that night, Sango fingered the little package in her pocket. These were her best friends now. Now if she could just get to the bathroom, she might indulge the one thing could bring her a little bit of peace.

The fucking nerve of him! Couldn't the asshole take a hint? She told Ayame and Kikiyo to tell Inu to stay away, yet every time they'd come in contact, he still tried. Wasn't her icy silences enough? Why did he have to always push? He'd found another, so why did he need to be around her? Couldn't he see that he was hurting her? It was hard enough knowing that she'd see him in the halls, when walking to his car, when jogging through the neighborhood. When Sango vowed to never talk to him again, she'd meant it. Meant it whole heartedly. At least until she was ready, and that was at least another century away.

Walking up the steps she came in contact with someone that made her want to turn and go back the other way.

“Sango is that you” She cringed as the annoyingly sweet voice of Kagome Higarashi reached her ears. About a billion and one thoughts of killing and torturing her came to mind as she turned to face the girl.
Kagome smiled when she realized she was right. She didn't have anything against Sango. True Inu was her boyfriend now, but she would really like it if her and Sango could be friends. She'd heard a million stories from her new friends, and Sango's name came up every time. It was always 'Remember when Sanny beat up that guy... or Sanny always came up with the best plans... Or Sanny played the best pranks.' It was a little hard living in her shadow sometimes and even harder knowing that she and Inu would always share a bond.

Sango returned the smile patience. She really tried to make her face look soft and genuine. She didn't want Kagome to know that she wanted to kill her. She didn't want her to see it coming. Kagome walked forward and surprised the hell out of Sango. She gave her a big hug.

“I'm so happy you came. Everyone really misses you, and I've heard so many stories....

Blah blah blah was all Sango could hear as she thought of how good it would feel to rip her hair out. She kept her face blank as the other girl continued to talk non stop. Man, did this bitch ever shut up? She needed to spark up one of her friends more than ever now. The thought smoke filling her lungs made her anxious. She needed to get away.

“I really think that we could be friends to, don't you?” When Kagome noticed she wasn't saying anything, she asked her name in a question. Sango was snapped out of her thoughts when Kagome called her name. She had to get out of this fast.

“Um... I gotta pee” She said then started moving past her.

“Oh... okay the bath room is-

“I know where it is!” Sango snapped over her shoulder. She meant it to sound harsh. Really, the nerve! She'd practically lived in this house before Kagome Higurashi ever grace them with her presence!

Kagome's smile dropped and a remorseful look came over her face.

Finally in the bath room, Sango had already had the plan formulated. She would crawl out of the window. Finally reaching the ground she took off as fast as possible. She pretended not to hear Ayame shouting her name from the window.

Ayame had come to check on her friend after hearing what Inuyasha had done. She knocked, but no one answered so the wolf opened the door. When she looked out the open window, she saw Sango running away.

“Sanny wait!” She knew it was no use. At least Izayoi had convinced her to come. She'd come up with the plan the previous month, and Izayoi was more than happy to help. Man did this suck! She was going to kill Inu.

..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Sango couldn't help but relax as she inhaled the calming smoke. The darkness of the club was nice considering her mood and she felt completely at ease. Some poet had just gone off the stage. Was that poem suppose to be dark? What a joke! She should take the mike and show the girl a thing or two about depression. Then everyone would start crying, then where would she be?

She discovered this place about a month ago. It was some sort of college hang out, but thats not why she like it. It was the only place in town that had a cigarette vending machine. She was only seventeen, too young to buy her own smokes. No one knew about her little habit. It was a secret.

'My dirty little secret' She thought with a smirk. Taking another pull, she began to hum the lyrics to the song that was playing. Instead of going home, she got her car and decided to come here. Didn't want Izayoi to know she left the party early.

Looking around the darkened room, Sango spotted someone she thought she'd never see in a place like this. Wasn't his sort of thing.

Long silvery hair hung all loose and perfect. White shirt pristine and flawless as always. The more she thought about it, there wasn't a time she could remembered where Sesshoumaru didn't look perfect.

She caught his attention and waved while smiling. Sango rolled her eyes when he just turned away without so much as a gesture.

'Well fuck'um! I'm not letting anyone else ruin my good time.'

Sango stayed to closing and had long ago forgotten about the arrogant demon setting across the room. Gathering her things she made her way to the exit. The valet smiled as she handed him her ticket and set out to get her car. His voice snapped her out of her silent revere.

“And here I thought you were smarter then the twit my brother is currently dating.” Sesshoumaru motioned to the lit cancer stick in her hand. He was waiting for his car as well and decided to make conversation. When he heard that Inuyasha had broken up with Sango, Sesshoumaru wasn't surprised. Inuyasha was always an idiot. And that bubbly bitch he was with now! Sesshoumaru couldn't even stand to be in the same room with her.

As a reply, Sango took another deep hard pull.

“Well, it seems that you and I have something in common,” he looked at her quizzically. “We both think your brother's dating a twit.” The two smirk at the statement.

“Come here often.”

“Nope. Only place I can buy cigarettes. You ?” She'd known him for eleven years now. No reason they couldn't talk, just because his brother was an ass.

“Not really. I have class not far from here. Thats how I found it”

“Maybe we could sit together next time” Sango suggested.

“Hump, not likely.”

“Whatever.”

NO, I'M NOT KAGOME BASHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you to everyone who review. Sorry it took so long. If you want more you know what to do. Read and Review! Oh and the vote is still going. I think I'll cut it off around 60 votes. Just 54 slots left.

Thanks! Love you guys!!!!