Tender Rebel
By: Aurora Collins
Disclaimers: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters associated with it. I'm only borrowing the characters to amuse myself and hopefully others. ^_^
Ch.3 I Hate Jam!
It was the next morning and Kagome woke up with a gasp from that same nightmare that never ceased to leave her alone. The beads of sweat dripped from her forehead and the sheets were tangled around her. She didn't have that nightmare for a couple nights, but tonight it seemed worse then all the others. She started having them ever since she has become Sesshomaru's vassal. He was always taunting her in her dreams and making everything a living hell for her. She found she had no rest with him around and wondered how she would survive his torment today. Kagome got up from the bed and got dressed in a silk kimono that went to her mid thigh. She hated too many layers constricting her because if there were ever a need to defend or attack something, she would not be hindered. She learned that a long time ago.
Kagome went down the hallways and found them empty because it was still early in the morning, with the sun barely peaking over the hills. She wondered if Sesshomaru was even awake this early himself. She was in mid yawn when she opened the door to the study and found that he was already behind his desk working diligently. "You should cover your mouth when you yawn" He remarked without looking up. Kagome stopped and shut her mouth. "Sorry" was all she could say. Her brain still wasn't working and she wished for a good cup of coffee, but in this era, coffee had not been introduced to the Japanese culture. Sesshomaru's ear twitched as he heard her actually apologize. That was a first.
She laid her dainty fingers on the desk with grace and she said in a half sleepy tone as another yawned escaped her mouth. This time she covered it and her eyes were half closed from sleep. "Sorry Lord Sesshomaru. I'm still trying to wake up" Kagome shook her head slightly and focused on the desk once more. "What will my duties be this morning?" Kagome was trying to be considerate and trying to be a good vassal so that maybe he would leave her alone. Sesshomaru was shocked once more as she apologized again and called him lord. He wanted to pinch himself because he thought he was dreaming. Kagome, his little Miko was actually being nice. This turned him on more than ever to have a compliant partner, but he shouldn't get ahead of himself. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her off again. He straightened his back as he looked up at her. Her face glowed as the sunlight came in through the window and it washed over her features.
"Your duties? Oh yes, well first thing is breakfast. Go to the kitchens and grab my tray and report back here," Sesshomaru said as he saw her nod. She walked out of the room in a lazy stride and as she left Sesshomaru watched; her hips swaying from side to side. She left the room and was back within a couple minutes. The tray was piled with food as she laid it before him and as soon as she did Sesshomaru heard the most disgruntled sound he ever heard. Kagome blushed as her stomach spoke again. "I haven't eaten yet this morning," She admitted. "Well then take a seat. There is more than enough food to go around" Sesshomaru offered the seat that was in front of the desk.
Kagome's blush deepened as she realized that he was actually being nice to her. He was offering her food, a chair and she was going to eat with him. Now she had to watch her eating habits because she knew they weren't the best. She sat down, grabbed a piece of toast, and began to put butter on it. She was about to grab the jelly when Sesshomaru was grabbing for it at the same time. Their hands touched and she quickly jerked her hand back. Sesshomaru smirked as he asked, "Does my skin burn?" Kagome looked at him dumbstruck and realized he was trying to pull a joke.
A lame one but he was actually attempting humor. How did he do that? Be cold one moment and then have emotion the next. Kagome thought that she would never come to figure him out but the more she learned about him the more confused she got. However, with his little tirade of humor she could not help but let out a giggle than a short burst of laughter. "Yes your skin just fries me to a crisp. You're just too hot for words" Kagome said sarcastically. She then realized what she said and she thought that her face couldn't get any redder.
"I-I mean... it wasn't... I was trying..." Kagome stumbled over her words and she was trying to figure out what to say. Then she heard the distinct sound of a chuckle. Sesshomaru, capable of a small chuckle? He caught himself and quickly diminished the sound. That is when Kagome realized that he purposely held back his emotions. He must try everyday all the time to not act normal, that must be it, but then there also must be a reason for it as well. "Too hot eh? Well then excuse this demon for being too hot for words. Is that why you're stuttering my dear?" Sesshomaru inquired with a serious, sexy, luscious... Kagome lost her thought as she realized what she was thinking. How could she think of that right now? She hated him... maybe it was the joke she tried to pull off. "Ooooh your just impossible sometimes Sesshomaru, you know that?" Kagome said as she huffed out and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Impossible, yes. Now why don't we discuss something to where we won't argue? That would be a change," Sesshomaru said as he sipped on his tea. Kagome copied him and drank some of her tea as well. "Yes it would indeed kind sir..." She grinned as she was pretending to know manners of the higher class. The kind of demons she thought of as snobby, like the one in front of her. Sesshomaru knew she was picking on him but he let it slide. He didn't want an argument so early in the morning. "How about we discuss what you will be doing today?" Kagome nodded as she made a grab for the jelly again and this time without incident.
"You will run some paper errands for me. After that, I need you to go to the kitchens for a couple hours and help the servants there. One of the girls fell ill today and they need the extra help. After that, it should be about dinnertime. I'll be having my dinner with my ward and I think by that time you can have your leave for the day. An easy enough first day if I do say so myself" Sesshomaru stated as he nibbled on a piece of toast that went without the jam he wanted. Kagome was biting into her own toast when she noticed that he was looking at her. She froze in her spot with the toast in her mouth. 'Bite into the toast and put it down you ninny' she thought this to herself as the jam dripped and fell on her chest. It because gliding down between the valley of her breasts until Sesshomaru got his finger and got the jelly himself. Sesshomaru licked the jam off his finger while he was still staring at her. She was just sitting there letting herself get sticky like some idiot.
