Pink Carnation

A/N: THANK YOU Daniella for beta-reading!

Morning Glory: Love in Vain

Pink Carnation

Chapter 7: Morning Glory

His words echoed through her mind and before she knew it, she felt tears coming to her eyes. Obviously, they were tears of joy. Why wouldn't they be? Since she was a little girl she had always dreamed she would end up marrying Inuyasha. However, her second reaction was to glance down at her hand where there was no ring.

He quickly saw her action and immediately his brain began to think up an excuse. "I know," he said, his voice a bit shaky. "They took it off during your operation."

And then?

It wasn't like he could say the hospital stole it.

"When I learned ya didn't remember the past year, I took it back." It sounded honest didn't it? "I didn't know if the you then would be ready to be engaged to me."

In moment of fake frustration, he slammed his hand against the wheel. "I got scared a 'right? I thought you were gonna say no."

A sad smile appeared across her features as she turned her body around to grab his face with her hands. "I could never say no, Inuyasha."

Did he not know her? Her whole life she had been waiting for that moment and he thought she would turn him down? There was nothing she wanted more than to be his bride. And now, it was going to happen. Her face brightened up as she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.

"Yes," she said, as if he needed an added confirmation.

Inuyasha forced a smile on his face as he returned the embrace. This wasn't the perfect excuse, nor wasn't it one he wished for. But, he had been stuck in a corner and that had been the best his brain could come up with. Hadn't he broken up with Kikyo because she wanted a family, marriage and all that crap he wasn't interested in?

He could feel the joy spreading through her body and he knew he couldn't take back what he said, never.

There was a certain fear and uncertainty filling him but before he could panic, he realized something. Marriage might not be something he wished for, but it would forever link him and Kagome in a permanent manner. Nobody would dare interfere in their wedding vows and in the eventually that Kagome did regain her memory he knew she would never divorce him.

Perhaps this was not all that bad after all.

Kagome felt happy; there was no doubt about it. Some people might think it was rushed but they had been together for almost two years – nearly three if you counted the missing one and they had known each other their whole life. It was not the romantic proposal she had always dreamed of, but there was no doubt in her mind that when he had asked, it had been romantic.

There was a small nervousness in her heart but she ignored it. This was a good thing. Plus, it was a nice step into this new life she was building for herself.

She finally pulled away from his embrace resuming her spot in her seat, her whole body jolting with joy. "Had we set a date?"

Inuyasha couldn't help but cringe. A date? He really hadn't thought that far ahead. "Well, hmm. Not really. It – hm- it's recent ya know?"

She pinched her lips together before nodding. "This is good though. At least I get to do everything for the first time."

A sigh of relief almost escaped him as he came to the conclusion she wouldn't have many more questions. Unless…

"Do you still have the ring?"

No, because I never bought one in the first place. "Yeah, course I do."

She didn't want to be greedy by asking to see it, but she really wanted to be able to wear it again. No it wasn't because she wanted a fancy ring, or because it was a valuable item. She wanted to wear it because it represented Inuyasha's promise to her, and that was important.

Inuyasha knew she was going to ask to have it back. Why did one lie have to bring so many more along? Now he was going to always be nervous that she would find out about it or that he would change his story without realizing it.

"I'll give it to ya tomorrow. Ya see, I lose my stuff all the time, and I put it in the bank. In the safe. It's closed now though."

She shook her head. "I'm not in a rush."

That meant he wouldn't be able to sleep in tomorrow because he would have to go ring shopping. Also, if that wasn't enough, he would need to sneak one of her rings from her apartment to make sure her engagement ring would be the right size. After all, according to his story, she had already been wearing it.

Almost wanting to avoid more conversations, Inuyasha pressed the radio volume buttons on the wheel before he pulled out of his parking spot and headed back on the road. Kagome was feeling a lot lighter than when the evening had started, which was great. At least the awkwardness when she would be with her friends would disappear.

She couldn't wait to tell Sango she was aware of her engagement to Inuyasha.

