AN: This is chapter two. I'm really happy about the reviews I received (even though there were not many, I hope that the story only gets better as it holds the attention of people who already like it and grabs the interest of others). Thank you, reviewers
Sesshomaru watched as Kagome cautiously entered his home. He'd never seen someone looked so frightened to be in his presence… well, that wasn't entirely true, but she did appear to be exceptionally afraid. She shrunk her body away from him as if he was her torturer. Why hadn't he seen this creature last night? Maybe she put up a front for company… yes, a clever rouse, all of it; the lovely atmosphere, the "attentive husband", a smiling Kagome. All of what he had seen last night was just to coat the ugly and disturbing surface below.
"Kagome, is there anything you would like?" she shook her head in response.
He wondered how many times the brutish bastard had knocked Kagome around. Maybe last night was the first? No; sounds like that never equaled to the first time of abuse. Usually, it was a push into the wall and a promise to never do it again; maybe a gift; that depended on how cheap the cad was. The next time was probably a slap and mumbled apology. What he heard last night, was the result of many nights of practice. His heart lurched. Sesshomaru's eyes fixated on the bruise. It wrapped itself around her neck and clung like poison. His gaze shifted to watch the motions of her breathing. He studied the space just below her throat, right in between her collarbones. The movement signified her breathing, her life and for that, he was happy.
"Is there something in particular you wanted to discuss?" Kagome questioned, a little uncomfortable under his stare.
Sesshomaru looked to her eyes. "Anything I can do for you, anything at all, just ask and I swear that I'll do it" he struggled to speak.
His statement made Kagome move to get up. "Well, that's very nice of you but I haven't got any ideas as to what you are referring to. It's always nice to see you, ." Kagome gathered her belongings, as well as her wits, and started on her way out.
"We should be friends." Sesshomaru spoke up from his seated position. The last thing that would help her was him running after her; it would only startle, instead of having its intended effect.
Kagome gave him a smile. "Do you know how many centuries ago it was that someone asked for permission for friendship? You sir, are very chivalrous. It's good to know that it's still alive and well, in at least one person." her smile gave way as she realized that he was awaiting her response. "Well, it sounds like a splendid idea." She beamed this light that Sesshomaru couldn't help but to reflect.
"How do you know if I am Youkai or not; I could give you away." he smirked.
Her hand released her purse to the floor. She placed her keys on the tiny table next to the door. It was refreshing to be herself.
Sesshomaru stood in the middle of his living room, arms crossed and awaiting a challenge. Kagome looked at him carefully as she circled around Sesshomaru.
"I can smell it on you." she whispered. "I can see it in the way you walk, the way you carry yourself." She continued "HA! Such grace could come from nothing else but a Youkai."
So this was the real Kagome? She seemed strong, regal while cute, and if nothing else, she was cheeky.
"Orochi" Sesshomaru stated. "He is-"
"Yes, but I loved him." Kagome finished. "His body may be that of a human, but he's the strongest I've ever met."
Sesshomaru reached for her neck "Yes, I can see that. Tell me what happened, please."
Kagome looked down in embarrassment. "This conversation is way too personal to ever come into existence. It's something that I would rather talk about to very close-"
"Friends?" Sesshomaru offered, finishing her thought.
"Fils de pute" she hissed quietly.
"Yes, quite literally actually."
Her eyes widened in surprise.
"The centuries have seasoned me in many cultures as I'm sure they have done with you." His chest puffed in arrogance.
"So, friend, I would like to know what occurred in your home after I took my leave." He sat down and patted the seat closest to him. "Tell Sesshomaru-sama all of your worries; tell Sesshomaru-sama what ails you."
Kagome knew that it was wrong to vent to this stranger, but who else did she have? Her family and friends were in Japan. The moment she came to New York, she decided to isolate herself. New Yorkers were just so rude; she didn't want to associate with any of them. She needed to talk to someone other than Orochi; and so she did.
"When I met him, he seemed like a happy person; so different from any other American. I decided to let him court me because I was so tired of being lonely… so very tired. The two of us went on many dates, had many fights and then many make ups. We married last year." She began her story. "The first time he hit me was about two weeks into the marriage; I'd ironed his shirt the wrong way… too much starch." She appeared to be in a daze; looking right through him and into nothingness. "He promised me that he would never do it again, and he kept his word to me… until last night. He said that I was sexually attracted to you and that I was a quote on quote, dirty, lying whore." She had never been so ashamed in her life. "I don't know what went wrong, we were fine and then this happens."
Sesshomaru excused himself to go to the bathroom. Lifting his cell phone to his ear, he called his office and requested a sick day. After that insignificant conversation ended, he gave himself time to ponder. He thought back on the night before. He remembered how he prayed to have Kagome and keep her for an eternity. Was this the result of his prayer? Apparently, the man hadn't laid a hand on Kagome in almost a year. Sesshomaru was horrified and a little nauseous. He had done this to Kagome; indirectly of course, but he still did it. He wanted Kagome so much; but not like this. Sesshomaru decided to put his selfish desires away and just help her, as a friend… for now.
