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.7 Ridiculous Romance
It was about mid afternoon when Kagome finally woke up and she stretched leisurly like a cat from a nap. "Finally your awake," a voice resounded through the room. Kagome almost jumped up from her bed and looked around to see that it was only Sesshomaru. "What are you doing here? You scared me," Kagome scolded as she tried to fight back a yawn. "I see that even scaring you doesn't wake you up. You slept like the dead when I tried to wake you up this morning, so I let you sleep in." Kagome just nodded and said "Well I was up for a very long time and I suppose I was just tired." Sesshomaru smirked at that "You earned the rest. You did a lot more than I even planned on you doing." Kagome looked at Sesshomaru and asked "What do you mean?" Sesshomru walked to the bed at this time and sat down on it "You know exactly what I mean. My study is amazing right now. No paperwork for once in over six months. I've been trying to get caught up all that time and within days you and Kujo did it for me."
Kagome blushed at that and replied "Well you did have a lot of it done already. We just finished it and we created a system so that you don't fall behind again." Kagome was practically beaming because she didn't expect to hear a compliment from Sesshomru about his study. She didn't even think he would of looked there already. He was a busy body and was always on top of things and he was a good leader. Sesshomaru just looked at her and sid "I think your system works and I thank you for it." "And Kujo?" Sesshomru sighed "And that catomite as well." "Don't sound so sour about it Sesshomaru. He's still my servant and I expect him to be treated just like everyone else," Kagome stated as her back straightened out with haughtiness. Sesshomaru just grouched and muttered something about gay men and their disgusting habits. Kagome heard what he said but was not inclined to start an arguement this morning. To change the subject Kagome asked "So what is on the agenda today?" Sesshomaru almost smiled than and said "I thought that until I get word of the Army and it's where abouts that we could just have a free day today."
"Wait you don't know where the army is?" "No. They scattered after the battle so we have to determine their where abouts. Besides this gives me the excuse to laze about for once and heal like my nurse told me," he countered with mischief in his eyes. "Oh really? Well who is this nurse that I need to know about? Should I wallop her for taking away my duties?" "Now that just sounds like a jealous female" Sesshomaru stated. Kagome chuckled "Jealous? Me? Never." "Liar" Sesshomaru said. "Prove it! I'm never jealous, especially over a dog like you," Kagome said in a teasing tone. "Since you put it that way, I suppose you don't want breakfast?" "You wouldn't dare take away my food" Kagome countered as she took the blanket off her.
"Wouldn't I? This is my castle and I will do whatever I please."
"Well then don't expect your paperwork to get done."
"There is none today so you can starve for all I care."
"Tomorow then... it will just pile up, and what about all the rest of my duties?"
"I can push them on someone else."
"Than what am I suppose to do? Laze about?"
"That was the initial plan."
"Not until I get my food, then I will laze all day with you."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
Sesshomaru grinned at their little excersion and he found it to be fun to taunt and tease his little Miko. She probably felt the same way as he did. It kept them on their toes and quick with the mind. He liked it when Kagome got sassy or witty with him because it created a challenge that no other female dared to play at. They were all docile whores who just wanted something to talk about in the gossip mill but Kagome was for real, and she was more than any of those women by far. She meant something to him and it was getting a little clearer to place, but still fuzzy. He would take what he could get for the moment and enjoy it.
Before his thoughts could wonder he heard and abrupt rumble coming from yonder belly. Kagome blushed under his scrutiny and got embarrassed from the sounds that her stomach were making. "I guess you're hungry." "I told you I was," Kagome grumbled out. "Stay here, get dressed and I will be back with a tray of food." Before he left out the door Kagome called out "Don't you dare bring jam or you'll get it!" Sesshomaru turned and said with a knowing smile " And what about the honey?" Kagome's blush deepened "You found that?" "Actually a servant did and asked me why it was in a planting pot. I knew exactly who it was when the servant asked me. If I remeber correctly I think you were mad at me at the time and wished to ruin my meal." Kagome looked away and said "Can't recall."
Sesshomaru just shook his head as he grinned and left the room to go fetch the morning meal, or in this case afternoon meal. When he was walking down the hall with a tray in his hands the people of the castle were wondering why he was doing such a menial task as carrying a tray. That was a servants job, and even though he knew that and saw the stares, he didn't care, but with a quick growl they scattered about to do their tasks for the day. Sesshomaru had a feeling that this day would be a good day for him, that is what he thought anyway. Kagome was dressed when he did return. She decided to wear an emerald kimono that reached to her knees and she had a light over coat of a lighter green.
