Chapter 10: Can't Find the Words- Karina

~It's so hard to fight it can't help but feeling this way~

Alexis couldn't contain her mirth as she read the short text message she received from her new roommate and friend.

'Going out to lunch. Be back later!'

Although she didn't know whether or not the raven-haired Miko was actually going out with another person to lunch, it still excited her to know that she was doing something out of her norm. She was so glad she did her hair and makeup today too! The girl was absolutely gorgeous and should be beating these guys down with a stick to keep them away. Honestly, if she were in Kagome's shoes things would be different. Well as far she could tell. Kagome was honestly one of the sweetest people she had ever encountered in the scope of her life span and it gave her hope for the free world. With all of the violence, senseless killings, and bad media going around giving everyone the blues, it was nice to see that there were some people left with a heart of gold.

Twirling her pencil, between her pointer and thumb, she half-listened to her professor drone on about financial analysis and accounting figures; she however, could only wonder why he chose to go full rouge and keep both his bushy beard and mustache but shave his head. It didn't help that patches were beginning to form in certain areas of his head as well; maybe that was the reason he shaved.

Still why not shave it all off? 'Go hard or go home' she thought cynically. In the midst of her critic of her accounting professor she felt her hairs stand on end and someone staring intently at her. Annoyed that someone was staring at her in the first place she tried to ignore it and concentrate on the professors' choice of wardrobe. Instead, it seemed that the person whose eyes were locked onto her form wouldn't relent and the feeling of their aura weighing down on her annoyed her further. Growling lowly, she whipped around to face the idiot who stared at her so intently and almost faltered.

Almost.

The demon before her looked American. His sandy blonde hair was spiked in a stylish up-do, on his neck a black chain that looked almost metallic glistened in different areas, his dark blue button down shirt was open and revealed a white plain t-shirt that meshed well with his black ripped jeans. Despite his great taste in clothing, she struggled to contain her drool when she turned her hazel eyes to his deep green ones.

"Is there a problem?"

Her teacher spoke loudly, clearly annoyed. She suspected it was because he knew about her inside opinion of his appearance, but brushed it off as impossible. The hottie-what she deemed the staring demon she was just drooling over- merely smirked in her direction.

Turning around to fully face her professor, she smiled brightly, "No problem Professor. My new friend here just had a question and I was attempting to answer it for him."

She didn't necessarily mean to bring the guy into this but something about the way he smirked made her want to challenge him. She watched as the teacher looked back and forth between the two before settling his eyes on the hottie,

"What was the question that you deemed much more important than my lecture?"

Alexis almost choked on her own laughter, this guy wasn't serious. They weren't in high school anymore, what was the big deal?

The hottie leaned back in his chair, making the front two legs suspend in the air as he rocked back and forth, smirking slightly,

"Well Professor, while understand that your lecture is important, I couldn't hold back from asking my uh...new friend here, if she enjoyed herself last night"

The entire class erupted into a cheer of "ooh's" as they looked at the foreign couple glare at one another. Alexis' eyes widened a bit at the idiot's-formerly the hottie- omission and audacity. 'Did he really just-'she smirked deviously. If he wanted a war,

"Yes Professor, and before you came over I was beginning to tell him that I've had a better time on top of my washing machine."

The class erupted in laughter and more taunting came from a few guys in the back. The professor on the other hand was not amused.

"Both of you! Out! I will not condone this obscene behavior! Out!"

The idiot simply shrugged grabbing his books and strolled out of the classroom, while Alexis stood flabbergasted, her mouth open as she watched her professor point towards the door repeatedly. Flipping her hair, she grabbed her books and backpack and strutted out of the classroom.

She wouldn't be too concerned with being kicked out now.

No, right now she wanted to know what the deal was with that American boy.

As she soon as she walked out the classroom she saw him leaning a nearby wall; apparently he was expecting her. Slowly she walked towards him. His eyes followed her every move. It was weird. He seemed enchanted by her yet annoyed at the same time. She knew she was in mix between the two. She had never been kicked out of class on anyone else's behalf and it was frustrating. She usually never let anyone get to her.

She was but a few feet away from him now and she readied herself to give him a tongue lashing about his inappropriate comment; however, she was caught off guard when he rushed up to her, hands around her waist and kissed her deeply.

She honestly didn't whether she should swoon or slap him. She didn't even know the guy!

