#fwfb

[pointyobjects]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Friends With Financial Benefits: Epilogue

"There is only one happiness in life, to love and to be loved."

-George Sand

[anamatics]

“You were kissing her, Hay.” Dre’s tone is gentle. Hayden braces herself for what she knows will come next. She’s been so careful, Dre’s been a miracle worker on this front. When they say the words, the ground drops out from under Hayden. “There’s pictures. All over TMZ.”

“Where have you been?” Dre demands when they answer.

“Sleeping,” Hayden answers. She blinks and looks blearily at the clock on the microwave over the stove. It's barely seven in the morning. "What the fuck happened?"

"Did you even listen to my messages?" Dre asks. Their voice sounds as tired as Hayden feels. Whatever this is, it cannot be good. “Christ, Hayden, what were you thinking? I know that you and the band have promoted the Camino guys before but I’m not sure this is what they signed up for.”

“Dre. Assume for a minute that I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Hayden rests her head in her hand, sliding onto one of the stools at her kitchen island. 

“You. And Sam Hawley. Being all over each other at that concert last night.”

“Girls dance,” Hayden says, but already her mind is drifting back to how good it felt to have Sam’s hands in her hair while they kissed, swaying to the music. 

[pointyobjects]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

"Give me fifteen minutes to get ready," Kouga panted, his forehead coming to rest against Kagome's. She nodded, clearly fired up from his words and kisses and hands over her body, and slid her hands over his arms to grip his biceps in return. Kouga's thumb brushed across her moistened lips, and the hand at her hip kept their bodies so close, he knew she could feel him throb against her.

"And don't worry about dessert tonight," he said, lacking his lips to taste her. "I already know what I want."

[pointyobjects]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Kagome looked up at him with sadness in her grey eyes. Her earlier statement was blanketed in confidence, but now she seemed less certain.

"If you want to go back to your room…" she began, trailing off as Kouga's hand found the back of her head through the curtain of thick hair. His other arm slid between the fabric of her gossamer robe and the embroidered lingerie that matched her skin so perfectly. The skin of her back was warm and pliant under his hand, and when he pulled her against him, she fell into him willingly.

Kouga felt her shiver as his breath ghosted over her jaw and neck. "The only place I want to be.. " he began, palming her back. "...is right here."

[pointyobjects]

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23552401/chapters/64919359

“Something tells me you’re going to know a lot more people at this party than I will,” she pouted into the phone. Kouga could imagine her lips, pursed in frustration, and was glad that they were apart. 

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep the hounds at bay.”

"Hounds?"

“If they’re hounds, what does that make you?” Kagome asked, playfully, dropping her voice.

“It's what I call the hedge fund managers who are constantly on the prowl for Ex-Wife Number Four.”

"A wolf, of course."

“A wolf? Care to explain?”

“Wolves mate for life.”

[pointyobjects]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

"Do you know why Kouga came to your apartment that day, and not me, or Miroku or Inuyasha?"

"...I haven't really thought about it…"

"You don't wonder why he always hangs around with us? Accepts every invite for lunch or coffee, or comes to parties at Inuyasha's obnoxious frat house?"

"But-"

"Admit it, he treats you differently than the rest of us."

[pointyobjects]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

"Is that what you like? Big, shiny diamonds?"

Kagome laughed, and Kouga followed the long column of the throat down to her chest, and made a fist at her back. The sound coming from her was as light as air and clear as a bell.

"I probably wouldn't know a diamond if it fell out of the sky and hit me in the head." They continued walking, and Kagome slid an arm under Kouga's wrapping her hand around his arm. "You know me. I like simple."

Kouga weighed her words. He should have known. He assumed she would want something big and flashy, but that wouldn't be his Kagome. She had simple tastes, and would want something similar. His tastes were simpler, but still more extravagant than hers.

"And as for being nervous," she started, moving her hand down his arm. "Now you know how I feel all the time."

[pointyobjects]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

"I hoped you wouldn't be too upset. I'm not very good at those kinds of things, surprises and all." Kagome scoffed and held her hand out to accept another dish. "What was that for?"

"You're very good at 'those kinds of things', and you know it," she told him after a moment. "I don’t know why you insist on modesty."

Kouga was so silent, that Kagome almost thought she offended him.

"I...am aware of my wealth, and what I can do with it. I'm also aware that not many people live the way that I do. Growing up, my parents didn't flaunt their wealth, but they didn't go through great lengths to hide it, either."

"But you don't have to."

"Says the most modest woman I know. Pray tell, where did you get your lovely wedding dress?"