Chapter 10 - Sesshomaru Steps Into the Ring
Kagomee laid in bed, staring out the window, wondering for the hundredth time how she ended up in her current situation. Her body felt heavy and useless as the days events weighed down on her. She had pretty much agreed to go into battle with Sesshomaru to fight a battle that was entirely on her. Who would have thought, such a reasonable man could just bypass diplomacy so easily. She was starting to see the family traits between him and Inuyasha. She sighed loudly and pushed her head into her pillow.
She closed her eyes again trying to find the memories and dream buried under all the other stuff floating around her mind. However, all she could see was Kouga looking at her without a single ounce of regret. All she could feel was his lips pressed against hers' trying desperately to convey the love he felt for her. She opened her eyes trying to erase the images. She sighed loudly and noisily rolled onto her side.
After another ten minutes of restless shifting she abruptly kicked her blankets off and pulled her body into a sitting position. She put her feet on the floor and debated laying back down. It took her all of five seconds to decide to give up on sleep. She stood up, smoothed her hair down, and quickly re-braided it. She didn't put any extra clothing on. She didn't even bother putting on shoes. All she could think about was what her mother taught her years ago. Her mother had always read to her when she had had a bad day. She told her that escaping your reality, your problems, with books often helps you gain perspective. There was something about getting lost in the characters problems, and always thinking their problems were so easily fixed, that made your problems seem a little smaller.
Without another thought she quietly went to the door and looked down the hall to make sure she as the only one awake. She felt like such an intruder lurking around someone's home so late at night. She practically ran down the hall trying to remember exactly where the library was. Luckily, she only got lost twice.
Once she got to the library she felt him. The moment her hands landed on the door she could feel him in the room. She didn't want to deal with him in the slightest, but she wouldn't be intimidated by him either. She would get what she came for and be on her way. She squared her shoulders and opened the door completely unaware of the fact that the moment she felt him, he had felt her.
He thought she would turn the moment she realized he was there. He kept his eyes closed and his breath calm as he listened to her attempt to remain quite. He could hear her foot steps as her bare skin slapped quietly against the floor. He found himself incredibly relaxed as her scent swept through the room and assaulted him in citrus and flowers. He sank further into his chair as he heard her small intake of breath.
She tried to not even look his way and she walked straight for the book she wanted, but her eyes were naturally drawn to him. She meant only to glance at him, but was stuck the moment she saw his eyes closed. He was asleep at his desk. Suddenly, she was sure that she knew what had kept him up. She slowly moved toward the desk hoping to see what he was working on. Instead of the papers, her eyes found his face. He was so beautiful as he slept. His markings seemed to stand out harshly against his face, that seemed softer and paler, as he slept. His entire body leaned into his chair forgetting his painfully strict posture for once. His hair fell over his shoulder and the back of his chair. She could practically see him flicking that hair over his shoulder. She realized she was starring and quickly looked down. She didn't even realize she was in front of his desk. She looked down and there she saw that it was indeed her war that was keeping him up. She wanted to wake him up, but found that she really just wanted to touch him just to make him feel her apology.
Her scent was drowning him. He could feel his entire body relaxing and his mind finding it easier to slip into unconsciousness. She was so close he could hear her heart beat, and her foot steps, as she bravely walked around the desk to get closer to him. He could feel her power radiating from her anticipating any move on his part. He found her awareness comforting for some reason. He could feel the heat rolling off her hand as it reach for him. He could feel something maternal about the way she was reaching out and wondered for a moment if she would actually touch him without trying to hurt him.
She had no idea what she was thinking, but she couldn't stop herself. She needed to feel him while he was so peaceful and unguarded. She didn't want the only contact they had to be while they were attacking each other. She had to know that he was soft somewhere under all the hard and cold. Her hand suddenly found his face and she froze. Her fingers were lightly resting on his cheek and she could feel his velvet skin under her touch. She could feel his strong jaw under his skin and the firmness of his face that seemed to be a common theme with the rest of his body. She could feel how he seemed to melt into her touch, although she was sure that was in her mind.
It wasn't in her mind though. The moment she touched him he melted. Her touch was so gentle and caring that he wondered how any man could walk away from it. Everything about it was inviting. He allowed himself a moment to just take in her tiny, soft hand on his face. However, she couldn't really think that she could just come in and lay hands on him all she wanted.
