Win a Week with Sesshoumaru Taisho by Brilliant Demise

A Winner

The bell rang and, in a rush of excitement, all of the students packed their stuff, whispering about the most talked about event of the year.

"Okay, everyone! Have a nice Christmas break and don't forget the book reports are due when you get back!" I called after them. I looked down at the list and sighed. Almost all of the girls, and even some of the boys (who I had thought about referring to the counselor), had chosen a book by the "Unspoken Author" as he had come to be called in my classroom.

I sighed. Finally, Christmas break. Exactly nine days until old St. Nicholas would be sliding down children's chimneys and spreading joy. I was so excited to see Inuyasha. He had been on a trip to England on business for a little over four months, and I missed him terribly. We were going to a romantic dinner at the most expensive restaurant in town. That meant something big, and I was pretty sure what that something was.

"Do I hear wedding bells?" A head peeked in my door, seemingly reading my mind.

I smiled. "Sango!" I chimed.

She enveloped me in a hug. "So... Ready for your special night, tonight?"

I hit her shoulder playfully. "We don't know if it's going to be tonight." I fake modesty like a pro.

She laughed. "Don't give me that bullshit. What are you wearing?"

"Oh, just this little black number I picked out the other day..." I trail off with a wink.

She pranced around me like a little girl, humming the Wedding March. "It's going to be a very merry Christmas!"

Laughing, I grabbed my purse. "Let's not jump to conclusions. You know how Inuyasha can be."

A mischievous grin spread across her face. "Ok, Kags. Go with the fake modesty plot. That's fine. But I expect you to tell me everything tomorrow at the cafe, and don't be late or I'll kick your ass. They announce the winner tomorrow!"

I threw her a look.

"Oh, right. 'Unspoken Author' and all that. I'll see you tomorrow then, Ayame set me up on a blind date, and she says this guy is like, gorgeous! If she wasn't marrying Kouga in a few days, she'd probably jump him!" She paused for a second. "Then again, since he's so in love with you, you could change his mind." She winked and left the room before I could thoroughly murder her.

I shook my head, gathering the rest of my paperwork, smiling lightly to myself. I couldn't deny it any longer.

Tonight was my big night.

I walked the halls of Shikon High, with the music of the Wedding March stuck in my head.

My fingers tapped nervously on the burgundy table cloth. Across the flickering candles and roses, he sat, my dear Inuyasha. His golden eyes stared warmly into mine, with a sense of amusement hiding behind them. His rugged features were complimented by his long silverish white hair that fell midway down his back in a ponytail. He was perfect.

"Kags, we need to talk," His sweet voice broke me out of my ravine.

"About what?" I asked.

"Um, Kags, you see..." He seemed to not know how to get the words out.

And then, for the first time all night, I noticed his discomfort. He sat rigidly in his chair, eyes never keeping in contact with mine for more than a mere second.

My stomach was in knots as I leaned forward, "What is it?"

"While in London, I saw Kikyo..."

I suddenly felt very nauseous. Kikyo was my cousin. Her parents died when she was twelve and I was nine and she moved in with us two months later. She hated me since the moment we met, but I never so much as talked to her the wrong way. For a long while I even idolized her. That is, until she decided to make my life a living hell when she was a senior and I a freshman. She had also been his girlfriend before me, but he had never gotten over her. He told me as much on our first date. In fact, last time she had visited the city, he had left me to be with her, though she made it clear that she did not want him. So I begged him to get back with me, and he eventually did. That was four years ago. If he had seen her, and she was in a possibly okay mood, there was no doubt he had cheated on me.

"Oh," was my only reply.

"And she's willing to have me back..." He avoided my gaze.

Tears stung in my eyes. "So this is what this dinner was for? You took me here so I wouldn't make a scene? So you can go back to that bitch who doesn't even care about you?"

Fury inflamed in his eyes as he suddenly held my gaze. "Don't talk about her that way!" he growled.

"All she's ever done is hurt us. The only reason she's even taking you back now is because she doesn't want us to be happy!"

