Chie: Yes, I'm still alive and no, I have not given up on this fic and never will. I do realise it has been ages since my last update and that fact annoys me at least as much as it does you, my dear readers, if not even more. Having a writer's block is no fun at all. I'd have a lot to rant about this subject but after the long await I won't keep you any longer. Chapter eleven, どうぞ。Hope you like it.
Chapter eleven – The Belles of the Ball
It was early in the morning when Kagome came down the stairs, covering her mouth to hide her yawn. Her eyes were not even fully opened yet and her hair was a mess. It was something in this house that made her get up early, like she had done so many years ago. Ever since she and her mother had moved in with grandpa Higurashi to this shrine, she had been forced to get up early, to dress in her miko robes and had been sent to do chores. Grandpa had been grateful of his new little helper and she hadn't really minded helping him out at all. Kagome padded into the kitchen.
"Good morning, my dear", her mother wished as she spared a glance at her daughter, who was leaning against the wall right next to the doorway.
"Morning", Kagome wished back, yawning again.
"Kagome-chan, could you please go outside to sweep the stairs? My back has been aching as of late, it's just not as it used to be…"
"You might just as well go, dear", her mother encouraged. "Breakfast won't be ready for awhile."
"Don't worry mom, grandpa. It's not a big deal. I'll do it."
"You're a good girl, Kagome-chan…" the old man said on an affectionate tone.
Kagome smiled and turned around, going back to her room in upstairs to change her clothes.
Just for the old times' sakes.
On her way to the courtyard she could see how her grandpa's face brightened when he saw her dressed in the traditional blue hakama and white haori. She smiled at him and stepped outside.
It was oddly relaxing. She had done these small chores a million times before. She started to hum to herself as she was sweeping the stairs of the well-building, her thoughts freely wandering. It was like resetting her brain. Coming home for the weekend before the hectic week that was looming ahead had been a great idea. The party would be held on Friday night, there were only five days left now. Would they ever get it all fixed in time? And Katsuo-sama would be attending the party and they still hadn't made up. Kagome squirmed in anxiety. What would happen when they'd meet face to face with Katsuo-sama on Friday?
She heaved a sigh.
On Monday she would have to remember to go to pick up her dress. And Mr. Thornwell was coming to Japan on Wednesday evening. She'd have to negotiate and dine with him on Thursday. On Friday morning there would be a meeting with the Board of management…
But right now she didn't have to worry about any of that. At this moment she wasn't the young CEO of a leading record-production agency. This morning, here in Tokyo, she was nothing more than a miko of an ancient shrine.
About half an hour later Sesshoumaru came downstairs. His appearance was as impeccable as always.
"Good morning, Suzuki-kun", wished Mrs. Higurashi brightly, setting plates down onto the table. "Good timing, breakfast will be ready in a few minutes. Did you sleep well, my dear?"
"Yes, I did", he replied, inclining his head politely.
"That is good", the woman smiled. "Oh dear, Kagome's still outside. Could you please go to tell her that the breakfast is ready?"
"Certainly", Sesshoumaru replied with a quick bow and walked away.
"That young man has so good manners, don't you think, father? Kagome's a lucky girl."
Sesshoumaru stepped outside and spotted the woman immediately. Leaning against the doorframe he couldn't help a smile as he noticed what she was wearing.
"So you really are a miko after all", he muttered aloud, his voice bordering on amusement.
She startled at the low male voice coming right behind her back and swiftly turned to look over her shoulder.
"Sesshoumaru?" she asked, surprised to see him. Then she noted the amused glint in his eyes and her voice took a rather sour tone.
"Did you actually have something to say or did you come here just to laugh at my expense?"
"Does it look to you as if I was laughing", he countered, his face an emotionless mask once again. The tone of his voice wasn't quite as emotionless though, and that's why Kagome knew he was just messing with her.
"What is it then?"
"Madam, the breakfast is served. May I please escort you back inside?"
He even gave her a short, stiff bow.
She narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"What is this?"
"I am merely displaying some courtesy to a fair shrine maiden", he replied innocently.
"Did you hit your head or something?" Kagome asked, her voice sounding slightly baffled.
"Would it kill you to play along?" Sesshoumaru dryly retorted.
"The fact that you're playing at all, is sending chills down my back", Kagome replied sharply.
Sesshoumaru let out a dramatic sigh of a misunderstood person. Then he grinned.
"The food will grow cold unless we go in."
What an extraordinary mood he seemed to be this morning, Kagome mused. Maybe the ancient shrine affected his feelings and thoughts as well. Even though his playfulness filled Kagome with reserve, she was a bit glad to find out that the stoic man actually had a spark of humour in him.
"Kagome! Concentrate on what you're doing!"
Kagome startled awake from her thoughts to see that she had just almost sliced her own fingers.
"I'm sorry, Mom", she apologized.
"You're spacing out, dear. Is there something bothering you?"
The two of them were in the kitchen, preparing dinner. However, Kagome's thoughts were elsewhere, in a conversation she had had with Sango-chan a while back.
"Mom?"
"Yes, dear?"
"Do you think I'm scared?"
Mrs. Higurashi was puzzled.
"What do you mean by that, Kagome?"
"It's just… Sango-chan and I had this talk some time ago and she said she was a bit worried about me. She said I hadn't even tried to date anyone after it broke off between Inuyasha and me. I told her I had no time because of my career and all… And that's when she told me I was just scared. Do you think she might've been right?"
Kasumi gave her daughter an appraising glance. Kagome looked a bit disturbed and somewhat pained also. She thought carefully what to say to her daughter.
"I wouldn't know how you feel, dear. You know best yourself, whether Sango-chan is right or not. I just want you to be happy, Kagome. If you are happy as you are now, then that is enough."
Mrs. Higurashi hugged her daughter.
"Do not dwell on it, dear. And try not to cut yourself. We need to get this dinner made before the children grow impatient."
She watched Kagome closely as the girl returned to her task at hand. The older woman sighed to herself so quietly that no one else could catch it. In the quiet calmness of her mind she couldn't help but agree with Sango. Kagome had been so alone for far too long. If Kagome came home with a man, introducing him as the man she loved, Kasumi couldn't be happier. It was about a time she'd have some love in her life. But Sango had been right. Kagome was afraid. Inuyasha had broken her heart and left behind such great scars that Kagome had come to shelter her healing heart. She was afraid of it happening again. Trying to prevent the breaking of her heart she had become afraid of letting anyone close enough to hurt her like that.
