Unfaithful

So, I updated I think yesterday but the chapter was butchered! Or was it just my Internet? Nevermind.
Please, enjoy. I have chapter 11 brewing in my mind...it's just that...boys-I mean- COLLEGE keeps distracting me... hehehe ^^U

Chapter 8: The Party

*/*/*/*/*


“Where are we going?” asked Kagome for the third time, and this time, Sesshoumaru almost ripped the steer wheel from its place.

“I am not repeating myself.”

“I know we are attending a party, but… where?”

Why did I bring her…again? Sighed mentally the man driving, pondering whether he should answer her and expect her to shut her little nice mouth, or stay silent and later go insane with her constant asking. Of course there were another possibilities, like what if answering her made her go on a interrogation quest, or not answering and her becoming tired of asking… Decisions, decisions…

“Uphill.” He responded. Well, he was rather fond of his sanity.

“Oh? To the Residential Zone? Wow…”

Please.Keep.Quiet. Sesshoumaru inwardly demanded and… succeeded to his utter enjoyment.

It was a half-an-hour drive from his apartment to the family house, going from Downtown to the west periphery of the city, all the while surrounded by apartment buildings, small houses; finding factories, a small amount of trees and grass fields, and then the Residential Zone began. Extravagant houses and immense condominiums, huge mansions and fancy sport cars…

“This is…” the girl tried to find an adequate adjective to qualify such luxury but it seemed like her vocabulary index had been wiped out of her brain. “…Wow.” Well, if she had been trying to impress the blue-and-dark-clad god driver with her clever answer…she did.

“I assume you had never been here.” He said.

“Er…no. Not even in a tourist trip. You see, I have always been helping my mom at the shrine where I lived and never had the time to wander around the city, and now that I moved out of home…umm, let’s just say I have less time than before, with school almost ending and my…”

“You live on your own.” He interrupted, stating more than asking; but he was surprised. He thought her a pampered brat, spoiled to rot. Well, everybody could have been fooled by the looks she gave.

“And I work too.” She added, “I know I don’t seem like I do but… Hey! S-Stop staring at me!” Kagome blushed a deep shade of red. Having a gorgeous man gawking at you would do the same to everyone!

“Well, excuse me.” Offered the man, making the girl blush even more. He seemed to her like the kind of guy who wouldn’t give an apology, even if it was necessary. Kagome risked a peek of the man, and caught him glancing at her from the corner of his eye… And she shivered. Strange how he wasn’t giving her the creeps, but instead making her feel…important. Okay, he does give me the eeby-jibbies but not in a…wicked…kind of way…It’s like…

“We’re here.” He said, startling the young woman out of her pensiveness. Kagome stared in awe at the three-stored mansion. It was magnificent, not just in size but in ornamentation as well. The gates were made of steel and in front of the house was a very impressive fountain. To the left was another gate, but this one seemed old and rusty, and had several bristles hanging to it. Where would it lead to? She wondered, each passing second more and more interested in this place, in this particular house, in the man standing in front of her. Uh…when did I get out of the car?

Sesshoumaru’s eyes were fixed upon the girl’s slightly gapping mouth. He knew she was overwhelmed by his Father’s house, by the beauty of the gardens, the luxury of the grounds… and above all, she was interested in him. Just as she was his mind’s latest thought. Maybe he should try…perhaps she may prove to be interesting…No, she already proved herself enthralling by being independent and bold and…amusing. Sesshoumaru sighed. But she was just a girl. Perhaps he was more than eight years older than her. He was 25 and she looked like 17 or so…

…But how he wanted to kiss her lips. He stepped outside his car and helped her out. She was still astounded and probably was moving by inertia. Another sigh escaped his lips…inside his mind. He walked towards the entrance, not bothering to wake up the girl. She would probably catch up to him…like…soon.

“Girl.” He called to her.

“Uh? Ah, wait…please!” Kagome ran to him. She had zoned out…again. Ung! I have to stop doing embarrassing things in front of him…

Rain still poured outside the shelter given by the porch, and the chilly air blew once again, hitting her nose, her eyes and her damp hair. She trembled as her eyes widened. She hadn’t realized she was so wet, but why haven’t she felt cold on the trek from Downtown to here? Did he…? He…turned on the calefaction system…Oh God… And she ran faster to him, but ended up tripping on the stairs leading to the massive, highly ornamented door.