She felt him tense a split second before his fingers were wrapped around her wrist. Her heart almost jumped out of her chest. His eyes were open and he was holding her hand in the air over his desk. She just looked at him, looking at her, trying to think of something to say.
"...Sorry!"
"Do you make a habit of touching people while they sleep?" He slowly released her hand.
"Wha...NO!" She stumbled back slightly from the loss of pressure.
"Well good because you are terrible at it. You are louder than loud."
"HEY! I was just coming to get a book! Why aren't you in bed?'
"I have a kingdom to run with or without sleep. And with war on the horizon sleep is almost entirely out of the question."
"Oh...I am sorry...about everything," she kept her eyes on the floor.
"Hn. Well, go get your book so that I may get back to work."
"Do you want me to help you sleep?"
His only response was a lift of his eyebrow.
"Well...my mom used to read to me..."
"Hm I see."
She felt like an idiot. She tried to step away from him, but he reached forward and grabbed her wrist again. She was trying to get away, but he needed her stay right where she was. He needed her to see that he would stay true to his word and treat her life she mattered.
Her eyes sought out his face wondering what he was up to, but in his eyes she saw nothing cruel or angry. She relaxed in his grip and waited.
"Is this your way of being cordial?"
"No, it is my way of trying to help you find some small sort of comfort in such a crap situation...I'm trying to help you."
"You are being kind...to me?"
"Well, yes, I guess I am," she gave him an uncertain lopsided smile.
He was filled with satisfaction. She seemed content simply to be around him and not be fighting with him. He would indulge her story reading if it made her content in his presence. He was sick of feeling like the villain in his own home.
"You may read if you like," he released her wrist.
She quickly reached out and grabbed his hand, "Thank you."
She felt as if touching him made everything more honest and more real. His hand was so unlike Inuyasha's. Sesshomaru's were bigger, but slimmer. They seemed too soft and clean to have ever touched a weapon, but she could see the callouses on his fingers. Inuyasha's hands were all callouses, scars, and dirty fingernails. She slowly released his hand and stepped away from him with a shy smile. He immediately missed her warmth.
She walked to the shelf and quickly found a book of poetry. She had no idea what a man like Sesshomaru would normally read, but she loved poetry. She turned back to his desk and saw him watching her. Her face grew hot and her eyes quickly found the floor. She walked back to his desk and sat in the small chair in front of him. She gave him a quick smile and began reading. Within seconds she forgot where she was and who she was reading to. All she knew was the words on the page.
He watched her grab the book of poetry and was slightly surprised by it. He wouldn't have made her for a poetry kind of woman. Poetry wasn't his favorite, but she had chosen a very good writer. He resumed reading through the stack of papers on his desk as she began reading. Her voice was rather sweet when she wasn't shouting insults at him. Her voice rose, and fell, with perfect timing along with the words. The words in front of him disappeared as the words flowing from her mouth took over his thoughts. He watched as her face fell into a pretty frown as she began reading a love poem.
"...and if I shall wake up, and your gone, I will not cry, and neither, I suspect, will you. Our time together was worth the pain..." her voice caught in her throat as tears flooded her eyes.
He knew she was thinking about Inuyasha and it annoyed him. Even after his death she loved him so fiercely. She was a loyal creature to say the least.
"Please, move on to the next," he spoke softly, but with authority.
She turned the page, but didn't continue reading. He watched as her tears hit the page. He just wanted her to be content for a little while before this war. He leaned forward and brought his hand for her face. He gently rubbed away her tears with his thumb. He felt her freeze under his touch as her eyes frantically found his. He could see her trying to understand what was happening.
"I can see that you have not talked about him," he sounded bored, but his hand lingered on her face.
"I can't," her voice cracked.
"You love him still."
"...yes."
"Why?"
"Because...he was the first man I ever loved. He was brave...kind..."
"There are many kind and brave men in this world," he lied.
"He was the only one name Inuyasha," his named fell like a whisper from her mouth.
"Why do you allow your love to hold you prisoner?"
"Love is powerful. One doesn't control love...love controls you. Love does not disappear simply because the person does."
He sat back taking his hand with him, "Perhaps you should be the poet."
"Perhaps," a small grin came and went.
"You will move on eventually," he tried to sound comforting.
