Chapter 12 After Dinner Treat.

A/N This chapter is a little longer, hope it's still manageable. Here there be fluffiness! Ye be warned! Or as my husband says, "Batten down the laptops and brace for squealing wenches."

Bijou

XX

He took her by the hand and led her from the dining room through the kitchen and out the back door. She followed him without question across the patio. She took in all the sights of the patio and pool area and wondered where he was taking her. He led her down a small path between two large buildings behind the house before stopping suddenly outside a nondescript gray door.

"Close your eyes." He requested, She complied immediately.

She heard a click and felt him take hold of her hand once more. She kept her eyes closed tight as he slowly led her across a flat surface. She couldn't hear anything other than their footsteps and her own heartbeat in her ears. She felt him release her hand and

wondered briefly where he'd gone before she felt him come up behind her and draw her hand up with his own. He gently placed her hand on a cold smooth surface in front of her, she had to force herself to keep her eyes closed. He gently slid her hand across the smooth surface. As he let his hand lead hers he noted every reaction she made. He leaned in close to her, the scent of honeysuckle making him pleasantly lightheaded. He knew his grip on reason was slipping again, dangerously, but he couldn't help himself.

"Tell me what you feel." He requested quietly, only inches from her ear. She felt warm suddenly.

"It's cold, smooth, maybe a metal alloy." She began, sliding her fingers carefully over the surface, almost caressing it. He moved her again, replacing her hands on another surface. "Carbon Fiber, and glass." She continued without prompting. He grinned to himself, she was amazing, She wasn't fighting him or demanding any answers, and she wasn't rushing him to reveal his intentions. He could sense her comfort with him, and he couldn't convince himself that it wasn't a powerful sensation.

"Open your eyes." He said softly, still close behind her.

She opened her eyes, the light was low but she gasped, and pulled her hands back quickly. She was standing next to yet another beautiful car, one she thought, no she knew she had never see up close before. She spun to face him, her eyes wide, she licked her lips nervously. He was smiling at her indulgently, she was blushing again and he reveled in it.

"That's, it's, you have a," She stuttered.

"A Sesto Elemento. Yeah." He finished for her.

The way her eyes glittered filled him with a roaring sense of pride, she was looking between him and the car like she didn't know which was more interesting. Leaning so close to her he could hear her breath catch he reached over and opened the door for her. She couldn't look away from him as he reached past her. Her breath hitched in her chest at his closeness. He smelled amazing, like fall and sunshine, and completely male. She had to once again resist the urge to thrust her hands into his hair. She heard the car door open and wrenched her eyes away from him to the interior of the car. He watched her eyes run over the interior of the car, lingering on some places longer than others. It reminded him of the way one might gaze at a lover, making his skin warm pleasantly. Something dormant in him was beginning to stir again.

She reached her hand out slowly and ran it over the door gently, she could smell the newness of the car. He couldn't have had the it long. The interior design was amazingly simple, but nothing short of top quality. The carbon fiber beautifully glossy and smooth. She wondered how he managed to get one, but she didn't think it polite to ask. She felt him move around her again, catching her attention. She shook her head in shock when he motioned for her to get in. He chuckled, it rumbled deep in his chest, her heartbeat jumped pleasantly at the sound.

"Not afraid are you?" He teased her, a mischievous gleam in his eye.

"No! I'm just, I just, I don't..." She stuttered again.

He closed the distance between them quicker than she would have guessed possible, causing a gasp to slip through her lips. He was so close she could feel the warmth radiate from him, she wondered briefly if her knees had buckled before she realized he had lifted her off her feet. Her eyes shot open at the speed in which he maneuvered her into the passenger seat of the car.

"Buckle up." He said wickedly as he closed the door.

Before she could clear her mind enough to attempt the seat belt harness he was in the driver's seat. He buckled his own seat belt before reaching over to help her with her's. She blushed and thanked him quietly. She made a show of adjusting her clothes as he started the car. The sound of the engine in the enclosed space made her whole body vibrate. He drove carefully from the large garage, just slow enough she could observe some of the other amazing cars he kept. Her eyes darted from one beautiful vehicle to another, she was speechless.

Before long they were flying down a smoothly paved road, much faster than they should have been. Kagome was in a fit of laughter she thought would never stop at his continuous commentary on the road condition and the people they passed at blinding speed. It was like road rage in fast forward. He was weaving in and out of traffic, turning corners, and flying through intersections so fast she couldn't keep up, but she wasn't afraid, much to her surprise. She wasn't sure how long they'd been driving before he came to a stop at the end of a dark wooded road, once he killed the headlights there was no light at all, she could only see the outline of him from the glowing security light on the dashboard. He unbuckled and slipped off his seat belt and got out. She was fumbling with her own seat belt in the dark when he was there, opening her door.

She attempted to squint through the darkness that had closed around them in the trees but she couldn't see a thing. He had her by the hand once more and was leading her down a path he must have known would be there, surely he couldn't see it either. Before long she could hear the rushing of the tide in the distance and sucked in a breath, wondering exactly how far they had driven. She followed him until she felt the ground give beneath her, she could feel the sand slipping into her open toed shoes.