"She's not like that!"

"Hell yes, she is! I would know. I'm the one who lived with her for six years. Besides, how the hell are you two going to keep up a long distance relationship?"

"She's moving back here," he said simply.

"So... that's it?" I asked, feeling pathetic.

He nodded, and we seemed to fall into a pit of silence.

I stood, picking up my wine glass ignoring the tears falling down my cheeks. The entire restaurant seemed to zero in on me, halting their conversations.

"A toast to the cruelest person alive!" I said aloud, holding my wine in the air. I raised the glass to my lips, took a sip, and then threw the rest in his face.

Grabbing my purse and coat, I left.

As I sat in the bar, I gazed out the window at the pitch black sky. The rain fell from it like tiny teardrops, as though the sky was crying for me also. I smoothed out my new black dress I bought just for tonight, and took another gulp of my drink.

Inuyasha. I once more wiped away the tear that appeared on my cheek. Cars sped by on the road outside. People passed by the window, beaming with happiness. God, how I envied them. Life went on. My gaze rose to the colorful red and green lights on a huge tree across the tree. Under it stood twelve carolers singing those cheerful songs I couldn't bear to hear at the moment.

Suddenly a man walked in, and before the door closed I heard their voices drifting across the road singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

'Yeah,' I thought to myself, 'A merry Christmas.'

I raised the glass to my lips, and growled, frustrated that it was once again empty. I then sighed as I saw my reflection in the light reflected in the window. I was a wreck. My hair was messed up and frizzy. My cheeks were still wet from the tears. My eyes were surrounded by a shade of deep red and my mascara was smudged all over the place. The look on my face was utterly depressing. I again lifted the glass to my lips and growled in frustration again. The bartender noticed my anger and quickly refilled it. I then sipped it slowly.

Inuyasha. More tears came.

'He had to do it on the most beautiful night of the year,' I thought bitterly.

I took another sip.

It didn't help that Sango was still on her date, so her phone was off. God, I wished I could talk to her then.

'I bet he wants me to come crawling back to him... again. Well, not this time. Not now! Not after he's broken my heart... again.' Tears flowed down my cheeks once again. Damn Inuyasha. Damn that slut Kikyo. Damn them both to hell. I gulped down the rest and hollered at the bartender for another refill.

"Sorry, Miss," the bartender said. "Seven is the limit. Bar rules."

"I've... had seven?" I was dumbfounded. How long had I been there? I looked at my watch. Five hours! It felt like five minutes!

"Yes, Miss. He must've been some guy."

"Who?" I asked quizzically as I looked him up and down. He was wearing a black Poison shirt and a pair of dark-washed jeans.

"The guy who dumped you," he said dully. "And if I might say so, he sure made a mistake. I haven't seen a looker like you since... well, a long time." He winked at me.

I sighed and, ignoring his horrible attempt at flirting with me, I said, "I guess he was, but if he's just some asshole in the end, what's the point?"

He shrugged, "That's why you gotta pick 'em carefully."

"If it were only that easy."

"So, how long were you with him?" he asked.

"On and off for six years."

He nodded in understanding. I rolled my eyes. Like he could really know. He was a guy. And like all guys, a bastard.

I stood. "Well, I guess I better get going."

"You want me to call a cab for you?"

"No thanks," I replied, "I'll walk."

"You know, it's dangerous to go out at night. Especially for a pretty girl like yourself."

I ignored him, handing him the money I owed him.

He locked my gaze with his. "Crazy things happen at night," he reminded me.

"I'll manage," I said, then, smiling bitterly, "Besides, nothing is worse than what has already happened."

I was really getting annoyed now. I was an adult; I could take care of myself.

"Oh, c'mon now, Miss--"

"Merry Christmas," I cut him off and stomped away. Bastard, couldn't he tell I didn't feel like being come onto?

I casually strolled down the street, wallowing in my misery once again.

I felt the sudden urge for another drink.

I spotted another bar two blocks away, and made my way towards it.