A hiccupping noise pricked his ears. There she was, as beautiful as the moon and the sun combined. She was wondrous. She was a goddess; and she was crying on his sofa.
"Kagome, how about we just dedicate this day to fun." Kagome looked at him; up from her wet eyelashes… she was amazed by his kindness. She smiled at him as she held back her tears. What a weak demoness she was; everyone told her so; even Orochi. He loved to remind her of that; he made no exception last night, while he was strangling her.
"I would really love that" she half smiled, wiping her watery eyes.
He took her hand in his, and helped her up. This day, he would make her feel better about this horrible situation and then he would devote his time to helping her come back to good.
Together, they got in his car and drove; for a long time, neither of them said anything. Sesshomaru concentrated on the rode and Kagome looked out of her window. It was so funny, how this almost stranger was willing to assist her in her time of need but her own husband couldn't even stop his brutish ways. She'd lied to Sesshomaru. Orochi had never stopped hitting her since the day he started. Any excuse he could think of; and somehow, it always turned out to be her fault. She truly was a weak demoness; her muscles were that of any human woman; yet everything else; DNA, heightened senses and lifespan matched a Youkai's. Well, at least she could stay young and beautiful for the rest of eternity… that thought didn't help any. That mini cry fest she got in at Sesshomaru's home didn't relieve any of her pain. What had she done to deserve a life filled with such misery? Kagome sincerely hoped it wasn't because of the pot she smoked in college. It was only one time after all.
All of a sudden, the car stopped.
Sesshomaru wondered what the small woman was thinking. What would he be thinking if his husband was beating him? He thought about that for a while ' 'Fuck this shit; besides, I'm not even gay!' That's what I would be thinking'. Still, he felt deep empathy for this woman. As a child, his father had no trouble knocking him around. He was a drunk in every sense of the word. In the last one hundred years, Inutaisho managed to become sober and make amends. The scars were still there but when someone asked for forgiveness, it had to be granted. He looked over at her and saw her face; void of any emotion. Numbness was not good; that meant there was nothing left to care about being sad for. So, when they got to a clouded and very much deserted beach, he stopped. It looked as if it was about to rain. Fog was everywhere; the perfect place to come if you wanted to commit suicide. The day was warm, but the sun was in hiding.
Sesshomaru got out of the car and then walked over to open the door for Kagome. Together they walked on the sand until they reached a beach chair; all by itself.
They were still and quiet; neither uttering a sound. He knew what she needed.
Brushing past her, Sesshomaru removed his shoes, suit jacked and cuff links; then he placed them all on the sand. His hands rolled his sleeves upward, then he sat down; parting his legs so there was plenty of room in the middle. Sesshomaru took Kagome's hand and pulled her in the middle of his legs, cradling her in his arms. His head moved to her ear…
"I'm here for you, for as long as you need. I know you need release. I know you need to cry, I will not let you go."
Kagome had been given permission, so she took this chance and sobbed and sobbed. This is what she needed, she decided; a good old fashioned cry.
They stayed long after Kagome done crying. Sesshomaru was nothing if not thorough. The last thing he wanted to do was go back to his car, only to discover she wasn't finished. He didn't count the hours, mainly because he really didn't care.
On their way back, Kagome spotted a playground filled with small children.
"Can we please stop; I'd really love to go to that park right there." Sesshomaru was shocked to hear her speak.
Without, responding, Sesshomaru pulled over.
"Kagome, would you like to just sit and people watch?" He smiled at her.
"Yes… I think children of that age are beautiful creatures. They are the most fortunate… they have yet to be touched by life and its sin."
Sesshomaru spotted a little boy crying; he didn't see anyone around him, only a fallen cone. Then, Kagome walked over. He carefully observed the scene.
She kneeled to the boy's height.
"What's the matter?" Sesshomaru heard Kagome ask.
"Ice cream -gone- my favorite…" His broken English was so ….cute?
Just then, Kagome reached into her pocket and paid for another ice cream cone for the boy.
"It's no problem" she gave the boy a beaming smile. Oh how he wished he were that boy.
"So… little people make you smile? If I would have known that, I would have brought you here long ago." He half teased. In actuality, he really did enjoy seeing her smile. Her brilliant mouth in all of its glory as her face muscles worked to part her lips, stretch her eyes a bit and exhibit her gleaming teeth; it brought him to his knees.
"I had a wonderful day Sesshomaru, I want to thank you for all that you have done… it wasn't your duty and-"
"Think nothing of it, friend." He glanced at her as they walked around the park.