"How do you know?" She sounded slightly hopeful.
"With time, the pain fades as do the feelings. They do not disappear, but they are replaced by stronger ones."
"...How do you know?"
"I have lost before," he sounded cold again.
She knew he was telling her to leave it alone, but she went on, "Who?"
His eyes narrowed at her. He hadn't spoken of his mother since the day she died. The thought of her still caused his heart to tighten, but perhaps it would help her to move on.
"My mother. She died after Inuyasha was born."
Her curiosity beat out her shock, "How?"
"She was murdered. I was young still and now I am not. End of story."
She knew he was done, "I am sorry."
"Hn."
They sat there in silence and then something occurred to Kagome.
"Who did YOU talk to?"
"No one. I was young, but I was still a man. Demon's do not offer mourning periods for men."
"That's awful..."
"From your point of view yes, but from mine it is normal."
"Did anyone comfort you?"
He laughed at her, "Now, you are being ridiculous."
He face fell into a frown, "Physical comfort is important to the healing process. It is people offering you comfort in the most basic way."
"Who has comforted you Kagome?" Her named sounded strange coming from him.
"Kaede...Ken..."
"Ken? I am sure he has comforted you," his scarcasm didn't escape her notice.
"Not like that! He talks to me, laughs with me, and he...he makes me feel wanted in a world that has no place for me anymore."
He gave her a slightly offended look, "Have I not given you a place and a purpose?"
Her eyes went wide as she registered the anger, "Well...yes, but..."
"I have not tried to seduce you, is that it?"
"Sesshomaru, please..."
"I am not Ken, but I have tried to make you comfortable here the best way I know how," he sounded more flustered then he had in years.
He had no idea why he was defending himself, but he needed her to see that he was trying and that it was a big deal.
"I...thank you, of course," she sounded like a mother trying to comfort a child.
"Hn. What comforts does he offer you?"
"What..."
"Physical comforts."
"That isn't your business," she was caught completely off guard.
"Of course," he spat at her.
Somehow, she had managed to hurt a man that, up until now, she had no idea had a heart. She could see now that he had taken extreme measures to offer some sort of comfort in a situation that really offered her no comfort. She felt so guilty for treating him the way she had. He was cold and cruel at times, but that was all he knew. She had so easily forgiven Inuyasha for being a jerk all the time and...Kikiyo. Sesshomaru has said awful things to her, but he had also given her a place to live comfortably. Training her was his way of keeping her alive and giving her a purpose. He even showed concern for her mental and emotional state.
"I am sorry...I have been ungrateful," her eyes fell to her hands.
He didn't think she would actually apologize or even recognize her fault in the matter. He simply nodded his head at her hoping she would catch it while she was pointedly staring at her hands. She was a person who didn't like being in the wrong, but a person that was honest enough to admit it. Frankly, she was becoming more promising everyday.
Then she continued, "You are the bad guy and he was my hero. That was my reality until everything was taken from me. Everything changed so dramatically and now I am left with you and I have no idea what to make of it all."
"Am I so dreadful?" He rolled his eyes.
"No! You have been...kind in your way. There are times when you are more cordial then Inuyasha was. You have taken me in and I am so grateful. I just need to adjust to all of this."
"I see. I suppose the fact that I tried to kill you isn't helping."
She laughed, "Again with that humor of yours."
"I accept your apology and it won't be necessary to talk about this again."
"Thank you for talking to me. Inuyasha was flawed, but he was good. I miss him everyday, but since I've come here I have found that having something completely different to wake up to everyday helps. Sometimes when I look at you I think of him, but then I'm distracted by your fist flying at my face," she giggled.
He smirked at her, "That is good."
"Would you like me to keep reading?"
"I think it is time we attempt to sleep," he reverted back to authoritative tone.
"You're right."
She stood to her feet and went to pick up the book, but his hand stopped her. His large hand covered her hand and most of the book.
"Leave it. You may read it tomorrow."
She blushed sweetly at him and nodded her head. He moved his hand back and started to straighten his papers. She stood straight and turned from him. She took a step away and suddenly had a very stupid idea. She couldn't seem to fight it as she turned back to him. He looked up at her with a quizzical brow. She walked around the desk and stopped right in front of him. He turned in his seat and lifted his head to meet her eyes.