Kasumi averted her eyes from her daughter and started to prepare the dinner.
Sesshoumaru sat in the train, staring out of the window. He was feeling rather gloomy. The reason to his bad mood was sleeping by his side, oblivious to everything. He listened to her quiet, even breathing and felt few silken strands of hair tickling against the skin at the side of his neck. He reluctantly turned to glance at her. She looked younger while she was asleep. Of course he had noted since the very beginning that she looked rather young to her age, but her intelligent sapphire eyes always carried a look of so much experience that revealed to everyone that this girl had more years upon her than it did seem. Now, however, her lids had fallen to hide her beautiful blue eyes from the view, her dark lashes curling against her cheeks in the gentlest touch.
She was beautiful. Sesshoumaru groaned to himself and swiftly turned away. He couldn't bear looking at her, not when she was tempting him, sleeping right by his side, leaning against his secure shoulder. She let out a small sigh in her sleep and he shifted on his seat nervously. He wasn't really comfortable with the way she was pressed against his side. It didn't help much to know that the woman would blush shyly and most probably feel ashamed of herself if she ever found out of her using his shoulder as a pillow. Sesshoumaru frowned. To be honest, the woman's proximity alone wasn't exactly the reason why he was feeling this concerned and moody. If he had his usual hold of himself, the woman's closeness would be of no concern to him at all. But the restrain he had put on his emotions always seemed to loosen up considering her. She was his weak spot, the only one, excluding Rin, of course. Rin couldn't be helped though, she was his daughter after all, his own blood and, Sesshoumaru grudgingly added, too adorable to resist.
Glancing at the woman from the corner of his eye, he was a bit shocked to realize that it was already too late. He had already broken the most important of the rules Hiten had taught him in the prison for his self-defense. He had been guided to form a cold, expressionless mask. He had been advised not to let anyone close. Getting too close would lead to his ruin. Sesshoumaru wasn't foolish enough to believe that he could've survived in this world all on his own. But forming alliances didn't necessarily require personal involvement. They were ties you could form without getting attached to your allies.
And now, he had got too attached. He had let someone see behind his cold exterior. A small persistent voice in his head pointed out that it would have been very difficult to have convinced Kagome to believe him to be such a cold person he pretended to be. The woman was too damn smart and too good at reading people for her own good. There was no way he could've labeled her as his 'ally' anymore. She was more than that: a friend. And in the back of his mind the small annoying voice insisted her to be even more than a friend to him.
His eyes were drawn onto her sleeping form again. She was smiling in her sleep. His heart clenched for a moment. In an amazed daze he watched how his hand lifted up to gently brush a few stray raven strands aside. Her skin was smooth and warm under his fingertips. An unexplained anger suddenly rose within him and he gained the control of his limb again, violently jerking his hand away from the sleeping woman.
It was already too late indeed.
Kagome stirred gracefully her hot drink, watching how a few swirls of steam danced on the surface before they escaped from the porcelain cup. She glanced up and studied closely the man on the other side of the cute, little round table, as he put sugar in his coffee with a frown on his face.
"It's nice to see that you're so happy to meet me", she said dryly.
He raised his gaze and looked at her in confusion.
"What do ya mean?"
"You're frowning. And you look kinda sour in any case."
"Sorry", he apologized a bit sheepishly. "It's just the current situation that is annoying me."
"The current situation? You mean the fight with your father?"
"Yeah, that too. He still hasn't apologized so we haven't been talking for over a week now. I feel a bit bad about it, especially for Mom. She's given up already. She isn't even trying to make us talk to each other anymore. I can see how much this row is hurting her, but even though I feel guilty I can't give in now."
Kagome sipped her tea carefully and gazed at Inuyasha sympathetically.
"It is not easy for me either", she said with a sigh. "I haven't even had a disagreement with Katsuo-sama before, let alone a fight like this. What if he won't ever forgive us?"
"Kagome, we are not the ones who were wrong. He will apologize, eventually."
"I hope so", she murmured and lowered her gaze momentarily.
"What about you and Kikyo", Kagome asked, trying to guide the conversation into more pleasant topic. However, she noticed she had made a mistake by mentioning Kikyo, for Inuyasha's face immediately darkened.
"Inuyasha? Is everything alright?" Kagome narrowed her eyes. "You haven't screwed everything up again, have you?"
She regretted her comment the minute she saw his hurt expression.
"I'm not going to screw this up", he said, his voice slightly hoarse. "I'm just frustrated. I've barely seen her for two weeks."
"It's busy, being a celebrity", Kagome said softly, with a sigh.
"I understand that", he groaned. "But I still don't like it."
"But you'll see her this Friday, right? You'll be her date to the ball."
"Yeah, I'll see her then", he said, smiling for the first time during their conversation.
Kagome sipped her tea again and spared a glance at her watch. She would have to get back to work fairly soon.
"So, what about you 'n' Sess?"
Kagome quirked her brow.
A very Sesshoumaru-like gesture, Inuyasha thought to himself.
"What about Sesshoumaru and me?"
"Are you still tiptoeing around each other?"
She frowned.
"What do you mean? Everything's normal between Sesshoumaru and me. Just like it should be."
Inuyasha resisted his urge to roll his eyes. Then he heaved a sigh. It couldn't be helped. He loved Kagome like a sister, but sometimes the woman could be unbelievably dense. Especially if it was something concerning herself.
"That is good then."
Kagome glanced at the watch again.
"Oh! It's that late already!"
Inuyasha raised his brow.
"You're late from work? You should run."
"I'm sorry", Kagome said, biting her lip. "I really wish I could stay longer and talk with you – "
"Keh, it's fine. Go, before you'll be late."
Kagome smiled at him. It warmed her heart to know that he understood. She felt a small twinge of pain. If only they could have been this understanding back then in high school, maybe things would be different now...
Past was in the past, Kagome reminded herself. She was grateful to have such a strong bond with Inuyasha even know. To be able to be friends with him again was great, more than she could ever have expected...
"Thanks, Inuyasha. See you on Friday."
Kagome waved and hurried of.
Inuyasha watched her go, shaking his head slightly.
Even to him it was clear as a day that Kagome liked Sesshoumaru. And he had perceived that Sesshoumaru treated Kagome differently from how he treated other women. In fact, he treated Kagome differently than he treated anyone else. Inuyasha knew the backgrounds of the both of them. He thought that they both deserved some happiness in their life. That was why he sincerely hoped that the two would just wake up and see what was happening to them.
