Okay so this is new type of story for me to work on because it is more of a thriller rather than having a lot of action. It is heavily based on the story Behind Closed Doors. I recommend everyone read it. Unlike the original, mine will have a little romance, maybe some smutty goodness lol. I can't say this will be updated as much as my other stories. Just a fair warning. Hope you enjoy.
Summary: They said they were the perfect couple. Perfection was a necessity for Naraku, a farce for Kagome, but she knew showing her flaws could have deadly consequences. A housewife held hostage by a man that tormented her without ever laying a finger on her. Who would ever believe her? Possibly her husband's law partner, Sesshoumaru, but Kagome knew this a fight she would have to do alone.
Red Room Below
PRESENT
A champagne bottle clanked against the kitchen counter. Kagome jumped and glanced at Naraku. Good. He hadn't noticed how the anxiety rolled off her in droves. Naraku caught her eye and smiled.
"Perfect," he said softly.
The couple filed out of the kitchen and into their main room. Their guests wouldn't be kept waiting. Kagome greeted Koga and Ayame first, graciously taking the potted Iris Ayame had planted for her. Kagome hoped Naraku would plant it somewhere where she could view it from her bedroom window. God how she wished she could garden again. Kagome shook those thoughts away.
'Not tonight, Kagome, 'she thought, 'There's too much at stake tonight to get lost in your mind.'
The air had been crisp the past few weeks, despite the fact they were well into March. Naraku led the group into their living room, sitting them beside a roaring fire. The logs had been arranged strategically and lit so it would burn picture perfectly.
"This house looks better every time I come here," Koga spoke admiringly. "Isn't it nice, Kikyo?"
This was the first time Kagome had met Kikyo and smiled at her. Kikyo was new to their group, but Kagome knew how important her opinion would be to Naraku. Kikyo didn't smile back, but Kagome didn't take it personally. Since joining their group of friends a month ago, Kagome knew that the woman had been told nearly to death about how she, Kagome Subarashi, wife of brilliant lawyer Naraku Subarashi, was a perfect example of a woman who had it all—the perfect house, the perfect husband, the perfect life, perfection incarnate. Even she thought it was sickening so Kagome wouldn't hold her wariness against her.
Though Kikyo's demeanor hadn't changed, Kagome's eyes lit up when the other woman revealed a box of rich chocolates, wrapped in golden foil. Kagome, not wanting to relinquish the sweets to Naraku, slyly stepped forward. Kikyo held out the box and Kagome thanked her.
"Thank you, they look wonderful," Kagome stated. She placed the chocolates on their coffee table, closest to her seat. She couldn't wait to tuck into those once she served her guests coffee.
Kikyo was aloof, a rarity in Naraku's group that attracted Kagome to her even more. She was the complete opposite of Ayame. Ayame was kind, but often spoke in no more than an echo of her husband, Koga. Whatever he said or agreed to, she would parrot back. While both people were lovely, Kagome rarely found herself intellectually stimulated by them. Kagome indulged in the fact that Kikyo offered more in conversation than how beautiful their house was.
Kagome looked at her home, a wedding gift from Naraku. They'd outlined what would be the perfect home for them, but Naraku had truly gone above and beyond to find this place. It had all the rooms she wanted with a picturesque garden out back. It had the privacy that Naraku craved along with the privilege of owning the best house in the neighborhood. It was unsurpassed. Perfect, just like Naraku wanted it.
"For such beautiful grounds, I don't understand why you would keep your windows shuttered," Kikyo commented, touching the window lightly.
"Sometimes we open the windows, but not often and the keeping the windows open too long would fade the curtains. Besides, there are only two of us in such a large home. I don't want to accidently leave a window open and put my wife's security at risk," Naraku answered back.
Sesshoumaru walked to a large painting hanging over the fireplace. His gold eyes flickered in wonder. Naraku walked up to the younger man.
"Stunning, isn't it?" he asked.