"My mother was a firm believer in hugs and so am I. Just sit still and shut up," she sounded like she was about to go into battle.
He couldn't bring himself to move as he watched her come forward and place herself between his legs. She hunched forward awkwardly and wrapped her arms around his neck. He could smell her hair was it fell into his face. He closed his eyes and let the moment happen. She was trying to convey every ounce of sadness that she felt for him and something more. Suddenly, he needed to feel more of her against him. He wrapped his arm around her waist and curved his chin over her shoulder.
She almost panicked when she felt him wrap his arm around her as he brought her closer. She tried to keep herself steady, but the angle was too awkward and her knees gave out as she fell into him. He scooted forward in his seat and moved his arm lower as he pulled her further against him. Her breath caught in her throat as she was forced to stand up straight. His head fell into her chest and her arms were practically wrapped around his head. There was nothing sexual about it, but her heart was racing. He was pressing into her as if he was trying to steal her warmth or trying to hide in it.
He felt young again as her small show of affection forced him to remember the pain of that day. He wanted to drown in her comfort and her warmth. He could hear her heart beating in her chest and he wanted to live his life to that beat. His arm wrapped completely around her tiny frame. Her simple hug was like a delicacy to a man who had barely even been touched since his mother's death. he rubbed small circles on her side with his thumb.
She almost wanted to cry. He seemed so desperate for comfort. Just moments ago he was firm and cold. It was as if the moment she touched him, he broke. She rested her cheek on the top of his head and smoothed his hair down. He was as broken as Inuyasha and she would comfort him just as she tried to comfort Inuyasha. Inuyasha had rarely embraced her attempts to comfort her. When he did accept her he did so gently, but awkwardly. Sesshomaru seemed to jump in head first. Kagome wanted to know everything that had ever happened to him to make him this way.
Just then he spoke, "My mother was the only woman to ever hold me. My father often yelled at her for coddling me, but she wouldn't stop."
Her eyes watered, "She loved you."
"Yes and she was the only one."
Kagome held him closer, "I am sure your father..."
"No," he stiffened against her.
"Sesshomaru..."
"No!"
He pulled away from her, but held her still. His face was hot with anger as he looked up at her. Kagome stood with her hands barely on his shoulders. What had she done wrong?
"That man married, and had me, simply to do his duty. He never loved me or her. He loved that whore and the half-breed!"
She cringed at his tone. She pulled her hands to her side, but his arm trapped her there.
"I'm..."
"To her I was life and to him I was a symbol of what a slave he was to his duty," he wasn't yelling, but he seemed just as loud.
"Sometimes its hard to be bound by fate and duty...he misplaced his anger..."
His face suddenly fell, "And you know about that don't you."
"What..."
"Now, you are forced to be with me and fight for me!"
"Sesshomaru...no," she just wanted to disappear.
"Fine! Go!"
He released her harshly and pushed her away. She felt like she was failing him just like every other person who had ever had to take care of him. She felt like she was looking at Inuyasha one of the many times he accused her of not wanting to be with him. She couldn't stand hurting him so deeply and unintentionally. She stood there trying to think of something to do to convey to him that she, for some reason, cared how he felt about her. She didn't want to be another someone who hated him.
"I like it here and I like you," she surprised herself when she realized it wasn't a lie.
She enjoyed sitting with him and talking to him. She liked watching his face as he talked so she could learn all the tiny changes that conveyed his real emotions. She loved the way he seemed to observe her and the way it felt whenever their bodies made contact. She even loved sparring with him. He treated he as an equal and expected as much from her as he would any other soldier. He made her feel more apart of something than she ever had with Inuyasha. They all loved her, but they knew she was different, soft, and they treated her that way. However, Sesshomaru wasn't convinced.
"Your lies aren't helping, get out."
Who would have thought he could be so emotional! She took in his face as his eyes dared her to leave while daring her to stay. He needed her to be different. She needed to be different. She had let Inuyasha's stubbornness chase her away. She wouldn't let Sesshomaru's anger do the same. She boldly walked back to him and placed herself between his legs again. She felt the stiffness and tension in his body as she reached forward. She held his face in both her hands and forced him to look at her.
"Don't you ever call me a liar again," her voice was almost too soft to hear.