That Monday Sesshoumaru noted that most of the women in the office were still giving him the cold shoulder. The treatment did not bother him in itself; it was quite refreshing in fact. What made him wonder, though, was that he had no idea what had caused this change in their attitude towards him. As far as he knew, nothing had happened that would explain a united switch to such cold treatment. There was no reason. Though, they might not even need any reason. They were women after all, and who could understand the irrationality of the mind of a woman? Sesshoumaru certainly couldn't, more than any other man – or a woman, for that matter. They were complex creatures, unpredictably moody. It was tricky enough to even try understanding the mind of a woman – let alone her heart. It was an impossible task, and Sesshoumaru had no time to waste for such purposeless activity. He cared not if the women at work treated him coldly and glared at him, cuddling their irrational anger to their chests.
He scowled to himself as he realised he had just been spacing out and mindlessly staring at the screen while he should've been working. If Kagome saw him like this, the torment would never end. Wait... Why had he just thought about Kagome? There was no way for her to be there seeing him space out for she had left work early, arm in arm with Iwajima-san. Sesshoumaru shook his head sharply. He really needed to get a grip.
All of a sudden he grew rigid as he sensed the familiar tingling indicating that he was being watched. He raised his cold gaze and saw the Sales manager, Ogami Kagura, leaning against the wall and staring at him, smirking.
Sesshoumaru raised his eyebrow.
"Don't you have any work to do", he asked coldly.
"Oh, of course I do, but I decided to take a break and pay you a little visit so that I could congratulate you."
"Well isn't that nice of you", Sesshoumaru said, both his tone and expression clearly indicating that he couldn't care less.
"Yes, you're quite something, aren't you."
Something in the look of her eyes made him think he ought to be a bit wary of her.
"I am?"
"You know, I've never really even liked our little miss perfect, so I'm just happy to see that for once she's getting what she deserves – by you."
"What do you want, Kagura", Sesshoumaru asked bluntly. "To sneer? To flaunt? If that is your intention then wouldn't it be better if I actually understood what the hell you are talking about."
"Don't play dumb with me, Hikaru-kun. It's useless, you've been seen. I saw you."
Sesshoumaru replied nothing, he just kept staring at her with those cold indifferent amber eyes.
"Last week I was on my way to have a lunch with a customer when I happened to see you. You were on lunch as well, and not alone. You were together with some long-haired beauty."
Sesshoumaru resisted his urge to frown, struggling to keep the emotionless mask in place. What was the woman talking about? Lunching with beautiful women was not a hobby of his, since when –
He froze.
Abi. He had met at lunch time with Abi sometime last week.
All of a sudden, everything made perfect sense. He had been having lunch with Abi, someone from work had seen them together and a rumour had spread of him dating some unknown woman behind Kagome's back. And now everyone at work thought he was two-timing and therefore gave him the cold shoulder.
Sesshoumaru gave a mental snort. Had the people working at the office really nothing better to do than gossiping over their co-workers' relationships? Honestly...
"If you have nothing better to do than just stand there sneering, I can talk to Kagome and ask her to come up with few more tasks for you to do."
Kagura's expression changed immediately and she shot him a glare of pure hatred and turned on her heels, walking away.
For a while Sesshoumaru watched her retreating back, then he shook his head lightly and got back to work.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the town there was a certain CEO in distress.
"Are you sure this is fine, Sango-chan?" Kagome asked nervously. She closely scrutinized the reflection in the mirror and fidgeted a bit, tugging the hem of the dress.
"Kagome, that's beyond 'fine'. You look fabulous."
But the young CEO still wasn't convinced.
"Couldn't I just wear a kimono, like in the previous years?"
"Kagome-chan, this year we want to catch the eye. That dress is way better in that than any kimono."
"Don't you think the cut is a bit low?"
Sango raised her eyebrow.
"It looks fine to me. Show the world what you've got there, girlfriend."
Kagome frowned and kept staring at the mirror.
It was a sleeveless and strapless royal blue ball gown, which rather nicely brought out Kagome's slim waist. And it showed her cleavage rather deliciously as well. Not too much to be tasteless of course. But Kagome still felt uncomfortable, for she was used to wearing kimonos that efficiently hid all her curves.
"You really think I can wear something like this in public?" Kagome was still studying her reflection while nibbling on her lower lip.
Sango heaved a tired sigh.
"You certainly chose a time to wallow in conservative modesty." she rolled her eyes. "You should trust us. We know what we're doing. Our image consultant worked hard with few well-known designers and you're wearing the result right now. You trust that woman to come up with a good, selling image for our company's stars, so you should trust her now when we're trying to sell you. Media will be there, you've said yourself that you want some publicity and the board of management is surely expecting that. You have to be the belle of the ball, so get your head in gear and let the nature do the work."
"Nature? What has nature got to do with this?"
"Easy." Sango smirked. "Just let your breasts speak for you. You've got a good figure so why not flaunt it? It would be a shame to hide all that in a kimono."
Kagome grimaced and blushed slightly.
"I still would feel more comfortable in kimono", she argued feebly in a low voice.
"But you'll turn all the heads with this dress", Sango insisted.
The young CEO sighed.
"Do I have to?" she tried one more time.
"Trust me", Sango said confidently. "You won't fail when dressed like that."
Kagome sighed again.
"Fine. I'll take it."
Sango's lips curled into victorious smile.
His fingers affectionally trailed along the smooth surface. There was a loving expression in his eyes as he picked the device up and settled it into his lap. He had been escorted to his new apartment mere minutes ago but he hadn't even bothered to check out his new living quarters. First things first. Silently he thanked his father for helping him to start his life anew. He pressed a button and the laptop booted up with a soft hum. A grin slowly spread onto his lips. This was exactly what he had been waiting for. A fresh start.
He felt alive again.
Once the machine had booted up he clicked to open the browser. There was someone he hoped to meet. Opening a web searcher he typed in one name and pressed the enter key.
He frowned when he got no results recent enough. Maybe that bastard had changed his name?
His brows burrowed into a frown. Then his expression cleared. Chuckling to himself, he typed another name to the search field. He pressed enter.
His eyes gleamed.
"Found you, old pal."
The pen flowed smoothly on the white paper until it came to a stop and a male hand set the pen onto the table.
He took off the bracelet and handed it out to the woman. She took it, and nodded.
