The Missing Link
By: Inuyasha4ev
Summary: Kagome is an archaeologist who's teams digging around Japan. In her search, she comes across the only known existing demon, frozen and preserved in the mountains. Once he's thawed up, it is up to her to attend to him, teach him the ways of the new world, and comfort his aching heart.
'Blah' –Sesshomaru's strange language
'Blah' -Thoughts
'Blah'- Sesshomaru's beast
Chapter 12
Xxx
Sesshomaru wrapped the towel tight around his waist and stared into the mirror over the sink. He had never, as far as he could remember, felt so disgusted with himself. There he stood, yearning for the taunt body of the little woman who had so kindly taken care of him and taken him into her home. Even though he had not touched her, or even grazed her, he felt like he had raped or molested her. Despite the fact that his hands hadn't, he felt that his mind had. Without her permission, he had dreamt of her, kissing and caressing him, and even though he knew it was wrong, he had relieved himself while thinking of her. "Pathetic," he mouthed to his reflection. "Utterly Pathetic."
His ears twitched at the soft sound of Kagome's gentle steps approaching the door. Quickly, he slid into his boxers and pajama pants. He'd only just relieved himself, and already his loins were ablaze again as her scent wafted under the door and into his nose. When there was a knock on the door, he took a deep breath and opened the door. "Yes?"
Kagome rubbed her eyes and yawned. "I woke up when I heard the bathroom door close. When I didn't see you on the couch, I figured it was you, but I had to be sure."
"Yes. It was me," he answered. Slowly, he analyzed her. Of course, out of all nights, she would pick that one to sleep in only an over-sized t-shirt. His eyes widened ever so slightly. Is she wearing one of those feminine breast contraptions or not?
"Is something wrong? It's only four a.m. Do you have to get to work early or something?"
"No. I awakened, and could not get to sleep. I recalled when I was younger, that my father would bathe me in warm water so that I would return to sleep."
Kagome grinned at him. "Good. You remember something." She shivered a little, and wrapped her arms around her. "I was burning up in my sleep, but now I'm cold. All that tossing and turning must have given me some energy," She joked, stretching her arms over her head as another yawn escaped her.
Sesshomaru stared in shock as her shirt rose up her thighs slightly. Have such tempting situations always occurred, and I was simply blind to them until now? Clearing his throat, he said, "you should return to your rest. Excuse me for disturbing you."
"About that…I kinda thought someone had broken in, and it shook me up a little." She blushed, pressing her pointer fingers together. "This is so embarrassing. I mean, I'm a grown woman…but I was hoping if you'd sleep in my room tonight, just for tonight."
What have I done to deserve such a punishment? Sesshomaru felt his heart speed up in his chest. "Kagome, that would not be for the best."
"I know, but I'm scared. I could sleep in the living room with you, if that's better. You can sleep on the couch, and I'll have the floor."
"I cannot do that." He sighed, running a hand through his wet hair. At Kagome's broken hearted expression, he closed his eyes. "Very well, but I will sleep on the floor, miko."
"Thank you! You're the best, Sesshomaru!" She jumped up and down eagerly, hugging his arm.
He flinched, but thought gratefully. Yes, she is wearing the contraption. He allowed Kagome to drag him to the living room, pausing at her room to grab her comforter before they trekked on into the living room. Eagerly, Kagome jumped onto the couch, snuggling under her comforter while Sesshomaru settled on the floor. "Sleep tight."
Sesshomaru laid face down in his pillow. "Hn."
"What does that mean anyway? Hn? Is it like hm?"
"It is simply 'hn'."
"But what is-"
He sighed. "Kagome?"
"Huh?"
"Go back to bed."
Blushing in the dark, she nodded obediently and sank under the covers, drifting off slowlyly. When she was finally asleep, Sesshomaru allowed himself to drift off. When she rolled over, her hand falling off the side of the couch, beside his face, Sesshomaru tiredly and unconsciously lifted his own hand and wrapped it around hers securely.
Xxx
"That was the bestest shower ever!" Kagome hopped up onto a stool that sat at the kitchen bar. "The water was so warm and toasty. I feel totally cleanse."
Sesshomaru shook his head gently to submerge the dark, less-than-pure thoughts that had threatened to rise. "Bestest?'
"Yup. It was better than best. It was bestest," she giggled.