Kagome sat still as Sesshomaru already did the deed. Kagome paled and she got up from her seat. "Thank you for the breakfast Lord Sesshomaru," She said this as she slightly bowed and then left the room in what seemed like a calm manner. She shut the door and all Sesshomaru heard was Kagome screaming, "Perverted bastard!" He heard a crash and knew that she broke something else. Her temper was as bad as his was. He sat back and knew she would be back in a little bit because she just left without the errands he wanted her to do. As soon as he thought it, the door slammed opened and she grabbed the errands that he left for her. Kagome glared at him and went back out the door with another slam and a crash that soon followed. He might not have a castle left by the time she was done. She was serious when she told him not to touch her, but her reaction was just too entertaining not to do it.
The rest of the day, she avoided him and did her errands. Afterwards she went to the kitchens and helped like she was told to do, but kitchen work was a lot harder then what she thought it would be. It was hot by the stoves and that is where she was at for most of the day. She already knew she would need a bath from all the sweating she was doing. She probably looked the wreak by the time the day was over and it couldn't of been soon enough because she was starting to feel exhausted. For a first day as his secretary/servant... she hated it, but at least she was away from him. Kagome decided to take her dinner with her to her room and eat at the side of the tub as she did the first day she got there. Once she was fed and cleaned, she decided she would turn in for the night because of how tired she felt and she hoped she didn't have another nightmare again.
In the morning Kagome's first order of business was to go to the kitchens and fetch Sesshomaru's breakfast. She would not be joining him because of the plain fact that something always happens when she's around him. Well at least she knew none of her days would be dull, but some normalacy would be appreciated. When Kagome got the tray she made sure that no jams or jellies were present on the menu. She would make sure that nothing would make her morning turn out badly. Of course, she never considered the honey that was sitting on the tray mocking her. She took the tray in one hand and got the small honey jar with the other. She found the nearest potted plant and discarded the bottle to where no one would ever find it. With a smile, she went the rest of the way without incident and entered the study where she knew Sesshomaru would already be. The first words out of his mouth were "You're late."
"Well good morning to you too," Kagome huffed out as she slid the tray on the desk and gave Sesshomaru one of her haughty glares. "Now if you'll excuse me I need to go feed myself before the day starts." Sesshomaru's head perked up from the scroll he was reading and said, "You won't eat with me this morning? And here I thought I would be having some company." Kagome glared at him and replied, "After yesterday, you can just forget about it." She was about to turn and walk away when she heard Sesshomaru shuffle through his tray. "Where's my jam?" He asked, knowing where it was. Kagome sneered at him and said, "They ran out in the kitchen." "You're not very good at lying my little Miko," Sesshomaru said as he poured himself some tea. "Yeah well I learn from the best" She bit out. Sesshomaru put the teapot down and asked "Who?"
"Don't play coy with me. You know very well who. You lie like it's a habit," Kagome said as she put her hands on her hips as she did many times before. Sesshomaru shoved the chair back and stood up just as quickly "You dare call this Sesshomaru a liar? When did I lie to you?" Kagome stared at him and said "Just the other day. You promised not to touch me again and you just did yesterday."
"I never promised anything. I don't make promises that I can't keep."
"That is such a lie!"
"I said I would keep my distance, but I never promised, nor did I say for how long."
"You find a loop hole in everything!"
"I make sure things go my way."
"Why are you so interested in me anyway!"
For once Sesshomaru didn't know what to say. He thought about telling her how he thought of her but he knew better than that. On the other hand, maybe he would just kiss her and show her why he wanted her. He knew it was more then her good looks but it was her rebel behavior. She reminded him a lot of his inner self of never wanting to give up or give in. Not to mention she was the only female that could honestly say she hated him. Nevertheless, he would change her mind eventually, but he kept getting these setbacks. "Just go get your breakfast Kagome. When you're done you can clean and organize my study, and that alone will take all day. You can go now," Sesshomaru said as he sat down and refused to look at her again.
Kagome was shocked but not to the point to where she didn't know when to leave. She got out of the room and went down the hall with a quick pace. He sounded so cold and he wouldn't answer her question. He was interested in her, she knew that but she didn't know the why of it. She hated him and that is what must have intrigued him to this madness of lusting after her. She hated him right? She did. She had nightmares about him laughing at her and taunting her. He lied, he cheated, and he was an emotionless demon. He was just that and more. She was so upset that she could barely stand it as her pace quickened the angrier she became.
Kagome picked at her meal, too upset to eat it. With a sigh she dismissed the food and ventured back to the study to find it empty. She figured it would be after what they just discussed, and she did insult him by calling him a liar. But he was just that, a liar. Although she did recall him saying that he would just keep his distance, but it was still the same thing as him not touching her. However, it wasn't the same to him and she should have known better with the damned nobles, thinking they were better than everyone else was. Kagome sighed as she scanned the room and she never realized how disorganized his shelves were. Not to mention the room was filthy with dust everywhere and the rug... it was simply atrocious. She had to wonder if anyone ever cleaned in here, or better yet, if anyone was allowed in here. Kagome rolled up her sleeves and set to work on the room. She would first take all the books and scrolls off the shelves and dust everything and she considered cleaning out the fireplace since it was full of ash and soot.