"I'm relieved you have succeeded in your new life so well. I'm glad you have not wasted your chance to start afresh. It's been an honor to work with you."
"Thank you", he simply replied.
"Well I guess this is goodbye then. You no longer have to meet me. You're free to go."
He inclined his head politely and got up, leaving without another word.
There was still plenty of time left until he needed to get back to the office but since he did not have any errands to run, nor did he feel hungry, he decided to stroll back to work. After all the office was only a few blocks from here. He straightened his jacket as he walked on among the other pedestrians. He clutched his hands.
Free. At last he had gained freedom. The years of terror were now truly behind. He was free to do as he pleased.
He stopped and raised his gaze along the outline of the tall building. Kyoto Records office. He felt the small swelling of pride as he saw how the many windows gleamed in the cold winter sun.
A small movement in the corner of his eye caught his attention. A man had been leaning against the building and had now straightened himself and started to casually walk towards Sesshoumaru. The man was grinning.
When the man was standing right before Sesshoumaru, he stopped.
Sesshoumaru raised his eyebrow.
"Hikaru, my old pal. I see ya are really livin' it up, eh?"
The grinning man was short and slim. He had long black hair that he wore on a braid. He was casually dressed in jeans and a black hooded college jacket.
Sesshoumaru just stared at him for awhile. Then a small smile spread to his lips also. He hadn't been sure if he'd ever see this man again… And there he was now, standing right before him.
"Hiten. I see you got out."
"Ya. 'T'was about a damn time too. Now I'm startin' my life anew. My old man got me a new place to live and managed to pull strings to get my computers back."
Sesshoumaru raised his eyebrow.
"You're planning on staying a hacker even after you've got caught once?"
"Old habits die hard. Besides, y'know my family background. It's not like I could ever become a dutiful citizen."
The way he was grinning reminded Sesshoumaru of a wolf.
"I see."
"But look at ya, Hikaru! Man, I was so surprised to learn you've actually started to work in your own company!"
"It's not my company anymore", Sesshoumaru muttered, pleased at himself for not letting any bitterness show in his tone of voice.
"Doesn't it annoy you at all? To be an assistant?"
"It used to", he replied. "But I've come to terms with it now. I know my company's in good hands. The CEO knows what she's doing. She's a very admirable woman."
Sesshoumaru fell silent. He frowned. It shocked him a bit to find out he had really meant every word he had just said.
There was a small glint of amusement in Hiten's eyes, but Sesshoumaru missed that.
"I see", the small one said. "Well, I won't keep ya from workin' any longer. I'll see ya 'round."
"Hiten?"
"Yeah?"
"Glad to have you back."
The man grinned again.
"So am I, old pal. So am I."
Sesshoumaru stared. He fought his sudden urge to blink. He stared some more.
The recipient of his stare had first fidgeted nervously, but was now quickly growing annoyed. She crossed her arms and glared at Sesshoumaru.
"Yes? You've got a problem, mister?"
Her tone would've made an iceberg melt in shame.
Sesshoumaru sighed to himself. It had been a long time since Kagome had been truly angry at him, and dealing with a furious Kagome was something he really wanted to avoid the best he could.
"Nothing. This is just the first time I've seen you dressed like that", he replied bluntly.
A frown took over her features and he was relieved to notice that the signs of upcoming storm retreated somewhat.
She bit her lip and started fidgeting nervously again, glancing at the mirror on the wall from the corner of her eye.
"It looks stupid, doesn't it", she said, sounding almost as miserable as she looked.
Why was it such a necessity for women to ask trick questions about their appearance? A right answer simply did not exist, and a wrong one would make the storm return with full rage. She did not look stupid at all. It was just… odd. Seeing her like that. For once she actually looked her age. Kagome, the woman who tended to walk into office wearing her hair open, dressed in cute pleated skirts and high heeled leather boots.
"I wouldn't say so", he started carefully. "For once you just look like every other office-woman. I'm not used to see you that… official."
Kagome sent a little glare in his direction but the nervousness soon took over.
"But I need to make a good first impression. Mr. Thornwell is a very important client, we might be even discussing about the merging of our companies next week if all goes well.."
"Didn't you already make a good first impression by pulling a fast one on the guys Mr. Thornwell sent here for the first negotiations? You're nervous for no reason. He must have some sense of humour if he actually wants to speak with you in person after that."
"Thanks for reminding me", Kagome said, her tone of voice dropping many degrees.
Sesshoumaru raised his eyebrow.
"I know you are nervous, but that is no reason to get angry at me in order to relieve your bad mood."
She flinched and lowered her gaze. Her cheeks had tinted red from shame and guilt.
Sesshoumaru cursed in his mind. It was impossible to be strict with her when she looked like that.
"I'm sorry, Sesshoumaru, it's just –"
"Do not waste your breath explaining it. I understand."
She smiled, for the first time that day.
"Thank you."
Idly Sesshoumaru wondered just when had he made the crucial mistakes that had caused him to fall this deep.
The woman stood up as her assistant guided him into her office. She had a friendly smile on her face and she looked just as young as he had expected. What he had not expected was how she was dressed. Her bluish-black hair was up on a tidy bun, with few strands left free to frame her face. She was wearing a white silk blouse with a black knee-length skirt and a black pinstriped jacket. She looked like a stylish office lady to a tee. Somehow he had expected something flashier from her. She turned her head and locked eyes with her assistant. With a stiff bow, the assistant left the room and pulled the door shut after him.
"Welcome to Kyoto Records, Mister Thornwell", she greeted him. He had been warned by the bad English spoken by the Japanese, but her pronunciation was surprisingly good.
It was his time to surprise her.
"Hajimemashite. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu." He bowed as he had practiced.
Her mouth fell open but she quickly took control over her surprise.
"I didn't know you knew Japanese", she said in her own language.
"Only a bit", he replied, in Japanese as well.
"Well, let us discuss in English then", she said, switching the language with an ease. She walked to him and held out her hand. He took it and shook it firmly.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Kagome Higurashi, the CEO of Kyoto Records."
"Nice to meet you, Miss Higurashi. As you probably know, I'm Geoff Thornwell, the CEO of Top Records. Shall we proceed to a lunch?"
"Certainly."
She smiled and was a bit surprised when the man offered his arm for her. She laid her hand on his arm.
A gentleman. Worlds apart from the idiot Americans she had been forced to negotiate with before. Kagome smiled brightly. Her nervousness has disappeared completely. She was certain that she would come to like this man.