"Can we stop just a minute, I need to take off these shoes." She asked quietly, reluctant to break the peaceful silence.

He didn't say anything, just stopped and let go of her hand. She was a little disconcerted by the darkness now that he had let go, and she jumped when she felt his hand on her ankle. She reached out a hand blindly looking for something to steady herself, the first thing she brushed against was his shoulder. She leaned on him as he slipped her feet out of her shoes. She didn't realize she had been holding her breath until she felt him once again take her hand and begin leading her further into the darkness.

She could see faint light ahead as they moved closer to the sound of the waves. They walked out from the trees and she was breathless at the beauty before her. The moon was visible now, illuminating the beach with a soft white glow, the water beyond was dark the waves tipped in the moonlight made the horizon sparkle brighter than the stars above. She was sure she'd never seen anything as incredible in her life. He was standing beside her silently, letting her take in the view of the beach. He wasn't sure why he brought here, but it seemed right, and he was working on instinct now. She was something special, unlike anyone he'd ever encountered before, and he was so tired of fighting it.

She felt the cool breeze blowing off the water stir the skirt around her ankles, the smell of the salt was refreshing, a smile spread across her face. They stood there in silence, but it was comfortable. She wondered why she didn't feel the need to fill the silence with him. His grip on her hand loosened as he set her shoes in the sand and before he could let go she tightened her hold on him. The possessiveness of the gesture surprised her, she was sure he would pull free from her but he didn't. Instead he lightly ran his thumb along hers, if was a nice feeling. She tore her eyes away from the hypnotic movement of the water and turned to look at him.

He was watching her carefully, she was enchanted by the beach, as he'd hoped she would be. Her eyes darted along the invisible horizon the moonlit waves sparkling in the light of a nearly full moon. He wondered what she was thinking about, he felt no discomfort or fear from her, nothing was giving her away. He had tried to let go of her, so she could wander the beach freely, but she had only gripped him tighter. If anyone else had held onto him so, he would have torn away from them, but when she did it it was different. Her hand in his felt right, felt comfortable. He dropped his eyes to hers when she turned to look at him, and he was rewarded with a smile, it even shown in her eyes. Before he knew what he was doing his lifted his free hand and brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. She blinked but didn't look away from him. Taking that as a good sign he tossed the rest of his reserve to the wind.

She hadn't expected him to reach out to her, but when he brushed her hair behind her ear she felt her heart stop. She blinked in surprise and before she could do anything he was leaning into her, brushing his lips gently across hers. He lingered only a brief moment before pulling away. Now not only had her heart restarted but it was thudding in her ears, she could feel the blush rushing in her veins, everything was vivid. This time she took the opportunity to close the small distance between them, leaning into him slightly, her head on his chest. Dropping her hand from his he wrapped his arms around her loosely and held her there, his chin resting lightly on her head.

She let her arms wrap around his waist, his steady heartbeat in her ear. They stood like that for long minutes until she shivered involuntarily. Breaking their hold he lowered her onto the sand, tucking her feet underneath her skirt. She settled sideways between his legs, burying herself in the warmth of his arms. She was staring out across the water again, warm and content in his embrace. The silence wasn't uncomfortable or stifling but she broke it anyway.

"It's beautiful here, maybe the most beautiful thing I've seen." She said quietly so as not to startle him.

"I'm glad you like it, I'd hoped you might." He replied just as softly.

"We're not trespassing are we? I don't want another run in with the police." She commented with a giggle.

"That makes two of us." He shuddered dramatically, making her giggle again. "No we're not trespassing, I own the land here." He finished plainly. She was surprised at the way he said it without the smallest hint of bravado in his tone. He was simply being honest.

"Well I'd say you made a great investment." She complimented.

"Why thank you." He chuckled, it rumbled low in his chest as it had before, this time she could feel it and shivered pleasantly.

"Are you still cold?" He asked, concerned by her shivering.

"No I'm not cold." She assured him.

"But you're shivering." He pressed, he didn't want her to catch a cold just to stay here.

"It's not the cold." She admitted shyly. "It's the way you laughed, it almost sounded like purring from here." She teased

"I don't purr, I growl." He whispered wickedly. He could feel her body warm at his declaration.

"Growl huh? I'll remember that." She replied with a smirk.

She nestled closer to him as he tightened his arms around her, her closeness was comforting, relaxing in a way he'd never felt before. He found himself quite gratified that she didn't feel the need to fill the silence with inane babble as some women did. She was so quiet though he almost wondered if she'd fallen asleep, but he felt a slight tug on his neck and knew she was toying with the pendant she had given him. He tilted his head to look down at her, she was holding the silver disk up to examine it again.

"I wonder why I was so sure about it." She commented to herself, he knew she was trying to remember something important so he pretended not to hear. Instead watched intently as she turned it over and over in her small fingers.

"You're not human are you?" She asked suddenly, no fear in her voice. She said it loud enough he knew he had to answer.

"No Kagome, I'm not. How did you know?" He asked more casually than he felt.