He suddenly felt like a fool for acting like such a child. This woman was honest to the core and she was here with him now. She wasn't walking away from him or leaving him forever. She had been a staple in his home for the passed few months and he wanted it to stay that way.
"I apologize."
Just like that she felt like she was looking at Inuyasha. He always seemed to be apologizing to her. Sesshomaru's face fit so perfectly in her hands and she could feel the heat from his body melting into her. she honestly didn't even think about what she was doing before she pressed her lips to his. Inuyasha would have never allowed this.
Sesshomaru saw it coming, but didn't think she'd go through with it. He saw her lean toward him and her hands pulling his face up toward her. He allowed her control to see what she would do. Her lips pressed against his and he was lost to her. He had never been with a woman. He considered them wastes of time. They were without honor while they constantly threw themselves at him, like whores. Kagome was so different. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer. He pressed into the kiss and stole every bit of comfort he could from her.
Kagome was lost in his warmth and his taste. She wrapped her arms around his neck and tangled her fingers in his hair. She couldn't believe he was actually kissing her back! She couldn't believe the way it made her feel. The first time he had kissed her she thought she reacted the way she did because, well, it was the Killing Perfection kissing her. Now, she knew it was something more. Her legs turned to jelly and her mind fogged. Ken's kisses excited her and comforted her. Sesshomaru's kisses moved her; changed her. His kiss made her feel like a different woman and yet she felt more like herself than ever before. Kissing him was like coming home after being gone for weeks. It seemed so new, but it was familiar and natural. Her body curved so naturally against his as she sat on his leg and draped her legs over the other.
Sesshomaru wasn't satisfied by her position. His hand went to her hip then slowly went down her thigh. She was wearing thin sleeping clothes and he silently thanked her for it. He pushed the fabric up until her leg was exposed. He slid his hand to just above her knee and grabbed her leg forcefully swinging it around his waist. Naturally, her other leg adjusted by also wrapping around him. He put his hand to her lower back and pulled her flush against him. He felt her heart pounding and her sharp intake of breath. He took advantage and deepened the kiss as he explored her mouth. She tasted like a fruit he had never tasted, but craved all the same.
Kagome was almost undone by his hand sliding over her leg and forcing her into such a position. Then he slipped his tongue into her mouth. Now, she was ruined. She had never liked tongue. She had kissed few boys in her time, but they had all tried it and she had always avoided it. It was so wet and sloppy. She almost wished Inuyasha had tried. Then, she would have something to compare THIS to. It was blissful. They tasted each other so fully. Their tongues danced, or rather, fought for dominance. She pulled his hair to force his head back so she could dominate him. However, he was just as forceful as her head was forced back by his hand. Only he pulled her head further as he broke the kiss. She inhaled sharply, but it sounded more like a moan. He leaned his head forward and pressed his lips to her pulse point. He felt her pulse pound against his lips and smiled into her neck. She felt his smile and needed to see it. She used both hands to grab his face and force it in front of her face. His smile was perfect and he was devastatingly handsome with it. The man could win a war with a smile like that.
"You should smile more often," she sounded breathless.
Her voice seemed to bring him back to reality, "Hm perhaps if I had reason to do so more often."
They sat there starring at each other. His lips were slightly red and a small smile lingered on his face. Her face was red, her lips were puffy, and her hair was a beautiful mess framing the whole thing. He was perfectly aware of her purity and perfectly aware of how badly he wanted her. He needed to get away from her before he did something foolish.
"I think now would be a good time to retire to bed," he spoke slowly.
She was suddenly embarrassed, "Oh yeah! Of course."
She quickly stumbled to her feet and took a few steps away from him. She could smell him and taste him on her lips. She needed to get further away from him. She had never found any man so intoxicating!
"I will move training to after lunch," he sounded a little more like himself, but still slightly breathless.
"Okay...thank you," she didn't know what to say.
She turned and started walking toward the door. Just as she was about to step out she turned to him.
"You are nothing like what I thought...you are so much more," she whispered to him knowing he would hear her.
Her words were simple and plain, but they moved him in a way he didn't think possible.
She stood outside to door with her back to it. Her fingers lingered on her lips as she tried her best to memorize everything just happened. A huge smile spread across her face as she blushed at the fresh memory. She managed to get back to her room, but even then all she could think about was his hand running up her leg and his warm lips pressed against her throat.