Inuyasha hurried in his driving being a little less careful then he intended in order to rush to her apartment. Perhaps she would be happy and relaxed enough to enjoy some time with him. Lately, it was not that she was keeping her distance from him, but it was harder to get her to make out with him.

Now though, she had no reason to refuse him. Plus, he needed some relief from the awful night he had.

Once he pulled in into the parking lot he parked the car and waited for her to offer. He wasn't going to invite himself though he should have the right to go into her apartment whenever he wished; especially if she was going to be his fiancée. Boy, he could only think of the squealing his parents would do. Good thing they didn't talk often, it would at least seem believable that they hadn't been informed of the engagement the first time around.

"You want to come in?"

"Keh, sure."

He removed the keys from the ignition before being the first one to exit the car. Kagome followed a few seconds later using all her force to close the door. Before she had been a bit nervous that Inuyasha would want to go all the way. But now that they were engaged, they could wait the few extra months and she would walk down the virgin road.

Surely Inuyasha understood that already without her explaining it.

It might sound a bit insane to wish to keep her virginity, especially in such a world, but she couldn't help it. Perhaps it was because she had been raised on a shrine, but to her it was important.

It was in silence that they reached her apartment. Kagome was a bit confused by Inuyasha's different attitude and she could only assume that he was still nervous about the whole thing. A wedding, an engagement like that was a big step for someone like him. He always enjoyed his freedom and she knew it. But the fact that he was ready to tie the knot with her only showed how much he cared for her.

"Are you thirsty?" she inquired as she opened the door fully.

He shook his head. "I'm fine."

All that was filling his mind were thoughts of Kikyo. He could still clearly remember how heartbroken she had looked when she had ended things. She had almost begged for him to settle down, and he had refused. Although he felt a bit uneasy about this whole marriage thing, it was nowhere near as bad as he had expected it to be.

Perhaps he could do this after all.

Though, after marriage came a family and he wasn't sure if he could tolerate a bunch of brats running around the house. He wouldn't let himself be bothered with that just yet since they weren't even married yet.

Kagome only had the time to put her keys down in the little blue bowl by the door before she felt Inuyasha's hands on her waist. She was quickly spun around and before she was able to react she felt Inuyasha press his lips against hers as he began a passionate kiss. Kagome wrapped her arms around his neck, allowing herself to be swept away by the passion.

However, after a few seconds the passion diminished. Instead rushing and hands all over her body replaced it.

She felt herself being lifted on the small table which could barely handle her weight and panic filled her. She couldn't remember Inuyasha ever being this demanding with her. Though, she was willing to admit she had missed a whole year of their relationship and now he was expecting more. Since he was making a lot of effort for her and always helping the least she could do was keep up with him a little, right?

Inuyasha felt a rush of desire go through his body as she allowed him more and more access to her body. The more time passed, the more he believed he had made the right decision.

-P-

Kagome was lying on her couch wearing her pink pajamas, her head against the armrest. Inuyasha had left her apartment an hour ago and she still didn't know how she felt about it. They had fooled around quite a bit, some of it involving a bit of nakedness which had made her uncomfortable. In the past, he had almost been afraid to touch her, so it was a big change.

As soon as he had left she had taken a warm bubble bath and was now attempting to watch a romance movie all by herself cuddled up in a blanket.

It suddenly dawned upon her that with her being so pre-occupied, she hadn't even taken the opportunity to call Sango to let her know she was aware of her engagement to Inuyasha. A sigh rolled off her lips as she stretched herself out of the warmth of her blankets and grabbed the phone. Automatically, she dialed Sango's number.

It took a few rings for her friend's voice to come through. "Hello?"

"Sango? It's me."

Only one person said me. "Hey Kag. Something wrong?" She was always a bit worried that Inuyasha would pull a stupid stunt.

Kagome shook her head, even though Sango couldn't see her. "Inuyasha told me, you don't have to pretend anymore!"