"Isn't your assistant joining us to the lunch?" the American asked once the elevator doors shut and they began descending.
"No, why should he", asked Kagome, confused.
"I was just wondering. That's the picture I got from Rochester's and Mckenzie's report. That he follows you everywhere like a faithful bodyguard."
Kagome burst into laughter.
"It's not really like that", she replied after a while. "He has quite sharp senses and I trust his judgment. Sometimes we might seem more of a team of colleagues than an employer and employee."
"I see. It's nice to have close friends like that, hmm?"
"It is indeed", Kagome agreed, smiling. "Also, I need to have someone to keep the place running in my stead while I'm off lunching with guests from the other side of the ocean", she added with mirth.
The old CEO raised a surprised eyebrow at that.
"I thought that's what companies have a vice-president for."
Kagome thought of the toad-like man, Kyoto Records' vice-president Jaken and shuddered involuntarily.
Thornwell noticed that and laughed to himself.
"I think I understand it now. You two don't really get along?"
"That might even be an understatement. You see, the vice-president absolutely adored the former CEO…"
"Yamasaki Sesshoumaru, the founder of Kyoto Records?" the man interrupted.
"You know him?" Kagome asked, surprised.
"I know of him", Thorwell corrected as the elevator stopped and let out a soft bing. "Go on."
They stepped out of the elevator and started to make their way through the lobby.
"Even if I had nothing to do with mister Yamasaki's forced resign, the vice-president sees me as a tacky replacement. As if he had lost a 5000 yen bill and someone would be offering him a 50 yen coin for it in return. In his eyes, I just cannot compare to the greatness of mister Yamasaki and he makes it very clear every time we speak. As for me, I hate when people look down on me." Kagome finished and nodded to the guard at the door who had just opened the door for her.
"So you rather let your assistant, with whom you do get along, in charge. Can't argue with that, your circumstances considered."
Mr. Thornwell helped the small Japanese woman into the cab that had been waiting them in front of the building and then the two were off.
Miroku was closely studying his reflection on the mirror as he heard the door and looked up to see his second cousin. Sesshoumaru peeled the jacket off him and hung it on the rack before taking off his shoes and stepping in.
"You sure took your time", Miroku noted. "You're going to be late."
"Nonsense", he countered. "It is you who's being early. Or maybe you have to go to pick up your date?"
"Actually I don't have to do that", Miroku replied with a frown. "Since Sango's pretty much in charge of the whole party she stayed in after work and saw to last minute preparations."
"I see."
"And Kagome?"
"She'll get ready at the office at well. From the gossip I've heard, she's been provided a personal stylist."
"Like a princess, huh", Miroku chuckled.
"Guess so. I'm taking the shower."
Miroku turned back to the mirror and groomed his hair carefully. He then took a step back and straightened his suit.
He felt really uncomfortable. He did not dress up that often so each time it took a while for him to get used to it. It wasn't that bad and usually by the time the party was on its full swing he started to actually like being dressed up… But now in the beginning it felt very awkward, compared to his usual jeans and t-shirt. That was the reason he was ready and dressed up so early, he wanted to get used to his suit as well as he could before he'd leave for the party.
Sesshoumaru got out of the shower and walked to his own room, his eyes landing on the suit that had been hanging on his wardrobe-door for four days now. The party committee had been responsible for it and they had handed it over at work on Monday. He had to admit it was far better than he had expected. Sesshoumaru was rather picky with his wardrobe.
He dressed up and headed for living room and the mirror which had previously been occupied by his second cousin. Now Miroku was sitting on the couch and staring at the clock on the wall.
Sesshoumaru scrutinized his reflection and found it pleasing enough. He straightened himself.
Miroku was watching at him too and suddenly got up.
"You know, it certainly has got longer."
"What has", Sesshoumaru asked, raising his brow.
"Your hair. From the short style you cut it in the autumn. I'm pretty sure it's long enough to be tied." Wordlessly he passed a hair band to his cousin.
Sesshoumaru accepted it and after some futile attempts and frustrated growls he finally turned back to Miroku.
"You do it", he ordered.
Miroku chuckled but accepted the hair band.
"You'll get the hang of it soon enough", he promised as he tied his cousin's hair on a neat though tiny tail.
Sesshoumaru turned his head from side to side and decided it was acceptable.
"Seems we are as ready as we can get", Miroku said. "Shall we?"
Mr. Thornwell dusted his suit jacket and then stepped out of the car. The paved pathway and the three stairs that lead from the street to the great double doors of the company building was actually tonight covered with a red carpet. There were quite a lot of people present too, from fans and spectators to the many reporters on the scene. Cameras started flashing as two men he recognized from the meeting earlier that day began to walk toward him.
"Myoga, Toutousai", he greeted the two men and shook hands.
"Welcome Mr. Thorwell. Shall we head in?"
"Sounds like a good idea."
The three old men started to make their way up the carpet towards the company building.
Seemed like this was going to be quite a party indeed, Thornwell thought to himself as the cameras still kept flashing.
Slender fingers curled around the piece of clothing and worked their magic. His eyes were full of affection as he watched her concentrated expression. Then she stepped back to admire her work. He leaned in to give a peck on her cheek. She smiled.
"Honestly, a man of your age should be able to make a proper tie-knot", she gently reproached.
"I am able to tie it myself", he grunted in response, "it's just that your knots are tidier. And we are going to a Gala after all."
"I know that dear", she replied, before the smile vanished and her expression became serious instead.
"What is it", he asked, noticing the change immediately and knowing she had something on her mind.
"You're going to do it tonight, aren't you? I mean, you can't keep going like this."
He stayed silent and his eyes avoided her intent stare.
"The longer you stay silent, the harder it will be to say the first words."
"I know, I know…"
"Then…?"
"Fine. I will apologise to them tonight."
A bright smile took over and she pressed a light kiss on his lips.
"Now come on. We shouldn't be late."
The limo pulled over. The driver got out to open the door. A man who had long black hair up on a high tail stepped out and offered his arm. A slender hand was placed on it and he helped the small woman to step onto the red carpet. She straightened herself and wound her hand around his arm. She looked up to the expectant crowd and smiled at them. The crowd began a wild scream and the cameras started flashing. She waved her hand at the crowd before the pair began to walk towards the doors. She was wearing an elegant white gown that had three lilies embroidered on it on crimson. Her flaming hair was on a bun that let few curls to teasingly cascade down her neck.
