Prompt: Parallel
Word Count: 646
Genre: Humor
Rating: T
Summary: Sesshoumaru sees he has a new neighbor.
Date Posted: 8/13/10
Jaken hurried through the immaculate garden with his master's tea, trying to deliver it while it was still piping hot. No easy task for the little imp. The combination of his short legs, the meandering path and the unpredictably of his master's whereabouts challenged his efforts every morning.
The garden path was specifically designed to relax the peruser, center them, open the mind and promote inspiration. It had the exact opposite effect on the toad. He couldn't see over tall plants or shrubbery and the master could be anywhere in this maze of greenery. Jaken had no choice but to run while trying not to slosh the rapidly cooling contents.
The delicate heirloom porcelain clattering in his clawed hands didn't help his nerves in the least.
He finally caught sight of the Daiyoukai near the extensive rose beds. Those thorny bushes were the demon lord's pride and joy. Sesshoumaru took extreme satisfaction in successfully cultivating only the rarest blossoms. His ultimate goal was to develop a unique hybrid that would bear his name.
Jaken slowed his approach, not wanting to appear flustered and rushed. He could see the master was deep in thought, repetitively stroking the pelt he had draped over one shoulder. Those lethal claws left four parallel grooves in the white fluff with every pass. Mokomoko writhed, enjoying the ministrations, inattentive as they were.
"Tea, my lord." Jaken bowed his head as he offered the egg-shell cup and saucer. Using only his fingertips, Sesshoumaru took the cup and touched it to his lips.
"Tepid."
The cup was held out at arm's length and tipped slowly, allowing the golden contents to stream onto the ground, spattering Jaken's feet and clothes.
The little green demon hopped about frantically, trying to avoid most of the splatter while attempting to collect the valuable cup held so casually by the distracted inu.
"Jaken, what is that repulsive odor fouling my environment?"
The imp froze. A slight breeze was blowing from across the street. Of course his lord would catch a whiff of her, the human female who moved into the half-breed's house yesterday afternoon. Jaken almost missed seeing it happen. The girl had hardly any possessions to speak of, so it didn't take her any time at all.
The servant had been waiting for just the right moment, and just the right words, to break the news to his master. Since the morning's tea was rejected and magic words weren't forthcoming, Jaken decided to feign ignorance.
"M…my lord? I don't smell anything unusual, but of course, I wouldn't presume to have nearly the level of sensitivity…"
"Hn."
Sesshoumaru stepped toward the front of his property, tilting his head ever-so-slightly to test the air as he walked.
As luck would have it, the garage door across the street began to rise, revealing fire-engine-red pumps and a shapely pair of ankles walking past the rear of the car parked within. Both demons stared as the toned legs disappeared into the garage's interior. The unmistakable sound of a car door slamming jolted them from their daze. The car backed fired noisily as it zipped out of the drive and into the street.
While shifting into forward, Kagome noticed her neighbors from across the street happen to be standing on their front lawn. Well, she was late on her first day and didn't have time for formal niceties right now; a wave would have to do. Smiling brightly, she waggled her fingers in their direction before punching the gas, causing another loud explosion while her worn tires squealed in protest at the rapid acceleration. She remembered to hit the garage door button just as she careened around the corner.
Sesshoumaru turned slowly to his retainer, a very hard look in his eye. "Jaken, what was that?"
"I… I believe it was a '79 Ford Pinto, master."
"Get my idiot brother on the phone."
A/N: I wonder what Sesshoumaru wants to talk to Inuyasha about? Thanks for reading! :)