CHAPTER 14 – A Splendid Summer Morning...
"It was a splendid summer morning, and it seemed nothing could go wrong..." - John Cheever
There were so many reasons for Sesshomaru to despise flying. At least, flying in planes. It was noisy, smelly and crowded, even if you were in First Class. Worst of all, it left him in rather uncomfortable proximity to the woman sitting next to him. And for this, he blamed Jaken, whom in his unknowingly unhealthy wisdom, had seen to it that Higurashi's seat was next to his. Oh yes, Jaken would pay; never mind the poor toad's lack of knowledge to the fiasco that had occurred on one Turtle Island.
For the last eight hours, Sesshomaru had kept his eyes carefully averted from the smaller figure sitting beside him. They had come to an unspoken agreement that discussing what had occurred on the sandy beaches of Fiji was taboo. Never mind that the uneasy tension that now lay between them bothered him almost as much as his astonishing lack of control yesterday had. And he had no idea what to do about either. Worse yet, despite being a thousand miles away from their little vacation island, the desire to repeat what had happened hadn't left him. The instincts that had guided him for hundreds of years had finally betrayed him. Always before, they had been in sync with what his brain told him was right... but now they veered in two directions. It angered him that this slip of a woman was the cause. The rattling of the food-cart being pushed down the isle pulled him from his thoughts.
"Anything to drink, sir?" The male attendant inquired, a forcefully cheerful smile plastered to his face.
"No." Sesshomaru said shortly, dismissing the man, only to raise his head sharply as the scent of attraction wafted toward him. The attendant had directed his attention to Kagome. The man's smile was decidedly less forced and his eyes traveled leisurely over curves that couldn't be hidden even when she was sitting.
"And for you, miss?" He said silkily.
Kagome looked up from the magazine she'd been pretending to read at the blonde-haired steward. He was fairly attractive, she noted absently. Smiling, she shook her head. "No, thank you."
"Are you sure there isn't anything you would... like?"
She smiled again. "I'm fine."
Sesshomaru watched as the man's lips turned down slightly in disappointment, and unknowingly glared. Pathetic. "Well, if you change your mind, my name is Hojo."
She nodded, her eyes moving back to the magazine lying in her lap.
"It is a wonder the human species is not extinct."
She stiffened at his voice and swallowed to dispel the slight quiver in her belly, before she asked warily. "Why do you say that?"
"If Rahul and that man, Hojo are examples of what women desire of their males, then humans are more pathetic than I originally thought." He said crossing his arms, eyes narrowed upon the attendant who had moved further down the aisle to flirt shamelessly with a much more receptive buxom blonde.
She stared blankly. "Is this your way of breaking the ice? Because if it is, it really sucks."
He frowned, his gazed turning back to hers, studying. His eyes lightened and he scoffed. "And here I thought you were rebuking his attentions. Poor Higurashi. I did not realize how woefully inexperienced you were." He settled more comfortably into his seat, oddly pleased with this new revelation. She glared, her mouth opening to retort before she shook her head and snapped her lips closed over clenched teeth.
"I'm afraid I did not catch that, Higurashi." He said, pretending to examine his nails.
"Nothing at all. I had a question but realized it was rhetorical on my part. Please, don't let me stop you from your silent contemplation of the sorry state of the human species , your Royal Highness." She sniped, furiously flipping her magazine closed. Reaching above her, she snapped off the small reading light. "And for future reference, my experience or lack there of, is none of your business." Jerking the small pillow and blanket from the pocket in front of her, she turned to lay down, facing away from the inexplicably annoyed taiyoukai next to her. Stuffing the pillow under her head, she covered herself with the blanket, the nonverbal message blatantly clear.
The blast of gritty exhaust expelled by the passing motorists outside the arrival terminal, the crush of impatient bodies and the characteristic gloom of early morning smog hanging over the metropolis signaled that the brittle pair had finally arrived in Tokyo. Too bad her common sense hadn't, she thought morosely. She shifted awkwardly from foot to foot as she glanced at the stiff profile of the daiyoukai standing beside her. He hadn't attempted any more conversation after the incident with the flight attendant, which she had been more than happy about, except … it only seemed to make the tension between them all the more stifling.
She had briefly contemplated opening a dialogue regarding business, but somehow what was once so simple, simply wasn't. The distant but easy camaraderie, the accepted roles each had once performed, was gone. Worst of all, that niggling voice in the back of her mind, the one she had managed to bury under mountains of paperwork and schedules for years, was now taunting her growing attraction to someone who had 'forbidden' written all over him. She sighed. What a muddle.