It was getting colder now and she wanted to stay warm. Kagome ate at her table and Sesshomaru indulged himself in some tea as he waited for her to finish. He already had the day planned out and he wanted to make sure that Kagome had a good time with him. Sesshomaru led her out to the garden because soon it would be too cold and the flowers and trees would wilt to hibernate for the upcoming winter. The blossoms on the sakura trees had already gone and the leaves that replaced were now a deep green with some tints of yellow to them. Kagome still couldn't beleive how long she had been at the caslte. It felt like she lived there her whole life, yet she was only there a short time. It was amazing how time flew by like a falling star.
In the midst of their walk Rin happened to pop by and walk with them for a bit. She picked what flowers were left and made a flowered crown for Kagome, which was the perfect size for her. The flowers were white and pink with the green vines lacing them together and it just made her out fit complete, which Sesshomaru had a new adoration for now. He kept looking at her instead of the scenary and Kagome noticed. She chose that Kimono because it was one of her more subtle ones, yet it was enticing with the color. Kagome still loved him and she had to wonder why she was so wishy- washy with her mind towards him when it came to the more intimate nature. Kagome mused that it was probably because of Inuyasha. She was scared to love again and have that person get taken away.
She began to feel like he wasn't after her now for a goal, but that he might be genuinely interested in her as a person. He seemed to really like her and appreciate her for what she has done for him, but if she were to give herself away then shouldn't it be through marriage? But how could she expect him to marry her? She was so low in the social ladder that it would be impossible, but yet here she was right now. What did that mean to the both of them? Her head was hurting from all those thoughts and thank goodness Rin happened to be there to occupy here long enough to where her mind couldn't drift too far.
"Rin be a good ward and get Jaken to start your lessons for the day," Sesshomaru said as he looked down at the ten year old. She was starting to grow and she was already past his waist line. If she kept up the growing than she would be even taller than Kagome, but Kagome wasn't all that tall either and that is how he liked her. Rin whined a little bit and said "But Lord Sesshomaru this Rin hardly ever gets to see you." "Now Rin you have your lessons during the week and your time off during the weekend. You have taken an extra hour during your lunch and need to finish them for the day," Sesshomru said as he knelt down to talk to the girl. Rin's bottom lip quivered "But... but..." Kagome knelt down with Sesshomaru and said to Rin "Rin your Lord is right and you had fun in the garden with us today. We can go ahead and have dinner tonight together once all your studies are done. You only have two more classes right?" "Y-yes, but Jaken is so boring to this Rin," She said tight lipped. "I never liked school either Rin but you want to be a lady right? You want to make your lord proud right? Now go to your studies and we will all have a nice dinner together."
Rin just nodded and replied "I do want to make my Lord Sesshomaru proud of me and I want to be a lady. You promise we can have supper together Kagome?" Kagome smiled and looked at Sesshomaru who nodded to her for confirmtaion "Yes Rin I promise, now go before I have to change my mind." Rin smiled and did as she was bade. In all the time that Sesshomaru was gone Kagome had a close relationship with Rin and she liked to be with the little girl. When the girl was gone out of sight the two stood up and looked at one another. "Kagome you're amazing with children."
Kagome shrugged her shoulders and said "Well Rin is easy to get along with and I love her dearly. I also have a little brother, so I had a lot of practice. I would like to have my own children one day and be a mom, but that is neither here, nor there." Sesshomaru inquired "So how many pups... I mean children, do you plan to have?" Kagome smiled at the reference of 'pups' and said "I don't mind 'pups' but I don't want so many to where I can't spend time with my mate. I would say about two and with Rin would make three. I mean I just think of Rin as my own so I couldn't help but add her. But two just the same. An older boy and a younger girl," Kagome shifted her eyes so that she didn't have to look at Sesshomru. She couldn't believe she just added Rin to her family, which would insinuate that she would be with Sesshomaru. Now she did it.
