Chapter Two Bring On The Rain
Kagome sighed deeply. She was standing on a balcony staring out onto a beautiful garden. There had to be hundreds of different types of plants out there. She jumped slightly when she felt two arms wind around her waist from behind, but relaxed when she realized who it was. She should have known, she'd been having this same dream, in different settings, for the past few months. She leaned back into the arms that were holding her so tightly.
"When are you going to tell me who you are?"
Having heard his deep baritone voice ask the question, she turned in his arms to look up into his face. Again, the only feature she could make out were his stunning golden eyes. She knew she knew him. Somewhere in the back of her mind it tugged at her, but she couldn't quite place him. How many people could possible have golden eyes like that. She smiled up at him.
"I could ask you the same question," She pause for a moment, "How long have we been doing this?" She asked wrapping her arms around his waist and leaning against his chest.
"Four months, two weeks, and 5 days." He answered immediately.
"Counting?" She laughed lightly, the sound was music to his ears.
He grasped her chin between his fingers and made her look at him, "Yes." He leaned down slowly, and even though he couldn't see them, his lips found hers in a soft kiss. The kiss was short but sweet, having the desired effect on her.
"What should I call you? We never really did talk about that," She stated softly.
He looked up at the moon thoughtfully. He didn't want to tell her his full name, because then she would know him, but he wouldn't know her. They had already come to the conclusion that they were both real people and not just fantasies. "Maru. Call me Maru. My mother called me that when I was young."
She nodded against his chest, "Maru... I like it. You can call me Rashi."
"Rashi? What part of your name is that?"
"Its the last part of my last name. What about Maru? What part of your name is that?"
"It is the last four letters of my first name."
Kagome smiled up at him again. "So, do you think we've ever met before? You seem familiar to me, but I can't seem to place where I know you from."
"I also have a sense of familiarity with you. I do believe we know each other from somewhere. Although, I cannot yet grasp where."
Kagome nodded again. "How's work? You told me last night that you'd been having some trouble. What happened?"
"One of my employee's is being harassed. She's a hard worker, and I'm doing my best to help her."
"That's good that you're getting it figured out. I'm glad that everything is working out."
"What about you? How is your job faring?"
Kagome snorted, a very unlady-like noise, "Work sucks. I was promoted, but now I'm working as an assistant for a slave driver." Maru laughed and Kagome growled at him in return. "I'm not kidding. He really is a slave driver. His father owns the company that he runs and he has to have everything perfect. If things don't go his way he has a cow. A big fat brown cow." Kagome laughed slightly at her own joke.
Maru chuckled, a low sound coming from deep within him. "Dawn approaches."
"Well, then I guess its almost time for us to part ways. Until tomorrow night."
Maru nodded, "Tomorrow night."
Leaning down he caught her lips in a passionate kiss, pouring out all his intensity into the kiss, both of them fighting for dominance. Their tongues mingled and danced together as though they were one. Kagome moaned into his mouth and Maru began to ran his hand down her back and-
Kagome jerked awake and sat up rapidly. Almost too rapidly. She held her hand to her heart, and felt it beating frantically in her chest. That's how they always ended. Their lips together, their bodies molded together, as if they were but one entity. Kagome knew this man, whoever he was, was the one for her. She jumped when she heard a heart wrenching howl come from the room next to her. Only then did she notice the other person in her room.
"Do not fret, Kagome. He has been howling like that every morning for the past several months. Something to do with a dream he's been having." Kagome nodded dumbly at the female youkai. "Oh, forgive my manners. I'm Tsuki, Sesshoumaru's older sister. The only reason I know your name is because he told me. He explained your situation to me last night. We were up for several hours."
Kagome smiled warmly at the woman, "It's nice to meet you Tsuki. I had no idea Sesshoumaru had an older sister. I know Inuyasha, but he never mentioned a sister either."
"Well, I'm not technically their sister. I was adopted by Inutaisho, Sesshoumaru's father, when I was but a child. Sesshoumaru was still, how do you say, 'a bun in the oven.' Inutaisho-sama took me in and took care of me. Raised me as his own."