Entering the door, I looked around. I noticed almost every guy in the place was smirking at me. Drunken Bastards. Of course, I was drunk too. But still.

"What would you like, Miss?" The bartender asked as I sat down.

I sighed, "Anything strong."

He nodded, placing a glass in front of me a few seconds later.

"Thanks," I murmured.

Then, suddenly, one of the abominations came up to me.

"Hey, baby," he smirked, eyes sparking mysteriously. Urg... what was it with all these horny men in bars? Do they really have no where else to go? Why not just go out to the nearest strip joint, instead of hitting on all us nice, strong, independent women? Or why not on the corner of thirty first and Main? They'd be sure go get a good time there.

I ignored him, finishing my drink in one go.

He winked at me, looking up at the bartender, "Yo, buddy, get this sexy gal another drink!"

"I don't want another drink," I stated.

"Of course you do!" He grinned.

"Leave. Me. Alone. I don't want another damn drink!" I growled.

He seemed put back, "You know, it seems like you're not enjoying my company." No shit, Sherlock.

"I'm not," I replied simply, trying to calm myself down before I took a knife to this guy. The fact that I didn't have a knife was completely irrelevant.

He smiled, "Maybe not. But I think you would be if we were in a place a little more private..."

My god, where'd I put that damn machete?

"Oh, go screw yourself in a corner somewhere!" I snapped.

He wrapped an arm around my waist. "Oh, don't be so mean! I can show you a good time."

Yeah, right. Make it sound like I'm up for a game of Monopoly or something. (Which brought back some not-so-fond memories of my drunken uncle on Thanksgiving. "I want to be the dog! You be the fucking boot!") I felt like shouting something like, "Go to jail! Go directly to jail! Do not pass go! Do not collect $2OO!" but I refrained. Probably not a good idea to look mental in a bar either. Besides, now was not the time for games. Uh... ha. No pun intended.

"Get off me," I snarled, I glared at the bartender, who made know move to get the creep off of me.

He leaned in and whispered in my ear. He reeked of vodka, heroine, and sweat. Oh, great, not only is he a stalker/rapist/drunk, but now he's also a freakin' addict. What fun. "Oh, c'mon, Baby! You know you want me!"

"You fucking bastard, get off of me!"

"C'mon there's no reason for language now!" he smiled drunkenly.

"I believe the lady said, 'Get off.'" A low voice came from behind him. I turned around to see a shadowy figure in the corner. Dark-and-creepy, much?

"Oh, stay out of it!" The drunk said.

The man in the corner stood up, shaking his head. The entire bar silenced. His silver hair flowed around his face. I heard him mutter something like, "Drunken ass," under his breath.

The drunken man stood in shock for about a minute. The silver haired man was at least a foot taller than him, and looked to be twice as strong. Great odds, huh?

"Let me make this a little clearer: Leave her alone," He said sternly. I actually think I gagged at the whole clichéd knight-in-shining-armor pose.

The drunk stepped back slightly, terror instantly filling his eyes. "Oh, yeah... um... sorry... I... uh... didn't hear you." and with that he ran out the door, tail between his legs.

"Um... thanks," I said to the silver haired man, feeling very dizzy. Everyone in the bar continued their conversations.

"You okay?" he asked, sitting down next to me, golden eyes filled with concern. I couldn't help but notice he looked familiar, but I shrugged it off. It must be the alcohol talking.

I awoke in the morning with a horrible hangover. I looked around the unfamiliar hotel room and sighed. What had I gotten myself into? I silently crept out of bed and collected my clothes, ignoring the dizzy feeling that was about to make me pass out. I looked back at the sleeping figure on the bed. It was the silver-haired guy from the bar. 'Bastard. You save me from one guy just to get a chance with me yourself.' I thought.

I redressed, deep in my thoughts.

It wasn't my fault. The way his lips pressed against mine and... How his hands... --He had taken complete advantage over me. But, no. Just because I was drunk doesn't mean I can blame it on someone else. I hoped to god we at least used a condom. There was no way I could step back from my life to have a baby. My career couldn't take the hit. My students needed me.