**
The next day at work was indeed a nightmare.
Everyone was an imbecile. He thought himself to be the only competent person in his entire office building. During the last couple of hours alone, a new temporary worker collided with his person and succeeded in pouring coffee on his brand new pants (he had to wear an old pair from his office closet); his computer crashed, which effectively erased the file he was working on; his secretary mixed the Hakudoshi with the Hakudoxi files.
"It's very simple you bumbling fool; one ends with "shi" and the other with "xi". Was someone narrating the file names to you as you put them away or can you simply not read? One's Japanese and the other is CHINESE!" Then he spoke in a clamed tone. "Do your job, you freaking dumb ass."
'I feel better' he thought to himself.
She assured him it was on accident but he was convinced that she was one of many apart of a grand scheme to piss him off.
As Sesshomaru walked down the street to his favorite bistro, he decided an extra half an hour for lunch (if not more) was well deserved.
"A bunch of baboons they are…" He mumbled to himself.
If he couldn't have a productive day at work, at least he could have a half decent meal… or so he thought.
"Closed for reconstruction… back next month"
At this time a small vein pulsed at the side of Sesshomaru's head. His jaw clenched and he made large fists at his side. All were very clear signs of anger but he refused to make any sudden movements, fearing he might break something. Maybe he'd had an irritation overload and was crashing like his computer had.
There was only one person who could make it all better. He wished to see Kagome right this instant. Impossible, he knew it was. The last thing he could do was go to her job and demand that she accompany him for lunch before he went back to that monkey convention of a job. The thought crossed his mind briefly until he realized something…
"I haven't got a clue as to where she works" Sesshomaru said aloud. 'Yes, how clever you are a small voice mocked.
He made a mental note to ask her the next time they spend time together. He worried about her constantly. He thought about if her husband would hit her again; if she was safe but most importantly how to get her out of there. He needed to start to devise.
Eventually Sesshomaru spotted a deli where they made very flavorsome subs.
Until his lunch hour ended, Sesshomaru walked aimlessly and mused over the meaning of life… not!
Four more consecutive hours, three freshly hired secretaries and one washed and iron steamed pair of pants later; Sesshomaru was finished. His briefcase was packed, his tie was loosened and he was shutting off his computer when a sound came from the outside of his door.
"Enter" he sighed. He sincerely hoped that no one needed him for anything.
In walked Kagura Wind, Sesshomaru's ex-girlfriend from the Sixteenth Century.
"Sesshomaru, it is wonderful to see you. How have you been faring?"
A little taken a back by Kagura's sudden (unwelcomed) appearance in his life, Sesshomaru scratched for an answer.
"I'm doing very well Kagura and yourself?" She smiled at his words. Maybe he was still interested.
"Wonderful, especially now that I've seen you." Her eyes cut at him in a sexual manner.
"Well, if you will excuse me, I have to be getting home." He gathered his things and walked towards the door. He would have made it out too; had it not been for her body covering the closed exit.
"Then take me with you." She smiled a lecherous grin. "It's been years since I've seen you and we have a lot of catching up to do." She hiked her skirt up a little to give him a peak of her undergarments.
Sesshomaru dropped his briefcase to the floor and placed his jacket on his desk. Then he walked back over to Kagura and placed his arms above her head as he nearly grinded into her person.
"Kagura" he whispered as his face moved in to hers. "It's been a long time. You are the most…" He stopped.
"The most what?" she pried.
"… The most" he continued. This time he lifted her legs so they would wrap around his waist. She pushed into him further. "The most skin crawling creature I've ever had the misfortune of coming in contact with. I think you are despicable and disgusting." He moved from her quickly, letting her slump to the floor harshly.
"Why did you lead me on?" she hissed.
He turned to look at her sharply. "That's what you did to me so many years ago isn't it? I courted you and treated you like the royalty you aren't. Imagine my surprise upon finding my loving girlfriend in the arms of a European soldier at masquerade ball no less. I held a grudge against you, but I've long ago forgiven your deceitful ways."
Kagura did remember the person he was referring to. A nice looking Brit he was, with an even better looking arse. She kind of smirked at the fun those two had. Kagura didn't really consider the feelings of others; only the pleasure she received by temporarily becoming their companion.
"If you have forgiven me; why would you do such a thing?" She really did want to know. Usually Sesshomaru wasn't deceiving… well, the Sesshomaru she used to know.
Sesshomaru walked with her until an elevator came. He got on it while she stayed. Clearly, he didn't want to be around her so she thought it best to wait for the next one.
"Because, it was a jolly ol' bit o fun." He spoke in his mock English accent as the elevator doors closed. Hopefully she would scratch his name off of her booty call list after his little stint.