Instead Sesshomaru said something that completely stunned Kagome "Rin is easy to get a long with and I know what you mean about her being like another one of your children. Me, I would like about four of my own. I want four to take over the four points of Japan so I can dethrown those other dogs who are incompetant in their ways." Kagome grinned at him and said "I know you don't mean that." "Don't I?" Sesshomru asked. Kagome gave him that look and remarked "I know you better than that. I know you adore children and if they were your own you wouldn't want them to start a war, especially when peace brings more profit to you. Your father was never a warlord and neither are you so get over it." Sesshomaru just ground his teeth and admitted defeat this time around. Kagome took his silence as a sign of resignation and she smiled at her win.
They continued to walk through the gardens and they talked about serveral things, about their families, their interests, and hobbies and just got to know more about one another. At some point and time they reached a small grove of trees. Most of the fruit were picked off and the last few were almost ready to be picked, and some were ripe at the moment. Sesshomaru took a couple cherries from one of the trees and popped one in his mouth. The sweetness engulfed his senses and he enjoyed the sensual taste it gave him. Kagome saw him indulge and before she could ask for one he put one in her mouth. "Are they not sweet? The cooks are preparing dessert tarts from the cherries that were picked yesterday. It's one of Rin's favorite treats," Sesshomaru said as he saw Kagome chew on the piece of fruit. Kagome nodded "It is sweet and so good. Can I have another one?" Sesshomaru smirked and said "You can have one if you can take it from my lips."
The trees were too tall for Kagome to reach any of the fruit on them without climbing the branches and ruining her dress. Sesshomaru was tall but he was an obstacle that she could over come. Sesshomaru put the cherry between his lips and he beckoned for her to come forth and relinquish her prize. Kagome did the only thing she could and that was jump on him. From a distance it would of looked comical as they lost thier balance and how Kagome was able to land right on top of him. She straddled his hips and bent low to retrieve the cherry for herself. Kagome took the cherry and bit into it knwoing the juice from it would spill onto her lords mouth.
She ate her portion while Sesshomaru ate his and as she predicted, the juice was covering his mouth. Kagome licked at the sweetness on his lips and she sucked on his bottom lip to make a point. Sesshomaru layed there and allowed her to torture him, but when she sucked on his lips he had to react back or he would lose it. When she was about to pull away her kiss Sesshomaru's arms came around her back and flipped her to where she was on her back. She looked up at him and asked "Is this going to be a trend?" "Kami, I hope so," He kissed her and she responded with more ease this time and when they thought they would of reached heaven they were dragged back to Earth.
The guard cleared his throat to try and get his lord's attention. "Lord Sesshomaru?" The guard said. Sesshomaru's shoulders sagged and he looked back to growl at the man. "Go away and come back later you menace" Sesshomaru growled out. The guard jumped back but held his ground "But my lord I have important news about the Gates of Hell." Sesshomaru sighed and said to Kagome in a low murmur "Sorry my dear but this will have to wait." Kagome just shrugged her shoulders at that because there was nothing neither of them could of done to continue their little excursion in the grove. Sesshomaru helped Kagome up and he straightend out his own Kimono. He ran his fingers through his hair and said in a mean tone "Out with it man because I think I just lost my patience." The guard trembled at this moment and said "We j-just heard from the s-scout that the Gates of Hell are about two days away from the castle." Sesshomaru waved for the man to leave and he muttered a curse under his breathe. "Damn it!" He swore more loudly this time.
Kagome heard what the guard had said and before she could say anything to console Sesshomaru he walked off. Kagome was quick to follow and asked "So I guess dinner is out of the question?" Sesshomaru stopped and gave her a pointed look "No, dinner will be cancelled and I'll be leaving at dawn." "Not without me you're not. I'm coming with you this time" Kagome said in a haughty tone. Sesshomaru scoffed at her and began to walk off once again "I don't want you going. You're the person in my contract to take over my estates. If we both die then what?" Kagome chased after him and said "Kujo can take over! He's just as reliable as me and I'm not leaving your side again! I'm going with you or so help me!" Sesshomaru grunted as he looked over his shoulder "I don't think so and I think that will be the end of this discussion here and now." Kagome ran in front of him and put both her hands on his chest to stop him. He stopped his pace and looked down at Kagome, who had a determined look on her face.