But his scent was magnificent, his hands were everywhere, and his lips were delicious. She moaned as one of his hands reached down to squeeze her buttocks harshly and bit his lip in reprimand. Never had she ever felt something so exhilarating; her first time hadn't even been this passionate. Her heart beat was rapid, her beast was close to coming to the surface and then like it never happened it was over.

His lips and hands were gone in a flash, leaving her feeling cold and alone. She looked to the spot he once was and was almost disappointed to see that he had left her high and dry. She wanted to scream, but most of all she wanted to see him again and give him a piece of her mind.

~Boy, I don't know what to say to you~

The walk to the café was quiet and comfortable as usual. Anytime she was with him, they seemed to step into a silence that left her both completely satisfied and extremely curious at the same time. She wanted to ask him so many questions, yet she didn't want to overstep any boundaries either. Her mind, however, was running a mile a minute and once again she fought the battle with her lips to keep them from moving. She didn't understand why she found herself so tongue-tied around him. Although, she guessed it was because of their…moment…earlier that left her speechless.

She supposed it would be normal, to be so flustered after such an e ncounter. She had never experienced anything quite like that before and wished to speak with Alexis and Bankoutsu about the whole ordeal. Maybe then she would understand why what happened happened and how to go about making sure it never happened again.

Looking over to her silent stoic companion, she remembered how hazy those golden orbs had become as he looked at her, how penetrating and open they had been as they started seemingly into her very soul. She shook her head, ridding herself of those thoughts. She really needed to stop thinking like this.

He probably wasn't even thinking about it and here she was acting like she had a crush. She didn't, did she? Giving her companion a once over, she wanted to moan in despair at the realization. Of course, she was crushing on him. He was gorgeous, strong, an amazing listener, and a good friend. She wouldn't be surprised if he had a girlfriend already.

'No surely he would have mentioned it. Inu Youkai mate for life after all.'

Before meeting him, she was very interested in learning about all youkai and their cultures. She obtained about ten books altogether that listed the different type of youkai, what's appropriate for their species and their love life. She was surprised to find that the Inu Youkai were the most likely to remain with one female or male for the rest of their lives and rarely took lovers or mistresses. She figured it had something to do with the natural loyalty that comes with dogs.

"Miko"

She jumped, at the sudden silky tone of his voice and realized that they had come to a halt and were at the café.

The café was called Hanashoubu. It was small and quaint but the hussle and bussle that went on inside, and the line of people told her that this place was the talk of the town. She wondered why she never heard of it. She looked to Sesshoumaru and noticed that he was looking at her expectantly.

"Come Miko, you require food"

She nodded, and once again fell into step with him. She was anticipating a long wait but was shocked and mildly surprised when Sesshoumaru walked directly to the front of the line, ignoring the other bystanders. Whispers echoed amongst the crown and words that she heard all her life began to spew like venom from their lips.

'What is she?'

'Surely a demon like the one next to her'

'What's up with that ridiculous hair!?'

'That chick is weird'

More and more patrons began to comment and more and more she wished she could sink further into herself and disappear. How embarrassing was this? Even more so since she knew that Sesshoumaru's hearing was amazing and that he could hear ad whisper and breath taken by anyone within miles.

It was soft, but she could hear the subtle growl that emitted from the Daiyoukai and was about to suggest leaving when a small stout woman, with grey hair, huge glasses, wearing a red and white priestess garb came to the front to greet them.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, to what do I owe this pleasure?"

The woman was visibly old, and looked as though she would keel over at any moment; however, there was a subtle blue glow about her that rose Kagome's eyebrows.

"My companion requires food."

Sesshoumaru spoke evenly trying not to let the mindless chatter about the girl rile him up further. Apparently, society had nothing better to do.

The old woman looked at Kagome for a while, staring at her then walking around to gaze at her form.

"She is human and a miko. How shocking young prince that you would be accompanied by her despite your well known hatred for my kind" The old woman spoke mockingly. Apparently the two were old friends, seeing as though instead of anger Sesshoumaru's eyes were light and filled with acceptance,

"You know as well as I do that I no longer harbor such hatred for your kind in general; just a chosen few."

The woman nodded smiling, "Indeed. Still, this is the first time you've brought a woman with you, what be ye name child?"