"Very and so vibrant," Sesshoumaru answered. He looked on in fascination at the hundreds of tiny markings that make up most of the painting.
"Kagome's talent. She named it 'Fireflies', Naraku said proudly, delighting in his new partner's awed face. It wasn't often one would see Sesshoumaru Taisho moved by anything.
"It is beautiful," admitted Kikyo, giving her first compliment of the night. She sat on the sofa.
"You should see Kagome's other paintings." Naraku eased off the cork from another champagne bottle with a slight pop. "I can't pick a favorite. They're all captivating."
"What? Did I hear Naraku Subarashi say he can't do something? Hell must be freezing over," Ayame teased.
Sesshoumaru looked around the room with interest, settling his eyes on Kagome. "Are any here?"
Kagome turned away from his stare. Every time Sesshoumaru turned his eyes on her, her cheeks blazed. It had irritated Naraku when she used to stutter around his partner, despite Sesshoumaru's raillery toward the situation. Since then, she'd kept her conversations short with him.
"No, I'm afraid they're hanging elsewhere in the house."
"Pity. Such beauty for Naraku's eyes only then," Sesshoumaru concluded, still peering at the woman.
His tone hinted something coquettish and Kagome knew he wasn't just referring to the painting. Kagome muttered an excuse and ushered the group to where Kikyo sat.
"Sesshoumaru, I hear you have a bit of an artistic streak yourself," Naraku mentioned, seating himself next to him.
Sesshoumaru shook his head, "Nothing compared to Kagome, but I used to take photography to pay my way through law school. I still take some pictures for leisure, especially after a tough case."
"All that hard work has paid off," Koga stated, "Sesshoumaru has never lost a case. He's gonna give you a run for your money, Naraku."
Naraku's smile faded at the comment, "It's a good thing we aren't enemies then. I may actually commission you for some photos. It's difficult to find someone who lives up to my standards."
Sesshoumaru nodded.
"That is impressive," Kagome gushed. "You have to be proud, Sesshoumaru, and I'd love to see some of your photos someday."
"Woah Kagome, you already have the perfect guy. Don't try to get Sesshoumaru too!" Ayame jested.
Kagome turned to her, horrified, "No, that wasn't what I meant-"
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding," Ayame sat to one side of Kagome and touched her leg gently.
"Are you feeling better now?" she asked and explained lightly to Kikyo, "Kagome couldn't make it to lunch yesterday. Apparently, she was ill so I'm glad to see we can meet up now."
"It was a simple migraine," Kagome waved off, calming herself, "It passed sometime in the night."
"Unfortunately, Kagome gets them pretty frequently," Naraku gazed at his wife sympathetically. "Luckily, they never last more than a few hours to a day."
"It's the second time you've stood me up," Ayame pouted, "I'm starting to think it's me."
"I'm sorry Ayame," Kagome apologized. She couldn't guarantee that she could make their next outing. In fact she knew she wouldn't go.
"Well you'll just have to make it up to me. Why don't we meet up on Friday? Would you be free or will you suddenly remember a doctor's appointment?" Ayame ribbed.
"No, and no migraines either, I hope," Kagome smiled softly.
Ayame turned to Kikyo, "Why don't you come along, Kikyo? It would be something quick and casual since I work Friday."
"Thank you for the invitation," Kikyo glanced at Kagome to see if it would be an issue. Encouraged by the woman's smile, Kikyo stated, "I'd like that."
Naraku raised his glass and called everyone to attention, "I just want to thank you for joining my beautiful wife and myself as we welcome my new firm partner, Sesshoumaru Taisho. After just a year, he rose from associate to partner after winning the controversial Kunosuke trial. Sesshoumaru, welcome to the family. Let's have a toast to you."
The clanks of glasses echoed throughout the room. Koga slapped Sesshoumaru on the back wholeheartedly.
"Congrats, Sess. Pretty impressive."
