The next day, Kagome awoke to a peaceful day. The sun was shining, birds could be heard chirping, and a pleasant breeze was blowing in through the open window. Kagome felt alive and a bit of freedom, like she had just been released from the dungeon four years ago again.
However, the day before came to mind, with the bow, arrow, bad guys, and Sesshomaru. She remembered telling Sesshomaru run, and he went into the castle, but she didn't remember what happened afterwards, except that she awoke in the bedroom just recently. Once again, the last few hours of her previous day were a blank. She didn't feel too good about this...
However, something had to be confirmed before she started worrying about her lack of memory: Sesshomaru's safety and well being. She quickly dressed and left the bedroom to see the servants and maids about their work. That was normal, yes. However, the fact that they all stopped what they were doing and stared at her like she was a stranger wasn't normal. Soon, whispers were passed to one another as she began down the hall towards Sesshomaru's study. He was always there, working, if not in her room as she awoke. She began going quicker as more maids and servants stopped to stare at her. She needed to get to that study and ask Sesshomaru what was up with his castle staff.
She burst into the study, slamming the door shut immediately when she got in. She sighed loudly and looked at Sesshomaru desk. It was oddly empty, as well as no occupant sitting at it. She looked around it, inspecting the desk and chair material. It was the best of the best.
Out of curiosity, she sat in the chair, pulling it forward so she could rest her arms on the desk. It was comfortable, and Kagome felt in place in that spot. However, a little "tick" in the back of her shook her from the seat and sent her back to a standing position, the chair now on its back and the "tick" feeling gone.
Kagome, being the way she was, placed the chair back into place, and exited quickly. Things were definitely not right at the moment. And where the hell was Sesshomaru? Perhaps bathing? Eating? Sleeping? Training? He could have been doing any of these things, however Kagome didn't know which one. And she wasn't going to look all over the castle to find out.
She'd ask Mana. Perhaps Sesshomaru's own mother would know where the Great Lord was. She was, in fact, his mother. She helped send him to her in the rain. Perhaps the elder could send her to him this time.
Kagome didn't need to look far. As she exited the study, the Lord's mother stood halted in front of the door. She, too, stared at Kagome, like the servants. However, hers was of pure fear, and Kagome was worried.
"Mana, what's the matter?" Kagome asked, placing a comforting hand on the elder's shoulder. The feared look disappeared as a loud and heavy sigh escaped the elder's mouth.
"You scared me. I thought, well, maybe..." The elder trailed off for a while. "Maybe like yesterday..."
"Like yesterday? What do you mean?" Kagome asked as they began to walk down the hall. Servants and maids sighed loudly as well as they passed them and continued their work. Kagome felt a little bit more at ease, but the fact that Mana was saying Kagome scared her wasn't causing her to be at great ease. Also, Sesshomaru was still missing, in her mind.
"You don't remember?" Kagome shook her head. "Well, Sesshomaru left, and suddenly you were, well, extremely rude to all but Rin. You even insulted me by calling me not only a whore, but also a slut, when you did not enjoy Sesshomaru even implying that. It wasn't like you at all."
"No, I would never insult you!" Kagome exclaimed. "I swear, Mana. Truth be told, I can't remember anything except for the demons attacking us and I saving Rin. Afterwards, my body was possessed and, thus, I almost attacked Sesshomaru with a bow and arrow. Then my mind is blank."
"Well, I don't think you put the bow down. If you look at your bedroom door, you could probably see the mark your arrow, aimed at my son, did. Then, afterwards, Sesshomaru wasn't seen. Not even for grub time."
"Grub time?" Kagome asked, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Mana just laughed.
"Oh, we dog demons have a little, um, fun with our food just before dawn when we dig into the food our chef cooks for us. We make an entire mess of the dining room! Oh, it is so much fun. You should join us one of these times!" Mana laughed whole-heartily
"Perhaps I will," Kagome said with a smile. "Tomorrow morning, hum?"
Mana laughed whole-heartily again. "Oh, we only do it once a month. We really don't need to eat every day. Sesshomaru or I will inform you of the next time we do it. You really should join, or at least see us. My son, oh, he gets right into it, literally!"
"Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked with giggles. "I really can't see it."
However, that wasn't the whole truth. The image that came to mind to Kagome was like a puppy with a big dish of food and it just jumping in, the food covering the dog. Now, she replaced the dog with Sesshomaru, and it just made her laugh out loud.
"Well, he missed it, so that's saying something. He even needs to eat. So something's going on," Mana said, them now on a much more serious subject.
Kagome was now silent. Perhaps she had scared even him away. She took a deep breath and turned to Mana.
"He's not far. Do you really think he'd leave you and Rin without real protection?" Kagome asked with a brilliant smile.
"Nor you. His scent isn't far, so I know he isn't too far. He must at least be in sight of the castle, for he would leave any of us unprotected." Mana then sighed. "However, if he saw you like we did..."
Kagome's smile faded. Perhaps she had scared him away...
Kagome was depressed without Sesshomaru's presence around her, or at least near. Even though Mana said she could still smell him, Kagome couldn't. Thus, every suddenly sound or action sent her hand towards her bow for protection, now securely at her side at all times. She was currently looking out of the window of her bedroom; her legs curled up next to her on the bed she resided on. She wished to be alone, which was how she was left. Rin even didn't bother Kagome when she was officially bored because the hunters went out to catch dinner and the breakfast the next morning. Instead, Rin took her lessons, which Kagome could partly hear from the room over.
Her eyes were glazed, barely seeing the red sky that signified sunset. An entire day passed, and so slowly due to Sesshomaru's absence. Kagome turned her legs so that her knees now were up and she rested her head on them, her arms around her legs.
Kagome raised as a cramp entered her leg and walked over to the window. The forest, live and a rich green, was motionless. However, as Kagome was about to returned to the bed to stare at absolutely nothing, something ruffled in the bushes. Kagome was instantly alert, however her hand didn't jerk to her bow. Instead she gazed at it, waiting, waiting...
A simple rabbit hopped out and looked around. Kagome released the breath she was holding. What did she expect? Sesshomaru to run out and into the castle and into her arms, kissing and hugging? She shook her head and headed to the bed. However, it was no longer interesting, nor was staring into space.
She was about to go to the door when it opened to show Mana.
"Lady Kagome, supper is being served," Mana told Kagome. She shook her head.
"I'm not hungry."
"Oh, Kagome. He didn't leave you. You know he loves you," Mana said, entering to sit next to the priestess.
"Mana, I'm bored. I need to get my mind off him and do something," Kagome told Mana.
"Rin's lessons are over," Mana suggested. Kagome made a face. Mana laughed. "All you had to do was say no."
"I don't feel like playing. Not with anyone, at least," Kagome said. "Do you happen to have any instruments or musical objects? Perhaps that will get him off my mind."
Mana stroked Kagome hair. The elder sighed slowly. "Yes, we do. Follow me."
They left the bedroom and began down the hallway and down a row of steps. They both were silent, until Mana began to talk; however it wasn't her lively tone, but a much more depressed tone.
"I haven't been down here in such a long time..." Mana spoke, looking back in a glance at Kagome. Kagome nodded. Mana then smiled with her normal tone back. "I might just get us lost!"
Kagome giggled, however the echo in the staircase made it sound as if it was an evil, menacing laugh and Kagome shivered. She didn't like basements, especially dark ones... or stone, cold ones...
When they finally made it down to ground, it was no longer stone, but soil. They continued, and entered a room where many instruments lined the walls.
"Were you looking for any in particular?" Mana asked. Kagome blushed, however it was so dark, Kagome highly doubted Mana could see it.
"Well, I know how to play a few..." Kagome told her, looking around the room.
"Well, which ones?"
"Flute."
They were silent for a while before they both broke out into giggles.
"You said a few," Mana commented.
"I guess I lied..." Kagome giggled.
"Wait here," Mana said as she went farther into the dark room. Kagome did as she was told to, however she wasn't comfortable standing alone in a dark, cold basement. Hell, she wasn't comfortable standing in a dark, cold basement with Mana next to her! Sesshomaru maybe...
Mana brought her from her leading thoughts to Sesshomaru by returning with a box in hand. "Let's look at this upstairs."
