this is when i once again feel bad for kaguya, i really want kagome to learn her lesson! i mean how could she treat sesshoumaru like that! i luv this story and especially this chapter kept me on the edge of my seat (literally) ;) i cant wait till the next chapter!

Sob!Sob!

What an incredibly sad chapter, especially in relation to Kaguya. I liked how you made her into someone more real, rather than the usual money grabber I've seen her portrayed as. I have a feeling, that the next few chapters are going to be just as sad. After all, we still have to read what happens between Inuyasha and Kikyo.

wow. more? what happens next?

I have to give my respect to Kaguya. It takes a real woman to let go of a man you love for their own happiness.

I read some reviews, and here's what I think.  Kagome had been devoted to InuYasha for a long time, but they got separated due to circumstances.  When he came back, he was dating Kikyo.  He started dating Kagome as well.  It may not be ideal, but I think it's pretty common, in an uncommitted relationship, to date others.  To the best of Kagome's knowledge, he was still trying to make up his mind between the two girls up until her rude awakening at the "business" party.  She truly thought he was going to choose her, up to the bitter end.  After all, he said that he loved her, and she gave him all of her love to try to make it all come true.  Maybe I am rationalizing (let you who are without sin cast the first stone...) but I don't really think she did anything outrageously bad.  If she had known that he got engaged to Kikyo, that would be a very different matter. 

I think that InuYasha treated Kagome and Kikyo very, very badly.  I was impressed at how well this echoed the relationship in the anime and manga, in a modern setting.  He was a very weak man, and his professed "love" of both women was transformed to cruelty because of his greed, for the love of both of them.  He was not only indecisive, weak, and greedy, but he was utterly viscious in allowing Kagome to walk into that party thinking it was a business function.  No matter how he will try to justify his actions, even the most obtuse person would realize that she was going to be emotionally ruined.  However outrageous his actions may seem,  I have actually seen this exact type of behavior in real life.

Here is something kind of callous.  I think that Kaguya is better off for having loved and lost.  She has led a life of privilege, and was very self assured of her superiority to Kagome.  She was shallow and vain, even though she honestly loved Sesshomaru, she had not experienced any real adversity to give her depth of character.  Now she will understand that looks and success are not everything in this world, and that real love is not based on tangible assets (she is the most beautiful and successful girl, therefore she deserves the most beautiful and successful guy).  She knows it is this real love she is looking for, and now I think maybe she has learned the lesson she needed, to be worthy of finding it...

Kikyo is another very privileged character, and while I do not deny that InuYasha treated her badly, she allowed her sense of superiority to lead her into thinking she was going to be given everything she wanted in life on a silver platter.  She is better off now, knowing that InuYasha is NOT the perfect man, and in spite of his looks and status, is not to be relied upon.  The veil of self-delusion has been ripped from her eyes, but she will go into this marriage as an adult woman, not a fairy princess.  She did have half of InuYasha's love, and maybe they can build a more genuine relationship on the basis of that and the baby.

As for Sesshomaru, I do not think he did anything bad in going out with Kaguya.  He didn't make her any promises.  It was just assumed by others, who were shallow enough to believe that looks and status are everything.  Now he is free to be with the woman he loves.  Not for her looks, or her place in society, but like in that old poem, "Love me for love's sake, or not at all."  

Oh my gosh,Jas, this is just...so,so...heartbreaking. There are so many tears burning my eyes right now...it's hard to see the keys...you've out done yourself, little one. For 2 chapters you've captured my heart as if it were happening to me with each character involved. Oh yes, it was immensely difficult to say who I felt more sorry for. But I have to say that I hurt most for Sesshoumaru, because he has loved Kagome for sooo long, always being right there to pick up the pieces of her broken heart only to let her go right back into his brother's arms (and bed) BECAUSE he loved her and wanted her happy. There's no use in 'asking what if' or 'maybe if' or 'I should have' because it's all past and now that so many have gotten hurt, it's time to look at what can be done now. Kaguya said she knew he loved Kagome but she was still willing to try and sway his heart. He isn't in love with her and and as she said, he would be doing the same as InuYasha did and I think he needs to go to Kagome BEFORE she decides the best thing to do is move away. She said 'goodbye', not 'goodnight'. That, in itself, tells me time is of the essence if he wants her. As for InuYasha, hmm, Kagome said it all when she poured her heart out at the banquet. InuYasha now needs to give Kikyou a chance to calm down; not too long because there are too many people that will try to sway her judgement, but if he really has any real love for her and their child, he'll do whatever it takes to repair the damage he caused. She's very hormonal now and from the many women I've come across including myself, the emotions will be extremely sensative right now. It would do him good not to let everyone else keep him away from her if he intends to make ammends for what he did. If Kikyou truly loves him, she'll forgive him ( maybe not forget because let's face it, women do NOT forget things like this) and allow him the chance to give her and the child the life they wanted. He never said he didn't love her or not want to marry her someday, after all. I just hope InuYasha is up for the bashing he's into from the parents for creating this whole mess and if it's found out Sesshoumaru knew all along.... What's the old saying, "what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive"? Magnificent job!  JEN

Thank you Miss Teak!  I love this story, so much...  I'm glad Kagome finally apologized to Sesshomaru, and he got a chance to tell her that he loves her, and has all along.  I'm worried though.  I'm worried about Kagome.  She was not in a positive mood when she walked away from Sesshomaru.  I'm afraid she's either going to try to hurt herself or run away.  I hope he makes it to her in time!!!  Your fan, Knife.

