Rules of Seduction
Ch. 11
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or it's characters...
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Kagome burst through her home's door, running down the platform and onto the dried dirt. She turned barefoot in the direction of the well house as she ran. She knew—she just knew she had to get to the other side if she wanted to escape. As if suddenly realizing something, Kagome stopped in her tracks and thought for a moment. Why would she have to escape? What was she escaping? But most importantly...whom? It had to be a youkai—a human would leave evidence of breaking into a home, something that was not there. Her front door didn't even have a scratch on it. Or, it could have been someone that lived there—and that wasn't even an option. Her family were away and wouldn't be back until late tonight. The entire house was untouched and unharmed, except her room, which meant the attack was directed at her. But, who would hate her enough to do such a thing to her room?
With a harsh shake of her head she turned back around and headed for the entrance of her home. She wouldn't run. Specially not from someone she didn't even know. Kagome stood on the threshold of her home's entrance. It was probably too late to save evidence from her front door, so she didn't bother avoiding the knob. Stepping inside, she grabbed the phone from the kitchen and dialed her mother's cell phone. Before she did anything, she needed to make sure her family was safe. The phone rang a few times before her mother's voice sounded clearly through.
"Mom! Mom, are—" Kagome was cut off by the voice of her mother's voice mail. Crap she thought to herself. She redialed her mother's number, anxiously waiting. Just when she was about to drop the phone onto the receiver, she heard her mother's voice.
"Mom?" Kagome breathed in, relaxing her tensed muscles.
"Kagome? Dear, what happened, are you okay? You sound a little breathless," her mother asked, alarmed.
"No mom, everything's fine, I just wanted to make sure you guys were okay," Kagome said, automatically feigning a worry free tone.
There was a small silence on the other line, before her mother relented, "Alright honey, if you say so. But why wouldn't we be okay?"
Kagome shut her eyes tight, cursing her choice of words, "Oh—just had a feeling of sorts I guess. I got kind of paranoid after I saw a horror film on TV—you know me."
"Well, alright dear. But it's a good thing you called—because we won't be coming home tonight like we thought. We had a flat tire on our way here and we'll have to spent the night over at Shiuri's," Kagome's mother said, sighing.
"Oh, that might have been where my little feeling came from then—listen mom, I have to go. I'll talk to you later, okay," Kagome finished hastily, knowing if she didn't hang up now her mother would simply ask more questions. She knew her mother would be safe at her friend's house, therefore she didn't have to worry so much about them, and that was enough. After she hung up with her mother, she looked down at the phone, debating whether calling the police would do much help. It was obviously not human what she was dealing with, therefore she'd probably simply be endangering more humans' lives if she did.
Closing her eyes, she tried to stretch her aura around her, searching her home for potential danger. Something she should of done the moment she noticed her front door was unlocked. She extended her aura, stretching it much like a rubber band all around her home, then scanning through the shrine's grounds. Making sure to only touch lightly so if there was something it wouldn't notify it of her presence. Through every crack and corner, crevice and wall she scanned. Without notice, Kagome's aura was thrown back at her with such force it startled her. It had never—not once, happened before. The moment it had tried searching the interior of the well it had simply thrown it back against her.
Frowning, Kagome decided she'd been given the clue she needed. Though she hadn't detected anything within the well house, something had been there. Outside the sun was wanning, already at the rim of the tree tops as Kagome walked back outside, hoping she didn't find something. The area had felt empty, but if some thing's lingering presence alone had been enough to throw her aura back at her....who knew what else it could do physically.
Walking towards the well, she only hoped nothing would jump out at her and scare her lifeless. The thought would have been funny in other circumstances, but at the moment they were very real—and very scary. Taking in a deep breath, she slid one door to the side as she wrapped the other one with the phone around her waist. Gosh how she needed someone with her, if for nothing else then to simply stand next to her. But she was a grown woman and she didn't need anyone by her...so she told herself as she peeked her head inside and looked around. Kagome made it a habit to always look up at the ceiling first, for that's usually where the unknown always come at you from. That, or the floor.