The trip upstairs was much quicker than down, and they soon were back in the bedroom with a rectangular box in hand. Mana then passed the box to Kagome.
"Here's the flute," Mana said and Kagome looked down at the wooden box nicely furnished and nicely carved. She flipped the top open to see a nicely crafted flute inside, put together and everything. "It's a family heirloom." Kagome looked at it intently as she carefully lifted it from its box. She then turned it over in her hand, seeing how nicely the holes were carved and how nicely the design was made, almost as good as her time's flute, perhaps even better. She then turned to Mana as the elder continued. "Inu no Taisho played that at some time." Kagome eyes went wide and looked down. "As well as Sesshomaru and myself, in a time in our lives where music was essential."
"I couldn't possibly play this! It's too important to you guys," Kagome said, starting to replace in into its box. However, Mana took it from her hands and held it up and began playing a clear E note.
"You can play it. And you will, Kagome. Perhaps it will bring Sesshomaru home. To you."
"But, it's too important to-"
"To allow it to rot and deteriorate in that room. It needs to be played. Allow it to be played again." Mana placed the flute into Kagome's palms, curling her fingers around it.
Kagome looked down at the instrument now in her hands. "Ok."
Kagome lifted the instrument, closed her eyes, and let a steady stream of air blow over the tip of the flute as a clear note echoed throughout the room, and, unknowingly, the castle. The servants and maids stopped again, just this time for a good reason.
Kagome changed the note, and even more people, even outside of the castle, stopped to listen.
Soon, Kagome began to play a song. There were no notes or pieces of music in front of her, and, even if there was, her eyes were closed. She played a tune without measures and beats, without words or rhythm. A song from the heart.
Sesshomaru currently was enjoying his catch of food when a note swept of him. The meat in front of him dropped to the ground as he stood, listening as the note turned into another. Soon, the two notes became a song, slow and sad. Almost calling...
Sesshomaru headed to the edge of the forest he resided in, the song becoming louder and louder with each step. The tune more calling than before as he gazed up at his bedroom window. There sat his Kagome, a flute in hand, her eyes closed, and her tune reaching him through the open window. He listened for most of it, the way it called to him, the way it sounded so sad, so desperate, so... wounded. Almost how he had felt throughout the day without Kagome near, next to, or against him.
He had stayed in the forest not because of fear, but because of Kagome's safety. He did not wish to enter the castle only to be attacked again. He did not want his instincts to take over and attack Kagome, thus injuring or, worst, killing her. He did not know if Kagome would remain as she was when he left, or return to normal. The entire day, he had waited for some sort of sign. This was his sign.
As he sensed the song slowly end, he began to fly up to his bedroom. As it finished, he entered the bedroom through the window. His mother gasped, then smiled, shaking her head playfully at him. Kagome lowered the flute and opened her eyes to see Sesshomaru before her. A gasp and smile greeted him, and she placed the flute on the bed a little bit carelessly as she ran into Sesshomaru's arms with an embrace. They exchanged words of worry and concern, a few romantic and passionate kisses, before they realized Mana was still in the room. Kagome turned with a roll of her eyes.
"Did I do well?" Mana asked playfully to Kagome.
"Yes."
"More than good, mother. Excellent. Thank you."
"Hey, I'm here to keep you, and now you intended, in line."
Sesshomaru's eyes went wide and shooed his mother out as Kagome questioned him.
"Intended? What did that mean?" Kagome asked.
-Um, how am I supposed to explain this to her?-
Uh, you're asking me?
-You're the demon, are you not?-
Uh...
-You're no help...-
Allow me control, and thus she will understand, young one.
-AH! What did I tell you about calling me "young one"?! And weren't you just out seven days ago?-
(laugh) Just teasing. You can come back a day early next cycle, if it will make you happy, pup.
Sesshomaru rolled his eyes, and soon those eyes flashed red before a sly smile came upon his lips. Soon, those lips were crashed into another pair of lips; Kagome's lips. She was dumbfounded. Was this her answer?
"It was been too long, sweet Kagome," Sesshomaru said. She knew that, just from the slight baritone of the voice, she was talking to "Demon Sesshomaru," as the "Lord-y Sesshomaru" once told her. Each had little nickname for one another.
