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The Story Of A Charmless Man by nautical_paramour

The Story Of A Charmless Man

I sat down at the bar. This was a restaurant that I frequently attended. Many people would come here to drink away their problems, forgetting them at the end of a pint glass. I looked to my left – no one. I looked to my right – someone. I requested a drink, and heard the man next to me ask my name.

He was obviously drunk, and needed someone to talk to. I realized my nature to listen to everyone else's problems was a nasty habit, but I obliged the man with my name. "Kagome. What's yours?"

"Sesshomaru." He replied with a small smile. I could tell this was going to be the story of a charmless man. Realizing he had company, Sesshomaru sat up a little straighter. "Do you want to sit at a table with me." I couldn't help but notice the bruising around his right eye. It looked as if his nose were broken.

I realized that was more of an order and agreed. He left his pint of whisky at the bar, and we moved to a white-clothed table. He began his story and I could tell it would be a long night. Sesshomaru had been educated at all the best private schools, the expensive way, at the whim of his father. He said it was because his father was trying to make up for leaving his mother, and shunning him for his half-demon brother. A waiter came over and he order a red wine, Beaujolais, however when the waiter brought it back he spit it out. "That is claret." The waiter quickly apologized and brought out his order. So he knew is claret from his Beaujolais. It wasn't often I was graced with such an esteemed man. I should pay my deference.

Talking to the sad man, I realized he was very straight edged. He never did anything illegal, or fun, it seemed, and everyone was afraid of him. He wasn't very well liked, only well received. I think he wished that he was Kouga, a local gangster. He was known for doing all kinds of illegal things on the street and in the bedroom. Everyone who met him liked him, and Kouga had ever gotten away from a bank robbery after having a short chat with the police officers. It was obvious though that it was out of Sesshomaru's nature though, and he was brought up so cold, that he would never be like Kouga.

Sesshomaru was very well mannered and incredibly rich – with billions in family shares. He figured if anything with the police ever did arise, he thought that his educated airs and his money could protect him, and it had in the past. He told me once about a little mishap he had with a girl friend, and how daddy's money came threw for him. He spoke of his friends without a hint of fondness. He moved from circle to circle, depending on the week and weather. They only pretended to like him, but he was okay with that, because he just did the same to them. Sesshomaru's lack of charm did not cease to amaze me.

About half way through our talk a group of people my age surrounded the table. The air was soon filled with choruses of "hey Sesshomaru, what's up? How are things going?" He would politely respond, but I noticed the sarcastic roll of his eyes. When the cavalry left, I concluded that he must know all the swingers in Tokyo! When they left he continued on with his life's story.

"I can get in anywhere for free. No cover. And I can have any woman in this room." I could feel my eyes going cross-eyed.

I was up for a challenge. "Okay then, I dare you to go get that woman's number." He stood up and walked over to her, and I could see her smiling at him and laughing whenever he said anything. Next thing I knew he was back with a napkin with her name and number on it. Spare me.

"After all," he continued, " I even got you to sit with me." I could see he felt something wet on his face, and I noticed a thin trail of blood trickling out of his nose. So he is so common as to get nosebleeds!

"FUCK!" He swore loudly and used a napkin to stop the flow – the same napkin with the woman's number on it. She noticed, and huffed out of the bar. I could tell his days were tumbling down around him, and he obviously worked a lot. I don't think that he even knew what day of the week it was.

He noticed that I wasn't paying such close attention anymore. He was so keen for me to listen, and as such, tried so hard to please me. No doubt h did this with everyone he met, anyone to listen to him. I could tell that no one was really listening to him.

He may have been powerful and attractive, but no one ever really listened to him. He was not the type any one wanted to be friends with, but rather just wanted to use. I smiled as I finished my drink and told him I would leave. I gave my number to the charmless man. Perhaps someday I can tell him my own charmless story.

INUYASHA © Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan • Yomiuri TV • Sunrise 2000
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