The Sweetest Kill by Silver Standard Society

First Impressions

A/N:Welcome to The Sweetest Kill. The first few chapters are lengthy but steadily wind down as the depth increases. It's not really an angst but more of a dark story in its own right...and that's all I can think of so have a good time!

-SSS

***

The child was shouting and screaming relentlessly. She ran around the house with a metal ladle in her hand, banging it against walls and tables and doors, making a ruckus.

"Yuzuru!" a man screamed from the living room. "Control her! I'm trying to make a phone call," he complained. He had one hand pressed against his ear as he dialed his cell with the other.

"That sedative should have kicked in by now," his wife replied from the dining room table where books upon books were open. She was in the middle of writing something when the child popped out from behind her, grabbed the pen, and threw it across the room. She took the ladle and hit the cup of tea that was resting on the table. It fell over, the books quickly drinking it up.

"That's it!" Yuzuru screamed and grabbed the girl by her arm. "To your room."

"DON'T TOUCH ME!" The girl bellowed and swung the ladle at her mother, hitting her in the shoulder. Her mother released her and the girl took off running down the hall, screaming as she went.

"She's out of control," Yuzuru said to her husband, nursing her arm. "I'll have to lock her in her room again."

"She's eight," her husband snapped. "What she needs is disic-"

There was a loud breaking of glass and the screaming cut off abruptly. Both parents stared at each other before taking off down the hallways towards the sound.

They turned the corner into a bedroom where a long dressing mirror had been shattered. There were pieces of glass everywhere and the girl stood in the middle, ladle limp at her side. Her arm had a huge gash that was slowly yet steadily spilling blood.

"What are you doing!" Yuzuru ran over and grabbed the girl's arm, trying to get the blood to clot.

"I'll call the doctor," her husband said and left the room.

The girl was quiet, staring at the broken mirror. "I killed her," she said quietly.

"No, but you almost did." Yuzuru snapped as she studied the bloody gash. "Honestly, you're a wreck."

"But she's dead," the girl insisted with a whimper. "I killed that girl in the mirror."

Kagome burst into tears.

***

"I've um, always noticed you and um…"

Sesshomaru was looking out the window, staring at nothing.

"…And you're top of the class which is amazing, um…"

He wondered if he would always be this bored. When he graduated, would he finally get to feel something other than disinterest?

"And…your hair is so—we'll um… everything about you is so…"

He stared down at the quivering creature before him. A girl from the junior class was twiddling her hair as she spoke, trying to do anything but crumble and fly away like dust. His gaze was unbending and cold. She started shrinking into herself, looking more fragile by the second.

"Um… and I think maybe you'd like to… sometime get a cup of coffee with me…um, sometime" said the nervous girl. She looked like she'd burst into tears no matter what answer she received.

"Why would I want to do that?" Sesshomaru asked back.

"Um well-"

The first bell rang, warning students to head to their homerooms for attendance.

"Go away." Sesshomaru said shortly. "I'm tired of looking at you."

The tiny dam in her eyes flooded and broke and she began crying herself into a frenzy. Three other girls moved in quickly and scooped her into their flock, walking her down the hallway while giving him mean looks.

They always came in packs. Girls were too scared to face him alone. As a courtesy, Sesshomaru would normally listen to the entire confession but the answer was always the same. He was used to rejecting bumbling girls on a weekly to monthly basis. They had gotten it into their silly little heads that one girl would be special enough to break through his walls and capture his heart.

He headed to his classroom. Sesshomaru was never late.

But he was always bored.

***

"Saw you in the hallway," Miroku said, taking the seat next to Sesshomaru. "Lady killer strikes again," he chortled. "That's the sixth confession I've seen opening ceremony."

"I don't know why they bother" Sesshomaru stared ahead, not bothering to make eye contact. "After we graduate I plan to never speak to any of you again."

Miroku shrugged. "It's never too late until it's too late, you know?"

"Mmm" Sesshomaru replied. He looked at Miroku as if just noticing his arrival. "Something for you?"

Miroku produced a notebook and tapped it gently on the side of his forehead. "I forgot to do the budget for student council again. Care to do your fellow man a favor?"

"Why are you even in student council if you don't do the work?"

"Ah," Miroku said with another tap. "Because Sango won't sit next to me. So when she sits across from me I can get just the smallest peek-"

"Go away," Sesshomaru said quickly. "Now."