"So, what are you doing out? I just saw you seven days ago," Kagome said.
"Oh, seven days of absolute torture, my dear Kagome," Sesshomaru said, pulling her in for another kiss. He licked his lips like he just had the best meal of his life. "Delicious, as always..."
"Do you have a reason you're here?" Kagome asked, slightly perturbed. She personally preferred the "Lord-y Sesshomaru" over the "Demon Sesshomaru" because the Sesshomaru she was facing never really took anything seriously. He always was romantic, which was nice, of course. However, he enjoyed kissing her constantly, and embracing her, and just constantly surrounding her. However, he easily got angered or upset, and could go on long walks alone that made Kagome sometimes worried, especially if he didn't respond when she called his names numerous times.
"Well, little Sesshy inside didn't know how to explain to you what you meant to him," Sesshomaru suddenly winced. "He says he loves you."
Kagome coloured drastically and turned away. "Well, um, tell him thanks... I guessed... Um... I..." Kagome's eyes darted around as she fanned her hot cheeks to get the colour out of her cheeks. Two strong arms wrapped around her midriff.
"I love it when you blush," came a whisper in her ear, causing a shiver to go down her spine and her eyes to close. A smile was plastered of her face. "Now, what is an intended... Where to start?"
"Mmm... The beginning..." Kagome mumbled, leaning into Sesshomaru lightly. "And make it quick, please."
"I love it when you are in control."
"You love me whenever I do something, all the time. Continue," she said in a more realistic tone. Sesshomaru nodded.
"So, an intended... hum..." Sesshomaru still whispered his words into her ear, alternating at times. "Do humans have any type of companion name before marriage?"
Kagome turned to him, a tilt of her head. "What do you know about marriage?"
"Ah, I asked you first. As well, one question at a time, love."
"Well, we have fiancé, but that's almost right before marriage. Beforehand, there's boyfriend and girlfriend. Then friends, then acquaintances, then-"
"I guess an intended is much like a boyfriend or girlfriend. I do not know of the details of a boyfriend and girlfriend relationship, however I know of an intended's. Compliments, gifts, favours, kisses, hugs, embraces, love, respect, blah, blah, blah. All that mushy stuff that goes on in relationships, except the really good stuff in a relationship..."
'Oh, we know what's on his mind all the time...' Kagome thought with a roll of her eyes. "So, it's really like a relationship like with us humans. We do almost the same things, sometimes even that 'really good stuff', depending on the people concerning the relationship, their religion, and beliefs."
"Oh, how I wish I was human," Sesshomaru whispered in her ear so softly, Kagome couldn't help but shiver. She sighed. "Ok, I got the hint. You want Puppy Boy back... One kiss before my departure?"
Kagome sighed, and they kissed. However, Sesshomaru slipped his tongue cleverly into Kagome's mouth and shocked Kagome. At that same moment, the "Lord-y Sesshomaru" returned, and joined Kagome in shock. He was the one to pull away, and rather desperately.
"He can be... Smart, sometimes," Sesshomaru slightly apologized. He noticed Kagome's face looked oddly redder than par usual, and he was both curious, and worried. "Is something the matter?"
Kagome's hand came up to her lips, her breath still caught in her throat. She shook her head slowly at first, and then very, very fast to express her point.
Sesshomaru tilted his head in worry. Kagome wasn't usually like this, but then again they never really had such a passionate kiss... or a French kiss, for that matter...
What then shocked the hell out of him was the fact that Kagome reached up and brought his head down for a kiss... and not just any kiss... a passionate kiss... a French kiss...
And afterwards, he was the one redder than usual...
AN: Ok, not much to say about this one. Pretty straight forward, in my opinion. I think it's sweet that Sesshomaru blushed after a widdle French kiss...
By the way, I post this on my birthday!!! Yay me!!! I'm finally 15!!! My profile has also been updated, if you want to check it out. New and Improved!!! LOLZ!!! And thank you for all those who have supported me for the last two/three years!!! You know who you are, AnimePoison and Eri-Tuure!!! LOVE YOU BOTH!!!
Ok, R&R!