"Ayame-hime!" screamed the fans all around her. She smiled at them and waved again. Her date squeezed her hand reassuringly as he led her towards the long-awaited party.
She jumped up as she heard the doorbell and rushed to answer the door. He was behind it, as she had known. He was smiling at her and for once he looked neat and groomed. He even had a single red rose with him that he gave to her.
"My lady, I've come to pick you up."
"It is very surprising to see you behaving for once", she pointed out.
"Hey, don't start critizisin'!"
"Don't you start misbehaving, Inuyasha", she replied, her eyes flashing dangerously. "And stop yelling at me."
"Sorry", he mumbled sheepishly.
"Don't worry about it", she chirped and grabbed his arm. "Let's go, the party is waiting!"
He let her drag him out, opened the passenger door for her and helped her in, before taking his own seat behind the wheel. As he started the car he turned to her.
"You look stunning."
Her radiant smile made his heart swell in his chest.
[ Chie: If I were a mean person, I'd end the chapter with this. Because I'm not, I'll include the whole party scene in this chapter. Hell, you've waited enough so I might as well give you a long chapter. You deserve it. Thank you for reading my fic. On with the story now.]
Sesshoumaru walked in as the door was pulled open for him and his cousin followed in suit. The first thing he noted was the waitresses and waiters offering glasses of champagne to everyone that stepped in. He accepted the glass handed out for him with a courteous nod. Everything fell in place within seconds. He had attended so many parties like these, due to his father being a politician and him being the heir to this prosperous family. For the first time in a very long time he truly felt he was standing on his own ground. He made his way through the lobby, where were the buffet tables. The delicious smells almost made his mouth water but he walked on. Some guests were gathered around the tables, picking onto their plates the dishes of their choice. Most of the people, however, had already moved onto the ball room, which was where all the action was. He stepped in through the open double doors and stopped for a moment. Sango and her lackeys had certainly done a great job in decorating the hall. Speaking of the PR-consultant, she was standing a little to their right in a deep red simplistic gown. She turned to them and waved a hand, smiling.
Miroku patted Sesshoumaru's shoulder before he walked over to his woman and placed a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. Sesshoumaru followed the pair walk away before he let his gaze wander around the hall.
The stage was set ready but the band was nowhere to be seen. Though, they would not start playing for an hour. There was buzzing sound formed from the several conversations going on between the different guests at the same time. Sesshoumaru's gaze spotted the red-head singer accompanied by her manager. He saw Jaken standing in a corner by himself and looking grumpy. The board of management was standing in their own group pretty much in the centre of the hall. The American guest was with them. Kagura was near the east wall of the room, apparently flirting with a man Sesshoumaru did not recognize. He also noticed his father among the guests, and his step-mother was standing by his side. All in all, there were many guests attending the party and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Sesshoumaru sipped the champagne and found its taste quite pleasing to his palate. Idly he wondered if the last years' parties had been like this. Of course he was aware that the Gala of tonight was grander than any of those before. He couldn't help feeling proud as he stood there, near the doorway, and watched the fantastically decorated ball room full of content guests. His company was doing better than well. What he had once started had grown to be mightier than he could ever have imagined.
And it wasn't all solely thanks to him. No, what he had done had been just the beginning. It had been someone else, who had planted the seeds of his working and gently encouraged them to grow. And they surely had grown. They were now in the bud, waiting silently for someone to encourage them to bloom.
He frowned at the odd feeling that had been swelling up deep in his soul. Once he recognised what it was, he digested this new information for awhile before, a tad bit reluctantly, acknowledging it.
He actually respected her. He trusted his company to her hands with ease. He frowned. Well, no one had asked him a thing back when Kagome had been employed. And the first impression the woman had left on him had really made him question the sanity of the Board of Management, but now that he knew the woman and what she was capable of...
He briefly closed his eyes to give the members of the board of management a silent, mental thank you.
"Yo."
Sesshoumaru's eyes shot open and flew to pin down the man that had appeared in front of him.
"Inuyasha", he said slowly, in acknowledgement.
"What're you doin' here, wallflowerin'?"
"I am not 'wallflowering'", he responded, taking another sip of the cool drink.
"Sure you are", Inuyasha insisted. "You're standing, rather near to wall, all by yourself. Where's Kagome?"
"I do not know; I have not seen her since work."
"Oh well. She's got to appear sooner or later. I need to go now, Kikyo's waiting. You should go and mingle instead of brooding here by yourself. Later."
"Inuyasha."
He heard his name being called and froze immediately. Kikyo turned to look back, curious to see who had called her boyfriend. She paled slightly when she saw an older man whom she immediately recognised to be his father. The woman standing by his side - Inuyasha's mother, she quickly deduced – was smiling at her reassuringly. She relaxed a bit.
Inuyasha, however, still remained frigid and had not turned around to meet his father's gaze.
"Inuyasha. Turn around."
The words were spoken in a soft tone but they left no room for argument or disobeying.
He reluctantly turned around to face his father and met his eyes evenly, letting his anger and defiance shine on his face. He reach to wrap his fingers firmly around Kikyo's wrist and tugged her sharply to him, making finally his point crystal clear to his father.
And angry frown took over the old man's face but it fade away as quickly as it had appeared. He took a step forward and placed his large hand on his son's shoulder.
Inuyasha stiffened again but did not flinch or step away; though for a second the urge to do seemed overwhelming.
Kikyo squeezed his hand and that small gesture strengthened his resolve.
"Inuyasha..." his father paused to close his eyes for a second, before opening them again and locking the honey warmth with Inuyasha's golden eyes.
"I am sorry."
Inuyasha's face twitched but did not betray the feelings of shock and stun storming inside of him. The simple sentence rang in his ears for awhile.
Then the young man heaved out a sigh.
Katsuo knew his apology had been accepted when his son met his gaze again.
As if there never had been any kind of a disagreement, Inuyasha steered her date forward and turned to look at her, while addressing his words to his father.
"Dad, I would like you to meet my girlfriend, Kikyo."
Inuyasha had disappeared so quickly that Sesshoumaru had not had time to retort that he was not brooding. He frowned as he forced his mind to calm and swallow the annoyance his brother had awoken in him. One thing was certain: he was not going to follow his brother's advice to mingle. He was quite content standing on his spot and keeping to himself while sipping champagne.
"Excuse me."
He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned around as the speaker continued.
"I was looking for my date and my, you do look exactly like him."