Pause. "Inuyasha told you what?"

"That we were engaged."

This time, the pause was much longer and strangely, Kagome heard Sango's breathing become a bit shallower. Could it be out of excitement? Kagome decided to give her friend a few more seconds to answer and join in the joy.

Sango's grip on the phone was nearly hard enough to snap it in two. He had said what? ENGAGED? The first thought that crossed her mind was damaged control but there was no way to lessen the damage the idiot had done. She knew she had to say something but only curse words were ready to come out of her mouth.

In a last effort, she said a last resort sentence. "I'm coming over."

Before Kagome could have the chance to answer, Sango hung up the phone leaving Kagome confused on the other end. She arched her eyebrow in surprise as she pressed the end button on the phone. She put it down on the couch beside her before leaning in. Sango was one who could have an outburst of emotions sometimes so perhaps she could only explain her joy in person.

Though, she hadn't sounded very enthusiastic.

Kagome's fingers were twitching as she grabbed the remote and turned off the TV. Good or bad it would most likely end up being girl time so she got on her feet, ready to prepare some hot chocolate. She jumped on her feet the whole way there, trying to pump herself up. Why was it that nobody seemed joyful about the engagement? Was she still left in the dark about something?

She pushed her hair behind her ears prior to reaching out for a few cups. She grabbed the first ones, which were a blue one with a unicorn on it, and a light dusty rose mug with an inscription on it that read forever.

Kagome knitted her eyebrows together as she put the blue one down, the other one remaining in her hands. It was ticking her because she remembered the cup without being able to recall how. It quickly became evident that she had received the mug during the last year, hence why she didn't know who gave it to her. But why did it bother her to not know.

Forever.

Perhaps she could ask Sango, whom would arrive in the next five to ten minutes.

Her mind a little bothered, she filled water in the kettle before leaning against the counter, her arms crossed in front of her chest. Her whole life was a mess. This was supposed to be the happiest moment of her life and it wasn't. Even the people in her life who were supposed to share that happiness with her weren't.

They had done everything they could to help her, she could see that, hence why she couldn't understand why they would lie to her.

No, it was no lie. Perhaps, everyone just had their moment of happiness and now it was gone. Plus Inuyasha was probably disappointed that she had forgotten all about their previous engagement. There was nothing else to it.

She closed her eyes gently as the water began boiling. Kagome did her best to empty her mind while resting there and waiting for her friend. The more stressed she allowed herself to become, the worse the situation and the worse her own thoughts. She was causing this problem, not them. They had been nothing short of perfect with her, and she had to start having more faith in her friends.

A few minutes later, her train of thoughts was interrupted by a powerful knock on the door. "Kagome?"

Kagome opened her eyes before pulling herself away from the counter and answering the door. She unlocked it before offering Sango her best smiling face. "That was fast," she said, as she moved out of the way to allow Sango to walk in.

Sango forced a smile on her face as she nodded. The only thing going through her mind was how she was going to kill Inuyasha. She had expected him to pull a lot of dirty tricks, but that was not one of them! He wasn't one to get engaged or anything that involved a lifetime commitment! Was he really so desperate?

"So you know huh?" she said, as she grabbed her coat and hung it.

Kagome nodded. "He told me today when I asked why everyone was acting strange."

He would come up with something like that. Sango walked toward her friend before bringing her in an embrace. "Congrats again, Kagome! I'm really happy for you."

She was truthfully happy that Kagome was happy; she simply wished this engagement news would involve Sesshomaru rather than Inuyasha. It had been one thing to allow him around Kagome when he was pretending to be her boyfriend, but now he was taking things to a very serious level. Not only that, but the risk of Kagome getting hurt increased as well.

The embrace continued for a little while, before Kagome pulled away. "I made some hot chocolate!"

A true grin appeared on Sango's face as she glided across the room until she reached the table where she took a seat. Kagome added whipped cream and candies to her hot chocolate making it the best free one around the place. She was glad she had not forgotten about it!