"Okay, okay. The truth is I'm trying to spruce up my college applications. Any kinks in my grades will be made up by after school activity. It shows a well-rounded student, eager to drink up the nourishing juice of higher education."

"If you get accepted, drink until you choke."

Miroku put his hand over his chest. "Oh how you wound me so!"

Sesshomaru snatched the notebook from him. "The usual rate if you want it by tomorrow, double if you want it by today."

"I need it by today. We're meeting this afternoon."

"I'll have it on your desk after lunch."

Miroku smirked. "You know, it wouldn't hurt your applications if you joined some sort of after school activity too. You're grades may be perfect but colleges want sociable and involved students."

Sesshomaru scoffed at the idea. "My grades are enough."

"Spoken like a true hermit."

"Miroku, if you're done trying to kill my brain cells with your voice you are dismissed."

Miroku laughed it off. "One more thing: Inuyasha told me to tell you the house staff's been fired and to have your attendant bring home some milk."

"Tell him to have his do it." Sesshomaru growled. "Better yet, have him do it his damn self."

"He said you'd say that, to which he told me to reply 'You drank the last bit of it, you fucking pig, so you pay for it.' Hey! Put that look away, I'm just the messenger."

"Fine" Sesshomaru said.

Miroku shook his head. "Your family is so strange. You even use your assistants to fuel your childish wars."

Sesshomaru began reading Miroku's ledger without response.

Miroku knew better than to push the topic. The classroom door opened and their teacher, , entered followed by a young girl.

"My my my," Miroku eyed hungrily. "Fresh meat."

"Everyone, I have an announcement!" Mr. Kasuko yelled over the chattering students. "We have a new addition to our class."

The girl stood there, smiling nervously at the sudden wave of attention.

"This is Kagome Higurashi. She's a home-schooled student who is going to finish off her senior year in our advance class. Kagome was born here in Tokyo but until recently was living in Honjo. Please welcome her warmly." He turned his smile to Kagome. "Is there anything you'd like to say?"

Kagome's smile was wavering. She looked at the students, teacher, and students again.

"Um" Kagome said nervously. Sesshomaru lost interest and turned to look outside the window.

Just another bumbling idiot.

"I will try my best not to make any of you feel stupid," she blurted out. "But please forgive me if I do."

Jaws dropped. Sesshomaru snapped his gaze back to her in surprise.

Did she really just-

Miroku broke out in a fit of laughter that echoed throughout the quiet classroom. A large blush quickly spread over Kagome's cheeks.

Mr. Kasuko closed his mouth and cleared his throat. "Um, moving along" he said eagerly "Would anyone like to give Kagome a place to sit?"

"She can sit next to me!" Miroku beamed like an idiot.

Mr. Kasuko sighed. "Miroku, you're not even in this homeroom. The bell already rang. If you don't hurry up you'll be marked as absent."

Miroku got up, emptying his seat. "Then she can sit in my place," he offered kindly, packing up his things. He walked past Kagome, giving her a wink and a friendly grin.

She gave a small smile back, her blush starting to fade.

"Well take a seat then, Kagome." Said Mr. Kasuko. "You're between Sesshomaru on the left and Maka on the right, who's absent today."

Kagome moved quickly and sat down, keeping her head low.

Mr. Kasuko began taking attendance and the chatter started up again. Heated whispers began spreading. Kagome could hear her name or "that girl" being tossed about.

Sesshomaru was looking out the window again, a small and delicate smile on his lips. If Miroku had seen it, he would have called it a grin.

***

"Do you mind if I sit here?" Kagome asked Sesshomaru in the cafeteria later in the day. Miroku was sitting next to him, chewing on an apple. He began to smile so hard it looked like it would split his face.

"Hi. Kagome, right?" He gave a friendly smile. "My name's Miroku. Pleasant day today isn't it?"

"Hello Miroku. Yes its beautiful today." She turned her gaze to Sesshomaru. "Hello," she tried again.

Sesshomaru completely chewed and swallowed his food before responding. "What do you want?"

"That's his way of saying hi," Miroku helped "He says it to me every time he sees me."

Kagome giggled. Miroku's heart fluttered.

"Are you two good friends?" she asked.

"Yes"-"No" they both answered at the same time.

"I'm his brother's best friend. He's a grade lower than us so we don't have the same lunch period." Miroku explained. "We've been friends since he was a freshman. I sit with Sesshomaru in his place." He was all too happy to keep talking. Hi grin was suspicious but only Sesshomaru knew why. His brother would lie on hot coals before he sat with Sesshomaru.