Kagome nodded in understanding, "Inutaisho is a kind soul. He is fierce and loyal to those he loves and considers his. I would not have my job at his company if it were not for me having grown up with Inuyasha. Sesshoumaru and I never really talked much, but I have a feeling that I will be getting to know him a lot better now."
"I had heard Sesshoumaru had promoted you to his personal assistant. It has been several years since he last had a personal assistant. Jaken has long since retired. Well dear, lets get you out of bed and to breakfast. Its being cooked as we speak."
Kagome smiled kindly at the youkai. She nodded and got out of bed to start getting ready for the day. Tsuki left her to her devices and went to visit her brother. She always did after one of his dreams, it seemed to be the only way to calm him.
Another day has almost come and gone
Can't imagine what else could go wrong
Sometimes I'd like to hide away
Somewhere and lock the door
A single battle lost but not the war
Cuz tomorrows another day
And I'm thirsty anyways
So bring on the rain
Sesshoumaru looked up at the clock for what seemed like the tenth time in an hour. What is wrong with me? Why am I in such a hurry to get out of here? Could it be because of her? Rashi? Sesshoumaru couldn't stop thinking about the woman he saw in his dreams every night. What is so familiar about her? I know her from somewhere. But where? He stood and went over to the windows behind his desk. The sky was clear, the smog that was always so thick, wasn't so bad today. He stood there for what seemed like hours, but was merely half of one. He glanced at the clock and found it was time for them to eat lunch.
"Higurashi," He said loud enough for her to hear him.
After a moment, she appeared in the doorway. "Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama?"
"Are you hungry? It is around time for lunch."
Kagome nodded dumbly, mouth hanging slightly in shock. She didn't know he could be nice.
"Kagome, that look is rather unbecoming. Please close your mouth, unless you would like to catch a fly." Sesshoumaru had said it with his normal, monotone voice, but Kagome saw a small twinkle in his eyes and watched his lips twitch upwards. It was unnoticeable to the untrained eye, but Kagome saw it immediately. She snapped her mouth shut and glared at him.
"What would you like to have for lunch?" Sesshoumaru asked, turning away from her, and walking back to his desk.
"Food, preferably," She mumbled, but she knew he could hear her.
"What was that? I didn't quite catch it."
"I know you heard me. Honestly, I couldn't care less what I ate for lunch, as long as it tastes good." She flashed a bright smile at him.
"Very well, come with me."
She followed him out of his office, down the hall, and into the private elevator, one of the two that reached his floor. They waited silently in the elevator for it to reach the bottom floor and Sesshoumaru motioned for Kagome to step out before him. The sight that awaited her made her pause in her steps. Sitting in front of her was a midnight blue Mazda RX-8. Its flawless paint and spotless silver rims made it stand out amongst the other cars in the parking garage. She hadn't really noticed this morning what he'd been driving because she'd driven her own car and had made it to the office before he had, which he thought was rather unusual. There was a sign hanging in front of where he'd parked. It read, "RESERVED FOR SESSHOUMARU TAISHO." Kagome smiled at the sign. Figures he'd have something like that. It seemed like he always made sure that everyone knew when something was his. He should add 'PARK HERE AND DIE' to the bottom. That would fit very well. Kagome laughed lightly at the way her thoughts were turning.
Clicking the unlock button, Sesshoumaru opened the passenger door for Kagome. He then got in on the drivers side and started the car. Kagome just stared at him from the corner of her eye, shocked. This is sooo weird. He acts like a slave driver in the office, but a gentleman away from the office? Wow, extremely weird. Kagome got lost in her thoughts as Sesshoumaru pulled out of the parking garage and into the crowded streets of Tokyo.
Kagome concentration on her typing was broken as her office phone rang again. It'd been doing that all day. She sighed, leaned over and picked up the receiver.
"Moshi Moshi."
"Yes, hello, is this Higurashi Kagome?"
"Yes, how can I help you?"
"My name is Ookami Kouga. I'm calling to R.S.V.P. for Sesshoumaru-sama's business party next weekend."
Kagome nodded her head and reached across her desk for the list of people who were being invited. Glancing over it she found his name quickly. "Alright Kouga-sama, I have your name right here and I will let Sesshoumaru-sama know that you will be in attendance. Just a few quick reminders, dress nice, Sesshoumaru-sama suggests you bring a date with you. There will be dancing. Everything will begin around six o'clock that evening, and I personally suggest you be on time. Sesshoumaru-sama does not take kindly to tardiness."