Kagome's eyes widened as she looked at the woman before her. She recognized her vaguely but she couldn't quite put her finger on where she had seen her before, "Higurashi, Kagome"

The old woman's eyes widened drastically, and she looked back and forth between the two,

"Daughter of Kira Higurashi?" with a nod Kagome confirmed the old woman's suspicion and a smile broke out on her face, "Why I haven't seen you since you were but a toddler! My what a beautiful woman have you grown into" The old woman gushed her eyes holding something that made Kagome feel comforted in her presence,

"Do I know you?" She was confused. She had never seen the woman before but apparently she knew her mother.

The old woman smiled, "I am Kaede Hiroshi sister to your grandmother Kita Higurashi. I be ye's great aunt."

Shocked Kagome, furrowed her brow, "So, did you know my father?" Surely if she were her aunt she would have met him at least once in her lifetime. She waited and watched as her aunt sighed shaking her head silently and felt her chest grow heavy,

"Unfortunately child, no one but your mother and her father knew your father. Your maternal grandfather, Takeda Hiroshi, was livid when he found out what he did to your mother and did his best to keep you away from him. The only thing I know of him are the many stories that carry the legend."

Try as she might, she couldn't hide the sheer disappointment she felt at the confession. She still had no clue as to who her father really was or the life he lived. She wondered if he really loved her mother. 'I wonder if he loved me.'

Sesshoumaru watched as the young Miko turned her head away in disappointment, her sadness molded with her scent making his nose twitch in agitation. He didn't know why her sadness bothered him but he needed to make her stop. Luckily her aunt seemed to catch on to her sudden sadness,

"Don't ye worry child, from what your mother told me your father was a great man with a troubled past. In due time you will learn more I'm sure." Kaede said patted the young woman softly on the shoulder. She felt for her really. She remembered those nights that Kira had come to her home, crying about how Kagome had been beaten and bullied at her school for being the daughter of such a monster. It was not the child's fault how she came to be, just as it was not Kira's fault that she was in love with him.

It seemed though that the young lord had his niece's best interest at heart too. The last human he had taken a liking to was his young ward Rin and her death was heartbreaking for the Daiyoukai to say the least. Yes, that little girl had changed him dramatically whether he believes it or not. She was his hope and he was her savior. It was still strange, however, to see him interact so comfortably with a human even still. If she wasn't sure, she'd say that the young Lord had taken a liking to the Miko.

She was no match-maker but she could see the aura around the two and was shocked to see that Sesshoumaru's had unconsciously wrapped around her niece's aura to comfort her. It was endearing yet it could in badly as well. Kagome was certainly not the match made in heaven that the Youkai council seeks.

However, if that was what the Kami's had in store,

"Tell me child, how were ye able to charm the young lord? Surely it wasn't just your beauty-

"Miko, perhaps we can divulge in questioning after my companion has had her belly full." Sesshoumaru was growing quite irritated with the old Miko. She had a knack for pointing out things were there oblivious to others and the last thing he needed was for her to give Kagome any ideas. Sure he would agree that he believed the Miko to be attractive, but he didn't need her to know that.

"Oh but of course. Come child, I believe I remember that you loved Oden correct?"
Kagome smiled and the growl of her stomach caused the older woman to laugh, "Let's get you settled in. I have your regular booth open Sesshoumaru-sama and do not worry about payment this one is on the house"

Sesshoumaru only nodded. He learned over the last few decades that there was no arguing with the old hag. So he went along and was ushered to his favorite table before seating. The Miko had a star-struck gaze as she looked around the café. Since Kaede was a priestess her café was dedicated to the life of the Warrior Priestess Midoriko original holder and creator of the Shikon No Tama. There were bows and arrows here, sutras, and erbs there and multiple scrolls and readings that held quotes from some of the greatest spiritual beings in the feudal era. It was amazing.

"Would ye like a cup of tea?"

Sesshoumaru couldn't help but stare as Kagome smiled, her full pink lips spread in an upwards curve that made him appreciate the beauty that she really was. Gone, was the shame that she felt at their arrival and in its place a sense of comfort and a bit of nervousness. This scent was much more tolerable than her sadness.

"Yes please and thank you Kaede-san"

The old woman waved her hand, "It's no problem dear. Lord Sesshoumaru?" She looked at him expectantly, noticing the lingering stare he had on her niece. Oh yes, it wouldn't be long at all.