"Glad to know you're happy to be here," said Kagome sarcastically, as she walked back in direction of the counter.

A comfortable silence filled the room as Kagome hurried to prepare the cups. She was still pondering if she should ask Sango about the pink mug. It was really a silly matter but she couldn't help it. Surely it would be no problem right?

Once she was done she grabbed both cups with shaky hands as she headed for the table. "Here you go," she said giving Sango the blue one.

She waited to see if Sango would say something about the mug but she never even glanced at it. Was it really insane to be obsessed with such a thing? Oh well, she had done worse things in the past.

"Sango, can I ask you something?"

Her brunette friend raised her head from the treat, a concerned look on her face. Could it be Kagome didn't truly believe Inuyasha's story? "What is it?"

Kagome's fingers trailed along the handle of the cup before she decided herself. "Who gave me this mug?"

Sango did her best to not look surprised but she felt like her mask slipped away. "The mug?" she asked glancing down at it. Could she tell her the truth? It wouldn't be right, but then again, Inuyasha's lie was still burning in her mind. Maybe both brothers liked to screw up, but she didn't.

"Sesshomaru gave it to you."

Kagome was slightly shocked by the revelation. Sesshomaru had given her something? Why would something so trivial be bothering her? They were not even close friends! It was probably only because she couldn't remember that it had been annoying her.

"Why?" inquired Sango, intrigued.

She knew Kagome's memory was not back, but could it be that she was beginning to retrieve it? It was almost an insane thought, but she wanted to have hope. Kagome had to be herself again before she made a horrible mistake by getting involved with Inuyasha in such a permanent manner.

Kagome shrugged her shoulders. "Just asking. I didn't remember getting it."

Sango knew the issue could be left alone, but she didn't want to. Kagome seemed a lot more pre-occupied by it then she was admitting. Perhaps it was time to try and slid in a few thoughts which she might dwell upon.

"He bought it after you begged him to when you two went to that Manga store."

Kagome frowned. "Just me and Sesshomaru?"

Sango nodded, doing her best to not smile and act naturally. "Yeah. You guys went out by yourselves sometimes."

It wasn't strange for Kagome to have a guy friend with whom she could be comfortable and alone with since she had Miroku, yet she didn't see herself being the same way around Sesshomaru. Especially considering his cold attitude around people. Though, he clearly appeared different now.

"I didn't know we were that close." Deep inside, it made her feel even worse that she had completely forgotten about him.

Sango shrugged her shoulders. "You guys hung out."

"Sesshomaru hangs out?" she asked, amusement laced in her tone.

Sango almost felt like chuckling. Yes, he does. With you. Because of you. It was a shame Kagome could not remember his transformation. It had been spectacular, and he had been the person she needed the most in her life. She was really starting to push it with all that she was sharing with Kagome, but she couldn't help it. Inuyasha had started it anyway. He was being confronted, and the only thing he could think of was, we were engaged?

"Not with everyone. But he had no problem with you."

Sango could only watch, pleased with Kagome's reaction. It was a bit unfair to somewhat manipulate her when she was so confused and without memories, but it had to be done. Apparently, Sesshomaru had no intention of doing anything just because Kagome looked happy. Her friend's happiness was nothing but a temporary thing, Inuyasha would screw up again. Plus, if she knew what Inuyasha had done, she would no longer be happy.

"You want his number?" inquired Sango, as if she was commenting on the weather.

Immediately, Kagome shook her head. The reaction had been instantaneous, and out of her control. Some part deep inside of her felt it wouldn't be right towards Inuyasha to be such good friends with his brother.

'I don't think it's appropriate."

Sango raised an eyebrow. "You're friends with Miroku."

Kagome pinched her lips together, feeling stuck in a hard place. She had the same thought earlier, but with Sesshomaru it wouldn't be like with Miroku. "It's different."

"How?"

"I don't know. It just is."

"Kagome, you're allowed to have guy friends."