"They're transfers too you know, so to speak" Miroku kept rambling, eager to have the spotlight no matter what the topic. "Do you know Seiki High?"

"The all-boys school?" Kagome raised her eyebrows, impressed. "It's the best one in the country."

"Inuyasha got kicked out for fighting in two weeks," Miroku laughed. "He followed Sesshomaru here after Sesshomaru was expelled…" he trailed off and cleared his throat. "That's all ancient history anyway. You're happy to be here, right Sesshomaru?"

"It's like fate" Sesshomaru murmured. "Divine punishment,"

"He acts like he hates it here," Miroku explained, turning back to Kagome "But it's still the best co-ed around. Plus he has me" Miroku beamed.

"My, that's lovely" Kagome's voice was enthusiastic. "It must be nice to have good friends."

"Don't get any ideas." Sesshomaru informed her coldly. "He sits here no matter how much I threaten him."

"He can get so lonely" Miroku said mockingly in a soft voice.

"I will kill you."

Kagome's laugh was pleasant. Sesshomaru didn't like it.

"People are staring" Sesshomaru stated coldly "I don't want them to think I'm entertaining you. What do you want?"

"What's your brother like? Is he as serious as you?" Kagome asked curiously.

"I wouldn't know, we don't speak." Sesshomaru coldly said. "I hope to have the same relationship with you."

"Oh? How come you guys don't talk?"

"Yeah, how come?" Miroku leaned in closely. "Lover's tiff?"

Sesshomaru tightened up.

"That's a shame" Kagome said, letting go. "I have a brother and we don't speak much either, he's always travelling."

"Cool," Miroku said. "What does he do?"

"He's a pianist." Kagome reached into her lunch bag and pulled out a carrot stick. "He'll be ten this year."

"You're brother's ten and he's a travelling pianist?" Miroku raised his eyebrow skeptically.

"Yeah," Kagome replied. "Maybe you've heard of him? His name is Souta."

Sesshomaru looked up from his food. "Souta Higurashi? You're the elder sister to the prodigy?"

"Yeah," Kagome smiled proudly. "I'm happy you know him."

"A prodigy?" Miroku said, highly impressed. "How cool. You transferred right into the advanced class. Are you a prodigy too?"

Kagome laughed. "No, thank god." She bit into her carrot stick. "I only scored a 122 on the IQ test. Souta's a 141."

Miroku's jaw dropped. "You're awesome."

Kagome blushed prettily. Sesshomaru didn't like that either.

"Why aren't you at college already?" Miroku asked. "Surely you can get more academically challenged there."

"Well I almost went to Seiki high's sister academy" she admitted "But I wanted to go to co-ed high school and make all types of friends," she said excitedly. "And walk across the stage for my diploma, and put the string from one side of the cap to the other, and throw the hat into the air and go out for milkshakes."

The boys stared at her before Miroku's fit of laughter conquered him.

"Wow Kagome," he said between fits. "You're so cute."

Kagome blushed again. "I don't get out much," she admitted. "I watch a lot of movies. Like 'Grease' and 'The Breakfast Club'. I know I won't drive off in a flying car or get locked in a school but I really wanted to come to a high school and make a close group of friends to graduate with." She smacked herself on the forehead in embarrassment "But after my introduction in class this morning, I've gotten off to a bad start. I'm not used to public speaking."

"All's not lost," Miroku said cheerfully. "Consider us your first two friends, right Sesshomaru?"

"No."

"Really?" Kagome asked, choosing to ignore that.

"Yup," said Miroku, choosing to do the same. "And I'll introduce you to Sango and Inuyasha later. You'll love them."

Kagome's smile could outshine the sun. "Miroku, you're so cool!"

Miroku blushed. "If I had a dime for every time someone said that."

"Then you'd owe people money," Sesshomaru said, taking his last bite.

Kagome laughed again and Sesshomaru refused the temptation to narrow his eyes at her. Most girls would blush until they were a tomato. They would stammer and look away nervously when he looked at them. She was too confident around him. He found her suspicious.

Kagome checked the cafeteria clock and chewed one more carrot stick. "Well I have to finish signing documents at the main office." She stood to leave "Will you pick me up from my class after school? I can't wait to meet your friends."

"You bet," Miroku gave her a wink.

She lightly touched Sesshomaru's hand. "See you in class!"

"Bye—" Miroku cleared his cracking voice. "-ahem—Goodbye, Kagome."