All she found was complete and utter darkness. Once again she tried to see more other than with her human eyes and flared her aura around her, illuminating the room. Nothing. Only pitch darkness. The small tingling in the back of her neck refused to leave as she looked around and stepped inside. Even though she was terrified within, she refused to show it and took a steadying breath as she took a step at a time down towards the well. Around her only darkness resided and she found it awkward the well house was so dark. Why is it so dark in here? And cold? The sun was setting and usually the rays made it all the way inside the old well house, yet at the moment they were not.
Shrugging it off, she peeked her head over the well and saw nothing inside. Only more darkness. It seemed that the deeper into the well house she walked into, the colder it was. Shaking her head, Kagome turned around and scrambled up the three steps and out of the well house. With one final shiver, she glanced back at the shrine and closed the well house's door.
Feeling safer within the walls of the shrine, she looked around her empty home and rubbed her arms, the phone held tightly in one fist. Contemplating whether to call the next person in mind or not, Kagome sighed in defeat. For once, she wanted the arrogant male with her. Dialing the number she'd gazed so many times at wondering whether to dial it or not, she called the person she longed to see already and at the same time not.
She'd just barely seen him too—he'd think she was only using excuses to talk to him. Before she had a second thought, her fingers were already dialing the numbers. Swallowing and rehearsing what she'd say in her mind, she waiting for the phone to be answer. As soon as it rang, it was picked up.
"Hello?"
"He—hello? Sesshomaru?" Kagome stuttered, her hastily rehearsed speech already gone from her mind. She fumbled with the hem of her shirt as she switched from one foot to the other.
"Kagome? What's wrong?" Sesshomaru automatically asked.
No nonsense, no nothing. Only raw and unconcealed concern. Kagome smiled inside and felt the familiar tingling of warmth spreading within her, making her feel secure. Even to her ears, he sounded out of breath, and she had to ask.
"Sesshomaru—are you alright?"
"Yes," again he said it in a puff of air. "What's wrong Kagome?"
"How do you know some thing's wrong?" Kagome asked defensively. A thought had already entered her mind, one that made her wonder if it hadn't all been some kind of joke from Sesshomaru. After all, who else would know of his travelings with Inuyasha into the past? Or who would dislike Inuyasha so that would destroy all his pictures in her album. The more she thought about it, the more sense it made to her that it'd be Sesshomaru...then again he wouldn't sink so low as to scare her in such a way or destroy something that belonged to her.
Giving up on such a stupid idea, she shook her head. "Never mind, Sesshomaru. I think someone... broke into my house. Well—my room, and I don't think it was human," she finished.
She didn't wait long for his answer, "I'll be right over," and with that she heard the dial tone. Blowing out an indignant puff, Kagome dropped the phone onto the receiver and headed towards her living room. She tried to avoid the stairs as much as possible, because she couldn't help but remember what was still in her room. Shaking her head, she opted for waiting for Sesshomaru's arrival outside. Being inside her home was simply too much at the moment.
That's where he found her, sitting outside on the top step leading up to her shrine. Sesshomaru took two stairs at a time as he made his way up to Kagome as a sense of urgency flowed through him. Her arms were curled around herself, a thin sweater on her. The sun was already succumbing to the horizon, enveloping the land with one last burst of light, and casting shadows all around the surrounding woods.
"Kagome, what's wrong?" Sesshomaru asked, bending to be at eye level with her, and placing a comforting hand on her knee.
Kagome looked up and did the only thing she could of at the moment. She pushed herself forward and wrapped her arms around Sesshomaru's neck. She breathed in deeply, taking in his scent within her, wanting the feeling of safety it brought along with it.
"Sesshomaru, thank you for coming," she whispered into his shoulder, holding him tighter. She hadn't realized just how scared she'd been, not until she felt the safety of his arms.
Sesshomaru was confused when she threw herself at him and held him like a frightened child. She'd always been so outspoken and brave—it caught him off guard to see her so frightened. It unnerved him. Frowning, he wrapped his arms around her and stood with her in tow. He scanned the area behind her, searching every tree top and darkened corner. His eyes narrowed towards the well house, glinting at the malevolent aura emanating from it. Slowly, as to not startle the shivering girl in his arms, he moved her to his side.