Deja vú. They both thought as they stared at each other’s eyes. But this time, Kagome wanted to break the silence and be the one to speak first.

“I’m sorry but thank you.” There goes that infuriating eye brow… “And I’m not going to elucidate my words.”

“Elucidate…” He pondered. “Where did you learn that word? Did you read it somewhere now?”

Kagome gasped, offended. “Excuse me! I did not realize that having an ample vocabulary was a crime.”

Hn. Cultured too. Sesshoumaru smirked, effectively shocking the woman. He rang the doorbell while still staring at her. “How old are you?” And she was left more shocked than before.

“W-Why would you like to know? It’s none of your business.”

“You’re older than you seem to be.” He stated, hoping he was indeed right.

Wa-Was that a compliment or what? “Maybe I am.”

“Hn.”

“Well, if you want to know so badly, I’m 19.”

“That makes me 6 years older than you.”

“You’re 25?! Well, no wonder why you’re so bitchy. You’ll reach the feared 30’s soo-oops…That…was uncalled for…Go-gomen nasai.” The man narrowed his eyes at her but said nothing.

What’s with her constant apologies? Sesshoumaru thought, Nevermind… He thought of recriminating her but the housekeeper opened the door and instead, he opted for signaling her to enter. She had feared a nasty commentary and when he said nothing, she chose to ignore the fact that she rightfully deserved a comeback and delighted in his silence.

First impressions are always the ones that count, and her first impression of the hall blew her off. So much luxury and elegance. There was a high contrast between the creamy colored wall and the dark maroon furniture, which she figured to be red mahogany, but it fitted so well the air of grandiosity the house gave. He smirked a bit. He had grown rather fond of the sentiment that invaded him every time she marveled at something he owned. Perhaps he shall show her the gardens later?

“Girl. What is you- Riiiing!!” Important matters went first so his knowledge of her name was highly required, but his stupid cell phone seemed to enjoy interrupting valuable moments. Regardless of the question hanging in a suicidal fashion from the tip of his tongue, he answered. “…” Silence reigned for a few seconds before he spoke again, “Hai, I’m on my way.” Closing his mobile he eyed the girl, who was currently staring at him in confusion. “I have to leave.”

“You do? Well, I guess there’s nothing I can…” Her own comment made her brain turn to the logical side of her mind; situated a few neurons to the right of incoherent thoughts. “B-But you can’t leave me! This is not my party!”

“Neither is mine.”

“But you say you’ll drive me home, so I’m leaving with you.”

“I have to go directly to my work place and can’t stand any deviation.”

You jerk!! “Then what am I supposed to do! Hang in here with people I don’t know, in a party I was not invited?” Kagome’s fury was mixing with desperation of having to find a way home and frustration to be torn away from the man she barely met but wanted so badly to get to know.

“You can call a taxi.”

“I don’t ha-” Before she could finish stating she had not enough money, he reached her hand and closed her fingers around a paper, then stormed into a room only to be back with a scantily dressed woman.

“This is Yura, she’s an…acquaintance… of the whelp. Now I leave.” With a short, almost imperceptible, nod he left both women standing in the middle of the entry hall.

Kagome didn’t even have time to say goodbye nor thank you. Hell, she wanted to yell at the insufferable man for being so irresponsible of his guest. Fist balled, teeth clenched and her anger flaring in a dangerous way around her…she chose to sigh.

“And you are?” asked the woman standing in front of her, effectively drawing the girl’s attention to her. The unknown guest blinked several times before answering her in a rushed voice.

“Oh, I’m so sorry! I’m such a rude person!” Kagome blushed slightly and extended a hand while she said, “I’m Kagome Higurashi, nice to meet you.” And plastered an embarrassed smile on her face. Yura smirked at her and led her to the living room – where the party was being held.

The woman entered the party, close followed by Kagome. Almost immediately, the girl caught a glimpse of silver and her course of thought went directly to man that had previously left. H-He said he left! she mused and sprinted towards the mysterious man. Yura followed, not wanting the girl to get into trouble, and caught up to her when she was touching the shoulder of the owner of the house. Inuyasha whirled around to face the one disturbing him, but when he saw who it was, went into a mild-shock.