"Yes, he can be a stick in the mud occasionally, can't he? No, don't answer that. I will be there promptly at six. Thank you, Kagome-san." And with that he hung up.
Kagome stood and walked to her door. She leaned on the door frame and just watched Sesshoumaru for a moment. He knew she was standing there, but refused to acknowledge her presence for the moment, so Kagome took this time to study him. He was standing at his windows again, staring out on the setting sun of Tokyo. He was absolutely gorgeous. There was no doubt in her mind that he could have any woman he wanted, yet he stayed single. Oh Kami...He's gay...Snap out of it Higurashi. There is no was someone who looks that...delicious... is gay. He's probably just tired of all of the money hungry women who try to weasel their way into his life. Deciding it was time to stop ogling him, she stepped forward and put one hand on her hip and positioning herself in a sassy stance, she licked her lips unconsciously.
"We just got another R.S.V.P. for your business party."
"Who." Was his simple reply.
"Ookami Kouga... He called you a stick in the mud."
Sesshoumaru snorted lightly, the rude sound out of place in his elegant office, "That baka wouldn't know a hole in the ground from his own head," He mumbled slightly. Kagome heard him.
"Sesshoumaru-sama I'm appalled. I had no idea you knew what baka meant." She grinned as he turned to her. She was still in her sassy stance, the smile making her look all the more devious.
"You'd be equally appalled if you knew what else I knew." Sesshoumaru smirked at her, looking even more devious than she did.
Suddenly nervous, Kagome's heart beat increased. The way he was looking at her made her feel like a deliciously rich chocolate cake that he couldn't wait to sink his teeth into. She began to back away from him and stumbled over her words.
"Well...I...umm...I- I gotta go... Got stuff...stuff to do." With that she darted out of his office and into her own.
He heard her plunk into her office chair, behind her desk and smirked. His sensitive ears picked up her increased breathing and heart-rate. So, he had her all hot and bothered did he? This Higurashi woman was turning out to be a very interesting person.
On the other side of the office wall Kagome took deep calming breaths, trying to slow her heart rate back to normal. What is he doing to me? He had looked as though he would pounce on her at any moment and devour her. And she would have enjoyed every moment of it. Somehow her thought began to drift to Naraku... Kami I hate him. And everything he made me do... I will forever regret it... Can anything else go wrong?
Its almost like the hard time circle round
A couple drops and they all start coming down
Yeah I might feel defeated
And I might hang my head
I might be barely breathing
But I'm not dead
Cuz tomorrow's another day
And I'm thirsty anyway
So bring on the rain
Kagome sighed deeply. It was beginning to get harder to not fear for the safety of her family. Are they safe? Has anyone tried to hurt them recently? Please let them be safe. Kagome numbly gathered all of her things together and stacked them on her desk. She then turned to her computer and put the finishing touches on her last assignment for the day. She was finished in mere minutes and began shutting her computer off. She grabbed her things and placed them in her shoulder bag along with her wallet and other miscellaneous items. She walked from her office into Sesshoumaru's and found him seated at his desk, typing away on his computer.
"I'm done with my assignments for the day Sesshoumaru-sama. I'm gonna head home to get dinner. You should probably hurry too. You know how Tsuki gets when you miss dinner. She's worried about your health." Kagome turned to walk towards the door.
"I will be home shortly." He never looked away from his computer, or stopped typing.
Kagome nodded and walked out of his office and to the elevator. She was in the parking garage within minutes and at Sesshoumaru's home 45 minutes later. She never got over how beautiful his home really was. He must have had hired groundskeepers because the place was always kept immaculately clean and well tended. There were many flowers in the garden in the back that she had never seen before. They were beautiful and exotic.
Sighing again she shuffled into his house and turned to go up to her room. She jumped slightly when she saw Inuyasha leaning up against the stairwell. He had almost given her a heart attack.
"Jeez, Inuyasha. You scared me." She put her hand to her heart to add to the dramatics.
"Cut the crap Kagome. You weren't scared and you know it. I don't know anything that can scare you."