"The discussion will end when we both agree it's ended! I don't want you to go alone... I won't let you... I won't let you fall in the darkness like you did in my dream! You hear me!" Kagome's lower lip quivered and she looked down to where her face was hidden. "I don't want to see you hurt again. I don't want to have to worry like I did before, every single day that you were gone... and I don't want you to die... you can't die..." Her hands that were on his chest clentched the loose cloth and she buried her face close to him. Without notice she began to cry and her body shook uncontrollably. Sesshomaru grabbed on to her shoulders and held her closer to him. He smoothed out her hair that now reached her hips. "I can't make any promises, but please trust me that it will all turn out alright." Kagome than looked up at him, her cheeks streaking with the tears that were still coming forward. "I don't care if it will turn out alright! I-I have to be there w-with you this time!" Kagome cried out as her eyes glistened with the salty tears. Sesshomaru sighed "If you come with me then you better stay close the whole time or... I don't know anymore..." He hugged her and for some odd reason she didn't stop her crying for a long time.
After crying for so long Kagome quieted down and she hiccuped a couple times from the overexertion. She was letting her heart out for all to see, even him. She rubbed her eyes after a moment and said low "I-I'm sorry." Sesshomaru lifted her chin up to him and dabbed her cheeks with a cloth he had and said "It's ok. Are you alright now?" Kagome just nodded her head as she sheepishly clung to the side of his kimono, and they walked side by side until they reached the castle. She felt like she still needed his support but she knew he had to keep appearances, at least inside the castle in front of all his subjects and servants. She felt like a child but feeling all that emotion just set her on edge and she didn't know how to react, and now she doesn't even know how he's thinking of her. She knew she wasn't a weak person, but now she showed him all her worst fears, which in turn made her feel useless. They headed straight to their adjoining rooms and Kagome immediatly began packing. She didn't know what to say to Sesshomaru but she would wait till he talked to her.
After what seemed like hours her light packing was done and her armor was set out for the morning. It was already getting dark and it was past Rin's bedtime. Sesshomaru probably explained to her why they had to miss their dinner date and sent her to bed more than likely. Kagome wasn't exactly hungry but she knew she had to keep her strength up for the battle the next day. She was a little jumpy about the battle because she had never really been in one of this calibur, nor has she been around an army. Only the one she trained for such a small time and that reminded her of Regan, the pup that said he loved her. She didn't know why she thought of him in that moment but he just seemed to pop in. Now that she recalled she hadn't seen him since that day in the study.
She saw the other pups who would say hello to her in passing and some even winked at her or sported a grin. Maybe Regan was avoiding her because of her denial to him, which she felt bad about, but she had her duties in mind, and now she was in love with Sesshomaru. That cancelled every other man out of her life. The only man closer to her than Sesshomaru was Kujo but she knew he never had an attraction to her because of his sexuality. She was in the middle of her thoughts when she heard a knock on her door. She jumped up slightly and said shakily "C-Come in." The door opened and it was Sesshomaru.
He slightly smirked and said "Aren't you going to make a comment about my manners?" "Thank you for knocking," Kagome said in a quiet tone. Sesshomaru knew right than that there was something wrong with her and he needed to know why. It was now an instinct to make sure that she was alright. Kagome was folding up some clothes that were washed that evening by her maid. She was trying anything to avoid Sesshomaru because she was thouroghly embarassed and also distressed about earlier that day. Her heart was beating fast as she was thinking of what to do or say if he talked to her. She hoped he would turn around and leave her to brood in peace, but her luck never lasted for long. "Kagome what's bothering you?" Sesshomaru asked as he saw her hands speeding up with the clothes, making the folds messy now. He stepped behind her and grabbed her hand before she could reach for the next cloth. "What's wrong Kagome?" He asked again. "I-It's nothing," Kagome answered as she tried to step away from him. Sesshomaru slightly growled as she tried to push him away. His hand tightened at her wrist and he saw her flinch. He turned her around to face him and her eyes were still red from crying before. "Don't tell me it's nothing Kagome. I won't stand for lying. Now tell me before I have the nerve to punish the informaion out of you," He didn't mean for it to sound like that but he was frustrated because he couldn't tell what was wrong with her. Kagome's eyes shifted and she bit her lower lip "I'm not lying. I just don't want to talk right now."
"Your going to talk with me and tell me what's bothering you."
"Why are you so persistant?"
"Because I just am."
"I don't want to hear that, why do you care so much?"
"Because I want to know why your feeling this way. I don't like seeing you like this."
"..."