She was well into her cleaning as she scrubbed the walls, windowsills and base boards. She even brought in flowers from the garden to make the room more appealing. Inot to mention the smell from the flowers might drown out Sesshomaru's scent, which was so thick in the air that even a human could smell it. There she was thinking of him again. Did she ever stop? She punched the floor in her frustration and tried to calm herself down. She decided to sing a melody that her mom taught her when she was younger. Kagome never thought of herself as a good singer but it did calm her down to where she could concentrate, not to mention it would occupy her mind. She began her song as she moved the rugs to the side and began scrubbing the floors with the hot water she got recently. Kagome continued without even noticing someone coming in through the door.
Sesshomaru figured he would go back to the study, thinking he had enough time to cool down. He knew she would still be in there, not unless she could work wonders and clean fast. Or maybe she was going to ignore him and not do the task he assigned her. He wouldn't put it past her to be the irritating woman he remembered. That would be enough reason to punish her but he wondered if he could even do that to her and mar her skin that he found to be so appealing. He went further down the hall and began to hear something... a song. Who would sing in the castle? He knew of no one who had a voice like that. It was the most angelic sound he ever heard and he found that it soothed him. He realized that it came from his study and his only guess was that it was Kagome because the only other person allowed in the study besides himself was Jaken. However, Jaken wasn't even around for the day because he was sent on some errands out of the castle.
He opened the door slowly and quietly so he wouldn't disturb her and when he walked in, what he saw was amazing. Everything shined and it was clean, including the fireplace. He looked down at the floor and he saw Kagome with her back turned to him, scrubbing the floors while singing. She was on her hands and knees with her motion going back and forth, her rump slightly in the air and her back arched. Her skirt was tied up so that it wouldn't get wet but it was riding up every time she went back and forth with her scrub brush. He could see the bottom of her rear ever so slightly and her shapely legs just beneath. Sesshomaru's body automatically responded as he stepped closer to her without even thinking it. Sesshomaru came closer and closer until he was right behind her. Her melody and body casting a spell over him that he couldn't break. A mere human having power over him. His father would be rolling in his grave with laughter with the irony of the situation. Sesshomaru being attracted to some human female.
He finally let himself be known. "Your voice. It's beautiful." Kagome stopped what she was doing, her body going stiff. She slightly turned her head and the shocked look on her face made it look like she just saw a ghost. "T-Thank you ...Lord... Sesshom-" Before she could finish Sesshomaru bent over her in a position that could be called rutting. If anyone were to walk in they would think of Sesshomaru as what he was, a dog. "S-Shesshomaru... what are you doing!" Kagome asked, scared to move. "I'm merely looking at your handiwork my dear" and when he said handiwork, what he really meant was her body. However, he made her think otherwise. "You did wonders to my study and I would like to thank you personally for your great deed." "It was n-nothing... now could you please..." Kagome asked as she tried to move herself away from him, but when she did her rump pressed firmly against his groin and a moan could be heard close to her ear.
Sesshomaru made himself stand up and Kagome was able to turn around on her knees. When she looked at him he had desire written all over him but what he was doing was something she never expected him to do. He held his hand out to her to help her from the floor. She was hesitant at first but she took his kindness and allowed him to help her up. He didn't let go of her hand but instead took it to his lips and kissed the top of it. He then released her hand and said, "I will allow you to finish and after that you can have the rest of the day off. Now if you'll excuse me I have other matters to attend to." Sesshomaru left the study and closed the door as softly as he opened it, leaving her face a blushing mess. She stood there for what felt like forever but she was able to regain herself enough to get back to her work.
Kagome wondered how a demon like Sesshomaru could have any interest in a human. If she recalled she remembered Sesshomaru hating humans some time ago, but Rin could have helped with this change. This morning she said she hated him but now... what could she say? Sesshomaru acted somewhat of the gentleman and he left her alone, and there was no fight. He even said thank you to her. She couldn't hate him... she couldn't... but she sorely disliked him still. She nodded her head with herself agreement and continued with her work.
When she was done, she marveled at what she accomplished that day and was happy with what she was able to do with the room. The curtains were pulled back to allow the last rays of the sun into the room. It was getting late now and she hadn't really eaten since that morning. As she left the study, she wondered where Sesshomaru was and what he was doing, then for some odd reason the thought of Rin came to her mind. Sesshomaru could possibly be with her eating dinner, or maybe playing a game. Kagome smiled at the thought and she wished she could see Rin again soon, but she was so busy all the time. Then again, Sesshomaru could be playing with some female servants if he really wanted to. He was a rake, but what did she care of what he did.
She didn't care and she didn't even know why she was thinking of him anyway. He wasn't worth the time or the energy that she was putting into him anyway. He didn't deserve it. Kagome still thought of him as she went to her room in a huff. Kagome decided to skip her meal and settle for beating the daylights out of her pillow, which was the closest thing she was going to get to actually hitting Sesshomaru. Once she was done pounding her bedding she flopped herself onto her back and let out a dreaded sigh. She covered her face with her hands and mumbled, "I'm not jealous..."
How could she be jealous? She didn't even like him to say the least, but today he showed another part of himself that she could say she liked. Kagome only wished he showed more of that side instead of his other self. The cold part that seemed unfeeling and somewhat distraught at times. As if anger was his only outlet and his stubbornness was atrocious. Yet she had no room to talk with her own stubbornness and pride. Kagome figured that they were equal in that sense and that irked her to no point. To have something in common with him was completely absurd, but it was true. She couldn't deny it anymore than he could, if he by chance noticed it as she did. He must with the way he watched her. Kagome shoved her face in her pillow as she tried to get him out of her head, which he so happily invaded at all hours of the day. Damn him!