*squeals* Teaky love, the updated chapters were amazing! And I got dedicated the engagement party =) yay! I wish i had checked my email last night afterall, it would have been perfect since yesterday was my birthday! What a gift :) Now my review of how much I absolutely LOVED it. Oh the drama, it was deafening, I could only stare in shock at the screen. And then in the latest chapter he finally kissed Kagome! How bittersweet, to have it be that way and then turn around and have things end with Kaguya. Poor Sesshomaru, he never gets a break =/ it's so sad. But I don't want to cry this morning, it's cold and I'm tired and I have work soon as babysitter so no tears for me, but it definitely pulled at my heartstrings. Oh and YES you did the designs for the dresses justice, I could see them in my mind! Lots of love to you and can't wait to read more my dear! <3

Great chpt! I wonder what Sesshomaru do now that he not attach to anyone. I feel sorry for both girls. Man what a sticky situation.

Great chapter! I especially love the part bet Sess and Kag. I want to know what would happen Inuyasha and Kikyo but I hope the next chapter would be long to include more on Sess and Kag as well. Or better yet, 2 chapters. Hahaha. Anyways, great job as usual!!! :D

Oooh...now neither of them are tied to another... i hope that they don't waste this oportunity.

I don't even know what to say. Man, that was.....

I want to know what the parents have to say.

What about the baby?

poor kikyou

Update sooooon. When I sas your name I was iching to read.

I have been thinking about the whole situation for a while. what a mess.

this was just so mouth-watering!  The hurt was so real.

*satisfied sigh* Such a sweetly sorrowful chapter. I liked the line "the taste of heartache was a salty one..."- such lovely descriptions you use!

Oh my, I think I just fell in love with Kaguya. I feel so bad for her. Kagome, well not so much. I still don't like her very much but even she didn't deserve that public humiliation, and then in turn publicly humiliate everyone else.

I'm still wishing this turned into a Kaguya/Sess story.

This is prbly my new fav chappy!

the scene between sess and kag was so romatic!! i was so into it, it had me sighing a sqwealing.

to bad it went sour :(

but i loved they way sess got turned around into a thrid party of his own, it was clever.

the scene with kagua was sad, but it made sence. i just hope he realizes how much he still wants kagome. he liked kagua but he loves kagome. so im still on kags side!

thanks for the fast update. cant wait for the next.

I suppose I kinda feel bad for Kagome, but still can't bring myself to feel that way completely.  I feel worse for Kaguya.  I can't even begin to imagine the type of cleaning up Inuyasha is having to do.  This story is so frustrating!  A true sign of wonderul writing, my friend ;)

HA! Finally! Hope Kikyou dumps inuyasha's cheating ass!

Love love love your story :)

wow... please. I have to know what happens.. please!

Ok I finally have a moment where I can leave a review.

@ Chapter 10: Wow I absolutely loved being able to see what was going on in the women's heads. And how Kikyo, Izayoi, and Kaguya all knew something was up, but couldn't quite put a finger on it. And Kagome is just...grrr... she makes me wanna pull her hair out! I kinda felt bad for Kaguya when she cried herself to sleep. Poor thing is basically the rebound girl.... again. And Inuyasha ought to be ashamed of himself. Makes me wanna just stomp him myself if Sesshoumaru isn't going to do it!

@ Chapter 11: I think my heart stopped when I saw the title of this chapter. I had to take deep breaths for a moment and then I just jumped up off the couch and did a little celebratorial jig before starting to read. I was so excited to see this update. Excited and scared all at once. I loved your descriptions of everything to. You are awesome at describing my dear. But oh my the drama that happened in this chapter. In some way I think Izayoi was catching on to what was going on. I really really really do believe she was. And the awkwardness of it all was perfectly portrayed. You rocked it girl! I was also sitting there cursing when their dad got up to make his speech. When Sesshoumaru asked her to go somewhere with him I was screaming at the screen saying "Go!  GO DAMN YOU GO!!!" and then when I thought it over more I said... "Stay!  Stay you gotta hear this! The madness gotta stop!" And then BAM It happened. I can't believe she stood up as well! *mouth drops* In front of all those ppl!!! *jaw hits floor* I swear I was blushing in embarrassment for her, because she was far too upset and hurt to notice the embarrassing spectacle she made.... so yes... I was al of that for her, but I was happy she said what she said. INUYASHA YOU'RE SELFISH! Now... that that is all out in the open I can't wait to see your next update. Kikyo's reaction. Izayoi's reaction... hell everyone's reaction. And leave it to Sesshoumaru to be super-save-a-hoe and guide her out... he's such a knight in shining armour... eh... or whatever it was he was wearing. Poor Kaguya... *shakes head* Somehow I get the feeling this news is not only going to affect Inuyasha and Kikyo and Kagome, but the parents of the "happy couple" as well.

Is it just me or does everybody suddenly have the urge to punch the Inuyasha face on the Leave A Review screen after reading this story? LOL *goes to type Inuyasha's name correctly in the spambot while glaring at his face*

DAMMIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why? Why did you end it there?! Keep going! Please?!