Ki-Kikyo? his mind supplied, but then saw the girl’s face – much too younger than his ex-girlfriend– and whipped the name out of his brain. But she was beautiful and reminder him of her so…Let’s talk to her. “Yes? How can I help you?” he asked.

Oh God, they’re identical!…almost…he looks younger and rougher…and no so taller. “I-I’m sorry, I thought you were another person. Sorry.” She was heading towards Yura when a rough hand grabbed her arm.

“Wait, why don’t you stay here with us?”

“B-But I…” she started, but was interrupted by Yura.

“Hi there Inuyasha! I see you met my friend.” Said the woman and Kagome was confused, Friend?, she thought.

“Aha, so she’s the one you were talking about?” asked a handsome man wearing a ponytail.

“Hahaha, no, that girl couldn’t come. This is Kagome. I just met her.”

“Oh, you sure make friends easily Yura. Well, it’s nice to meet you, Kagome.” Stated the unknown man, taking her hand and placing a kiss on it. “My name’s Kouga Wolf. Would you like to accompany me for a drink?”

Kagome was startled, and didn’t know what to say or how to stop the man from dragging her around. But someone came to her rescue and snatched her hand out of Kouga’s grasp.

“You stupid, can’t you see you’re scaring her?” reproached Inuyasha. “I’m sorry Kagome. I am Inuyasha, welcome to my party.” He said, giving her a half-smile.

He looks so handsome…and he’s being polite. What a change from that other guy! Could they be related, Inuyasha and…er…? Thought Kagome, but immediately remembered she didn’t know his name. Damn I forgot to ask! Sigh. Oh well, if they are I’ll just ask Yura later.

While Kagome was lost in thought, Kouga approached his friend and whispered something to his ear, making the silver-haired boy to drop her hand rather harshly. “Of course not you idiot! I met her first!”

Ah? Who? Me? wondered Kagome.

“But she’s far too beautiful for you to keep her, she will look best by my side. She’ll be my woman.”

Whose woman?

“How dare you, you stupid wolf! This is my house!”

“She’s pretty and I claim her my new girlfriend, dog-breathe!”

Claim? Girlfriend?! Kagome’s eye was starting to twitch.

“The hell she will!”

“You plan to use her, mutt-face, because she looks like-!”

“STOP!” Kagome busted. She was no one’s possession, nor girl, not even friend! “You both arrogant idiots!! How dare you argue about me like if I was something you can posses? For your information, assholes, I’m not even your friend! And I’m leaving! I’m not even supposed to be here in first place, so goodbye, I hope to see you…NEVER!”

Both men stared at her retreating back, blinking startled. Kouga whistled and was the one to speak first.

“Whoa! She has some temper!” said Kouga. “A little feisty on-.”

“I want her.” Proclaimed Inuyasha, his darkened amber eyes glued to her back, then strode to the stomping girl outside the door, leaving a yelling Kouga behind.

Kagome was struggling with the doorknob, trying to pry it open. Great, know she had to walk to the main street and wait for a late taxi to pass. That if she could open the damn door… She saw a tanned hand click a button on the knob and the door spread open almost automatically. She whirled around and found herself face to face with the boy who introduced himself as Inuyasha.

“Wha-?” He took her hand. “Leave me alone, jerk! Can’t you see I’ trying to leave!” she squirmed and punched his shoulder with her free fist.

“Ow! Wench! Why did you do that for?”

“Excuse ME! How did you just call me?” Oooh, she wanted to KILL him!

“Are you deaf too, wench? By the way, who invited you! I have never seen you in my life.”

“Well I wish I have never met you!” She ran outside the house.

“Wait! Who invited you!” He shouted from behind. She was even more beautiful when angered, and yes he was determined to befriend her…and more. “I said WAIT!” with the last word stated, he reached her arm and spun her around.

Oh Kami, if you want to kill me then why don’t do so now? Begged the girl in her mind when her eyes collided with a familiar yet new amber eyes. “I-I don’t know who invited me okay? I DON’T know!” she yelled, “Now will you please let me go? I have a cab to catch…” Now her tone was hushed, and sounded a bit too much defeated.