Inuyasha's ears twitched on his head, picking up sounds from everywhere in the house.
"I can think of a few things." She mumbled, and waved off his confused look, "Never mind. Whats wrong? Whatcha doing here? I thought you lived across town. Isn't this out of your way?"
"Yeah, I live across town, but for this, I had no problem coming out of the way to talk to you."
"Why didn't you just catch me at work. I'm sure Sesshoumaru wouldn't have minded."
"Actually, it was Sesshoumaru who wouldn't let me near you. He said you were busy and had no time to talk. So he reluctantly invited me to dinner. He figured we should both talk to you. And I think that I should tell you." Inuyasha snorted, "He's just got a stick up his ass and wont let me talk to you about it."
"And it should stay that way," Came Sesshoumaru's monotonous voice from behind Kagome. "Inuyasha, what are you saying to her?"
"Don't worry brother," he practically spat the word, "I haven't told her anything yet, but I think she has a right to know."
"She will know. After dinner."
"HELLO!! I'm standing right here!! I'd like you to stop talking as if I'm not here. What are you guys talking about?" Kagome stood staring at the two frustrated. Her arms were crossed across her chest and she was glaring at the two brothers.
Inuyasha looked slightly frightened. If looks could kill, me and Sesshoumaru would be dead men.
"Uh, sorry Kags... Just calm down and we can all talk about this after dinner. OK?"
Kagome shot Inuyasha a look that said 'say one more thing and I'll kill you personally, and I'll enjoy it' and then looked at Sesshoumaru. When she saw that he wasn't going to relent, she released a deep sigh. "Fine, lets get this over with."
Oooooh
No I'm not gonna let it get me down
I'm not gonna cry
And I'm not gonna lose any sleep
Tonight
Cuz tomorrow's another day
And I'm not afraid
So bring on the rain
Dinner had almost gone off without a hitch. Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru's father had shown up with Inuyasha's mother and had interrupted their dinner. Inutaisho had come in demanding why Kagome was living with Sesshoumaru, and why she had suddenly gotten a very large promotion. Sesshoumaru had suddenly had to fight off the urge to roll his eyes, and told his father and his wife to have a seat and eat. That everything would be explained after they all had a full meal.
So now they were all gathered in Sesshoumaru's library, sitting in a half circle around the fire place, drinking hot chocolate. They were all talking amiably, waiting for Sesshoumaru to join them so that they could ask all their questions and get all their answers. It took Sesshoumaru about 15 minutes to join them. Kagome used this time to catch up with Inutaisho and Izayoi. They hadn't seen each other in several months and spent the time talking about new developments in each others lives. Apparently Inutaisho and Izayoi were expecting another child.
"Congratulations you guys. So when should expect an invitation to the baby shower?" Kagome smiled sweetly at them.
"Come now Kagome. You don't honestly expect to get us something. You know you don't have to." Inutaisho sighed when she looked at him. She had that determined look, and when she got like that, you couldn't expect anyone to change her mind.
"Of course I'm going to get you guys something. You guys are like a second family to me. I'd be ashamed of myself if I didn't get you something."
Inutaisho nodded. He wasn't even gonna bother trying to get her to change her mind. Sesshoumaru took that moment to enter the room. He was carrying a manila envelope with him, Kagome's name was written across the tab in the front. He sat down in a chair next to Kagome and cleared his throat.
"I'm going to have to ask everyone to listen to the whole story and wait to ask questions until after I'm done explaining."
He glanced around and after receiving a nod from everyone he took a deep breath, "Kagome came to work two days ago, and Inuyasha brought her to me. She was cut up and bruised. Inuyasha asked me to provide protection for her. She was being beaten at her home, by Naraku."
Inutaisho stood abrubtly, "That bastard! I'll kill him!"
"My sentiments exactly. Please sit father."
Inutaisho hesitated, and then nodded. Sesshoumaru continued, "We managed to get Kagome moved out of his house and into the room next to mine, as a measure of security. If anything were to try to enter that room other than her, myself, or any of you, I would know immediately. I also had my PI start looking into things that we could get Naraku for. However, when the police went in to search his house, it was empty. Everything gone. He's vanished on us again."