"Hn. Tea is fine"

"I'll be right back then"

Kagome smiled at the old woman, pleased with finding a new relative and also being in such a magnificent place. She couldn't wait to tell her mother about running into her aunt and also asking why she never knew Grandpa Tanaka never told her that she knew her father. It was strange but she honestly felt as though her mother was keeping something from her and she was determined to find out what it was.

Right now, however, she felt her heartbeat pound viciously against her rib cage when looked to the Daiyoukai that had become one of her closest friends. He probably didn't know it but she was eternally grateful for him and his acceptance of her. She had read in those books that he hated humans at one point but it all changed when a little girl-who he saved with Tenseiga- began to follow him around his lands. She wanted to ask about her, wanted to ask why his hatred for humans used to be so strong, but most importantly she wanted to ask why he stayed by her side.

Once again, the urge to bombard her with the questions that filled her head rose with a vengeance but she couldn't. She just couldn't find the words.

Shaking her head she willed herself to let it go. Instead she focused on her developing crush that just wouldn't go away. She had to admit that from the moment she saw him, her heart had felt weak. She realized that this crush was developing into something much deeper because she had never felt this way around anyone else-not that she really had the opportunity to. Most of the guys that she encountered either only wanted to humiliate or to have sex with her; no one was interested in getting to know the real her.

She didn't know how he felt either but something told her that he was not interested in using her. He had more honor and much better things to do than play with the heart of a freakish Miko with daddy issues.

Still… it didn't stop her feeling the way she did. All she knew is that when they were together no one could make her feel the way he did and she just knew it wouldn't end well. A Miko and a Daiyoukai? Even in today's society the union would be a scandal!

"Miko. How many times must I tell you to stop doing that?"

Looking up to the Daiyoukai she felt her cheeks heat up in a flush, "Ano, gomen-nasai Sesshoumaru-sama"

Sesshoumaru looked at her, fighting his beasts urges to comfort her and shook his head. She was a shy thing he would admit, but his instincts were telling him that there was a spitfire located deep within her. She had a spunky attitude he knew but she chose to keep it dormant. He believed it was her solution to remain calm during the years of humiliation. He wanted to question her about it, engage her in conversation that only he would be able to enjoy but there were too many prying eyes and open ears. If she were to tell him anything it would not be in confidence. Others would judge her, much like they already do, and she will not express her true self with that knowledge.

Maybe he should have taken her to his home.

'Take her'

He wanted to growl at his beast thoughts. 'The girl is not mine to take'

"Miko is mate'

He wouldn't get anywhere with this and he knew. His beast was irrational and ran purely on instinct. The young Miko could not be his. He would never allow her to be his.

'Then why do you linger? Why do you stay by her side if she was not meant to be ours?'

Sesshoumaru frowned, 'This Sesshoumaru is simply curious'

'Deny it all you want master. Miko is mate and she will be ours.'

Choosing to ignore his beast, Sesshoumaru instead focused on the girl who was now biting her bottom lip nervously. He briefly wondered why she was so nervous when he realized what kind of setting this presented. He assumed she had never been asked out on a date let alone to lunch with another male before and she was nervous. He could hear her heart beating frantically and her scent fill the air with Sakura and jasmine.

It was more than pleasant.

"Here ye are. Two cups of tea, Oden and Kobe beef" Kaede said happily breaking the silence that engulfed the two. She dropped the plates in front of their respective owners and walked away silently, noting how cute the two of them looked together. If Takeda knew that his granddaughter would have taken a liking to a Daiyoukai, the old fart would be rolling in his grave.

Kagome smiled gratefully thanking her aunt before grabbing her chopsticks and digging in. Sesshoumaru fought the urge to smirk at her behavior, knowing that if she were aware of what she was doing she would stop immediately. She was hungry and the Oden that Kaede prepared was delicious.

He would not ruin this for her.

Instead the two sat in a comfortable silence as they ate.

Neither having the need to speak but instead enjoy each other's presence, never noticing the pair of dark blue eyes that watched them closely.

So...yeah. We've got some progress. They aren't going to fall in love in a day but eventually they will get there. There is a lot of things that they both must find out and understand before they can reach relationship so I hope you guys stick with me. I will updating faster wince the semester is over and i have wayyy more time to write so expect a new chapter every week. BTW could anyone guess the two Disney movie relevance in this fic? lol