"Lots of little things that I've been adding up." She explained. "The way you move, your reflexes while you drove us here, the way you could see as you led me here, the warmness of your skin, and finally the growling." She went on.

"Does it bother you?" He asked, no emotion evident in his voice.

"You would think it would, but no. I wonder why that is." She mused. He let her think about it for a moment, it didn't take her long.

"If you're not human, I guess Inuyasha isn't either?" She asked.

"He's more human that I am, but no not completely." He agreed

"I'm a human though." She observed.

"Yes, you're human." He whispered.

"Now that I know, does it bother you?" She barely whispered.

"You'd think it would, but no, nothing about you bothers me." He assured her.

She pulled away from him just enough to look up at him, she saw no deception in his eyes. She brushed her hand along the side of his face and he growled low at the sensation. She could see him now, as he was. Magenta stripes slashed across his cheeks, a purple crescent in the center of his forehead. He was even more beautiful now, here with her in the moonlight. She pulled her knees underneath her and raised herself to his level. He dropped his arms to let her get up but she stopped on her knees. She stretched up slightly and pressed her warm lips against the marking his forehead, it was his turn to shiver. She dipped her forehead to lean against his, holding his gaze a moment before lowering herself back down.

She curled up against him once again, this time wrapping a lock of his hair in her fingers. He smiled and wrapped his arms around her once more. She wasn't afraid of him, that much was plain. He raised his gaze to the stars dotting the clear sky, and accepted the fact that he wasn't going to be able to shut her out, she was too close now. They were quiet for a few moments before spoke again.

"Youkai." She decided out loud.

"Daiyoukai actually." He corrected her gently. "I am the leader of my family." He explained.

"Something canine right? Dog or wolf maybe?" She inquired.

"Dog." He confirmed.

"Definitely not purring then." She added slyly.

"Definitely not." He agreed smiling.

It wasn't long after that that sleep stole over her. Her breathing calm and even. He kissed the top of her head gently and rose to his feet. Pulling her up with him he deftly slid his arm under her to support her against him. She stirred briefly but he halted his movement waiting for her to doze again. He tucked her gently into the car and took a moment to run back to the beach for her shoes. The walk that had taken them ten minutes to traverse took him seconds alone. He placed her shoes on the floor under her and strapped her in gently. Even the slamming of the doors failed to rouse her.

He gazed at her often as he drove them back. Parking in front of his home he considered waking her, asking her if she wanted to go home, but she slept so peacefully he didn't want to disturb her. He knew she would have more questions as she acclimated to her recovered knowledge, and he wanted to be there when the questions came. He heard a noise behind him and spun suddenly to find Kaede holding the door open for him. With a defeated chuckle he gently eased Kagome from the car. Climbing the steps her walked past Kaede without saying a word. There was nothing to say that the wise old woman couldn't figure out herself.

Assured that Kaede would see to the care of his car he started up the stairs towards the guestroom. There wasn't a soul wandering the halls, and the house was quiet. He wondered about it for a moment before realizing it must be very late. He came to a sudden stop in front of the guestroom, the door was shut firmly. While considering the best way to open it without waking the woman in his arms he noticed the door open down the hall and smirked. The door to his bedroom stood wide open, a very uncommon occurrence unless Kaede was cleaning. Planning to lay Kagome down in there while he opened the way to the guestroom he entered his own room.

He laid her down gently on his bed but she had once again knotted her hand in his hair, he was stuck. Shrugging his shoulders in defeat he knelt beside the bed and waited for her to let go. It wasn't long before she mumbled something in her sleep that even he couldn't make out and turned over, releasing his hair in the process. He left her there while he retreated to his bathroom to change. He returned wearing only his silk sleep pants, checking she was still asleep her walked down the hall opening the guestroom door he walked in, turning down the blankets so he wouldn't have to fight with them later.

That done he returned to his room, she was curled up around his blankets now he noticed with a shake of his head. Even in her sleep she was making it difficult for him to separate himself from her. He lifted her gently dragging half his bedding off the bed with her, blankets dropped across the floor as he made his way to the door. Satisfied that she had dropped everything he walked down the hall to the guestroom. He was almost to the door when he hear her whisper.

"Sesshomaru." She whispered sleepily.

"Yes Kagome?" he replied his voice dropping to match her's

"Where are we?" She asked blinking her sleep clouded eyes.

"Home." He he said simply.

"I don't want to go home yet." She murmured.

"You can stay with me tonight if you want." He offered with baited breath.

"Yes please. I'll stay with you." She said nodding. He began walking again but halted suddenly when she spoke again.

"I think if you were there, maybe I could sleep the whole night." She admitted thickly, sleep stealing back over her.

With a shrug of his shoulders he turned around and walked back to his room. He laid her once more on his bed, and turned to retrieve his bedding. He slid into bed behind her, pulling her gently to his bare chest. He covered them carefully with his blankets and let himself drift off to sleep her warmth a comfort against his skin, and the scent of honeysuckle prevailing his senses.

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.Well I hope that was enjoyable to those folks still reading this story. I enjoyed writing it :D Thanks again to those of you still following along with me here. Feel free to review if ya like, constructive criticism is always welcome, of course so is positive feedback!