He watched her skirt swish all the way out the doors of the cafeteria before turning his grinning face to Sesshomaru. "What. Was. That. Touch?"

"Don't start." Sesshomaru took a sip from his iced tea. "She's just another love struck girl."

"My, Sesshomaru. You're so modest,"

"Mmm," was all Sesshomaru said.

"You should hit it."

There was a choke and sputter. Iced tea lightly sprayed the table. "Excuse me? Are you stupid?"

"What?" Miroku shrugged "Ever since Kagura, all you do is turn girls down. You need to relax every once in a while. Better yet, think of it as your duty. A proper welcome to our school."

"You repulse me."

Miroku laughed. "I'm joking. Man I'd kill to be in your place. Kagome's got her eye on you already. When she realizes what a bastard you are, put in a good word for me."

"Do it yourself," Sesshomaru looked bored. "I have better things to do with my time."

"Pffft, like working is so much fun," scoffed Miroku. "With an attitude like that, you'll be old before you know it."

Sesshomaru "Mmmed" again which ended the conversation. He took a final sip of his tea.

"Sesshomaru?"

"What?"

"Did you really mean no when she asked if we're friends?" Miroku asked.

Sesshomaru looked at him with a hint of surprise. Miroku looked like a puppy unsure if he would be petted or kicked.

"I can tolerate your incessant presence," he finally said and began packing up his trash, unwilling to have any more conversation.

Miroku smiled. Coming from Sesshomaru, that was practically a declaration of love.

***

Kagome tried to speak to Sesshomaru between classes a few more times that day but he was too good at ignoring her.

It bothered him that it didn't seem to bother her.

When the final class ended, he packed his things to leave.

"Aren't you going to wait for Miroku?" she smiled at him.

"No." he replied simply.

"Oh," Kagome said. "Do you have an afterschool club?"

"What's this? What are you doing?" Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. "Are you trying to make conversation with me?"

"That's what we humans call it, yes."

"Don't."

Kagome tilted her head to the side. "I get that you don't like me," she said in a cheerful voice. "But I'd like for you to try."

Sesshomaru scowled. "I have more important things to do than spend my time watching the echoes bounce around your empty cheerful head."

"Wow, you really don't like me!" Kagome's smile was so big, Sesshomaru found it unnerving.

"I don't like anyone." He said, looking away.

"Well that's fine because I like everyone. Opposites attract, you know."

Sesshomaru began walking away

"I've heard about you, you know." Kagome called from behind. "People call you the Ice Prince. They say anyone who approaches you gets frost-bite."

Sesshomaru looked back at her. He would have smiled if he actually ever smiled. Deep down he liked his reputation.

She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I don't mind being a little chill." She grinned devilishly "Plus you're nice to look at."

The comment mentally floored him. What was with that mouth? She was so confident it was borderline egotistical.

Miroku opened the classroom door, entering with a huge smile.

"Sesshomaru!" he cheerfully shouted. "Good, gang's all here!"

Two people shuffled in behind him. A curious looking girl and an irate looking boy.

"Kagome, this is my girlfriend Sango. She's in our year and we're on student council together."

Sango stepped forward with a warm smile. "Hi Kagome, pleased to meet you."

Kagome was bubbling with excitement. "You're very pretty!" she said in awe. "I'm surprised Miroku was able to get a girl like you, he comes off as friendly but his lecherous motives are so easy to spot."

There was a loud cackle "Damn, Miroku. She read you like a book!"

"I'm actually not his girlfriend," Sango said, taking an immediate like to Kagome. Finally, another girl. "He's just an idiot."

Miroku had a mixed expression of surprise and sadness. Kagome smiled at him.

"Don't worry, Miroku. You're my first high school friend. I still like you."

Miroku seemed to cheer up a little. He cleared his throat.

"This guy, if you hadn't noticed the eerie resemblance, is Inuyasha."

Kagome beamed. "It's nice to meet you too. Sesshomaru says many things about you."

"I notice how you say 'many'," Inuyasha said, giving Sesshomaru a glare.

"She says 'many' because she can't say 'nice'" said Sesshomaru with a glare that surpassed his brother's.

Kagome was like a kid in a candy store. "How about we all go for milkshakes? My treat."

"Sorry, no can do" Miroku looked genuinely disappointed. "Sango and I have a student council meeting."

"Yeah, Kagome. Let's rain-check," Sango said. "Here, let me give you my cell number..."