There was a merry twinkle in those sapphire eyes he had come to know so well and for a moment his gaze was helplessly drowning in their depths. Then he managed to regain his control and forced his gaze to move on. She was smiling, though he could feel her nervousness. A few elegantly curled locks were framing her face; rest of her silken black hair was on a complex set of curls and braids that together formed a very stylish hair-do.
His eyes moved downwards.
On her neck was an elaborate necklace, appearing to be made of snow white pearls and sparkling diamonds. The satin gown she was wearing was of royal blue, with simple embroidery on silver thread bordering the neckline and continuing down the bodice. On the hem there were pearls sewn in patterns that looked like stars. The neckline was shaped like a heart, in a cut that did her bust fully justice. He caught a glimpse of her cleavage and mentally smirked.
He kept staring at her and the longer the silence drawled on the more nervous she became.
Sesshoumaru cleared his throat and she involuntarily flinched.
"I do not recall having agreed to be your date... Nor being asked to be one, for that matter."
She flashed a sheepish smile.
"Well, I figured that since everyone was assuming you to be my date and I did not actually have anyone in mind ..."
"And you thought I would not have brought a date on my own?"
Kagome blinked and then, all of sudden, she lowered her head so that her bangs hid her eyes.
"Oh", she said dully, biting her lip. Why was her throat suddenly tightening? "You never told me you were going out so I couldn't have known..."
Sesshoumaru watched her reaction and was quite amazed from what he saw. The girl had morphed from a sparkling diamond to a dull and dusty piece of coal in a span of few seconds.
"I am not going out", he said after a while. "Nor do I have a date tonight."
Kagome's eyes sprung up. There was an emotion flashing in them he couldn't recognise. Then the emotion was pushed aside by joy which was quickly overtaken by anger.
"Then why didn't you say so in the first place, instead of letting me assume that – "
she quickly fell silent.
"Letting you assume what", Sesshoumaru asked, not letting any of his curiosity to show.
She never answered his question.
"Well, since I have no date and you have no date, and since everyone thinks we are each other's dates, we might just as well play along."
He raised an amused eyebrow at her choice of words but said nothing.
She waited for awhile but since he did not open his mouth to voice out his resistance, she assumed he had accepted the plan and flashed a victorious smile. She grabbed Sesshoumaru's arm, her grip surprisingly firm to him. Then she dragged him along with her, and started to mingle.
'There goes my content solitude of a wallflower', he sighed to himself. Yet somehow he could not be angry at her and decided to let her do as she pleased, allowing her to drag him around.
She gracefully walked up the few steps. Smiling, she walked to the front of the stage, stopping right before the microphone. She let her gaze wander around the hall full of people. Then she took a deep breath.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the annual Gala of Kyoto Records!"
The buzz of conversation toned down as people turned their gazes to the young woman in white, standing before the band.
"The ball is about to begin", the red-headed female announced. "I would want to ask for our hostess tonight to do the honours."
People made room and in no time there was plenty of room in the middle of the hall. Sesshoumaru, his face the same expressionless mask it always was, escorted Kagome onto the dance floor. He could sense her nervousness, though the woman did not let it show. Her moves almost matched his in their gracefulness and she wore a queen-like smile.
They stopped as they reached the very centre of the hall. The band began to play. Sesshoumaru bowed down like million times before and Kagome curtsied elegantly. And then she was in his arms and he was guiding her steps as they glided smoothly on the floor.
On the stage, Ayame smiled and started to sing.
She had been fearing this moment, how uncomfortable and awkward such a proximity would be. To her surprise it wasn't uncomfortable at all. He held her close and she felt oddly secure. Instinctively she gave his shoulder an appreciative squeeze. Sesshoumaru was a remarkable dancer. He seemed to possess such grace and control that was almost inhuman.
Sesshoumaru was a bit surprised to learn that for one, Kagome could indeed dance and for second, she was rather good at it too. The woman could be at times so hopelessly clumsy that it really took him by surprise to learn that she was also capable of such grace and elegance. Sesshoumaru also was slightly relieved. Nothing was as annoying as a lousy dance partner and in all the parties he had ever attended the number of women he had met that actually matched his moves remained painstakingly small. She wasn't a perfect match to his skill but he was willing to forgive her that. Sesshoumaru had long since accepted that nothing in this world – himself excluded, of course – was perfect.
Inuyasha was watching them and he could barely keep back the small grin threatening to rise to his lips. It was all so painstakingly obvious to him what was going to happen between his brother and Kagome. Standing right next to him, Miroku was thinking the same. It seemed that even Inuyasha had caught wind about the subtle changing of emotions this time. And it was a miracle for Inuyasha to notice such delicate matters, which was why it was even more puzzling to Miroku how blind the two obviously were to it all. He felt the man next to him shift slightly and glanced at his second cousin from the corner of his eye. Inuyasha and Miroku shared a long, knowing look. They both sincerely hoped the best for the two and truly wished things would work out. If anyone deserved happiness, that was the both – Kagome and Sesshoumaru.
But not all the spectators were as sincere and well-wishing. The board of management watched the dancing pair looking rather grim. Sure the two had assured that the rumours of the two of them seeing each other were just that, mere rumours, but there still was something upsetting as they followed how the two glided on the floor in a perfect sync. Dating or not, they got along perhaps a bit TOO well. It would be only the matter of time 'til the two would find each other and the rumours would become true. Kaede, Myoga and Toutousai really did all like Kagome. But this was business and business had to be kept separate from personal. Their reputation was at stake, so was the company's and Kagome's as well. All three of them would gladly see Kagome happy, like Miroku and Inuyasha. But they knew they couldn't afford it. Kagome could well see Hikaru-kun as long as the two then would no longer work together.
The song ended. The two dancers stopped and everyone applauded. Then the band began to play a new song and Sesshoumaru once again guided Kagome into the graceful steps of the dance. Slowly, pair by pair the crowd stepped onto the dance floor to join them.
They moved smoothly, the world around them forgotten. They didn't speak; there was no need for words as the gentle silence wrapped around them. Their gazes locked, sapphire against amber and she couldn't help a small smile.
They stopped as the third song ended and there was a gentle tap on his shoulder.
Sesshoumaru turned around to see his father.
"I was hoping to steal Kagome-chan for the next dance, unless you mind, Hikaru-kun."
"That's not really for me to decide", Sesshoumaru simply said. He looked at Kagome, who had immediately stiffened at the sight of Katsuo. She answered his gaze and he could see the nervousness in the corners of her eyes. Still, she gave a small nod.