Kagome diverted her eyes from him and she just didn't know what to say to that. He seemed so tender and kind to her that he must want to be with her because he wanted to be. She wasn't a goal, she wasn't a prize, she was just Kagome and maybe Sesshomaru saw her as just Kagome. She knew that deep down that is how he thought, how he wanted it to be. Sesshomaru bent down to try and get her to look at him and before he could say anything Kagome stepped on on her toes and kissed him on the lips. She went back on her feet and looked at him with sorrowful eyes that made his heart melt. "Sesshomaru... I... I..." Kagome than shut her mouth because she was about to say she loved him but she couldn't get the words out. Something was stopping her. "It's ok, I understand Kagome" He than cupped her cheek and bent low to kiss her tenderly and show her the love she craved. he was gentle with his kiss and it became more aggressive as Kagome became more responsive. Sesshomaru sighed under his breathe as the kiss broke and saw that Kagome wanted to talk now. Maybe the kiss is what she needed to get courage back into her.
"Sesshomaru... Lord Sesshomaru..." Kagome quivered out. "I think we're past the lord part now Kagome," Sesshomaru pointed out. Kagome blushed "I'm so sorry for what I did earlier today. I shouldn't of cried. I feel so bad about it and embarassed and you must think of me as a ninny now. I know that I could of controlled it and I have been for years, but the thought of you dead..." Her body shook when she defined him as dead "I couldn't bear it. I would die if I found out you didn't survive!" "Was that all Kagome? Is that why you were so hesitant in talking with me?" Sesshomaru asked. Kagome nodded. "Your so silly my little Miko. You're coming with me now so don't worry. We'll put Kujo in charge and we'll head out in the morning." "You mean it, with Kujo that is?" Kagome said in a hopeful tone. Sesshomaru sighed "Yes I mean it." Kagome smiled at that notion. "Now if you'll excuse me but it is past all our bedtimes. Sweet dreams my lady" He said as he took her hand in his and kissed it. He moved out of the room with one last glance at the doorway before he closed the door. When Sesshomaru left Kagome's face beamed with a smile. She just couldn't get it off of her face and she held it there for the longest time. She was being silly but she had her reasons for acting like that. She lost almost everything she cared about before and to do so again would be hell for her. Kagome would trust in him because she loved him so much and she would be by his side, even if it meant the end to it all.
Sesshomaru went into his room and he had one more errand to do before he called it a night. He already took care of Rin and he explained to the little girl why they had to miss dinner that night with her. Grace her heart, she understood and wasn't the least bit cross with him. Although reading her a story was repentance enough he thought, considering that he never did those nanny duties... ever. So in the end Rin was a happy child and went to bed without any squabble in mind. He also thought to visit Kagome and wish her goodnight to make sure that she was feeling alright. He wanted to be with her all night but he had so much to prepare for before the night waned. Sesshomaru already had one of the servants pack his items up and he had his armor brought up from the armory and set on a rack in his bed chamber.
He would don it in the morning before they departed. His last excersion before the night was out was to seek out Kujo and let him know that he would be in charge and he would have Jaken stay behind this time as well, since he was taking Kagome. Not to mention Rin would need someone to be with her. He was wondering the halls for several minutes and he couldn't find that blasted catomite anywhere and it was starting to get on his last nerves. He didn't even know where the man's room was and he didn't care to even go into that domain. So what to do now? He had to figure it all out and this was the reason why he hated last minute agendas.
He didn't even speak with the man since that last time before he departed to rid the land of the army. When Sesshomaru ever did bump into Kujo he just merely ignored him, or just got business taken care of. He didn't like to spend too much time with the man and he felt it was better if he didn't. Right when he was about to call it quits he saw Kujo coming out of the library. He was probably doing some late night reading but he thanked the stars that he was able to find the damned bastard before the end of the night. Sesshomaru caught up with Kujo and said "Kujo I need to speak with you for a moment." Kujo turned to face him and he didn't looked please to see him. "Let me guess, the study?" He asked.
Sesshomaru nodded "That would seem appropriate for this matter at hand." Kujo followed him and said "So I'm guessing this is important?" "The man guessed right," Sesshomaru stated as he opened the door to his office. Kujo glared at him, but he didn't say anything. Kujo was about to sit down but decided to ask "May I sit down or do you want to sanitize it first?" Sesshomaru just grunted and said "Just sit your ass down and listen up, I wish to go to bed soon. I also don't want your antics tonight or any disrespect because I'm in a fowl disspostion this eventide."