“A cab?” he asked, “But you will hardly catch any around here and at this hour.” His eyes scanned her and indeed she was pretty, tall and…about to break down in tears. Inuyasha scowled. Do not dare to cry, do not dare! Now it was his turn to beg. “Stop, don’t cry!” he said, and Kagome’s lower lip trembled dangerously. Way to go idiot, now she IS about to cry. “Don’t!” he raised his voice and Kagome crumbled. “I told you not to cry!!”

“And what am I supposed to do?” said the girl between sobs, “Laugh at my misery!? It’s still raining and I wanna go home, you jerk!!” screamed the upset girl. Besides the other handsome baka abandoned me to my luck, and I don’t have a very GOOD one!! Yes, she wanted to say that, but was far too upset to manage the words.

What to do, what to do?! Inuyasha spotted his brand new car, his birthday gift from his father, and decided now was the right time to use it for the first time. Without a word he started to drag Kagome towards it but she resisted.

“What do you want now? Let me GO!” She shrieked at the top of her lungs and made the boy in front of her wince.

“Shut up wench! I’m driving you home!” responded Inuyasha, almost in the same voice level she used, startling her. He’s driving me home? Like…not in a taxi? Kagome decided then to be quiet and calm her inner turmoil. Inuyasha was fuming, but sighed in relief when he heard her complains no more. What a troublesome woman!


*/*/*/*/*


They promptly arrived to her apartment, both deathly silent. She was uncomfortable and ashamed with his presence, and he was nervous of having her so close to him. They stayed inside the parked car for a couple of seconds before they both decided to speak.

“I-” “Kagome, I-” they said in unison. They both blushed. Inuyasha spoke first.

“Kagome, I…I want to…apologize…Will you be free this weekend?” No matter how hard he tried, his apology was left unspoken. But he did manage to bring out his question.

The girl was surprised, what an understatement. “N-Nothing.” She blinked her astonishment away. “Are you asking me out?”

“Of course not you wench!” replied quickly an embarrassed Inuyasha, but then saw the girl about to assassinate him and gulped. “Feh!” his gaze studied the steer wheel, “…Maybe.”

That particular change of mind calmed her ire. Hn…he’s just shy… she pondered, How cute! Squealed her mind. “Fine. I’ll go out with you.”

She will? “You will?!” asked a stricken Inuyasha. “Ahem, of course you will.”

Kagome just glared at him, and promptly got off the automobile. “Whatever… Thank you, Inuyasha.”

The boy started the engine and pulled down the passenger window. “I’ll pick you up at 9:00 pm on Saturday.” Kagome nodded. “Later.”

“Bye.” When the car was out of the corner, Kagome huffed. “Idiot…” and turned to enter the building, a little smile placed on her lips.


*/*/*/*/*


The rest of the week passed uneventful for Sesshoumaru, who was still thinking about the girl he met the past Tuesday. Such a shame to ignore her name, but alas his clients were far more important than a simple wench, no matter how amusing she proved to be. Damn her, I can not get her person out of my mind. The business man closed his eyes, relieving in the solitude of his office. It was a fair Saturday and almost everyone had already left.

Had she stayed at the party? Did she have fun? Did she meet his brother? A shudder invaded his body and he opened his sun-kissed orbs. He will personally kill the bastard if he had talked to her. What an idiocy. Of course she went home immediately. She was rather desperate to leave. Then, another feeling took a grip of his person and he was almost ashamed of having left her there. After all, she had been his guest. His left fist clenched as he reached for another set of folders. He was far too occupied to have those feelings.

Half-through his stack of documents, the mighty Sesshoumaru Taisho slumped in his chair. Yes, slumped. He was sporting a jumbo-size headache and all because he was trying to deny the feeling consuming him:

Guilt.

Damn it you unnecessary conscience! I will never see her again, so accept it!

The throbbing receded for almost an hour, and then the grandfather clock placed against a corner signaled seven o’clock in the afternoon, the low tone pounding on his ears, renewing his migraine. Then his cell phone ring tone joined the clock in a maddening complot.

“Yes?” he growled to the item.

“Good afternoon to you too, my son. How’s everything over there?” asked a very familiar voice from the other side of the line.

“Everything is fairing fine. What do you want?”

“Oh, don’t be so mad a me. After all I was the one who ignored your absence at your brother’s par-”

“I told you already I had matters that required my attention.”

“Like a girl?” implied his father in a highly suggestive voice. Sesshoumaru stiffened, but responded with his same bored tone.