Sesshoumaru smiled slightly, thanking the man. Kagome offered him a small smile before slipping into the kitchen to check on the food. Naraku had requested canapes, stating that he felt like French food that day. She topped the small slices of bread with cream cheese and thin strips of wild salmon. She garnished the food with dill sprigs.
Time was of the essence; Naraku hated entertaining alone and said it was simply bad etiquette. Kagome whisked her egg whites into soft peaks for her soufflé. She glanced at the clock, noting the exact time. She placed the soufflés in the oven and rushed out, hors d'oeuvres in hand.
"Kagome, these are delicious! I'll be big as a whale if I come by too much," Ayame laughed.
Kagome shared the laugh, but she wished the woman would be able to come by more often. Kagome graciously took in the compliments about her culinary skills. Naraku wrapped his arms around her from behind, pleased with the dinner so far. He kissed her cheek and Kagome snuggled into his hold, relieved it was all going so well.
Determined to make some progress with Kikyo, Kagome sat down next to her. Seeing this, Naraku, graciously took the plate of hors d'oeuvres.
"You deserve a rest, dear. You've worked so hard today preparing this wonderful meal."
"It wasn't hard at all, Darling," Kagome lied. Naraku knew it was a lie. After all, he chose the menu.
Naraku had prepped Kagome on all the questions to ask Kikyo: how she was settling in the area, how her unpacking was going, the college her sister, Kaede, had decided to attend. Kikyo, though a bit irritated at the subtle invasiveness, answered the questions before spitting out a few of her own.
"So when do you two plan on filling this giant home with some young ones?"
The question was meant to be invasive she knew, but being a newly married couple, it was one Kagome was used to.
"No children yet. Naraku and I wanted to enjoy a few more years with just one another."
"How long have you been married?" Kikyo asked sincerely.
"Not even a year so we're still in our honeymoon phase," Kagome said.
"It's selfish I admit, but I'm still not ready to share my wife," Naraku cooed.
"Well you two still have plenty of time. How old are you Kagome, 22?" Koga chortled.
Kagome laughed, good-naturedly, "27, but I'll take 22."
"Oh, so young," Ayame said wistfully, "I can barely remember my twenties now."
Koga nuzzled his wife's neck, "You're exaggerating. You're only 32 yourself. Besides we were 24 when we had Genka. Surely you remember that."
Ayame giggled and turned to Kagome, "Take it from me. It all becomes a blur once you start raising kids, especially little boys. I feel like Genka's terrible twos have lasted the past five years."
Everyone laughed before Kikyo brought attention to herself with another question.
"Sesshoumaru, tell me, are you married as well?"
"No," Sesshoumaru answered lowly, "I've never been married."
Naraku grinned, "It's not too late for you, Sesshoumaru. You're 35, right?"
"34."
"My mistake. Well I was 37 when I met Kagome and I'd never been married. Patience is the key when you want perfection. Be patient, and perhaps you'll find someone like Kagome."
Sesshoumaru's amber eyes slid over to Kagome, igniting a hot pink blush that she fought to dissipate.
"Perhaps, if I would be so lucky," he purred.
Kagome stood suddenly, "I should check on dinner. If everyone is ready, we can sit at the dining room table."
The guests shuffled to their seats and Kagome ducked into the kitchen. Kikyo broke away from the group, staring up at Kagome's vibrant painting, hued in gold with soft magenta streaks, lining the edges.
"This is rather good," she murmured.
Naraku stood behind her, admiring 'Fireflies'.
"Brilliant piece with that gold crashing against white canvas, accented with those magenta lines. Yes, I've asked Kagome what her inspiration was for this or rather who?"
Kikyo looked back and followed Naraku's gaze to the white-haired man walking into the kitchen.
"You think those two have something going on?" Kikyo questioned. Kagome seemed like nothing short of the doting wife, but the possibility of them being less than perfect certainly had its appeal.
Naraku simply smiled, ushering Kikyo to her seat.