After a few moments, when Sango and Miroku had regretfully excused themselves, only the three remained.

"How about you guys?" Kagome moved in like a shark.

"No." Sesshomaru said, finally moving for the door. He had no idea why he had stuck around so long.

"I'm not in the mood for milkshakes," Inuyasha said "but you can treat me to ramen."

"Sure!" Kagome clapped her hands. "Anywhere you'd like."

Inuyasha's grin was huge. "There's this really great place across town. Usually a car comes to pick Sesshomaru up for work, we can ride with him."

"No." Sesshomaru said firmly, walking out of the classroom and down the hallway.

"Don't mind him," Inuyasha said as he and Kagome followed. "It's just his stutter acting up."

Kagome giggled.

Inuyasha liked it.

***

"And that's the best burger place," Inuyasha pointed out as the car drove them around the city. "But their curly fries suck. If you want good curly fries, you've got to go to Mimoji's joint across town. I'll have Myoga bring us some tomorrow at school."

Kagome was enjoying herself immensely. Inuyasha's tour of the city seemed fueled by his appetite. Sesshomaru sat on the other side of the car, staring out the window quietly.

Kagome noticed his annoyed look. "So," she said as friendly as she could. "Where are you headed after we're dropped off?"

"None of your-"

"To work," Inuyasha cut him off, trying to keep Kagome's attention on him. "But first we're pit-stopping at our house so he can change. Our father's grooming him to take over the business."

"How interesting," Kagome commented. "What business?"

"Our dad owns Tetsusaiga Security," Inuyasha said, not a hint of pride or boastfulness in his voice. "I'm being groomed too but dodged the bullet because Sesshomaru's to take over."

"That's cool," Kagome nodded.

"Not really," Inuyasha sighed heavily. "We've been getting shuffled around since we were kids. Music lessons, advanced tutoring, the works. Our tutor wanted to get rid of us and was the one who convinced our dad that we should go to high-school. 'Well rounded boys should socialize with peers'," he said in a mocking voice as if reading it from a script. "But I guess you wouldn't know what that's like."

Kagome cleared her throat quickly. "I heard you got kicked out of Seiki," she said conversationally.

Inuyasha scoffed. "They're all a bunch of soft-fleshed little babies," he dismissed. "They have a grudge against me but act like they didn't expel Sesshomaru too."

"For fighting?" Kagome raised her eyebrows, very interested.

"Inuyasha," Sesshomaru's voice was laced with menace.

He cut his eyes before changing the topic. "Anyway, we're being strung up like puppets all for the sake of 'proper legacy and breeding'" Inuyasha said nastily glowering at his brother.

"Wow," Kagome said. "That must be tough. But Tetsusaiga's the best security company in the country. My houses are all equipped with it. I'm glad it's being run my sophisticated people."

"Houses?"

Kagome shook her hands dismissively. "I'm not trying to sound like a millionaire or anything," she quickly explained. "My dad runs a few steel mills here and there. Sometimes he has to live close to work so he has a couple of corporate houses or apartments. We don't really own them, the company does."

"Ah," said Inuyasha. "Is that why you were in Honjo?"

"More or less," Kagome nodded.

Sesshomaru stared at her from out the corner of his eye. That was the first vague answer he had heard her give.

Inuyasha didn't seem to notice. "Well this is our place," he said as the driver pulled up to a big black gate.

It was too big to be called a house and too small to be called a mansion. The brick walled manor sat on a small slope at the back of a long driveway which was paved over neatly trimmed grass. There was a large sized lily pond in the middle of the lawn. Kagome spotted a crane taking flight from the pond headed in the direction of the back of the estate, where she could slightly make out treetops.

"It's beautiful," she breathed.

"Whatever," Inuyasha dismissed. Home was just home.

The car made a stop at the gatehouse where a security guard cleared them before opening up the gates. Kagome stared out the window all the way until the car pulled up to the front steps where a man stood, ready to open the door.

"Welcome home," he said as he pulled the door open.

Sesshomaru stepped out the car and handed his school bag to the man. "Jaken, have the driver take them wherever they want to go and call another car for me. I'm already late as it is. Also, buy some milk."

"Very well," said the man and shut the door with Inuyasha and Kagome inside.

As the car pulled off, Kagome watched from the back window as Sesshomaru disappeared inside the house. Even after she could no longer see him and Inuyasha began chatting on about more food, she stared out the window until the car drove downhill and the house disappeared too.