Chapter 4

Who Are You, Really?

They stepped into the courtyard, Kagome's long skirt trailing a little on each step. Sesshoumaru wondered what she would look like in white. He shook the thought out of his head quickly. This was not the time to be thinking of such things.

Even though it was near winter, there were all sorts of flowers in bloom. Hues of blues, pinks, reds, and yellows were everywhere, surprising Kagome once again. There were even a few rose bushes. Not his favorite flower, however. Those were in his own special, extremely controlled room of the house. It was always the perfect temperature in his private garden (that no one knew about). It had taken years upon years, but he'd figured out by sense the exact temperature they thrived the most at. He smiled just for a second as he thought of the gorgeous little things; Camellias.

What a name it was! It matched the beauty of the flower exquisitely. Not even native to Japan; he'd had them specially sent here from contacts out farther West who had shared with him the beauty of these flowers.

He heard something and realized he was still in the company of Kagome. He shook his head and resumed his natural face. "Oh, good! There you are. You really spaced out." She smiled sweetly, then started shifting nervously. "Um...cou...could I m-maybe..." She stopped. He raised his brow urging her to go on. She took a breath. "Could I help take care of the flowers? Maybe pick some and put them in vases?" She held her breath as he "considered". Of course he was going to tell her yes. She looked so at home here amongst the flowers.

"Very well." Her eyes lit up and she nearly hugged him, then remembered her place, backing away and bowing low.

"I...uhm...um...I apologize." He was silent. She glanced up, only to see faint amusement twinkling in his eyes. "Wha..." was all she got out. He grabbed her hand and whisked them away to the camellias. It took her a second to register that they'd run (basically) to the top of the tallest towers she'd seen earlier. All around were adorable, beautiful, white flowers. "Oh wow...! What are these?"

"Camellias. A long time ago, a lord even farther West had brought some as a gift. They fit my home so well that I decided I must have some," he replied. "As for now, I will conclude this tour shortly. I have business to attend to." Kagome nodded, still staring at the flowers. "You may see them anytime you wish. Do not let Rin or Jaken up here, however." Her eyes shimmered with thanks and happiness. The rest of the tour included walks through the two separate ballrooms, the library, the hallways, the dining room, the kitchen, the foyer, each tower, and ending with the final tower. (These are fairly wide towers think more of an extra floor.) "And this is your room." He opened the door. "My own resting place, as will as Rin's, is not too far, should you require anything." She nodded again and he disappeared.

She took in the room.

Another stained glass chandelier. On the roof, a large mural depicting a silver haired man in a field of...what were they again?

Camellias.

"Oh. My. God." The sun hit the chandelier, throwing color upon color upon the mural, making it seem as if the camellias were painted in many colors. The purple crescent upon the man's forehead shone brightly. "Ohhh...it's Sesshoumaru-sama. Well then. I...never took him for a flower lover...," she said aloud.

A figure not too far chuckled lightly. "'tis not just the flower. I am an avid appraiser of beauty. 'tis a wonderful thing, to be sure."

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One week.

That's all it's been. Kagome shrugged as she continued sewing her corsets. "My Lady, you do realize you may request another to complete this task...," Shiro said. They sat in the foyer, Shiro watching Kagome attack her task with vigor. She laughed, her eyes sparkling.

"Oh it's much too fun to do it myself! After this, is there anywhere I may train?"

"Yes, of course. The men are used to seeing at least one woman, though youkai, amongst their ranks."

"What fun..." Her eyes gleamed as she finished the stitching. "Turn." He did. She slipped it on quickly. "You may face me."

"White suits you, my Lady," Shiro said. "You look most wonderful!" 'Let's see our Lord not get entangled in this beauty,' he thought. 'Actually, that might just be the thing he needs..." He recalled the tour reactions. 'Well then...'

444444

After Kagome had worn herself out, she was escorted, nicely of course, to the dining room, where they feasted upon fresh caught fish and an assortment of fruits. She and Shiro laughed over the day's events as they were recounted.

"The look on Kenji's face oh lord!" Shiro howled with laughter as Sesshoumaru raised a brow. The two coughed and sputtered as they attempted to explain.

"Well... (pffft) being human, they were surprised to see me at the training grounds...when I shot an arrow, I missed; someone had moved the target visibly." Here she was more serious, then cracked up again. "One of your men, another lion, challenged me, betting that I would be unable to win. If he won, I would have to wear men's clothing, if I won, he would wear something I would craft myself." She and Shiro nearly fell they were laughing so hard.

"Kenji lost by a mile! So now (pftfHAHAHA) oh man...you should see it," Shiro finished. "Ohhh, Keeenjiiii!"

In came a lion, mane braided, tail flipping, adjusting the lavender dress, obviously pissed off. Sesshoumaru did nothing but roll his eyes and turn to Kagome, waiting for her to stop.

She wiped tears from her eyes as she calmed. "Tomorrow," he said, speaking shortly after the laughter died, "we set out for my Necklace. I have heard telltale trace of where it may be, and must investigate." Suddenly she was all business.

"Yes, my Lord." She pondered his many mood swings shortly, noticing the mischievous glint in his eyes as Kenji sauntered away, before returning her attention to her dinner.

Oh my god you guys are awesome :33 I'm sorry I haven't updated in awhile it just didn't occur plus some writer's block plus school...blah blah blah. So here's chapter 4! I'm thinking of writing another sesskag that I got an idea bubble for that I'm really excited about! Please let me know how I'm doing!

(p.s. I don't own InuYasha. Guh-doy)