She sighed. "I know, it's just being friends like that with Sesshomaru, I don't know."

Sango exhaled deeply before nodding. "You do what you want Kagome. I'm just saying, you guys were pretty good friends and nobody seemed to have a problem with it." Except Inuyasha when he found out. But he only has himself to blame since he caused your meeting with Sesshomaru.

"I guess. Maybe later. I don't know him that well now."

This was the exact reason why Sango was trying to bring Sesshomaru around more but he was being a complete idiot. It was very charming that his love for Kagome was great enough that he wanted to see her happy above all, except in this case it didn't apply. Everyone knew she wouldn't be joyful around Inuyasha hence why it was okay to snatch her away!

But apparently stubbornness was a family trait.

"How about some movies," said Sango, trying to relax the now semi-awkward ambiance.

Maybe she was pushing Sesshomaru onto Kagome too much. But someone had to do it…

"Why not!" said Kagome, her grip on her mug very tight as she hopped to the living room.

At least she was still in a good mood meaning the evening was not ruined. Sango could only be relieved though that the talk about her engagement to Inuyasha had died out. She didn't know how long she would be able to fake happiness about such a terrible thing.

The only hope was Sesshomaru.

-P-

He should be working, but he couldn't.

His pen was in his hand, the ink leaking slowly upon the report he should be doing yet he couldn't bring himself to even write one word. All that was filling his mind was Sango's voice. Just how many times had he listened to the message she had left on his answering machine? Probably enough that the damn thing would refuse to play it again.

Inuyasha told Kagome they were engaged. But, hey, at least she's happy right?

Yes. It was what mattered the most. Knowing Kagome like he did, she was probably thrilled by the marriage proposal. How many nights had she described to him her whole wedding day? She had been planning it since she was six years old. This would be her dream come true, including the part where she would walk down the virgin road.

Many times Inuyasha had tried to pressure her and she had explained to Sesshomaru she had felt bad for denying him but she was always a bit mad that Inuyasha wouldn't understand that it was important for her.

No matter how tempting she was, he wouldn't have disrespected her like that.

But now it was over. For real. If she was to get married, she would be out of his grasp and he would never retrieve her.

At the restaurant he had been so convinced that as long as she was smiling and happy in her decision even if she could be happier, then it was all that mattered. After all, she was more than old enough to make her own decision. But now; marriage? It caused an unsettling feeling to be created in the pit of his stomach.

Finally, he gave up.

The pen dropped on his desk as he hurried to stand up. He could not work, not in these conditions. He had been working almost every day while Inuyasha did whatever he wanted, thus he deserved a day off. Perhaps he would spend an extra long weekend in his country house. Away from the city, away from everyone.

Especially Inuyasha.

Sesshomaru grabbed his jacket and his suitcase holding one in each hand before heading for the door. Forcefully he swung it open only to stop dead in his tracks before he could take one step forward. His whole body froze, and for once, he didn't know what to say.

There she was, standing in front of his door. Smiling.

Sesshomaru's eyes refused to look away from her as she seemed to grow a bit tense and probably uncomfortable. It took him a few extra seconds but he eventually snapped out of it. Slowly he put down his suitcase against the second door, which was closed, before lifting his arm.

"Yuri, get this jacket cleaned," he said, making a lie on the spot as he handed his jacket to his secretary.

"Right away, Sir," she replied before taking it and rushing out of the way.

Perhaps it was a bad excuse, but he hadn't been able to think of anything else. If she was there, it was a chance to see her, to talk to her, and he didn't want to appear as if he was leaving. Plus, he could always retrieve his jacket later, or heck he could buy a new one.

"Kagome," he said nodding at her.

She had expected the situation to go completely different and now she found herself at loss for words. Why was she so embarrassed in front of him? Even when they didn't get along she had no problem being in his presence. So why did she now?

"Erh- Hmm. I'm sorry to disturb you," she started before taking a deep breath. "I- hm… Inuyasha isn't in his office and hm he wasn't answering his cell phone… so I thought…" Idiot. Idiot. Idiot.