The woosh of the dark-colored car pulling up broke her from her jumbled thoughts. A youthful orange-haired boy exited the driver's side, green eyes sparkling. "Mr. Taisho." He said cheerfully, bowing. "It is a pleasure to have you back." Turning, his grin widening, he looked at Kagome. "Miss Higurashi, the boys have missed you these past weeks."
She smiled affectionately, reaching out a hand to pat his arm. "I have missed them too, Shippo. Please tell them I will be there this Saturday."
"They will be thrilled to hear so Kag- er Miss Higurashi." He said, glancing uneasily at Sesshomaru, who was by all appearances uninterested in their conversation. But Shippo knew otherwise. In fact, his senses told him it was an entirely different story. Hmm. A mystery. He thought, interest sparking. Nothing got him like a good mystery.
"Mr. Watanabe." Interrupted a cool voice, the unspoken message clear. (1)
Shippo straightened, snapping to attention. "Sir." In moments, Sesshomaru's private driver had the bags stored away before he stood patiently holding the car door for his employer. The daiyoukai strode swiftly, hesitating only when he had reached the waiting vehicle.
"Today is Sunday, Miss Higurashi. I expect to see you in the morning to resume your duties."
Tomorrow! She wailed internally. She forced the panic she felt away. "Of course, sir." Mentally, she patted herself on the back when her voice remained steady.
Nodding, he turned back to the car, but again hesitated. "Do you require transportation?"
Yet another hour of being in close proximity to him? Pass. "Not at all Mr. Taisho, I will take a cab." She said firmly.
"Hn." His eyes narrowed when he noticed the keen interest his driver paid to the dialogue. "Is there something else you need to discuss with Miss Higurashi, Watanabe?"
Shippo's eyes widened and if was possible, stood even straighter. "No, Mr. Taisho." Hastily, he closed the door, before scurrying to the driver's seat. As the car began to take off, Sesshomaru rolled down the window, just enough for Kagome to hear his parting words, before he vanished into traffic.
"Tomorrow, Miss Higurashi." He said. And oddly, she thought he was reminding himself as much as her.
She took a deep breath. "Things are going to be fine, Kagome. You'll go into work and things will be just like they always were. It's all in your mind... everything was just some crazy dream. Don't make a mountain out of a mole-hill. Routine is the key." She nodded firmly to herself, oblivious to the odd looks passersby gave her as she continued her rant. "From now on, thoughts of isolated islands and massage tables are not allowed. Nope. You are Kagome Higurashi, assistant extraordinaire, and Sesshomaru...no, no Mr. Taisho, is your boss. Nothing will go wrong." Determined, she raised her hand. "Taxi!"
The shrill sound of the alarm pulled her from a restless sleep. Groaning she cracked open blood-shot eyes to peer at the glowing numbers blinking at her. 06:15. The sluggish wheels turning in her head screeched to a stop as she shot up in bed.
"Oh, kami!" She shouted, as she frantically wrestled out of the covers. Tripping on bare feet, she rushed to the bathroom, not even daring to pause when she smacked her toe on the dresser.
"Ow, ow, ow." Hopping and skipping, she yanked her pajama shirt over her head, while her other hand blindly reached for the handle to turn on the shower. "Ahhh! Cold, cold." She whimpered when chilled water hit her back. It was the shortest shower Kagome had ever had. But, her frantic dash came to a standstill as she stared blankly into her crammed closet.
Clothes, she need clothes. For the first time since the day of her fateful interview five years ago, Kagome had no idea what to wear. It should be a simple affair, choosing a suit. It's not like she was trying to impress anyone, right? Groaning, she covered her face with her palms. This was going to be a long day.
The hurried clicking of heels down the long hall caught everyone's attention. Surprised looks and whispers were ignored as the dark-haired woman rushed to the large double doors at the end. For the first time in Taisho Corp's history, Kagome Higurashi, was late. Face flushed with exertion from her frantic dash from the substation, she paused to smooth the damp hair she had twisted into some semblance of a bun before she entered the office. And if it felt she was going to her doom, she chose to ignore it.
The faint rustling of papers could be heard coming from Sesshomaru's office as she made her way to her desk. Biting her lip, she gently set down her purse before gliding to the coffee bar to start a pot. Routine, she chanted silently.