Sesshomaru was trying to cool himself off after that display he laid out in the study. He decided not to go back in there for the day in fear that he may really lose it and take her right there on the floor. With what he knew of her he could surmise the fact that she was a virgin, with how she went on and on about how she didn't want him near. Although that could be her telling him that she was not interested in him, but how could she not. He knew he was handsome to the opposite sex, but maybe he was losing his touch. Sesshomaru didn't even want to imagine himself not being able to gain a females attention and the one he wanted happened to not want anything to do with him. But he could smell her desire and he could see it in her eyes when he was close to her. He must have an effect on her but she was just too high handed and stubborn to accept that little detail.
It made him upset just thinking about it but that was all he could think about now, ever since he walked in on her in her room. He also concluded that her body wasn't the only thing that attracted him, nor the challenge. It was the way she acted and her personality that was so different. Kagome didn't bend to him and he knew she forced herself whenever she did. Kagome was and has been the only woman to not do exactly as he said, which was a breath of fresh air, but it could also be irritating. Sesshomaru sometimes liked the arguments though because it expelled his anger and he found he has been less hostile with others. Even his toad of a servant has been at peace lately.
He was walking down the halls at this point and he could tell it was past sunset as he went by one of the open windows. He stopped shy of a corner as he heard some servants talking and his name happened to pop up with Kagome's.
"Did you hear what Lucia said about Kagome when she first arrived here?"
"No... what?"
"I can't believe you didn't hear. It has been going around the castle like wildfire!"
"Well now I feel left out..."
"Lucia told me that Kagome was asking about Lord Sesshomaru himself."
"What did Kagome ask?"
"She asked if Sesshomaru ever shared his bed!"
Sesshomaru heard a gasp as if the other servant didn't believe the other one.
"No! You don't think she...?"
"Oh I think she is. I think that Kagome character is trying to get into our Lord Sesshomaru's bed."
"She is pretty enough to catch his attention though."
"She may be pretty for a human but that hussy is planning something more."
"Like what?"
"Like a marriage contract. A pretty thing like her have nothing else but looks to work from."
"I don't know if that's true..."
"Well I still think that Kagome character needs to go look for some other demon and..."
The servants voices were fading as Sesshomaru heard them walking down the corridor and soon the discussion was ended. Sesshomaru smiled to himself. Kagome was interested in him after all and on the first day they met. He had to wonder why she was so interested. He figured he would ask her about it tomorrow and if she lied, he would catch her and force her to make a confession. This was exactly what he needed to get her to bend to his will. Sesshomaru continued his rounds before dinner and he was now in a more compliant mood. This day was probably one of the best in a long time and if that Miko stuck around all his days would be filled with good endings. Although he didn't know if blackmail would be something Kagome would rejoice in as he was now. He could hardly wait for the encounter.
Kagome got up with her routine and she got into the habit of going to the kitchens first for the Lord's breakfast and she still made sure that no condiments were available for his toast. She got the tray and went down the hallways that were now engraved in her mind, and she knew just which ones to take to get to the well-known study. Kagome knew she was a little early than usual today but she just couldn't sleep last night. She kept thinking of Sesshomaru and how she would like to beat him up, especially after she woke up from another nightmare of him. Kagome drifted in and out of sleep all night and images of him always haunted her in one way or another. Last night though there was something different about her nightmare and a blush strictly came to her cheeks as she thought of it.
Last night her nightmare didn't hold a taunting Sesshomaru, but a kind one who seduced her with his words of flattery. No matter what he did, he always invaded her thoughts in one form or another. To have a seductive Lord over a taunting one was harder to deal with than she thought. She opened the study without thinking and set the tray on the desk in front of Sesshomaru himself. "Good morning" She stated absent-mindedly. Her mind was somewhere else as she was about to walk out of the study without receiving her orders for the day. Sesshomaru saw her agitation as she walked into the room and she didn't seem all there this morning. He wondered if she was coming down with something. He got her attention before she got out of the room. "Kagome! Where do you think you're going?" Sesshomaru asked as he stood up from his seat.
"Hnn... Oh! Lord Sesshomaru I was... what was I doing?" Kagome said as she turned around. Sesshomaru shook his head "Shut the door and come have a seat. I need to discuss something with you this morning." Kagome nodded and shut the door as he bade her but the only reason why she did what she was told is because she was interested to know what he wanted to talk about. It was rare that he ever wanted to have a civil conversation with her, but maybe it was something else. Maybe he would give up his pursuit on her but when she thought that she felt a pang of worry. Kagome didn't know why she felt that but she quickly got it out of her head when she sat down. She pretended to get some imaginary wrinkles off her daily kimono as she asked, "What would you like to discuss?" Sesshomaru smirked as he came around the desk and was close enough to her to where he knew she could not escape him. He lazily laid his hand on the desk and leaned his hip on it.
Kagome watched him do this and gulped down. She knew he was up to something now but she was in the room and in a position to where she knew she couldn't do anything about it now. "I heard something very interesting yesterday as I was walking down the halls. You know sometimes the servants say the oddest things but you can't help but overhear on what they're discussing. Do you know a servant named Lucia?" Sesshomaru inquired as he looked down at his Miko. Kagome stiffened and replied, "I know who she is. She is the servant you assigned me... is there something wrong? Did she do something?" Now she knew he was up to no good because he was being purposely evasive to what he wanted to 'discuss' and she felt uneasy about it. "Apparently your servant likes to talk about things... private things I wager. Is there anything you told her that could become part of the rumor mill? Anything that could damage your reputation?"