Sesshoumaru stepped aside. Katsuo bowed and took hold of Kagome's hand.
They danced in a silence very different from the one she had experienced just a moment earlier with Sesshoumaru. This silence was far from comfortable and understanding. It was tense and unnerving.
And then, after looking for the right words and willing himself to speak them out loud, he finally broke it.
"I am sorry. I was wrong and I should have listened to you earlier on. I just really would have liked to have you as my real daughter. I hope you can forgive me."
Kagome remained silent, thinking about his apology and twisting and turning it around in her mind for a while. She had so far also avoided looking at him but now she lifted her gaze to meet his eyes.
"I do appreciate your intention, you just chose the wrong means to execute that", she replied slowly. "And you ignored both Inuyasha's protests and mine. That hurt."
She paused and bit her lip as he apologetically squeezed her hand.
"But I do forgive you."
It wasn't much more than a whisper, but it made Katsuo sigh in relief and for a moment he had to resist the urge to pull her into a hug.
"For that I'm glad", he simply said and offered her a smile.
They kept on dancing, and the silence wasn't overbearing anymore. Then the song ended and he let go of her and watched her intently, his eyes full of fatherly affection.
"You know", he said, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, "Hikaru-kun's a good man."
With that he turned and walked away, leaving behind one very much confused woman.
The Gala was over and her feet were sore. She gave and appreciative sigh as she sank onto her chair and kicked off her high-heeled shoes. Being a hostess of the party had the disadvantage that there was always someone who wanted to have a dance with her. She had been passed around like a trophy. After Katsuo had left, she had been swept away by a grinning Miroku who, surprisingly, had not even tried to grope her behind but instead had merely complimented her by saying that she looked beautiful. How very un-Miroku-ish. Miroku had then handed her over to Inuyasha with whom Kagome had spent the whole dance trying to come up with witty replies to his teasing jabs. And after Inuyasha there had been dear old Myoga, then a man she didn't even really know. Then Kouga had squeezed his way in until Kagome was ultimately rescued by Sesshoumaru. After one dance with her date, Kagewaki had appeared out of nowhere. There had been countless of dancing partners. She had even ended up dancing with Mr. Rochester.
After dancing she had allowed herself a brief pause which she spent eating and drinking and then it was back to being the party hostess. This time that included not dancing, though in the hall the dancing still continued. This time Kagome was out with the border of management and Mr. Rochester, posing for the many photographers and giving statements and answering the reporters' questions.
And now, finally, it was all over, and she was alone again. She did enjoy being around other people, sure, but being on the spotlight was more than just a little distressing and it was a very comforting thought that she could just let her tiredness show and slouch on her very own chair in a very unladylike manner, knowing there was no one to see her and she didn't have to care what other people thought of her.
She sighed and gave in to her tiredness and closed her eyes. She was being threateningly close to dozing off when she suddenly started awake at the alarming sound of someone clearing his or her throat.
With a little surprised shriek she bolted up, straightening immediately, her widened eyes almost panicky as they searched the room.
"I do hope you weren't planning to sleep here, were you," said the man who was leaning against the doorframe casually, not even bothering to hide his amusement.
Kagome scowled.
"For your information, I wasn't."
He chuckled, making her anger flare up.
"I just wanted to have a little moment for myself. And now you've come to ruin it." She was glaring at him.
"Oh, that's what it's called, now? Funny, to me it seemed just like you were on the brink of falling asleep."
Feeling rather exasperated at him, she cleverly decided to change the subject.
"What are you still doing here, anyway? I thought you had already left home."
He quirked his brow, as if she had just asked a stupid question, which annoyed her a bit more since she herself felt that her query was justified.
"I was waiting for you."
She opened her mouth, but as her mind had just gone all blank and she couldn't figure out what to say and as she realised how stupid she must be looking, she closed it again. She was silent as her mind worked over the words.
"Why," she then asked.
"Because I thought it to be good manners for a gentleman to see his date to her house."
For a moment something swelled inside of her and she was all ready to forgive him. And then he ruined it all.
"Unless you're really planning to sleep in your office?"
"Shut up and wipe that smirk off your face", she snapped grouchily.
Trying to pick up the pieces of her badly shattered dignity, she bent to put her shoes on. He was silent as he waited her in the doorway. She got up from her chair and brushed off, her nose in the air.
Sesshoumaru suppressed another chuckle and followed her to the elevator.
They stood so close that their arms were touching. The mood seemed to be tense, which was odd since usually they felt rather natural when they were around each other. He turned to glance at her from the corner of his eye and found that she was staring at him. He was a little taken aback by that, but what surprised him even more was his own inability to tear his eyes off her. And then something seemed to change and suddenly it was him who was staring at her and his gaze was so intense that she was starting to blush ever so slightly under it.
Somewhere in the distance the elevator binged softly, announcing that they had reached their destination. Neither of them really even noticed.
Surprised he watch himself move just a bit closer, as if he had just lost the control over his own movement. In a way, he just may had.
His hand brushed against her cheek and her eyes instinctively closed for a moment before the widened sapphire orbs focused back on his face. She couldn't hear anything save for her own heartbeat that felt like thunder to her eyes. She could tell that this situation was as puzzling to him as it was to her.
She also knew that neither of them could do anything to stop it. She wasn't even sure if either of them wanted to stop it.
He leaned closer and she closed her eyes. His lips pressed gently onto hers as if bearing a question. The touch lasted the briefest moment and he was already almost pulling away when she replied. Her soft lips accepted him, invited him back. It took him slightly by surprise but he got over that rather quickly. The kiss grew longer and the longer it lasted, the less gentle it grew. There was almost hunger in it now, she realised she was clinging to him as if her life dependent on it and she couldn't even begin to understand just when had she wound her arms around him. When had he pushed her against the wall?
Then, just as suddenly as it had begun he stopped. He pulled back and stared down at her. He looked a bit shocked, as if it were the first time he really saw her. As if he had just woken up after being asleep for a century.
Kagome was certain that only now he realised what he had just been doing.
And then his face was back to the emotionless mask and he turned around and walked away without offering any kind of an explanation. Her widened eyes followed his stiff retreating back as she was left alone to lean against the cool metal wall of the brightly lit elevator.
Chie: There you go, ladies (and gentlemen?) Hope you did enjoy the longest chapter I've written so far on my fanfiction writer's "career". 10 847 words, booyah!