"Kagome, wait for me inside the car," he ordered handing her the keys. His instinct ordered he remove her her away from any danger.
Kagome was about to protest when he turned and gave her a sharp look, "Now," he ordered, leaving no room for arguments. In a flash he was out of her sight, and Kagome walked down the steps and into his car.
Sesshomaru made his way inside the shrine, as he looked around. He let his youkai search ahead of him, keeping a wary eye on windows and doors. He was slightly surprised that nothing was damaged inside the house, and wondered if Kagome had imagined every thing. He relaxed the muscles in his shoulders and followed his nose to Kagome's room. There, he tensed. Every nerve in his body screamed youkai. His body became aware of the danger, and he inwardly growled. His furry rose fast and strong. Someone had not broken into Kagome's home with the intent of thievery—they were targeting her. The new revelation caused the hair on his neck to rise, as his body demanded him hound the danger and annihilate it to protect Kagome. The strength with what his protectiveness rose startled even him and caused him pause. Shaking his head, he decided that was not the time to think too much on his natural reaction towards the miko's welfare.
He stepped towards the only window in the miko's room and looked outside. The only view was that of the goshinboku and the well house. His eyes searched the area intently, watching for anything out of place. Whatever had entered Kagome's home had used her window, probably leaving the front door unlocked to make her wary upon entering her own home. Sighing, Sesshomaru turned around and stopped briefly by her desk, picking up a torn picture of his half brother. His eyes narrowed and he glanced one final time out the window before he exited her home and walked towards his car and to his waiting miko.
OoO
He was so close.
So close! But he had to come and ruin it all! Perhaps he was targeting the wrong brother. Perhaps it was not the mutt he should be worrying about. Soon though, soon she would have no choice but to come to him of her own free will. Why didn't she understand, they were meant to be together. They understood each other perfectly. Who else would understand her time traveling? Who else but him would understand her knowledge of youkai? He'd made her understand one thing though, he didn't want her close to the hanyou again, ever. If she persisted to associate herself with him, he'd have to do something about it...
Within the well house, a shadow slipped away from the natural darkness. It slithered up the well and onto the steps leading outside. Sliding the door open, it sucked up all it's smoke and shadow onto itself; packing itself tightly. In a burst of energy, solid flesh reached out and slid the well house's door open, stepping outside.
Brown eyes turned up towards the single open window of his Kagome, and he smiled. Tomorrow was a new day, and he'd see her at school. A friendly smile in place, Hojo slipped his hands inside his pants' pockets and headed out the shrine. He'd been closer than ever today to finally obtain his Kagome. If only that youkai had not interfered...His plan had been flawless. He'd been sure to leave clues that would make certain it had been a simple human that'd broken into her home and vandalized her room. If only Kagome would of jumped into the well, then he'd captured her before she had time to travel back in time, and she would have been under his clutches. She'd been so close—barely a breath away from him. How he'd longed to wrap his shadowy limbs around her and stroke her frightened flesh. But she'd not jumped! She'd gone back and called that bastard!
She should of called him...but he couldn't blame her. She didn't know what he was. He didn't know what he was anymore...Whistling, Hojo jumped down the steps and onto the calming, silent city.
OoO
Sesshomaru didn't know where he was going, he was just listening to the urge within him to remove Kagome from the danger in her home. He slowed down when he chanced a glance at her and saw her staring at him with wide opened eyes. She was scooted all the way against the door, her body tensed and turned towards him.
He cocked a brow at her and loosed his jaw when it began to ache from how tight he had it locked. "What's wrong?" he asked her.
Kagome continued to stare at him, the question barely registering. "What's wrong with me? What's wrong with you? I'm sorry if I interrupted you or something, but I didn't know who else to call that wouldn't think I was nuts when I told them a demon broke into my room!" Kagome finished out of breath.
Sesshomaru let his breath out in a rush, "What are you talking about? I'm here aren't I?" Sesshomaru turned to look at her.
"Well, yes, but you don't seemed to be pleased about it—I mean, your aura is practically crackling with anger....K-keep your eyes on the road please," Kagome retorted.