**
Upon arriving home, Sesshomaru saw many flashing lights and police cars. He drove faster, hoping with everything that was in him, that it was not Kagome's house they were concerned about. If it was, that meant that Orochi had seriously damaged Kagome and now he was going to jail. Sesshomaru didn't want Orochi in jail, he wanted him six feet under so he could stomp on his grave and dance; then tell him about his wonderful life with Kagome.
Sesshomaru sighed in relief as he saw the ambulance pull an elderly woman from her home on a stretcher. Kagome was safe; she was fine… for now. The next time, he might not be so fortunate.
His appetite was completely lost. All he wanted was a hot shower, his warm bed and Kagome. Two out of three wasn't bad. Tiredly he removed every piece of clothing from his body. His tie came off easily as did his pants. Later on his shirt fell off after unfastening each and every small button. The hot water felt good on his skin; like the sun on a breezy afternoon. The scent of the soap would cling to him like a deranged and needy woman; there was no doubt about that. Showers were his favorite pastime. He was thoroughly enjoying himself… that was until the doorbell rang. Sesshomaru was seething inside. Who would dare come to his home so late? What rude person would interrupt his nightly shower? It was after all; Sesshomaru glanced at the clock on his wall as he made his way down the stairs; 8:15PM… well maybe it wasn't so late but someone had still interrupted his shower and forced him to come downstairs in nothing but a towel.
He opened the door callously and peered at his "intruder". It was a tiny Kagome in nothing but her cute little footsie pajamas. Maybe he had been in the shower for too long anyway?
His eyes softened as he looked at how adorable she looked. He couldn't believe the utter cute-ness of it all; her tiny little feet covered, her small body, her beautiful hair. He groaned, she was made to make him a mad man. How wonderful she was, even her busted lip; wait, busted lip? Looking closely at her face, he viewed her swollen lip and black eye. Sesshomaru had never had such an intense urge to kill. The only thing stopping him was the fact Kagome was looking at him. She was looking at him with her huge baby doll eyes and it was enough to stop the coldest thoughts from entering his mind.
Kagome looked down as she caught his gaze. "I'm sorry for coming so late; usually I'm not so inconsiderate of other people's alone time. I'm so sorry, I'm really sorry." She was rambling.
"It turns out I need a divorce." She joked despite herself and her situation.
He quickly jerked her inside.
"Orochi left for America fifteen minutes ago. I imagine he's already past the checkpoint at this exact moment. As you can see, he didn't go before leaving me with a parting gift."
"Oh, Kagome." He grasped at her desperately. He needed to comfort her; he needed to comfort himself.
"I can't be his punching bag any longer. I can't help but not be in love with my abuser. I find that to be my only relief. I refuse to be here when he comes back from his business trip."
"When is he returning?" Sesshomaru asked.
"In about three weeks." She played with her fingers to avoid looking to his face.
"You will stay the night here; in my bed." Without another word from her, he proceeded to pull her upstairs. He sat her down on his bed and observed that she found great interest in his wall.
"I'm going to get dressed, then I will come back here and sleep with you. Not sex, no sex; I will sleep next to you. Forgive my phrasing, sweet girl." He kneeled down and buried his face in her hands.
True to his word, Sesshomaru returned five short minutes later. He cut on a small lamp and turned off all the other lights. Kagome was promptly removed from her seated pose and placed neatly on Sesshomaru's mattress. Instantly she moved into the fetal position.
He decided that she would be in no more pain from this day forward. He would work hard to make her life full of joy. Kagome gave him her hand and he knew what she wanted. Carefully, he removed her wedding band from the fourth finger on her left hand. He threw it carelessly to the floor and took her into his arms. Yes, Sesshomaru was indeed spooning.
"I'm a broken person. Will I always be this way, Sesshomaru?" she asked, her voice laced with an odd neutral tone.
"No, you are not broken. You are merely scuffed."
"You are a great friend; I'm so delighted that we get to live forever." She gave a small smile, and then turned to face him.
"Don't you ever leave Kagome, I value your companionship." He wanted more of her than that, but right now she wasn't ready.
"I will never leave Sesshomaru. How can I leave when he is so good to me?"
Sesshomaru smiled at how she started to refer to him in the third person; something he often enjoyed doing… it made people think he was crazy (which highly amused him).
He hugged her head to his chest and buried his nose in her hair.
For hours they spoke of everything and nothing at all. They enjoyed each others company.
With Sesshomaru holding onto Kagome and Kagome doing the same, they established a trust that was usually only forged in years instead of days or weeks. Then, with tired eyes, tired minds and tired souls; they slept.
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Translation: "Fils de pute" is a French phrase meaning "Son of a bitch"
AN: There you are, the second chapter. I hope you liked it. Once again, I don't own any of the characters (Rumiko Takahashi does) or the song "With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept", it's by Explosions in the sky; The only thing I own is the actual story "Through The Centuries". Thanks again to the reviewers, you guys help motivate me.