Kujo did as he was bade and knew that this had to be important for the lord to act in this manner. "Alright than please continue." "I need you to take care of my office again and some other things as well. I'm having a document layed out for you in the morning. I have things for Jaken to do as well because he's staying behind." "You've lost me. What exactly is going on?" Kujo asked. "The army was found again and this time Kagome is coming with me on her request. I would rather she stay here but I couldn't talk her out of it. So your the last person that I can trust with this because not even Jaken got involved in my paperwork." Kujo crossed his leg over his knee and leaned back "I see. So what do I get out of this?" "The happiness of your lady should be enough" Sesshomaru said. "Usually it would be but you're asking me and I would like some payment as compensation this time because now I'm doing double the work." "I said Jaken would be there to help" Sesshomaru stated.
"I want to choose my own helper if that wouldn't be too much to ask. He is reliable, smart, and I feel like he could do a good job as my partner," Kujo said with a smirk. One of Sesshomaru's eyebrows arched and asked "And who is it that you want as your partner?" "Glad you asked! I would like one of your soldiers from Kagome's old squad to be here to help me. He doesn't know much about battle and has no real interest in it. He would rather work in the castle with me but I didn't know how to ask without sounding completely rude about it," Kujo explained with great calm." "What's his name?" Sesshomaru questioned. "His name is Talloway,"Kujo answered.
This time Sesshomaru leaned back and he knew what Kujo wanted and why and he had to digest it quickly, or he would become increasingly upset. "So let me get this straight, you want me to allow this Talloway to become your partner? Is he anything more to you? Better tell me now before I find out later," Sesshomaru remarked with great control. At this definant point Kujo blushed "All cards on the table? Well yes he means a lot to me, but him and I never did anything because I know he belongs to you. Talloway told me that you bought him off from auction when he was a slave, and you made him go into ranks as a soldier. He hasn't liked it since and we just happened to talk is all. That's why I would like for him to have better oppurtunities."
"So that's the truth. You want him to have a better future planned out and you want him as... dare I say it, lover? Am I right?," Sesshomaru asked, wanting the subject to end. Kujo nodded "I'm being honest here. I want him." "Since you have been showing me a lot more respect and since you chose to take on this task for me then I don't see why I can't just give Talloway to you. He's still a slave until you decide otherwise, because now you're his master. One thing I don't want to see is you two in your catamite ways around me, Kagome, or any pups that I might have. I don't want you influencing them in the wrong way," Sesshomaru than got out from behid his desk and looked on his shelves in alphabetic order and pulled out a scroll from the shelf.
He blew the light layer of dust off and took it back with him to his seat. It was Talloway's file. "I'm signing him over to you so make sure you hold onto this document for proof of purchase. I'll let Jaken know about the new recruit to the office work. At this rate I won't have to do any paperwork at all for the rest of my life," Sesshomaru could of smiled at that but he didn't. "Actually you would only have to sign the really important papers. We could indeed do all the rest. It would give you a lot more time,"Kujo replied with a smile of his own. Kujo expected Sesshomaru to be very against the matter but he supposed that the lord calmed down somewhat from their last long discussion.
"Don't ruin this for me" He grunted out. Kujo almost laughed at that. Kujo was so happy that he could barely contain himself and he had his lord to thank for this wonderful gift. Sesshomaru handed him the document and Kujo put it away in one of his pockets. "I'll tell Talloway in the morning after you leave. It will be the biggest surprise of his life and we will both be forever in your debt," Kujo remarked. Sesshomaru did smirk this time "Don't say anything you'll regret because I'll keep your gay ass in this office and have you work for me forever until you decide to croak. I won't even have to look at you for all that time either... like you never existed." Kujo flinched back "So I see that you still don't like me, and here I thought we worked all that out." "Well I'm still working out some bugs of my own, but feel lucky that I'm even complying to your silly notions." "Very true on that account, but there is one more thing that needs to be discussed before you Ieave"said Kujo.
"What pray tell would we need to discuss now?"
"Kagome..."
"What about her?"
"This will be her first real battle against a force this big."
"What?"
"It's true. She did fight Naraku as you know, but this is on a whole other scale."
"I tried to convince her to stay behind but..."
"She won't be in the way. I promise she won't. Just trust her to be there with you and she won't let you down."
"I'm not worried about that. I'm worried about her getting hurt."
"I have that fear as well but don't let it cloud your mind. She has deep feelings for you and would do nothing to jeapordize our success."
