Living Nightmare by Sy Sheer
A Night Out
"Give me one good reason why I should wear a dress." She demanded as she crossed her arms over her chest. Her blue eyes flashed angrily at the male that held up the skimpy red dress and kept insisting she put it on so that they could go. He growled at her and Kagome snarled back as their eyes clashed from across the bedroom. She refused to give in, and he'd just have to deal with it.
"Then what will you wear? Not just your skin, surely." He was amused and his voice and lips showed it as he smirked at her across the large king sized bed. "I didn't think you, a woman of such high modesty, would do something so scandalous." Her mouth dropped at his words and she huffed in annoyance as he chuckled in the way that often left her smiling and giggling with him.
"Never, pervert." Kagome grumbled as she went to her closet and dug around in it. He laughed behind her as he turned and left the room. A careless 'We leave in 40 minutes.' was tossed over his shoulder. She nodded with a sound of understanding that had him laughing as he left her to her own devices. He didn't want her wearing the red rag anyway. He still held it in his hands and glared at the offending cloth. How someone could send it to a graceful creature like Kagome and expect her to wear a prostitute’s outfit he would never understand.
Pulling his phone out he dialed the number to make sure the car was ready and waiting for them. Tonight was an appointment they could not miss, even if he longed to miss it. Stuffing the phone back into his jacket pocket he threw the fabric into the fireplace that stood proud as the living room centerpiece. Once the red fabric settled he threw in a lit match and watched with concealed glee as it withered away. Never to be seen again.
He stayed in the living room, but this time was looking over the many titles her bookshelves held while Kagome finished getting ready for the evening. He had pulled out a book that caught his eye and was reading it when she came down the stairs. Her hair long hair spilled down the left side of her face and shoulder from the clip that seemed incapable of keeping her waves in check. She had dressed in a simple but elegant outfit of white slacks a flattering navy blue blouse. Her face held little makeup, just some mascara and lip gloss. Wrapped around her feet was a pair of white strappy heels.
"Does this meet your approval?" She asked with a small sniff of annoyance at the way he just continued to stare at her. He smiled and stood to meet her halfway across the room.
"You look elegant and gorgeous as always." As he said this he bent down to give her a kiss on the cheek before wrapping her arm around his and leading them to the door. "And you finished right on time as the limo is here to pick us up." He opened the door, pausing only so she could grab her purse and jacket. She smiled as he opened the limo door for her and then stepped in to sit next to her.
"I shouldn't be leaving the house." Kagome murmured as she stared at the front door. In her gut she knew what would be waiting for her when she got home. He glanced at her and frowned. He'd set this up so that she could take a break from worrying about that idiot, not become even more worked up.
"Yes you should. You've been stuck in there for five months worried sick about it. Let yourself have one night of not worrying about it." He told her quietly as he wove her arm once more through his. "I will be with you all night, you're safe. Enjoy it."
Kagome nodded silently and gave him a smile that wasn't completely true. She knew that she wanted to be able to do this again. To go out with her friends and enjoy a night of socializing. But because of him she dared not for the past five months. 'Gods, if you do exist, no matter what happens to me I pray you keep my family and friends safe from him.'
She silently turned to watch building after building fly by. Knowing that there were hundreds of people around her, and no one knew what she was feeling. She was all alone, despite the reassurance of the male sitting beside her. Her thoughts wandered as it was oft to do these days. It was a puzzle that was starting to drive her insane. Why had he picked her? What did she do to him? How did he know so much about what only close friends and family should know?
It had started just over five months ago. It was December 20th, 5:38 pm. Kagome jumped at the sound of her doorbell. Sitting in her study with soft music playing she was busy working on her next book. She wasn't expecting anyone, still her manners wouldn't let her just ignore it. Saving her work she stood and went to the door.
Pulling it open she smiled at the delivery man standing on her step. "Package for Higurashi Kagome?" He said as he read her name off the delivery slip.
"That's me." Kagome nodded and took the slip and pen, signing her name in a flourish before accepting the package. She smiled and waved as the man left. She turned and shut the door behind her as she stared at the box in confusion. Just what in the world was it? Her phone rang from her pocket. Pulling it out she answered without looking at the number.
"This is Kagome." Her brows furrowed as there was no one on the other side. "Hello?" Heavy breathing filled her ear and she stood there confused with the strange package in her hands and a strange person breathing between her ear and shoulder. Footsteps came down the stairs and came up behind her.
"What have you got Kag
"ome? Kagome!" She jumped as her name was called from right beside her. She realized that she wasn't standing there with him behind her like then, he was sitting by her calling to her. She looked up at him with a small smile. He looked at her in concern. "You okay?"
"Yeah, sorry I was lost in thought." Kagome nodded.
"We're here." He said as he stepped out of the door that was somehow already open. He held out his hand to help her out of the limo as well. She stepped out and nearly covered her eyes as flashes of light attacked her eyes. She quickly smiled and held up her public image of waving and seeming completely at ease with the world for the cameras and people who were flocked around the door of the building they were entering.
"Did you tell the paparazzi I was coming?" Kagome asked with her lips barely moving from her smile, and so low only the male beside her could hear. He shook his head and responded in kind with a simple 'no'. Kagome got a chill down her spine and her hand on his arm tightened. "He’s here."
And with that they were through the large swinging door, and quickly led to the large ballroom that had been reserved for their party. Kagome looked around and was relieved that there were only a few people in the room who didn't looking familiar. The chance that he was there was far less now that she knew she knew most of the people here.
"Kagome! I'm happy you came!" Sango, Kagome's best friend and agent came forward and wrapped her in a large hug. Kagome smiled and gave the woman a hug. "Shippo kept saying that you were unable to leave because you had a writer’s block! I know it's complete bull though! Whenever you have a block you're never at the house!" Sango grumped as she dragged Kagome over to the punch bowl.
"I'm sorry Sango. I have been getting work done on the book, I promise. I just haven't been able to leave recently." Kagome smiled at her friend and accepted the cup of punch Sango handed her. Sango laughed and then spotted her fiancé Miroku flirting with a pretty girl across the room.
"Sorry hun, I'll catch up later." Sango apologized and stormed up to Miroku as the young lady laughed at Miroku's expression. Kagome watched them for a few minutes just standing there. She didn't look at the man who joined her there.
“I hope you’re enjoying your celebration party Ms. Higurashi. But I wonder what everyone would say if they found out the real reason you’ve abandoned all your responsibilities.” He said as he continued to study the room and sipped his own punch.
Kagome froze at his voice and then after a quick glance at him quickly went to leave. He laughed at her as he said one sentence that stopped Kagome dead in her tracks. “If you leave now, you lose everything.”