Kagome thought and then it struck her. The only thing that could of held any interest to Sesshomaru is if it was about himself and that damned question she asked Lucia was coming back to haunt her. She recalled the conversation of that day.
~"Our Lord Sesshomaru made the mistake too? But he never makes mistakes" Lucia said. Kagome smirked and said "Well ain't that a dandy illusion you have. Did you share his bed too?" The girl's face reddened and said, "N-no... he never shares his bed with anyone." "I see... well it doesn't matter anyway. I'm tired and need my things taken care of, so if you please" Kagome gestured as she began to get her things out of her bag.~
She put her face in her hand and groaned to herself. "Is that a yes?" Sesshomaru questioned, already knowing the answer. Kagome shook her head and said firmly "No. I said nothing that could bring me into your little rumor mill." Sesshomaru took his hand from the desk as he rounded her chair now. "Now who's the liar?" he explained. Kagome jerked her head up and yelled "Liar! What on Earth are you talking about!" "So you want to play coy do you? Well let me refresh your memory... apparently you asked your servant Lucia about me. Ring a bell yet?" Sesshomaru was circling her like a vulture, waiting for her to crack. Kagome paled and didn't say anything. "No? Well than let me continue. You were discussing me with her and my habits if you wish to call them that... am I getting warm yet?" Kagome was feeling sickly, as she knew that there was no way out of this but she only had herself to blame for all this. She should have kept her big mouth shut.
Sesshomaru came in front of her than and put one hand on each armrest of her chair and leaned slightly forward. "You were implying to your servant of your interest in me and my bed. Whether I share it with anyone or not is none of your concern, but since you're so interested I suppose I should let you know now to prevent anymore rumors spreading about you and me." "T-That's an exaggeration! I never asked about your bed in particular!" Kagome yelled out in self-defense but then she covered her mouth in hopes of retribution. Sesshomaru actually smiled now and said "Too late now... might as well finish it. What exactly did you say to the servant girl?" Kagome uncovered her mouth and said "I-I... It-It... The girl thought I was a boy and she was implying to share my bed with me... and I told her that she made a mistake and even her lord did as well. Lucia said that you never make mistakes and I told her she was delusional. In spite I asked if she shared your bed too and she told me no one ever does... alright I said it!" Kagome's face was red now from embarrassment and she wondered if she could die now from that little confession she just laid out.
Sesshomaru arched and eyebrow and said, "I didn't expect that, but still, even if that were the case... why so interested?" "I wasn't interested!" Kagome bit out as she shrank back in her seat. "You're such a good little liar. Even a spiteful question has hidden meaning. As to why I never share my bed, well no woman here catches my interest..." He then looked at her, into her eyes. Kagome looked back at him and said in a low voice "Except me?" "Except you" He confirmed. He didn't let go of his grip of the chair as he leaned his body forward. "You have this habit of being right where I want you Miko and right now I'm going to show you what you want." "I don't ..." Kagome started but Sesshomaru cut her off. "I see the desire in your eyes and I smell the lust on you when I get too close. The reason why you don't want me close is because you're afraid you might actually want me," Sesshomaru stated as he saw her reaction.
Kagome couldn't believe he was watching her that closely but she couldn't say he was right or if he wasn't. She disliked him... that was why, but then why did she feel this heat inside her whenever he was near. Was he right? Did she desire him and not know it? Her chin came closer to her as he became even more intrusive to her and she knew what he wanted from her. "Please Sesshomaru... don't..." Kagome said as a last attempt to get him to back off, but it did no avail as his face came directly in front of hers. Kagome took her hands and tried to ward him off but this time he would not allow her to push him away. He needed to show her what she was missing and what she could have if she succumbed and became his bed partner. Before she could yell no his lips melded onto hers and his hands grabbed her wrists so she wouldn't try to push him away again. Kagome fought as hard as she could but once he held onto her wrists, her mind latched onto the fact that he was kissing her. She felt herself drifting into another realm that she forgot a long time ago. His knee came between her legs as he deepened the kiss with his tongue and all the desire and lust he felt was poured through his touch, his lips.
Sesshomaru let go of Kagome's wrists as his fingers nestled and intertwined in her hair and to his surprise, she reacted to him. Her moan reverberated through his mouth and it made him feel his carnal desire to go further and he was able to easily get her from the chair to the top of his desk where he had her lying on her back. He pictured her there so many times but he was too scared to release the kiss, in fear that Kagome would realize her folly. Nevertheless, it was already too late. Once Kagome felt her back on the desk, she came back to her senses rather quickly. Her hands were free and she mustered all her power and jolted him from her. Sesshomaru unlatched himself and his face had a stunned look on it. Something she knew no one ever saw, but his stunned look came from her rejecting him. Kagome looked down at herself and saw that her kimono was hiked up to her upper thigh and one of her sleeves was falling off her shoulder, revealing the tops of her breasts.
Her breath was shortened and she felt her lips, knowing that they were already swollen and would probably bruise from the attack she received. Kagome than pulled down the bottom part of her kimono and straightened out her sleeve before someone decided to walk in. She was still sitting on the desk when she decided to look back up to see what Sesshomaru was doing. He looked like he was about to go another round and she saw how she must look so she did herself the favor and got off the desk. Kagome did the smart thing and got off on the other side, far enough away from him. There was silence for a moment but then she saw Sesshomaru take a step forward "Stay where you are! Don't move... or I'll kill you right now Sesshomaru..." Sesshomaru did stop but only because he knew it was over, for the moment. "I knew you desired me Miko," Sesshomaru stated.