Inuyasha let out a feral growl, "That bastard. When I get my hands on him..."
But no one was listening to him. They had all turned to Kagome, trying to figure out what she was thinking. She shuddered visibly.
"So you mean to say, that he is still out there? That he could still harm me or my family. That everything that is dear to me is being threatened by that, that, that THING!" Her eyes flashed, like lightning in a dangerous storm.
"I have every person I know that I can trust working on a way to find him. If he's out there, we will get him. As for your family and friends, they will be protected. I've got personal guards on each one of them. They wont know that they are there, but they will be safe. Do not worry, everything will be fine." Sesshoumaru laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder, and even though his face was still as impassive as ever, his eyes gave away his rage.
A thought flashed through her head. He's worried for me. He's trying to protect me. She shook the thoughts from her mind. He's just protecting his interests. I'm and asset to the company. Nothing more.
Tomorrow's another day
And I'm thirsty anyway
So bring on the rain
Bring on
Bring on the rain
Kagome sat outside of Sesshoumaru's large mansion, her feet dangling over the side of the pool and splashing slightly as she kicked her legs back and forth slowly. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she never noticed Inutaisho walk up behind her and sit on the edge of the pool beside her. They sat in silence for a long time, just soaking in each others auras.
"Kagome, are you going to be ok? I mean, living with all of these things?" He sounded concerned, but he was looking off into the distance when he addressed her with the question.
"I'm sure I'll be fine chichioya-san. I'm just really worried about my katei. I hope they are all right."
"Do not fear Kagome. We will do everything within our power to make sure that abomination does not get his way. It is in our nature, after all, to protect that which we consider ours." He scratched his chin thoughtfully, "Now I know there is no hope for you and Inuyasha. But what about Sesshoumaru. I would not mind seeing you become my daughter-in-law."
"Chichioya! I- well, um..No! I mean, he's handsome, sure, but... Me and Sesshoumaru? He would never think of me that way. He is my boss. I am nothing but an employee to him." Kagome was a bright shade of red, on that would rival the best tomato, on a good day. But her voice after that statement was slightly sad.
"Come now Kagome. Why do you think he is doing all of this? For fun?"
"Of course not. He's doing it because he hates Naraku."
"Whatever you say Kagome. I'm sure you're right. Just keep what I said in mind, and I'll have Izayoi start planning the wedding," Inutaisho held up his hands in surrender when she made a move to splash at him, "I was only kidding Kagome. You know I only have your best interests at heart."
"Arigato, chichioya-san."
"Any time, Kagome."
Inutaisho stood and left her alone again. She looked out into the night and smiled at the full moon that was half-way above her. Everything is gonna be all right...I hope.
No I'm not gonna let it get me down
I'm not gonna cry
So bring on the rain
(Bring on
Bring on the rain)
Bring on the rain
Bring on the rain
Bring on the rain
A/N: I hope you guys like this. I've been working on it all weekend and all day today. So tell all your friends about this story, have people read it. Leave reviews. I'm willing to take any questions, comments, snide remarks(lol). You got any ideas for this story? Share them. I don't mind incorporating suggestions. Let me know. I want to make my writing better, and if you think you can help, you share. I'm like a sponge!! I love learning new things and taking suggestions. Well anyways, I'll have Chapter 3 up no later than next week hopefully. I just got a new job, so I'll have the afternoons to write and post my chapters. Oh yeah, just to let ya'll know, I live off of reviews. I have self-esteem issues(seriously) and I love it when I get compliments. Constructive criticism is great too. Help me become better!! lol, but seriously, REVIEW!!
Review Responses:
sesshyssiter- thanks for the support. I'm glad you like it so far. Well, here's a new chappie.
shippoQueen08- I am very excited that you are excited about it! lol, i love it when people review so keep up the encouragement!!
PSS: eventually I'm gonna have to be a little wierd, either at the end of the chapter or the beginning. I'm a bit A.D.O.S. For those of you that don't know what that is, its: Attention Deficit Ooh Shiny... Yeah, I'm strange, and I'm from Texas, so that makes a whole lot better... Yes I grew up in a po-dunk town...lol, anyways, don't be surprised if I get a little strange.
3, Sakura