He groaned, rolling over in his sleep. I glared at him, crossing the room.

I grabbed the pen and notepad, and resentfully wrote: Hope you had a Merry Christmas, Jackass.

I glanced again at his sleeping face and couldn't help but once again get that feeling that I had seen him somewhere before. I shook my head. I could think about that later. I had to meet Sango first. I was already late.

As I ran out the door I heard a cell phone going off in the room. I prayed with every fiber of my being that he was late for something very important.

Ha, I should become a psychic; buy a crystal ball and all that. I'd make millions.

After I got ready, I ran as fast as I could down the street to the cafe, only to find Sango waiting inside at our favorite table in the corner.

"Where have you been? I've been waiting for an hour and a half!" She screamed hysterically.

"Sorry! I'll explain later," I said, trying to catch my breath. "Let's eat!"

"You are not going to put me off like that, Kagome Higurashi! Let me see the ring!" She went into a hysteric fit of giggles.

"There is no ring, Sango," I said, exasperated.

She grabbed my left hand anyways, pulling me closer. "Don't you joke with me, Kagome!--"

"Sango, I--" I tried interrupting her.

"I'll hunt you down. I don't care if you miss your own wedding.--"

"Sango!--" I tried again.

"Now, where did you hide the rock? Don't tell me you stashed it in your purse--"

"SANGO!--" It didn't seem to be working.

"You should be flaunting it! I mean--"

"SANGO, THERE IS NO RING! THE BASTARD BROKE UP WITH ME!"

She paused. "Don't kid with me. I'll hunt you down. You know that."

I stared at her blankly.

She jumped out of her chair, taking me into a deep hug. Tears filled my eyes. "Oh my god, Kags! I'm so sorry! I thought you two were finally working things out! Why would he even do such a--"

"Kikyo is back," I said simply.

Her eyes mirrored mine, as tears came to the surface. "You know what, Kags? You deserve better than him. Way better!"

"Oh, like that isn't the most clichéd thing that was ever said about relationships!" I cried.

"Okay, fine. I'll drop it. Though you do deserve better. Someone special. Someone like..." She trailed off, shaking her head. "Anyways, none of this explains why you were late."

"You see, after dinner with the ass, I went to this bar and--"

"Don't tell me you got kidnapped by some perv. I'll hunt them down and kill them, I swear! Who was it? Which bar was it at, I mean--"

"No! Well, this creep did hit on me, but this other really handsome guy told him to get lost. I was really drunk and started flirting with him and then... well, you get the rest."

"Wait! Wait! Wait! You're telling me that Kagome Higurashi--the Kagome Higurashi--had a ONE-NIGHT STAND?" Sango all-but-shouted, causing half the customers in the cafe to look up at us, including one smirking prada-wearing slut-faced chick with five inch heels peeking out from under the table. God, she must be a freakishly short woman. The bitch was trying to cover her laughter. Ya, because the situation was so god damn funny, wasn't it?

"A little louder, Sango, I don't think Kikyo-Bitch heard you over in London." I snapped warily. The make-up hoe was now practically falling out of her chair laughing. I rolled my eyes.

Sango's features softened, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean--"

"Forget it. You're forgiven. Change of subject: How was your date last night?"

Her eyes suddenly took on this dreamy look. "Oh my gawd, Kags! I think I'm in love!"

"After one date?" I was very surprised. Sango didn't generally trust men. Therefore, she never gave them the privilege of falling for them.

"He's just perfect. Ayame was right, he is gorgeous! And smart! And funny! And..." She stopped for a second, rolling her eyes, "slightly perverted, but still."