Kagome's hair bristled as she yelled out "You caught me off guard and nothing more! I feel nothing for you!" "Now who is the delusional one my pet. I smell the desire on you and I can see it even now. You're just a scared Kagome" Sesshomaru said this, hoping to stir her emotions more with his taunting. "I'm not scared, especially of you! I told you not to come near me!"Kagome said as she slammed her hand on the desk, this time being careful of the force she put behind it. Sesshomaru looked at the desk and then back at her "I know now why you asked me not to come near you and now that I do know why, you can guarantee that next time I won't stop, not even if you ask me. You will thank me and it's not every day that I lay my pursuits on any woman, especially a human. Usually it's the other way around." "I don't want any of your pursuits... I don't want you interested in me... I don't want any of it. I'm here to do a job and nothing more than that... I dislike you..." Kagome was cut off when she actually heard Sesshomaru chuckle "You dislike me now? And here I thought you hated me. Now I wonder when you changed your mind about that. Maybe one day you will come to like me." "Never..." Kagome gritted out.
Before the conversation could continue, the door opened up and the toad, Jaken came into the study "My Lord Sesshomaru, I have dire news." Sesshomaru nodded, still not taking his eyes off Kagome, his look was now very serious. "Kagome you may leave now. Go watch Rin until I call back for you." Kagome didn't care what he ordered of her, just as long as she could get away from him to think. She was so confused now about her feelings and her emotions. She should hate him again but she didn't and couldn't muster up that feeling for him now. Kagome also felt this longing and parting feeling and she couldn't place why she felt that way. She knew something inside reacted to him but she didn't know why and she wanted time to think about this new conjecture. It was plain that Sesshomaru wanted her but she wondered if he wanted her for more than just her body, or for the plain fact that she is the only known female to reject him. She was that challenge and that woman that just struck his fancy for the moment. Nevertheless, once he used her in that way she wondered if he would need her again.
Kagome shook her head and left the room without a word of parting but she knew that their conversation was far from over and she was scared for the next meeting. She knew that when she was alone with him anything could happen, even if she least expected it. His last threat was quite real and she knew he would take full advantage of her weakness and use her the way he used everything else. Kagome ground her teeth together as she tightened her fists to her sides. Now she was working herself into a fine fury but with this new order, it calmed her down a bit. This was the perfect chance to catch up on things with Rin and maybe see how much she'd grown.
Kagome traveled down the hall wondering where Rin was. She should have asked before she left but was too upset to think clearly. At the very end of the corridor was a young girl and she had chocolate brown hair and that same orange and yellow kimono. Rin did look a little older but she was still that same little girl she remembered. It looked like she was playing with a ball by herself. Kagome approached Rin and the ball landed next to Kagome's foot. Kagome picked the colorful toy up and looked down at the girl who obviously had a missing tooth now. Kagome crouched before the girl and gave her back the ball. "Hey Rin. I missed you," Kagome said as she looked into Rin's eyes. At first Rin didn't do anything but then she squealed and jumped on Kagome, hugging her with an intense grip. "This Rin missed you!" She shouted out with intense glee. Kagome laughed, "I missed you too!" "This Rin is happy to have you here! Hey! Hey! Do you want to play a game with me! Jaken never plays with me..." Kagome noted the sad tone towards the end but Kagome just grinned and said joyously "I would love to play a game with you." Rin laughed as she pulled Kagome along down the hallway for the apparent game.
Meanwhile back in the study Jaken seemed frantic for his lord to listen to what he had to say. "Impending news my lord! The army 'Gates of Hell' is getting near to your land! There have already been reports about two villages being attacked on the outskirts and they are moving fast! The scouts just came to me a few minutes ago!" Sesshomaru quickly jotted down a note and said, "Get our fastest demons and send them to every village in my realm. Have the villagers come to my castle for protection as soon as possible. We don't have much time. Now go and be quick about it" Jaken took the note and did as his master bade. Sesshomaru only hoped that he wasn't too late and that the villages that were attacked weren't one of Kagome's. He disappointed her once and to do so a second time would be of consequence. Sesshomaru straightened his back, as he actually felt remorseful about what he didn't do. He never felt that way and wondered now about this abrupt feeling.
Sesshomaru stood up and looked outside the window. He didn't notice before but it was getting cloudy once more with the dark clouds rolling in over the hills. It smelled like rain soon and the feeling of the weather is how he was feeling right now... dark, dank, and dreary to say the least. He was not in the best of moods. When Sesshomaru kept his gaze outside and when he looked out into the gardens, he could see Rin playing and there chasing Rin was Kagome. The two ran back and forth and they laughed together as they were once again reunited. Without knowing it Sesshomaru smiled down at them and continued to gaze upon them. His ward was growing fast and he knew human lives were shorter by a greater amount compared to demons. He already started an education for her and he often times thought her more as a daughter than his next ward. Sesshomaru would go join them in a moment, once he was sure that his orders were carried out.
During the time, Kagome was with Rin she didn't stop running around and playing games with the little girl. Kagome found that she enjoyed her time with Rin and wouldn't mind watching her more often...Rin had always been charming and now she knew why Sesshomaru kept her around. She could make anyone smile with just her carefree spirit and that is what Kagome liked most about Rin.