"Hm," Sesshomaru replied, the closest he'd get to a chuckle. "What a strange woman you are." He set her plate before her, then sat his own beside her.
Kagome inhaled deeply while waiting for Sesshomaru to take his seat beside her. "Mm. It smells delish. It's amazing how talented you are." She laughed a little, "Yasha can't cook a bit."
He ignored her last phrase, saying, "I was born talented." After a pause, he added, "And you refreshed my memories of it."
"Thanks. So, what're your plans for the day, since you're off work."
"If I recall correctly, you are as well."
"Yeah. They claim there's no research to be done for a while. I think they're all just still pissed. I was thinking of doing a little shopping today. I have a interview for this documentary coming up, and I wanna look good. Oh, and for lunch, I wanted to try a new restaurant."
Sesshomaru nodded thoughtfully. "This morning, I will pay a few bills. Perhaps I could meet you at the restaurant."
Kagome nodded eagerly. "Why not! That'd be perfect, in fact. I just didn't know if you were busy, so I didn't wanna ask, but that's good. Um, I'll text you the address and stuff later."
"Hm." He began to eat, glancing to her occasionally when he felt her eyes on him. "What is it?"
"I just thought it was nice having you here. I haven't lived with a man, heck, anyone period since Hojo left. When I was scared, I used to just turn on every light in the house and fall asleep sitting up in bed. Now, I have you to protect me. I sleep better now with you in the house, and breakfast is more lively."
"We sit silently, miko."
"A warm, content silence, not a cold, empty silence like before. Your whole presence here makes me happy. Thanks." She wrapped her arms around him, squeezing tight.
Sesshomaru reveled in the embrace until she let go. "Thank you."
Kagome slid off her stool after checking her watch. "Crap. I gotta get going so we can beat the lunch rush later. Later." She dashed off into her bedroom.
He watched her closely, then closed his eyes, shaking his head. "Pathetic. Utterly pathetic," he repeated.
XXX
"Inuyasha, would you stop complaining," Inutaisho whispered harshly, rolling his eyes. "You can stand to be in the heat a little while longer, you whiny pup."
"A while longer? You said that fifteen minutes ago. We've been sitting out here for almost an hour. For all this, they better have the best ramen in the world old man."
"They don't serve ramen?" He asked gravely, and when his father shook his head, he shouted, "Then what the heck are we here for!"
Inutaisho shook his head in embarrassment as people turned to stare at them. "Because, it's my turn to pick the restaurant. Act like the adult you are. Ramen isn't the only thing you can eat." He paused a moment, then sighed. "Go take a look inside. Ask them if our table is ready."
Inuyasha submitted, though reluctantly, and dragged himself into the restaurant to check out what was going on inside. Almost immediately after, he came back out to his father, or rather, he was carried back out my Sesshomaru. "Let me go you frickin' prick. We ain't kids any more."
"What are you and your pup doing here?" Sesshomaru asked Inutaisho coldly, dropping Inuyasha onto his feet.
Inutaisho beamed at the sight of him. "Sesshomaru! What are you doing here?" He eyed his son closely, taking in his appearance appreciatively. "You look swanky."
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes slightly. "Swanky?"
"High class. Where'd you get the clothes?"
"I bought them."
"Where'd you get the money?"
Sesshomaru ignored the impulse to close his eyes and pinch the bridge of his nose. He was beginning to regret coming to investigate the sound of Inuyasha's grating voice. "I have a job now, Inutaisho. Now, answer my question."
He frowned slightly at this. "I guess I couldn't expect you to call me father, hm? But, back to your question, we're here for lunch, and you?"
"I am meeting Kagome."
"Your brother's girlfriend?"
Sesshomaru rolled his eyes. "Do not pretend not to know that Inuyasha already has a girlfriend. I've lost my memory, not my youki."
"Sorry, my boy."
"And you would do well to know, fool, that simply because I have yet to tell Kagome does not mean that I will not. I will reveal your deeds to her in due time," He said levelly. "Now, if you will excuse m-"
"I found you!" Kagome squealed suddenly, embracing him from behind. "I spotted that fluffy ponytail the instant I pulled in."
Sesshomaru was torn between snapping at her to 'not call him fluffy' and simply enjoying the feel of her breasts against his back. He cursed the latter thought. Such vile thoughts! "Do not refer to me as fluffy, woman."