"Is there something about Kagome that your not telling me?"
Kujo smirked when Sesshomaru asked him about that because that meant that he was interested in their little Kagome. "Well if you would just observe her then maybe you would see what I'm talking about with her feelings and all. Just the way she looks at you could break another man's heart because of the jealousy it would ensue. Other than that, I'm not going to divulge any of my lady's secrets." "How would you know something like that, unless you two talked," Sesshomaru pointed out. "She never told me anything on what I just told you. I just merely observed her myself and came to the conclusion," Kujo admitted.
Sesshomaru grunted "I don't commend you and your spying." Kujo actually smiled at that "It's kind of hard to spy when it's out in the open the way you two usually are, which brings me to one more subject before I call it a night. If you decide to take my lady as a lover would, then I hope you would do right by her. She deserves the best and she deserves to be treated right. After all she has been through, our lady needs someone who can love her, care for her, and be a good mate. Our village would agree on this because without her we would of been lost." "What makes you think I would take her as a lover," Sesshomaru asked, knowing the answer to this already.
Kujo laughed at that "We all know you like our Kagome, so there is no use in hiding it. Not to mention you stated something about us catamites being around your pups, and if I recall Kagome was in that same sentence." That time Sesshomaru did blush because Kujo had been intently listening to his every word. "What I do will be my business Kujo," Sesshomaru said as he got up to go. Kujo got up when Sesshomaru did and said "Thank you." "For what?" he said. "Calling me Kujo. That means you're not too mad at me at all, and my lady will be most pleased with me to know that I'm doing a good job for her," Kujo stated. Sesshomaru growled and his eyes turned a red hue. Kujo stepped back. "Don't assume anything. Just because I'm allowing this doesn't mean that I like you. I just want Kagome happy and I don't want to hear complaints from you because that means I would have to talk with you and look at you. This conversation is long enough to last more than a few months. So just stay away from me and do your damned job." He marched out the door and slammed it. Kujo breathed out and muttered "Nice talking with you too dog."
Sesshomaru walked down the hall in a hurry because he was more than done with this for the day. He just wanted to go to bed, but with that conversation lingering in the air he had a lot to think about. He should castrate that human for even talking about Kagome because now he wouldn't get any sleep at all this night. He would think about her and think about her some more. He was already doing just that, already considering her to be a good mate for him. He stopped when he got to his door, his eyes wide. Where did that come from? Kagome as his mate, but what about love? "What about it?" Sesshomaru growled to himself as he opened the door to his room. Wasn't that what he was experiencing this whole time? Isn't that why it was so easy to be around Kagome and wanting her so much? Sesshomaru believed that he lusted after her, but not for any of the wrong reasons.
She is more then that to him. She helped him out in so many ways that he couldn't list all of her feats before him. Sesshomaru layed back on his bed with a heavy sigh and wondered how Kagome felt about him. Until he knew he didn't know if he could move on with his life. That is when Sesshomaru sat up. She was important to him and dare he think it... love? He shook his head and kept it out of his mind. Love was a myth and it would remain so. You could care for someone, but love was going beyond his emotional control at the moment.
It was before dawn when Kagome woke up from her fitful sleep. She had been tossing and turning all night long thinking of Sesshomaru and the battle that would commence in a day or two. She admitted that she was scared but she couldn't let that deter her from her goals. She had to make sure that the man she loved was taken care of at all costs. He had to live to make sure that everything on his lands would run smoothly. If she were to perish then that wouldn't be such a big blow to the people. Maybe her people, but they needed Sesshomaru. He was after all one of the major lords of Japan.
Even his father had a history that reached all four corners of the large island and that was something to be commended on. Kagome tore the covers from her as she let out a large breathe of air. She knew she wouldn't be able to sleep anymore and dawn was less than an hour away. No sense in delaying the inevitable. Kagome put on her battle kimono, which was short in length to give her room to move around on, and it was fashioned after the wolf demon tribe. She put on her armor which consisted of the shin plates, arm plates, chest armor, and knuckle guards. She had some daggers that she strapped on her leg and her faithful bow. Once she was sure everything was strapped on tight she made her way out of her room with her pack.