Sesshomaru eased his tight grip from the steering wheel, and he felt his body from the inside out. He found his muscles were rather tense still and his face could have been carved from stone. Quickly, he riled his youkai back in. His aura could burn her just as easily as her's could him, something he cursed himself for not keeping under control.
Sighing, he inwardly cursed. She thought he was angry at her for calling him when she was afraid or feeling endangered. How could he? He would of expected nothing less than for her to turn towards him if she needed someone for her. He reached out and took her tightly fisted hand in his, splaying his hand over her's possessively.
"I am not pleased that someone is targeting you," he said, meeting her gaze, "but I am more than pleased that you contacted me," Sesshomaru finished, turning his eyes back towards the road. Before she could say anything, he asked her, "are you hungry?"
Kagome blinked a few times, "W-what?" she took in a deep breath—a very deep breath, "Sesshomaru, I'm here scared stiff because a demon just broke into my room, targeted every picture of Inuyasha, and you're thinking about food?" Just as she finished, Kagome's stomach growled loudly, causing her to blush. With a huff, she sat back down and crossed her arms, "Food sounds good right about now."
Sesshomaru allowed his previous anger and uneasiness slip away as he laughed.
OoO
Kagome held onto her seat belt as she took in the restaurant as Sesshomaru drove into. She turned to him as if he'd grown a second head, "You're kidding me, right?"
Sesshomaru drove his black sports car into the restaurant's driveway and turned to look at her strangely, "No," and got out the car. He opened her door and reached inside for her hand.
Kagome wrapped her arms around her before he could pull her out, "Sesshomaru, you can't honestly expect me to go in there wearing this," she said pointing at her attire.
When he simply lifted one brow, she elaborated, "and besides, I think we'll need reservations for this, and eh—other things..."
Sesshomaru ignored her protests, and hauled her out, "You look fine." Sesshomaru handed his keys towards the valet, and turned back at a flushed Kagome.
"But—but reservations!" she squirmed as he wrapped one arm around her shoulders and lead her towards the entrance. The valet driver gave her an amused look before shaking his head and hurrying to park their car.
"Reservations can be taken care of," Sesshomaru shrugged as they walked inside the restaurant and lead Kagome towards the front where a female was standing behind a counter.
"Good evening, and welcome to The GoldenWolf, may I have your name please?" the slender hostess asked cheerfully from the counter. Her neat ponytail swayed from side to side with every move of her head as she took both of their appearances. She specially lingered on Kagome's choice of clothing, but her smile never faltered.
Kagome moved closer to the solid form of Sesshomaru, knowing full well she was hiding behind him but not caring at the moment. "We do not have reservations," she heard Sesshomaru state. She looked up at him and wondered what on earth he was doing.
Sesshomaru kept his eyes leveled on the host, wondering at what moment she'd recognize him. Apparently the hostess wasn't very familiar with the rich and famous because the look on her face spoke volumes of what she thought.
"I'm sorry sir, but no reservations means no table," the young woman said, apologizing.
"I am Sesshomaru, girl," Sesshomaru stated proudly, as if that alone was enough to get them in.
The hostess resisted the urge to lift a brow, "Uh, okay sir, but if you don't have a reservation, then I really can't get you a table. All of our tables are already reserved for other customers who did make reservations..." the hostess informed him.
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the small female, obviously thinking the girl insane for not knowing who he was, "Girl, fetch your manager." Sesshomaru resisted the urge to growl at the hostess as she scrambled to call her superior.
Kagome looked up at him from under his arm and sighed, men really didn't know when to just give up. Didn't he know that there was still some people that wouldn't know who he was, not matter how large his industries were. "Sesshomaru, maybe we should just go, I mean—this isn't the only restaurant you know," Kagome coaxed.
Sesshomaru looked down at her and glared, "Hn" was his only answer.
Kagome sighed and rolled her eyes. This was obviously no longer simply because he didn't have reservations, it was personal. He wanted to make a point that he, the great Sesshomaru, didn't need to get out of his way to make simple reservations somewhere—they'd wait up on him...Men. But deep inside, Kagome wondered if he was doing it all simply to impress her. The thought was rather sweet and it made Kagome's eyes soften as she looked up at his majestic features.