Simply by his touch everything she had ever thought of him was gone. Every negative thing Inuyasha had told her was erased. All she saw was a beautiful man, with gifted lips, who shared her pain. He was a man who smelled like winter air and cinnamon. A man who was only ever loved by his mother. She could not longer find it in her heart to hate him.
He could no longer find it in his heart to ignore her. Her scent lingered on him as he laid in bed. He almost smiled when he realized her scent smelled fresher than he could remember, even when she was with his brother. It was citrus and spring time, but now there was the scent of approaching rain lingering on her. It was divine and he took it with him to his dreams.
…...
Ken stood over her bed as she slept with a frown as he handsome face. He could smell Sesshomaru all over her. Their breakfast was getting cold and the girl was still asleep. Nothing about this scenario was comforting him in the least. Especially, the delicate smile that was on her face. That smile that was drawn on her face with two slightly swollen lips. He knew something serious had happened between them.
Kagome could feel someone watching her. She opened her eyes half hoping to see Sesshomaru, but knowing she'd see Ken. Their eyes met and immediately her face grew hot. She knew what he could smell. Hell, she could smell Sesshomaru.
"Morning," she whispered.
"Morning," he called over his shoulder as he turned to the table.
"Sorry, I over slept..."
"Why is that?"
"I couldn't sleep. I went to the library to read a little..."
"Hm, who was there?"
"Ken," she softly warned.
"Was Sesshomaru there?"
"...of course, it is his office."
"What did he do to you?" His voice was so harsh.
"Ken, please!"
"His scent is all over you!"
"Don't make it sound like he attacked me!"
"Oh...so he didn't. I suppose it was mutual!" He was close to shouting now.
She huffed, "Oh, stop it! You sound like a jealous child."
He gave her a cruel grin, "May I assume that you reacted the same to him as you did to me?"
Her eyes widened and her hand connected with his face before she could really think about it. She watched as his cheek turned red and his eyes slowly blinked.
He knew he deserved the hit. He knew what he said was out of line, but he was pissed. He knew he had no claim on her, but he figured he would have more time before the dog made his move! He looked up and locked eyes with her. They both just stared at each other trying to calm down. Finally, he smoothed his hair back only to have it spring back into his face. He took a deep breath and tried again.
"I'm sorry, Kagome. You are a free woman you may do what you please," he reasoned.
"Ken, it wasn't like that...I mean...oh I don't know," she threw her hands up and they fell back into her lap.
"Do you not find me pleasing?" He gave her a ridiculous wink.
She almost sighed in relief to see him joking, "Shut up."
He became serious once more, "I will not give up you know."
"Great," she rolled her eyes and plopped herself in front of the table.
"Although it will be in vain," he smiled sadly at her.
"What? Why?"
"He already has you."
"Who says he has me!"
"Oh trust me darling, he has you. I don't know how, but he has you," he grinned at her.
She rolled her eyes and simply began eating. Ken watched her sadly. He wanted her. He wanted to wake up to a sweet smile on her face that he had put there. He wanted to protect her from a world that obviously had it out for her. He just wanted her, end of story. He could fight for her until Sesshomaru made a real claim and knowing that dog, he would wait just long enough for her to take a second look at him. He may win after all. He puffed his chest and began eating.
Sesshomaru knew Ken was already in her room. That was their routine. She seemed flustered. Sesshomaru walked to her door and froze there. What would he do now? Barge in and demand Ken find another woman to court. He had been practically courting the girl for weeks now and she seemed to be oblivious. He assumed the time travel he had heard about was to blame. She seemed completely unaware that Ken's attentions, and her reaction to those attentions, was a mutual courtship. He would put a stop to it. He knocked swiftly on the door.
Ken knew it was him. He quickly got to his feet and opened the door, "Morning, Sir."
"Hm. Sparring will be moved to after lunch, Ken. Now, take your food and find an appropriate place to eat."
Kagome's heart was beating out of her chest the moment he walked in. He was so beautiful! Him being there just made what happened all the more real. Then, he spoke.
"What is wrong with here!" She snapped.
Sesshomaru gave her a hard look, "This is your room not a dinning room."
Ken knew what was happening, "I have been taking my meals here for some time, Sir."
"And I am sure you have heard the rumors."