“My clients, Father.”

“Ah, I see. I want you to come over the house and tell me about the details. It won’t take you much to be here, I assume?”

His grip on the mobile tightened, and his eyes shut in anger. “I’m on my way.”

“Goo-” Click.

Again, he hung off his Father. He was in a killer mood now and wanted a sword or a gun to strike something with. He eyed a particular red book on his desk and shredded it to pieces.

Well, bare hand will do. Luckily the book was turning more and more atrocious with each passing page and he absolutely abhorred it. Besides, it was a gift from his father.

“I need a break.” He said, standing up from his desk and walking towards his door, leaving the paper bits and red-leathered cover on the floor. A very liquor-tasting break.


*/*/*/*/*


Inuyasha was fussing around his bedroom trying endless shirts on. Where was his mother when he needed her? As if he had summoned her, Izayoi appeared at his open door, a knowing smile on her gentle, little-aged face.

“Are you going on a date, sweetie?”

“Mom!” Inuyasha whirled around to face her, half-inside a new shirt. “What are you doing here!” he barked, ashamed.

“I think you look good in that red one.” She said.

“Keh! I don’t need your help.” Yeah, right.

“Fine, sweetie. I’m going downstairs, would you like something to eat?”

“No.…Maybe some ramen. Now leave, I’m busy!”

“Ok.” Before she went down the first step, she heard his son’s muffled reply.

“Thanks.”

Izayoi smiled. He was such a shy boy… I wonder who is the new girl. He had been refusing to go out on a date ever since that girl broke up with him, a whole year ago. The elder woman sighed. She hoped her son’s date was a nice girl. Just when she was about to enter the kitchen, the front door opened, revealing a very disturbed Sesshoumaru; who immediately took notice of her. He greeted her with a nod and all but growled his question.

“Where’s my father?”

“Um…I think he’s upstairs in his study, but Sesshoumaru, why are you so upset?”

“It’s none of your business, woman!”

Sighing again, Izayoi went through the cupboards, searching for her son’s favorite food.


*/*/*/*/*


An hour an a half later, Inuken’s study door opened and Inuyasha’s head peeked through the open door, then came inside his father’s study, completely oblivious of his brother’s presence.

“Yo, I’m going over to Bankotsu’s. Later.” He blurted and turned to leave.

“Is she pretty?” asked his father, and Inuyasha congealed at the door. Inuken chuckled at his younger son, lowering his head and closing his eyes in mirth, so he missed his eldest stiffening too. The idiot had a date? What a foolish girl she must be, that if she was indeed female. When his last ex-girlfriend broke up with him, Inuyasha sunk to the bottom of the deepest depression, so Sesshoumaru had the impression that maybe his brother was trying his luck at the other side. He almost chuckled too. Almost.

“I doubt it Father,” came his snide reply, making Inuyasha turn to glare at him, “I am positive that she is just as worthless as the idiot standing there.”

“Ah, Sesshoumaru, Sesshoumaru, are you jealous?” asked Inuken, and this time it was the eldest son who glared. With a snort, Sesshoumaru crossed his arms at his chest and stated coldly.

“If this is all you have to say, I may better go.” His Father nodded and Sesshoumaru exited the room, not before looking down at his young brother at the door.

“Bastard.” Muttered Inuyasha at his back, sighing when he turned around to face his father again “Why do you have to ask such things in front of him? It’s embarrassing!” Sesshoumaru heard, and smirked “… Feh! Chichi-ue, just so you know, yeah she’s pretty. Bye.”

Hn. This Sesshoumaru might as well make sure of that. He said to himself, But later. First things first, and I want my break.

Inuyasha and his brother met at the central door and after killing each other a thousand times with their gazes, went to their respective automobiles, started the engines and met again at the front gates when they reached the main street.

Fucking icicle! thought Inuyasha as he looked at his brother through his window.

Insupportable mongrel. Supplied Sesshoumaru’s mind, leveling the whelp’s gaze. His golden eyes narrowed and he speed off, leaving Inuyasha’s car behind. Watching the rear of his brother’s Porsche Carrera GT®, the youngest of the Taisho fumed at the rapidly decreasing size of Sesshoumaru’s automobile as he gained more and more distance.


Ah…fraternal love at its best.