Soon Kagome caught Rin and they rolled on the grass. They landed on their backs and Rin giggled as she was breathing hard. They looked up at the darkened clouds and Kagome said, "I think we should go inside." Rin glanced at Kagome and said "Just a little longer please." Kagome smiled and nodded. She understood why the girl didn't want to go back yet. She was probably lonely sometimes and Kagome could connect with that because she felt lonely sometimes too in this big palace. Therefore, Kagome inquired to Rin about Sesshomaru and she didn't know why she asked about him but it seemed an appropriate subject, considering that Rin was his ward and all. If anyone knew about their Lord, it had to be Rin.
"So how did you come into the services of Sesshomaru?"
"Lord Sesshomaru saved Rin."
"He did?"
"Yes, he saved me from wolves and he let me follow him."
"Really? But he seems so cold sometimes."
"Lord Sesshomaru is a great Lord and he is always nice to Rin."
"I'm sure he is."
"He saved me a lot of times. Once from Naraku."
Kagome didn't know that Sesshomaru did so much for Rin and with all that she was told she held more respect for the demon. Maybe he wasn't so bad after all. Rin continued to tell Kagome about how Sesshomaru would help her and care for her, and she even mentioned how he would beat Jaken if he happened to pick on Rin. Kagome laughed at some of the stories while others left her in deep thought. Rin rolled over on her side and asked, "Do you like Lord Sesshomaru? He is nice!" She smiled at that last part.
Kagome was caught off guard and said "He is alright I suppose..." Kagome wouldn't tell Rin what she really thought because she knew it would break the child's heart. Rin looked up to her lord and to tell her about his bad side might traumatize her. Rin frowned slightly and said, "You don't like him?" "I didn't say that. I have yet to get to know the real him" Kagome answered as she picked at some grass. Rin gave her a toothy grin and said "Lord Sesshomaru is nice once you get to know him. Lord Sesshomaru was cold to Rin at first when he first met Rin. But Lord Sesshomaru just has to get to know you." "Yes, I believe you're right" Kagome answered hoping to get the girl to change the subject. The subject of Sesshomaru always got her riled up but she found out a lot about him in this little conversation, on how he had a softer side, one that hardly anyone saw. He even showed her his kinder side once in awhile when they were alone.
Kagome sighed as she went onto her back once more, than she felt a drop, than another. Rin felt it too and said "Uh-oh I think it's gonna rain now..." "Yep" Kagome smirked as she said it. "Are we going to go back inside now?" Rin questioned. "Nah! I think we can lay here and let the rain wash over us!" Kagome hollered out as she reached her hands into the sky. Rin copied Kagome and yelled out "Yes! Let it rain!" The girls laughed and yelled out into the heavens as the drops came one after another. At first, the rain was slow and it sprinkled lightly than soon the rain came in big droplets soaking them. Rin jumped up and ran for cover squealing and laughing as she did. She went under the balcony and called out to Kagome "You coming Kagome!" Kagome dropped her hands and moved her head to side "No! I will stay for awhile!" Rin grinned and giggled at Kagome's response. Kagome saw Jaken at that moment and saw that Rin was going inside now. Rin waved goodbye with her cheerful smile still gracing her lips "I hope you don't get too wet!'
Kagome breathed in as she faced the sky once more, seeing the rain hit her. Her smiled faded once she knew Rin was gone. She closed her eyes hoping that the water could wash away everything she felt and thought. Maybe even the thoughts of Sesshomaru if she was lucky. "You're going to catch a cold if you stay out here," Sesshomaru said as he stood over her. Kagome opened her eyes and said "Gawd go away already! You already haunt my dreams and even now you haunt and taunt me!" Kagome closed her eyes once more hoping that he was just an illusion like he would be sometimes. "Get up you fool and get inside" Sesshomaru said in a stubborn tone. Kagome groaned and replied, "Make me..." She was in no mood to deal with him and she was content in her misery now. Before she knew it, she felt herself being picked up and tossed over a very broad shoulder.
"Hey you lout! Get your hands off me!" Kagome yelled out as she kicked around. Sesshomaru bounced her up to where her stomach hit his shoulder roughly. She gasped as she lost her breathe for a moment. "Make up your mind. You tell me to make you go inside and now you're yelling at me to let you down. Women are so indecisive," Sesshomaru said as he continued to walk. She growled under her breath as she was grasping onto his shirt in the back, trying to make sure he didn't drop her face first into the ground. Kagome happened to look down at that moment and all she saw was his butt and his long legs moving. Kagome blushed as she caught herself staring at him and looked somewhere else for the moment. Although she had to admit he had a nice body, from what she saw anyway. Kagome mentally slapped herself for even thinking that but she couldn't help it.
Soon they got inside and Kagome was already soaked. Water was dripping off her and leaving a trail, as she was lead down the hallways to the study. Kagome paled remembering what he said about them not being done and so she struggled once more. "I can walk fine on my own you dog!" Kagome yelled out as they passed some guards. She felt Sesshomaru stiffen as he still walked, his grip getting tighter on her. "I said put me down this instant!" Kagome ordered aloud enough for everyone to hear. She didn't care who heard, she was just getting fed up with being treated like some piece of property. They got into the study and Sesshomaru slammed the door shut. He then tossed Kagome on the small couch and glared down at her.