I grinned widely. "My Sango is finally growing up! She's gunna settle down with a nice man, move back to Alabama, have tons of babies and a golden retriever! Oh, and a minivan!" Sango looked annoyed. "How could I forget the minivan? She has to be able to drive the twin boys to soccer practice, and Sophie to dance recitals! Oh my god! You'll make a great mom! You can go to PTA meetings and embarrass your kids to death. And then you'll grow old with the man you loves, watches the kids go off to college and get married! And then grandchildren!" I was practically hyperventilating. "Oh! YOU HAVE TO MAKE THEM NAME ONE AFTER ME! And when I have mine, I'll make them name one after you! AND THEN THEY CAN BE BEST FRIENDS AND--"

"KAGOME! CALM YOURSELF!"

I laughed. "Sorry. Got carried away again, didn't I?"

She looked at me sternly. "Kagome, you can't keep going through these mood swings! You're going to wear yourself out."

I sighed dejectedly, nodding slightly. "I know."

"Are you sure you don't want to go grab something to eat first?"

"No! We'll miss the announcement if we don't get home soon. TAXI!" she screamed.

A cab pulled up, and she yanked the door open, practically decapitating me. "C'mon or we'll miss the winner!" She yelled, somehow already in the back seat.

As I climbed into the cab, I noticed every girl in the cafe glace at their watch, eyes wide, and jump out of their seats.

Yes, everyone loved Sesshoumaru Taisho. Everyone but me.

You see, there has been this world-wide contest going on for the past six months, known only as "Win a Week with Sesshoumau Taisho." Sesshoumaru Taisho is the worlds top romance novelist. Being a literature teacher, I know all about Sesshoumaru's works. I have to show them to all of my students. I hate all of his books, and not one of my students didn't know that.

I mean, it's not like they're bad stories or anything. I just don't believe in true love, especially after Inuyasha. All men figure out how women feel and use it against them. That's just the way it is. There is no true love.

And everyone thought that Sesshoumaru was 'gorgeous.' He was supposedly handsome, and had a great body. Every woman in the world was hoping to win a week with him, praying to be the winner, except for me. I couldn't care less.

When we reached the house, before the car was even stopped, there was a 'whoosh' sound and Sango was already in my house. Why didn't we go to her house for this insane contest? I have no idea. It probably had to do with the fact that I had a bigger television.

"Kagome! Get your ass in here, or you'll miss the winner!" She called.

I paid the cab driver and started walking up the steps.

I was obviously in no hurry.

I opened the front door and continued towards the living room, throwing my jacket over the back of the couch. I ran into my room and changed into a red tank top and black sweats.

A few minutes later, I emerged from the kitchen with two diet cokes feeling much better in clean clothes.

"Think fast," I said and tossed the soda can at her. She caught it in mid air without even looking away from the television. Damn her and her quick reflexes.

Sango squealed as I sat down on the couch. "Oh my god, he's so PERFECT!"

I looked at the screen and practically screamed (with disgust, mind you).

On the television was the man from the hotel.

"And no the moment millions--No, billions-- have been waiting for..."

The reporter on the television drowned on as I was lost in thought.

"There is Sesshoumaru Taisho now!"

I had slept with Sesshoumaru Taisho.

"He's walking up the driveway!"

The Sesshoumaru Taisho.

"He's at the door!"

'Kill me,' I thought.

"He's ringing the doorbell!"

A "ding-dong!" ran through the house suddenly.

"Kagome, damn it! Get that! I'm trying to see who the winner is!" Sango screamed, not at all finding it odd.

I walked reluctantly to the front door and opened it.

There, stood the Unspoken Author, Sesshoumaru Taisho. I think we've all learned something here, ladies and gentlemen. God is a fan of practical jokes. Ha ha ha. You've won this round.

For a second, I saw a flicker of surprise in his eyes, but it was instantly replaced with a smirk.

I heard a gasp and a squeal from the living room, but ignored it.

"It seems that you are the winner," he said tauntingly. I wanted to punch him. I wanted to kick his ass. I wanted to put him in the freaking hospital.

But instead, I did the unthinkable.

I slammed the door in Sesshoumaru Taisho's face.

Next Chapter:

An interview with a twist or two.

"Feel my wrath, Taisho!"