Kagome tensed momentarily when a new, and strangely familiar, aura approached her. Apparently Sesshomaru sensed it too because he took a subtle step in front of her. Shielded by his broad back, Kagome tried to peek around his shoulder.
"Good evening sir, is there a problem?" a low, baritone voice spoke, addressing Sesshomaru.
"Yes, there is," Sesshomaru began, taking in the man's features. He seemed almost familiar, obviously youkai, "We would like a table and your hostess refuses to give us one."
The hostess 'eeped' behind the man, giving Sesshomaru a pleading look. "Sir—they don't have a reservation, I didn't k—" the hostess started, but was cut off by her superior.
"Please Kira, let me speak with this gentleman," the youkai spoke, waving off the girl. He turned towards Sesshomaru and continued, "I apologize, but without a reservation we can not give you a table. There are many that wish to dine here and, as you can tell, we are always full. I'm sorry, but without a reservation, we simply can not set you a table."
Sesshomaru practically snarled at the tall youkai, but was stopped by an annoyed miko. Kagome stepped to the side and looked up at Sesshomaru. "Sesshomaru, it's alright, really. There's other places—" Kagome was cut off by the man before them.
"It's you again,"
Kagome turned towards the man and found her eyes locked with familiar dark eyes. She took in the rich dark brown hair, and she remembered long bangs—now swept back and in place with gel. That familiar squared jaw and high cheekbones flashed through her mind.
"You—you're that youkai from the forest," Kagome said more to herself than to anyone.
The youkai took a step towards them and grinned wide. He glanced at his hostess and said, "Kira set a table for this gentleman and lady." He turned back towards Kagome and Sesshomaru, "Come come, this way," he said still grinning and leading them to a table.
Sesshomaru frowned as his plan to impress the miko next to him backfired--and it was she that impressed him. Narrowing his eyes at the male leading them to a table, he vowed to impress her by the end of the night...Sesshomaru hid a smirk as various thoughts entered him mind.
Once they were away from prying ears, the youkai continued "Yes I am, you remember me after almost 500 years, I'm amazed."
Sesshomaru turned to Kagome with a lost expression, but quickly covered it with a questioning look. Kagome blushed and shrugged. "Actually, it was only a day ago for me," she conceded, "But I'm more surprised that you remember me—and that you're here."
The youkai gave her a quizzical look and shrugged it off, "A day ago, huh?" he shook his head and smiled at them again, "Well, I own the place. After I traveled to what is now Rome and Italy, I fell in love with their food and culture, and so here I am."
Kagome smiled at him, "I'm happy for you then. I'm Kagome by the way—we never really introduced ourselves in the past that day. And this is Sesshomaru," Kagome introduced them.
"I'm Kovu," he said, bowing his head at them.
Kagome saw the difference 500 years did to the youkai, his hair was no longer an uncontrollable thing as it had appeared the night she'd met him—no more long bangs threatening to conceal his forest green eyes. He reminded her too much of Kouga, expect Kouga's eyes had been a bright cobalt.
Kagome shied next to Sesshomaru as those fores green eyes focused on her, "Sorry Kovu, I know you were tried to help that night, I hadn't meant to hurt you."
Kovu lifted a brow, "No worries, you helped me a lot more...don't you remember?" he asked.
"No, I don't. Like I said, I just met you two nights ago..." Kagome trailed off, leaning her head to the side.
"Ah, so it hasn't happened yet. Very well then, I'll get a waitress to attend you shortly," Kovu said before turning and leaving them alone.
Sesshomaru turned to Kagome and gave her a questioning look. "When, pray tell, did you meet the prince of the North?"
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A/N: I'm back! Alright then, another chapter. This story is almost coming to an end....T.T I'm not sure how many more chapters, it just depends how much I can fit into them to get it where I want—and need it to...
Thanks to LC Rose for demanding I update....lol—some times I really need that. xD Please excuse how short this chappie was—I'll try and make the next one longer—and juicier....xD...Until next time!