Kagome, who already had something else to shout, suddenly had nothing to say. She had no idea people were talking about her and Ken. She didn't even think about how people would see them.
Ken's back went rigid. He knew what they were saying and he knew Sesshomaru would know as well. He did not want Kagome to know. She was unaware of how they looked to other people because she was so innocent. He liked her that way. If she were to find out what people were saying she would be different around him. She was just that kind of girl.
"Of course, Sir. I understand," he tipped her head to Sesshomaru.
"...What are people saying?" Kagome sounded meek.
"Do not concern yourself with that. I will fix the mess Ken has allowed to happen," Sesshomaru kept his eyes on Ken.
Ken's eyebrows scrunched into a straight line, "I am sorry, Kagome."
"Ken, leave."
"Wait a minute!"
Both men turned to her.
"Who cares! I like eating with Ken! I hate eating alone in my room. I do not know those people and I could care less what they have to say."
Ken could of kissed the girl! She was so confident and stubborn. Granted, if she knew what people were saying, she may think differently. As he watched her cheeks turns red and her fists curl, he wondered if anything would change her mind.
"I will not have my home filled with gossip. I am not asking," Sesshomaru took a step closer toward her.
"That's bull! This is your house! Tell YOUR people to shut up and mind their own business!"
"Lower your voice," he commaned as his voice grew louder.
Ken spoke up, "Kagome, it is okay. You can just come eat with me in the kitchen."
"No, she can't. That will only give the impression that someone talked to you and you compromised. She will eat here. If she wants company she may ask Kira."
"Kira! Is that a joke? I haven't even seen here in weeks! That woman hates me," Kagome's voice was becoming strained.
"Kagome, calm down," Ken begged.
"Immediately," Sesshomaru added.
Kagome's eyes didn't leave Sesshomaru as she took a few quick, deep breaths. She wanted to punch him right in that perfect mouth of his. She had know idea what he was playing at, but he was pissing her off.
"Ken, take your food and go, please," Kagome talked as slowly as possible.
Ken looked at her nervously, "Okay. I will see you later."
Sesshomaru's slightly narrowed eyes in Ken's directions did not slip Kagome's notice. However, he seemed pleased by her dismissal of Ken. He watched as Ken grabbed a single apple and left the room in two strides. He was livid, but that could be dealt with later. The door closed and they were alone.
"You are rather loud in the morning."
"What the hell was that?"
"Your relationship with that man is inappropriate."
"I like him and I like the time I spend with him," she sounded like she was explaining something to a child.
Sesshomaru's eyebrow twitched, "Hn. Well, I am sure you can do that outside of your room."
"Why do you care?"
He closed the gap a little more between them. He looked down at her and just wanted to kiss her until she gave in to his demands. He knew it was not the time or place for such behavior. The look on her face told him not to push his luck.
"Do not worry about that."
"You can't run my life you know," she sounded a little softer, but still heated.
He was too close. He was clouding her senses already. She was struggling to keep the icy glare in place.
"If you want Ken just say so?"
He hooked a finger under her chin and tilted his head slightly. For some reason he had not even considered the possibility that she was interested in Ken. Suddenly, he felt something similar to panic in his chest.
She hesitatied a moment, "...get out," she turned on her heel and walked to her bed.
He smirked at her as she walked away from him. He was right, obviously. He watched as she sat down on her bed with her back to him. Her back was straight as an arrow and her arms were crossed. Her hair cascaded down her back distracting him momentarily. How he had managed to miss her beauty, he would never know. Now, as she was sitting there obviously not pleased with him, he couldn't ignore it. He wanted to turn her into the woman she was last night. He wanted to explain why Ken needed to distance himself. He wanted her to see that this was best. However, he couldn't tell her all that because he didn't even know what it meant. Would he court her? That would be a mess of epic proportions. And still, he could not even entertain the idea of her belonging to another man. He tossed his foolish thoughts aside and decided now was not the time. He would keep her where she was until he had time to deal with her. They were months away from war for goodness sake!
"I will be on my way then," his voice was smooth as velvet.
"Don't sound so pleased with yourself," she threw over her shoulder.
Author's Note: ALRIGHT! there it is! i really tried to read through this and proof read lol i am sorry if it doesnt show! i hope you all like it and please let me know! LOVE YOU!