Kagome peeked in on the soufflés in the oven. They still weren't ready. In haste to hide her embarrassment, Kagome had come in too early. She looked around to see what could be placed out to give her more time.
"Do you need any help?"
Kagome nearly yelped at Sesshoumaru's voice. He laughed lightly.
"Surely you do. I've heard a lot about your multi-course meals, not easy to put together."
Kagome's own laugh fluttered in his ears, "You're kind, Sesshoumaru but I would never ask a guest to help me serve. It's simply bad etiquette."
"Well, we can't have that," Sesshoumaru mocked, "Naraku would never stand for such an offense as a guest serving himself."
Kagome snickered and covered her mouth before Naraku could hear her.
"If you insist, take this bottle of wine and I'll bring out the salad."
Kagome handed Sesshoumaru the white wine and turned off the oven.
"That's a beautiful color on you," Sesshoumaru commented softly.
"Oh, this green?" Kagome asked, looking down at her forest green cocktail dress.
"I was actually referring to the flush of your cheeks, but yes, the green is nice too."
Kagome sputtered out a soft thanks before slipping out the kitchen, Sesshoumaru in tow, smirking. Kagome darted back into the kitchen wordlessly and pulled out the soufflés. She smiled in relief, she'd gotten them out just in time.
Kagome soaked up the compliments from her second course. Naraku lavished her with affectionate phrases and she remembered how he could be so easy to love. Kagome served beef wellington with potatoes, peas and carrots. Sesshoumaru took a bite, growling appreciatively as the beef seemed to melt into his mouth.
"Damn, I've never seen Sess really enjoy a meal; he just kind of scarfs it down. Take that as the highest compliment, Kagome," Koga informed her.
"Goodness, Kagome. Do you always cook like this? I do well to make ramen or stew some days!" Ayame said, taking another spoonful of potatoes.
"Well, Naraku works so hard and I no longer have a job. The least I can do is prepare some of his favorites," Kagome responded with a sheepish expression.
Ayame accepted the answer, but Kikyo took the opportunity to pounce.
"So if you don't work like the rest of us, how do you spend your time here?"
Kagome stole a look at Naraku, hoping he would come to her aid against Kikyo's taunts. His smirk let her know this was her battle to fight alone.
"I find ways to entertain myself: cooking, gardening, painting and keeping up this house. Before though, I was a buyer."
"Kagome has always had a good eye for lovely things. I'm just glad I caught her eye as well," Naraku chimed in.
Kikyo gave him a kind smile at another dose of his syrupy sweet words, but Kagome could see the tightness in her smile. She was nearly as sick of their loving couple routine as Kagome was.
"A buyer for whom?" Sesshoumaru asked, lifting a wine glass to his lips.
"I was a buyer for the Blue Blossom Hotel chain. Whenever we would have a new hotel open or a remodeling, I would travel to buy the artwork for the lobby and different rooms."
"Oh," Kikyo said.
Her shocked expression showed she was impressed, but Kagome knew that she wasn't going to admit that. Kikyo recovered quickly.
"That must have been hard to go from travelling and being independent to…You must miss it."
Kagome frowned, but replaced that frown with delicate grin.
"I loved my job immensely, but not nearly as much as I love my husband."
Naraku intercepted before Kikyo could speak again.
"Kagome didn't want to quit her job, but I wanted her home. It's selfish of me, but Kagome used to travel so much and I suppose I just didn't want to come home to an empty house. It was always so lonely."
"Well you won't need to worry about being lonely come this summer," Ayame spoke up, "Isn't Rin coming to stay then?"
Naraku smirked, "Yes, I'm very excited about it."
"Who is Rin?" Sesshoumaru asked.
Kagome fumbled with her words for a brief moment, "My younger sister."
"Oh, how old is your sister?" Kikyo inquired.
Kagome swallowed, "Uh, she's 9 now."