Inuyasha. Of course. It left a bitter taste in his mouth but he quickly recovered. He wished he could provide her with an answer, especially since she was glancing at him with such hopefully eyes, but there were no words of comfort he could tell her. Inuyasha had left the office three hours ago, saying he would be out all day.

So what was he supposed to tell Kagome?

"He's in a meeting."

"Oh." She paused. "Will it take a long time?"

"Most of the day."

She nodded before biting on her bottom lip. "Guess I shouldn't have dropped unannounced huh? Well thanks anyway, Sesshomaru."

Kagome held on to the handle of the bag she was holding, ready to turn around, and leave when Sango's words echoed through. You were good friends. You want his number? Maybe if she did hang out with him a bit she wouldn't feel as uncomfortable around him. Plus, she hadn't sought him out; it just happened Inuyasha wasn't there. Right?

"Are you busy?" she finally asked.

His heart almost skipped a beat. "Not at all."

She was nervously playing with the hem of her shirt, as she tried to figure out the proper way to ask. "See, I had made lunch for me and Inuyasha and now he's not here. I mean, would you… could I impose and propose you lunch?"

Kagome didn't think her cheeks could become any more red as she impatiently waited for his response. If they were friends, though she didn't remember, he would have no problem saying yes, right? Or maybe, he was just going to make her look like a complete fool…

"Come on in," he said, moving out of the way.

He was doing his best to appear as normal as possible but it was hard. He was shocked by her proposal to say the least and he could not find it in him to refuse. Granted it was Inuyasha's leftovers, but it would still be lunch with Kagome. A lunch she prepared. He could have all the expensive food he wanted, but none tasted like hers.

Relief washed over Kagome as she walked in, the office looking familiar, since it was made the same way as Inuyasha's except it was a bit bigger.

Sesshomaru guided her to a small table he had in the corner of his office, which had in fact been installed when Kagome had made her entrance in his life. Before her, he ate all of his lunch at his desk, only taking a few minutes off. After the faithful day, she had quickly started to come around on the days Inuyasha wouldn't be there and she would eat lunch with him, sometimes forcing him to take an hour or so off.

Truthfully he had always appreciated. He did have a tendency to overwork.

She sat down, and he did the same, taking the seat in front of her as she bent down to reach in her bag. Kagome pulled out two lunch boxes, handing one out to him.

"Thank you," he said before putting it down.

Her hands were a bit shaky as she proceeded to open her own. They both knew an awkward silence would install itself between them very quickly. Kagome wasn't sure what topics would interest Sesshomaru and he didn't know what to say that wouldn't reveal their closeness.

When she finally decided to break the silence, it was with the worst thing possible.

"Inuyasha told me about the engagement."

There was joy in her voice, and it was probably what broke his heart the most. But then again, why wouldn't she be happy? Though now he was left with the dilemma of answering such statement. It was already horrible at conversation, and she was making it difficult.

"You must be happy."

She nodded. "I am. I never thought this would happen." A smile was on her face as she took her first bite. There was more she wanted to say, and before she could decide if it was appropriate, it came out. "I just, I never expected it. Inuyasha is not like that."

He looked up at her, silent, but his eyes were telling her to continue. "I'm happy, don't get me wrong. I just, I don't know. I'm not sure Inuyasha is as happy as I am. He seemed a bit sad that night and I don't know why."

Once she took conscience of what she was telling Sesshomaru, a blush appeared across her cheeks. "I'm sorry, here I am, blabbering nonsense," she said before a nervous chuckle escaped her.

He knew it. Inuyasha could not even keep up his own cover for more than a few minutes. Of course his idiotic half brother was not happy about the engagement. His whore had left him for those reasons and he hadn't tried to get her back. He was only doing this to keep Kagome by his side. Did he think she was blind, that she would not realize?

