Chapter 11

I noticed when I was re-reading the story that recently the balance of gloom to humour has been rather neglected, which is what inspired this chapter. Enjoy!

Sesshomaru lifted his body off the woman who was still shaking and panting in pleasure underneath him, feeling spent but rather incensed, the whole ordeal not serving the purpose it should have, which was taking his mind of the rather unpleasant task that his father set for him – passing the knowledge of the inu to a mortal.

He could have refused, of course, but that would be defying his alpha, which was not tolerated well even now that father became far more... lenient. To teach the young was one of the functions of the older members of the pack and thus was expected from all that reached a certain age, which was likely why father chose him as the Lord of the West was often occupied with other things, meaning that lessons would be far spaced apart and due to this not effective. Even though Kagome was not quite a demon, she was viewed as such by the alpha of their pack, meaning others had to accept her as being one too or face the consequences. The older inu suggested that they start as soon as possible, seeing as the girl appeared to age in the same manner as humans rather than youkai.

Time was crucial in all things in this era, Sesshomaru has learnt. Before, when the numbers of youkai were far greater it wasn't as painfully obvious that one must not waste this commodity, which was by far more precious to humans, whose life was a speck compared to demon's lifespan.

Sesshomaru shook himself and inclined his head downwards, taking in the flushed appearance of the one that was meant to divert him from these thoughts and failed miserably. She was a rather beautiful youkai onna, the only feature of hers which didn't scream perfection being her eyes, which were an ugly maroon colour, making her look as if she lacked control over her beast at all times. However, as he did not plan to spend much time in her presence as of this minute, this nuance did not matter to him in the least.

Slipping away from her, the inu raised himself from the bed and started to dress, purposefully ignoring his onetime bed partner. She did not seem to mind, however, her gaze trailing over the curve of his hips and upwards, to admire the chiselled muscles of his abdomen and broad shoulders which were now partially concealed by his shirt. She smirked to herself in silent victory, not bothered by his silence, knowing for sure that she did well and a repeat of tonight was likely. Although he did not state his name, his reputation was known by all as well as his status as one of the wealthiest and more influential beings in Japan.

'Sesshomaru Takahashi. Quite a catch indeed' she thought, slipping the once discarded sheets around her bosom to cover her nakedness.

Not wanting to be forgotten, the youkai female stood up and went to her dresser, pulling out a very revealing red thong, the piece that served well for her at all times as it accentuated her curviness. Crumpling it up in her hand carefully, lest it was seen too early, she silently made her way towards his coat, slipping the underwear into his coat pocket with a knowing smile. Forget her? I think he will not.

Kagome ran up and down the stairs for what must have been the hundredth time, or at least it felt so for poor Jaken who was given the task of watching the tenacious child while the rest were away from the mansion. An hour earlier he demanded an explanation for her odd behaviour, but was left even more confused than before by her reply.

"I saw it in a film once; if you want to be stronger you must train. I am training"

He decided not to speak to her at all after this, worried that she will badger him to join in. Being a vigilant and trustworthy being, he was felt honoured that his Lord trusted him enough to finally reveal the reasons for the little brat to be residing in the house, which would explain why one such as important as the toad demon was deemed reliable enough to keep guard. Jaken puffed out his chest, still feeling a little overwhelmed from being told the information that was known only by the pack members. His happy thoughts were quickly interrupted as the child in question squealed in delight and rushed past him, nearly knocking the long suffering toad of his feet on her way.

"Sesshomaru-sama! You returned!"

She panted lightly as she stood next to the calm inu, him eying her minute form for any sign of treachery. Surely, one could not be that happy to see another return after only being away for a day? Apparently, this rule did not apply to the happy brunette child that latched herself onto his leg, squeezing him with all her might, her delight genuine. Sesshomaru felt the corners of his lips being tugged upwards and willed for them to stop their ascent. It was undignified, almost.

Her scent changed from elation to confusion abruptly, as Kagome spotted a hint of red fabric in Sesshomaru's coat pocket. Her nose wrinkling in uncertainty, she reached out and pulled the underwear out of his pocket, her inquisitive mind working full-time as she tried to understand what the strings of material were meant to be.

"Sesshomaru-sama, what is this?"

The inu felt his eye twitch slightly, as he too wondered what was this and how in Kamis' name this object ended up in his pocket.

"Why, you foolish child, can't you tell that this is underwear?"

Sesshomaru's eyes widened as he saw Jaken emerge seemingly from nowhere, offering the oh-so-needed explanation to the even more bewildered child.

Kagome's mouth formed into an o, as she nodded gravely, feeling that this was a very serious discussion indeed.

"It is your underwear Sesshomaru-sama?"

Jaken gave a little embarrassed laugh at the preposterous suggestion. Seeing that his Lord was not about to speak, Jaken knew that it was up to him to explain all.

"Of course not you silly human. Such things are only worn by.."

Kagome's eyes widened in surprise as she saw the item in question disappear from sight, it being abruptly snatched away by a sharply-clawed hand. Moments later Jaken found out what it was like to have the skill of flight as he soared through the air to crash face first into one of the walls on the further end of the room, squawking apologies and swearing everlasting loyalty to his masters. Even if it meant enduring such pain.

Kagome giggled, not expecting such a move from the stoic youkai in front of her, who was currently seeing red. Literally. Sesshomaru growled and threw the offensive item into the rubbish bin, hoping that his father or younger brother will not find out about the incident, their opinions on this matter was not being something he cared to ever know.

The little girl shook her head, not liking her Sesshomaru-sama in his angry state at all and slid her soft hand into his clawed one, watching in awe as it disappeared from sight magically.

"Taisho-sama said that we will start lessons today."

He nodded and let the child pull him towards her recently redecorated room, feeling that perhaps the tutoring will not be as vile a task as he had first thought, seeing as how this girl understood his moods better than any other this Sesshomaru encountered.

What do you think? Merry Christmas to all!