She giggled. "I didn't call you fluffy. I called your hair fluffy. Who are you talking to?" Almost like a small child, she leaned over to one side of him to get a better look, and blushed, stepping back from him. "Yasha! Hi!" She quickly hugged him, kissing his cheek. "What are you doing here? And who is this handsome devil with you?" She gestured to his father, who stood a little straighter, gave a charming smile, and winked.
He cocked a brow in a manner most like his brother's, scowling. "I could ask the same thing." He winced when his father hit him in the back of his head. "I mean, I'm here with my dad, uh, Toshiya."
"Oh. It's a pleasure meeting you, Toshiya-san." She bowed, then nudged Sesshomaru to do the same. "And this is my friend, Masaru. Masaru, say hello."
"We've met, Kagme, and have been conversing."
"Oh…okay. Well, um, I made a reservation, so we can go on in…uh, hey, why don't you two join us?"
Inutaisho held up his hands, shaking his head. "Oh, no. We couldn't."
"Are you sure?"
Inuyasha started to object to what his father had said, when said man nudged him gently with his elbow. "Yeah…we're sure." He watched them off before growling, "what the heck, man?"
Inutaisho smirked, "We're gonna spy a bit, okay? We'll join them later."
"Spy? What are you hopin' to find?"
"You wait and see, my boy." A devious smile spread on his face. "You wait and see."
Xxx
Inuyasha watched Kagome and Sesshomaru enviously from where he and his father sat at the bar. "All I'm seein' is stuff that makes me wanna vomit. Why should I wanna watch my girl eat with someone else?"
"Because you have a girlfriend at home? Or have you forgotten?"
"Oh now. Kikyo's still my chick, believe me, but Kagome's mine for now to."
"When you were younger, I hoped you'd grow out of such thinking…Now, I realize that you're just an idiot. Still, I accept and love you. Now, shhh. I'm listening in."
Kagome burst into laughter, covering her mouth because she'd been eating. "Excuse me. Ugh, that was disgusting." She chewed and swallowed. "Are you serious, Sesshomaru? He said that?"
The youkai nodded. "Muso-san is a fool. The only one with even half a brain is Akitoki-san."
"Hm." Smiling, she took a sip of her wine. "You know, Sesshomaru, it's nice to see you making friends."
"Friends?"
"That's what the guys at work are to you, right? I mean, just about every day you have some story about their shenanigans, and you're always in the center of them. They cling to you. They're friends, in my mind."
Sesshomaru considered this, then shrugged one shoulder. "I still would not call them friends."
She rolled her eyes. "Well, of course you would, Mr. I don't need anyone- I'm a one man band."
"It is not that I enjoy being alone." Well, no, that was a lie. "I do enjoy my solitude, however one person at a time may enter. I allow you in."
"Yeah, me. I'm the woman who dug you out of a block of ice in the mountains."
"Yes, that is why, but also…" He paused, searching for the appropriate words, "something draws me to you."
She smirked slightly. "This little miko's got seducing powers."
Yes, that too, he couldn't help but think. Instead of answering, he sipped his own wine. The taste was strong, and he wondered if it would fade if he drunk more over time. His hand reached for the glass, but paused when he felt Kagome's foot tap his beneath the table.
"Sorry," she apologized.
"That is quite alright," he replied, tapping her back. Kagome returned the favor and giggled as it became an all out footsie war.
Inuyasha gaped. "This ain't happened. This can't be happening."
Inutaisho chuckled. "Ah, but it is. He's not as playful with it as she is. He's looking at it as a game to win, to show his dominance. Still, this is too cute."
"She's my-"
"Shh."
Kagome leaned across the table, grabbing his hand. "Okay, okay, stop it," she breathed. "I'm tired."
Sesshomaru nodded triumphantly. "I've won."
"Sure, whatever." She laughed a little more. "Oh, Sesshomaru, you're the best." Licking her lips, she grabbed her glass again, taking a sip.
"Look at the way he's starin' at her…like an animal." Inuyasha scowled. "That's it. I'm going over there." His father laid a hand on his shoulder, but he snatched away, walking to the table. "Yo."
Kagome sat up a little straighter, crossing her legs. "Yasha, hey."
"On second thought, we're gonna join ya. That alright, Masaru?"