Kagome stopped at her door. She dropped her bag and decided that maybe she should check on Sesshomaru to make sure he was awake. She knocked on the door that adjoined their rooms, but there was no answer. Kagome knocked once more but still nothing. Kagome opened the door with silence and the room was still dark. The sun was just barely starting to rise, but certainly not enough sun to wake anyone up. Kagome moved to the bed and saw a lump under the covers with silver hair spilling out from the top half. Kagome stepped up to the said lump and nudged it. "Sesshomaru, wake up," She said gently. "We have to get ready to go."
All she heard was a groan and a simple toss of his body. The sheets came loose and his face was now showing. He had such an innocent look on him and she hated to wake him up in a mean way, but they did have to get going. She would of kissed him but she didn't want to deal with his insinutations this morning. Kagome shook her head and than yanked the top blanket off "Sesshomaru! It's time to wake up!" Sesshomaru growled and said "Stop being so loud." "Sorry but the sun is starting to rise and Kagome is here to wake you up. Besides the faster we get ready the more time we have to get something to eat," Kagome pointed out as she yanked the sheet this time. Now all his covers were off of him and he was left topless with just his pants on. Sesshomaru opened his eyes and scooted to the edge of the bed. He groaned as he tried to wake up.
Kagome got a concerned look on her face "What's wrong?" "Tired" He said simply. "Tired? What'd you do all night?" Kagome asked. "Tossed and turned. I couldn't sleep," He than stood up and stretched out and the sound of his spine popping. He ran his fingers through his hair and walked to the bathroom to take care of his business for the morning and what surprised Kagome is when he came out of that restroom. He had his long hair put into a high ponytail. She never saw him with that hairstyle before. He looked more rugged and more dangerous that way and it made her hair stand on end. When he lit a lamp she saw that in the corner was a stand holding armor that didn't look like his from before. She was curious as to why he was changing his appearance. "Sesshomaru, why is this armor different, and your hair. I never saw it like that before." He gave her a solemn look "The armor was my father's and this hairstyle was his as well. I decided that this battle will go down in history and that I should be remembered as not only Lord Sesshomaru but also the son of a great leader, Lord Taisho. My father was a great, strong warrior and after you talked to me about him, I have a better appreciation for what he did, so this is in honor of him, my family, and myself." Kagome just nodded and gave him a little smile.
Sesshomaru was about to get his under shirt on when Kagome stepped up to him "Please Sesshomaru, allow me to help you with this armor. I would be honored if you allowed me to dress you before this days battle." Sesshomaru nodded to her and allowed her to get him prepared for the day. She got his first layer of the kimono on and than the second, all a brilliant white. She delicately tied all the straps in such an intimate way that Sesshomaru could feel her emotions through the fabric. He took Kujo's advice and looked at her eyes as she dressed him. The devotion, the sensuality and the love showed so deeply that he felt his heart melt and he knew right then and there that Kujo was right. She could break a man's heart with that look, but not him, because that gaze was for him alone and she only looked at him in that special way.
He kept staring at her, waiting for her to look at him, and he wondered if he had that same look in his eyes as well. Kagome got the armor plates and strapped those on with ease and she was so devoted to her task that she didn't even care if Sesshomaru was staring at her. She knew he was because she could feel it, but she had to show him that this was important to her too. Kagome got his sash and pulled it around his waist. She was tying it in a bow like he used to when he was in his normal garb. She knew that his swords would be the last things strapped on but that would be added right before they left, so she lingered on the sash as she pulled the loop through. She made the bow and fixed it to perfection.
Kagome stepped back and with the double shoulder spiked plating that was prominant with Lord Taisho's stories, Sesshomaru looked like a legend come to life. The admiration in her eyes were shining and all her emotions just showed right there on her face. She still couldn't believe that she was in love with the lord himself, this legend of a demon that just made her feel special. Sesshomaru groaned inwardly as he saw her face light up with what seemed like joy. He stepped up to her and all she did was look up at him with a smile that was more than certain about him. He met her in a kiss that wasn't rough, or deep, but it could be described as sensual, slow, and delicious to the taste. Sesshomaru lightly brushed his lips with hers and it was the most romantic kiss she could ever want. "I wish we didn't have to go to war today," Sesshomaru said in a whisper. Kagome grinned "For once I'm inclined to agree with you." "I like it when you agree with me," Sesshomaru stated. "I won't agree with you all the time you know." "I wouldn't dream of you ever agreeing with me more than three times out of a year,"He said with sarcasm. Kagome huffed out "Now that's just an exaggeration. Now if you don't mind, some breakfast would suit me just fine."