"You dare yell at this Sesshomaru in front of everyone. Behind closed doors is one thing but in front of my subjects is another thing entirely." Kagome was breathing heavily as she was sitting down, trying to get her breath back from being dropped. Her kimono clung to her from the water and her breathing made her breasts move up and down with the material. Her face was flushed and her hair a tangled mess, but she was still radiant nonetheless. With him being this angry at her and with her looking do damned tempting he had to wonder why he didn't ravage her right there on the furniture. Kagome's eyebrows shot together and she declared, "Well if you would have let me down when I asked I wouldn't have had to bellow so loudly! I'm not your property you know?" "I outta punish you for your insolence and maybe I should teach you some manners on how to treat your lord!" Sesshomaru barked out as his fists clenched together. Kagome shrank back and bit on her lip. He saw that her lips were now bruised and he wondered why he didn't notice it before. "Your there in the garden being an idiot and getting soaked! What am I suppose to do with a sick vassal! You will do as I say when I say it!" Sesshomaru was losing himself and he wondered why he was getting so angry.
Kagome stood up at that moment and slapped him hard across the face. Sesshomaru's face jerked to the side from the unexpected attack. "You're so selfish! You're the worst and you're so cold all the time! No wonder why no one wants to be around you! I wish I could say I hate you and mean it!" Kagome shouted out. Sesshomaru stared at her with his now red cheek "You still don't hate me?"He asked sarcastically. Kagome clenched her fist tighter and her frustration became more intense "I wish I could but I just can't hate you for some damned reason! Dislike is the only thing I can fathom but you're still a bastard! A wretch! You make me so mad all the time!" "Even in your dreams?" Sesshomaru said as he smirked and inadvertently rubbing his cheek. Kagome calmed down that instant and said "Gawd and here I thought you wouldn't of heard that." "So I taunt you eh? All the time?" Sesshomaru inquired. "You're a nightmare!" Kagome spat out. Sesshomaru rubbed his chin and said, "Good and here I thought I was losing my touch." "You're impossible... "Kagome sighed out as she plopped herself back on the couch.
How could he be so insufferable and not even care that she slapped him? He should have been foaming at the mouth but all he did was taunt her further. She wondered if anything fazed him. Sesshomaru was a little mad but he was able to rein it in quickly before he lost it again and instead did an attack on her. He had to do something or he really would punish her and beat her backside until she was in bed for a week. "The reason why I came to fetch you was because of the news I received" Sesshomaru said as he stood there. Kagome's ears perked up "What news?" "I don't know if I should tell you now, after the way you reacted with me," Sesshomaru stated as he began to walk to his desk. Kagome quickly got off the couch and followed him "Please Sesshomaru, you have to tell me. It's something important right?" Sesshomaru turned around to where Kagome bumped into him. She stepped back fast enough so that she wasn't too close to him. "It seems the army is closing in and I sent my messengers to all the villages now. They will be here shortly," Sesshomaru said as he went back to his desk.
Kagome had a shocked look on her face as he said that and Kagome thought she would pass out from the news. So the army was close now and her village would be safe at last. She knew now that Sesshomaru could protect them, and she was starting to know why he didn't come when danger was near the first time. He was actually trying to rid the world of Naraku, but he also made the mistake of leaving someone irresponsible in charge. However, who was she to judge when she knew she wasn't perfect herself and now she had that ultimate dilemma with him. "So how long will it be before they come to the castle?" Kagome asked as she was getting excited now that the shock was gone. "They will be here within a few days and until than everyone will be busy and I'm afraid our little endeavor will have to wait until later," Sesshomaru noted as he glanced at her. Kagome crossed her arms over her chest and muttered "Thank kami for that..."
"What was that?" Sesshomaru asked, now looking at her head on. Kagome looked away and said "Nothing Lord Sesshomaru..." "Than please excuse yourself and get dried off. I can see just about everything and you don't want another... what was it you said again? Unguarded attack? Well maybe next time I'll let you know what I will do "Sesshomaru stated as he looked down at his papers once more. What he wouldn't do than to tackle her right there on the floor before the fire and strip her bare. He could practically see her full form with those wet clothes clinging to her like it was melded to her skin. Before his thoughts could travel more, he heard Kagome give out a frustrated grunt and move quickly out the room with the door slamming behind her. The door although wasn't given the mercy that his desk received. The door splintered and cracked as it slammed against the frame and now that had to be replaced.
Kagome was grumbling as she strode down the hall, now aware of how she looked. She covered herself as she almost ran down the corridor until she got to her room. She slammed that door too but with less anger as she got herself dressed in dry clothes. Kagome decided to eat her meal there and think once more like she did more and more often. He was insufferable and a cad to boot, not to mention his uncanny way of unraveling her like a beaten rug. He was so confusing at times, because sometimes he would be angry or upset, than the next he was teasing or taunting her. She could never pinpoint exactly what he was thinking or why he did some of the things that he did but it unnerved her. Kagome wanted to know more about him for some odd reason and after she had that conversation with Rin, it still wasn't enough. She knew he could be kind and soft, but also cold and angry.
He thought women changed their emotions too much but what about him and his emotions? Sesshomaru should take a good look at himself before he made the assumptions of others and Kagome almost had enough of trying to figure everything out. Nevertheless, he was right about them going to be busy and she would devote her time to preparing for the arrivals. They needed all available hands to prepare the rooms, the living areas, and even the grounds would be used for encampments. Kagome knew that the rooms would be saved for the aristocrats and than once the rooms were filled than the ballrooms, than after that the grounds on the estate. She wondered where they would get all the food to feed these people but she mused that perhaps they would try to bring their own to last for a little while. But traveling light was expected in these times and she knew that the people had to make haste in their travels. With her lingering thoughts on the upcoming events, she was actually able to push away what currently happened that day.