Of course, he didn't want their company, but they were standing there, staring at him expectantly, and Kagome was doing the same in a much cuter manner. "Hn."
She gratefully nodded, whispering, "Thanks."
Inutaisho took a seat beside Kagome and decided to have a little fun with his son. "You know, your beauty is astounding, Kagome-chan."
Flattered Kagome blushed, covering her cheeks. "No, not really."
"Oh, but it is. My son is lucky for finding you." Even as he said this, his eyes cut to Sesshomaru instead of Inuyasha. "If I were a few years younger," or more like a few hundred, he thought, kissing her hand.
"Thank you."
Sesshomaru grabbed her hand out of his father's, pretending to inspect it. "Hn, I thought I saw something," he lied, casually lying her hand her hand onto the table, away from his father.
Kagome gazed at her own hand, holding it to her face. "What? A mole? A pimple? Ew, on my hand? I hope not."
"It is nothing."
"So, how did you and my boy meet?" Inutaisho asked with a sly smile.
"Oh, our friends introduced us."
"There must be more to it than that."
Kagome flushed again. "W-well…"
Inuyasha sighed, "Leave her alone."
"I'd simply like to know, son."
"We met in a dressing room, then! Happy now?"
Kagome scowled. "It wasn't in the dressing room. You peeked, you pervert."
Inutaisho laughed. "You peeked?"
Sesshomaru growled viciously. "You glanced at her?"
"What do you care?" Inuyasha growled back.
Kagome frowned slightly. "That was an odd noise."
Stiffening, he replied, "S-sorry. When I get mad, my…asthma…"
"Oh, okay." Voice lowering, she said to Sesshomaru, "and you, watch it."
"Hi, can I have your drink orders?" The waitress quickly took their orders, then hurried off.
Inutaisho smirked, turning his gaze from the young waitress to his son. "So, Masaru, was it? How did you and Kagome meet?"
Kagome quickly said, "You don't want to hear that."
"I was lost." Sesshomaru said simply. "I am not originally from this area, so I easily got lost. She found me, and has been at my side ever since."
"…yeah. That's what happened," Kagome concurred after staring at Sesshomaru in amazement. He's a way better liar than me. I stutter and hesitate.
"Yasha told me you live together. How does that work out?"
Sesshomaru held back a smirk at the sudden annoyed look on his brother's face. "Well. Very well, in fact," he said in a slightly suggestive tone.
Kagome's human ears didn't catch this, even though the other youkai had. "Yup. It's nice. Masaru is a very good protector. He's fun to be around. He has a great energy."
"Sounds like a dog," Inutaisho said purposely, his eyes glinting at Sesshomaru, who forced a growl down.
"I-is that how I make it sound? Masaru, I certainly don't see you that way."
"Of course not," Sesshomaru replied lowly, but kept his eyes set on his father.
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Just enjoy yourself while you can, Masaru. If things with Kagome and I keep goin' well, I might be movin' in. Two's company, but three's a crowd."
Kagome blinked. "Moving in?"
Sesshomaru scoffed. "I doubt I have much to worry for."
"What the heck's that 'sposed to mean."
"Exactly what it entails."
"YOU KNOW WHAT?" Inuyasha began, his face reddening with rage.
Kagome, panicking, held up her hands, "H-hey, look. There's a game on? Are those the Giants?"
Inuyasha gave her a glance, then leaned back in his chair, breathing. "Feh."
Xxx
"Okay, I'm about his close to punchin' you in the face!" Inuyasha cried, raising his fist and shaking it at his brother. Since the meal had come, this was often how their conversations ended. For the third time, Inuyasha's voice was raised, and Sesshomaru was tempted to slice his head from his shoulders.
Sesshomaru slapped the fist out of his face, grabbing Inuyasha by the collar. "I'd like to see you try, you pathetic twit."
"This is how it always is. You think you're better than me! Show me!" How he managed to still talk bull while being handled, Inutaisho didn't know, but he didn't bother getting in between them. Nope. The fight made him feel nostalgic, and he missed seeing them fight as children.
"Gladly."
"That's it! Masaru, can I talk to you over somewhere else?" Kagome stood up.
"Why?"
"Why? What do you mean? You're practically choking him in this public place! Let go!"
"I have done no wrong."