"Are you ready for such liveliness, having a child running and yelling all over the place? It will undoubtedly affect your honeymoon phase," Kikyo joked.
The room fell into a silence before Naraku cleared his throat.
"Noise won't be a issue. Rin is a mute."
Kikyo looked at Kagome apologetically.
"She's a selective mute," Kagome added, "So her lively moments are actually quite precious to me."
"Yes, of course," Kikyo mumbled, suddenly bashful, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean-"
Kagome waved her worries away, "It comes with getting to know the other person. It's alright."
Sesshoumaru spoke, trying to alleviate the tension still in the room, "So Rin is coming to visit?"
"Yes," Naraku said, "Kagome is her legal guardian, but Rin is in a school more geared to address her needs. I've found a place closer to our home so we'll transition Rin this summer. I think her presence will add a certain…dynamic to our home. Wouldn't you say so, Kagome?"
Kagome paled, listening to her husband, "Yes, darling. Excuse me, let me check on dessert."
"You two have really spoiled us. I can't eat another bite," Koga announced.
With dessert done, the group had retired to the parlor to end the night with some coffee.
"Well I suppose I can't tempt you with that chocolate Kikyo bought."
"I'm not much for chocolate," Sesshoumaru replied.
"Kagome, pass it to me and I'll put it up for another day," Naraku instructed.
Kagome held back a sigh as she slowly passed the chocolate to Naraku.
"Now hold up, I never pass on chocolate. Kagome, have some with me. I don't want to be bad all by myself." Ayame said.
Ayame would probably never know how grateful Kagome was for her in that moment.
"Of course, partners in crime, right?" Kagome chuckled, taking the box again from Naraku.
Kagome took two chocolates, ignoring Naraku's disparaging expression. She'd been a good hostess; she deserved this. Kagome passed the box over to Ayame and then Kikyo, who declined the treat.
"Oh I'm so jealous! You can eat whatever you want and maintain that cute figure of yours. What's your secret?" Ayame whined in amusing fashion.
"With a little self-control, it's amazing what one can accomplish," Kagome answered before popping another piece of chocolate in her mouth.
Koga glanced at the clock on the wall, "Is it already midnight? Ayame we should probably go relieve the babysitter."
Ayame agreed with a nod and Kikyo stood. Sesshoumaru rose as well.
"I should probably head home too. I'll have a lot to catch up on at work."
Naraku nodded in agreement and showed them out. Everyone ended the night with a kiss on the cheek at Naraku's suggestion to conclude with accurate French flare. Naraku opened his door with their coats in hand. Kikyo hugged the two hosts stiffly, reminding Kagome that she would see her on Friday. Finally, one by one they filed out until only Sesshoumaru remained. He shook Naraku's hand and grazed Kagome's cheek with the lightest of kisses. She gasped softly when his lips lingered and hoped that neither male had heard it.
"I thoroughly enjoyed myself," Sesshoumaru said, pulling away, "Hopefully we can do this again."
Naraku smirked, "Of course, Partner. I know I'm not speaking for myself when I say we'd be delighted to have you back."
Sesshoumaru smiled and exited the abode with Naraku shutting the door behind him.
Naraku watched Kagome clean, lounging from his favorite plush loveseat.
"Dinner was a success, wouldn't you agree?"
Kagome weighed his words carefully for any deception before answering, "I think everyone enjoyed tonight."
"Sesshoumaru couldn't take his eyes off you."
Kagome turned away so Naraku wouldn't see her cheeks warm. Luckily for her, this wasn't something that would anger Naraku. He loved the thought of having what another man desired. It gave him joy to dangle her as one would a worm to a fish. Naraku smirked and continued speaking.
"I think it would be appropriate to invite him in for a private photo session with you. We need more pictures and I did welcome him into our family after all."
Kagome shut her eyes as she steadied her pattering heart. She turned back to Naraku with a practiced smile in place.
"Of course, Darling. Whatever you wish."