Now Sesshomaru was almost left covering up for him. He could not let Kagome go on thinking Inuyasha was displeased with his engagement with her when she was so happy about it.

He wanted to leave him rotting in his own lies but he couldn't. Although, this perhaps proved further that Inuyasha would eventually make Kagome miserable but he couldn't bring himself to tell her, not as long as he could see a smile on her face. Plus, there were still many risks so he had to be careful.

"Inuyasha is complicated sometimes and he hides his emotions with skill."

"That's true."

She had been right. He had simply been embarrassed to do the proposal again and he hid it behind other emotions. Kagome felt a bit more relieved and was actually surprised that the person who had taken her stress away was Sesshomaru. Perhaps she truly didn't know him.

"Thank you, Sesshomaru."

He offered a weak nod before taking his first bite of food. He was glad to see her feeling better even though it was costing his own sanity. He took a deep breath as he allowed the flavor of the food to fill his mouth. He probably would never get a chance to eat it again and he intended on enjoying this.

"You like it?" she asked as she noticed his please expression.

"It's delicious."

Once again, she found herself blushing. Inuyasha usually stuffed his face, never tasting anything. Sesshomaru on the other hand seemed to taste every little bit of flavor, spices, and oils she used to cook. It gave her a feeling of being appreciated, and she had to admit, it was quite nice.

"This isn't as bad as I thought," she said, speaking without thinking about what she was saying out loud as she picked at her food.

"What is not as bad as you thought?"

Kagome raised her head a bit confused. How did he know what she was thin- "Oh, did I say that out loud?"

He nodded.

She closed her eyes, feeling ashamed once again. Just when everything was going well, she had to make a fool out of herself. As per usual. She sighed heavily before putting down her utensil. "I thought it would be awkward. Between you and me."

Before he could take it the wrong way, she smiled. "I mean, because I didn't remember you and all, but this isn't as bad as I thought. Maybe I thought you were more intimidating."

He almost felt like chuckling. If she could remember the nights she had buried him under stuffed animals, wrapped him in silk blankets, just because it's cute, or how many times she had made him sit through sappy romance movies she would never think of him as intimidating. However, he was quite relieved she thought she could be comfortable in his presence.

"It was to be expected. You did not know me very well, before."

Sesshomaru had officially spoken the longest sentence to her that she could remember. Since he seemed to have no problem talking, she decided to ask a few more questions. There was no reason for him to not answer, was there? '

"I was wondering," she started, before searching for his eyes. "How did we become friends? Like close friends?"

Curiosity had always been a trait of Kagome, and it was to expect that it wouldn't go away. The only problem was he couldn't be honest with her. Even if she didn't remember their friendship, he was still a horrible liar when it came to her. He could not lie to Kagome, it sounded fake every time.

"It just happened."

It was lame, but he could not come up with anything else. What other lie was he supposed to feed her?

"Just happened?" she asked with a tiny grin.

He found himself getting nervous and he didn't enjoy it. The one person he had always been comfortable around was her and he didn't wish for that to change. He didn't want to always have to watch his words and make sure he didn't have any mistakes.

"Over time. I believe I began speaking more."

Kagome nodded. "Well, I'm glad. I'm sure that then, I enjoyed it."

Frankly, she had no idea, but even though she was often embarrassed, she enjoyed his company so far. There was no doubt she liked being his presence before as well.

Her words were short, and they probably held little meaning to her, but they did for him. Somehow deep inside it gave him hope that one day, perhaps things would go back the way they were. If not, maybe he would still have her in his life. He would not steal her away, or snatch her away from Inuyasha, unless the idiot broke her heart again, but he could be her friend.

He had long thought he couldn't. That it would be too hard to not be as close as they used to be.

But now that he was sharing a small moment with her he realized that it was better to have her in life any way she came, instead of none at all.

For once, he decided to be bold. "I think you did."

His amber eyes were locked on her and she could feel the intensity of his words as if they meant more than what they appeared.

Sesshomaru was captivating.

-P-