Kagome gaped at him, then took him by the arm, dragging him down to the woman's restroom. "Excuse me, ladies! I just need a quick second," she said sweetly, as the women poured out. "Now, I'm going to try to remain calm…what the heck is your problem?"
Sesshomaru hissed, "my problem? There is nothing wrong with me. That fool-"
"His name is Yasha!"
"You don't know that."
"What are you saying? You know him better than I do? I think not."
"I am not saying that I know him better. I am saying that you do not know him. You cannot see the darkness within him."
She scowled, "Well, let me tell you something. Your aura isn't so clean anymore either, you jealous bastard!"
Sesshomaru's chest rumbled. "Jealous of what?"
"I don't know. You crave attention like the world has to circle around you. What was it? Because you were a lord? Or your mother wasn't there for you?"
"Do not speak of what you do not know."
"Your father?"
"Kagome, I warn you."
"Your mate or concubi-" She gasped when she was slammed into the wall by the force of Sesshomaru's body. She put her hands up to shove at his chest, but he didn't budge.
Sesshomaru pressed his forehead against her. "Watch what you say, wench."
Her eyes widened. "Wench?" Angrily, she shoved him away, adding a bit of her miko energy to the force. "You're full of it, Sesshomaru." She stormed out.
Sesshomaru left the ladies room behind her, but did not return to the table. He left the restaurant, standing on its porch. The blood in his veins was so hot, practically boiling. He was angry. He knew this, but why was he angry? Because she has been so enthralled in Inutaisho and Inuyasha, and that cursed halfbreed and his father were constantly trying to provoke me. He was so used to her being solely concentrated on him. He gave his attention to her, but now she wasn't reciprocating. He couldn't handle it. And what made matters worse, because nof his newfound attraction to her, she was fawning all over Inuyasha, and even his father. Why was she so easy to give to another what she wouldn't share with him? She kept touching them, grabbing their hands or their shoulders, leaning across the table and unknowingly showing them cleavage.
And also, why was she against him? Inuyasha had constantly said things, purposely trying anger him. And that arrogant fool, that Inutaisho, was doing the same. If they wanted him to 'come home' then why would they do what they were doing? With a sigh, he returned inside to his seat, hesitating at Kagome's side. He touched her hand, stiffening when she moved it away and kept talking, ignoring him.
"Yasha, don't you have something to say?"
"…" Inuyasha folded his arms, flinching when Kagome kicked him underneath the table. "I was bein' immature and jealous. I'm sorry."
Sesshomaru arched a brow. "I accept." He saw Kagome's eyes shift to him expectantly and sighed. "I was too brash myself."
Inutaisho laughed loudly. "It's a wonder you managed to persuade both of these stubborn mules to apologize. Those feminine wiles!"
"I do try," she joked, fluffing her hair.
"Just beautiful, but would you look at the time? We ought to head on out."
Sesshomaru stood. "I'll go pay the bill."
Inutaisho held up his hand. "Don't worry. We got it on the way out. It was nice meeting you, son." After patting his son on the shoulder, he turned and embraced Kagome. "And it was so nice meeting you. I hope I see you again soon. Come, Yasha."
"Bye, baby," Inuyasha wrapped an arm around Kagome's waist, pecking her lips. "Masaru."
"Yasha, Toshiya."
Kagome waved after them, then turned back to find Sesshomaru tossing a few bills on the table. "I was going to handle the tip."
"I'm sure."
"…Whatever," she stuck her tongue out at him. They stood there for a moment. "I might have been a little harsh."
"I was as well. Forgive me."
"Forgive me," she replied, hugging him. "Thanks so much for apologizing. I went through it to get Yasha to apologize." She nuzzled her face in his chest. "You're like a cuddly teddy bear, so fluffy." She giggled when Sesshomaru growled.
"I am not fluffy, woman. Do not laugh."
She stepped back from him. "I'll laugh if I want, Fluf-" She stumbled back into a busboy who'd been passing. "Oh, excuse me."
"No, excuse me." He kneeled over to pick up the forks he had dropped, and Kagome kneeled with him. "It's alright, miss. I've got it." He looked up at her and froze. "Sh-shin-mi?"
"Excuse me?"
"Shin-mi! It's you!"
XXX
I pray this is better than the earlier ones I posted. I like it more, even though it was still a bit rushed, but it's been a long time, so I wanna go ahead and post. Lemme know wat yah tink.