"You are late." She cringed as the words cut through the air.
Clearing her throat, she walked to stand in the entrance to his office. His expression was closed, his eyes cool as he glanced at her from his seat behind the desk. "I apologize, Mr. Taisho. It won't happen again."
Critical eyes trailed down, noting her disheveled appearance. "Hn. I suggest Miss Higurashi, that you remove yourself to the lady's room. Your current state does not reflect the professional standards required of you."
Stiffening, she gritted her teeth as a particularly smart retort bubbled up. "Of course, sir." She intoned. "I apologize." Her eyes trained on an empty spot above his head, missing the flash of annoyance that crossed his face.
"You may go, Miss Higurashi." He snapped. "I trust the coffee will be ready soon?"
"I'll get it right away." She said, bowing slightly, before she pivoted to leave. She squeaked when her high heel caught. Her hand shot out, grabbing the edge of the door, preventing a near tumble to the ground. Cheeks aflame, she straightened, never once turning to see what reaction her clumsiness had pulled from the man seated behind her.
She took as long as she dared preparing the single cup of caffeine, before she slowly made her way back to his office. Knocking softly, she entered at his acknowledgment. "Your coffee." It was like a bad horror film, she thought disconnectedly. One where, you know what's coming, but no matter how much you yell at the screen, it doesn't change anything. Helplessly she watched as the rim of the saucer hit the gold name placard on the desk, her lips opened in silent protest as in agonizingly slow motion, the cup tipped over.
Frozen, she stared in dismay as the steaming liquid spilled, rushing toward the edge... and directly onto Sesshomaru's lap. With a roar, he leapt to his feet, hands uselessly tugging soaking cloth away from skin. "Oh no! I'm so sorry!" Racing around the desk, she reached out helping hands. "Let me-"
"No!" He barked, backing up. "You've done quite enough."
"But, if you would just let me-" She started, hands once again reaching. Her eyes widened in surprise when he jumped back, eyes trained on the door behind her. Spinning, she met the cool, interested gaze of a set of very familiar golden eyes.
"Please, do continue, dear." The statuesque woman glided quietly across the wood floor, her arms folded casually across her chest. She circled the room until she stood mere feet away. A shiver ran down Kagome's spine as she had the odd impression of a predator assessing its prey. "Don't let my presence interrupt you." She prompted, waving her hand in the direction of the still daiyoukai.
Kagome swallowed, hands still unknowingly stretched out. "Ms. Taisho … I … ahh, it's really not what you-"
"Mother. Your visit is unexpected."
"Is it? Ah well, one finds so many interesting things that way, don't you think?" Her head tilted playfully, her eyes flicking between the awkward pair. Delicately, she sniffed. The subtle gesture missed by only one in the room.
"Hn." Sesshomaru said dismissively. "What did you require, Mother?"
"Why, Sesshomaru!" She pouted. "How soon you forget! As I recall, I was promised a trip with my only son. Isn't that so Miss Higurashi?" She inquired.
"Ah, yes Ms. Taisho." Kagome said hastily as she edged her way to the doors of freedom. She had no desire to be between mother and son when the fireworks began.
"I'm afraid it will have to -"
"Oh, I think not. I think now is the perfect time. And I did forgive you for missing my birthday party. Will you ignore your mother's kindness?" She said teasingly, but and edge of steel had entered her voice. (2)
Suppressing a shudder, Sesshomaru made one last attempt. "I have just returned from an extended trip, there is much I need to catch up on."
The elder youkai shrugged. "I'm sure Miss Higurashi can handle it. And, if I recall dear, your business trip was planned to last a few days more. But perhaps your business concluded early? I'm sure the results were satisfactory?"
"An interest in business, Mother? Unlike you." He said tightly.
A dangerous smile curved her lips. "I have many interests. As I grow bored quickly, they are always changing. It has been a while since matters of the office have caught my attention. But, as you seem to have no time to spend with your poor mother, perhaps Miss Higurashi will do me the honor of reacquainting me with the inner dealings of Taisho Corp. I am quite keen on hearing about this venture of yours that kept you abroad so long."
Kagome froze, her face turning pale as she glanced with wide eyes at the silver-haired male. His eyes flickered in her direction before his attention returned to the already triumphant matron.
"Two days."
"Excellent!" Ms. Taisho exclaimed, clapping her hands. "The car is waiting for us downstairs. I'm sure we will have a lovely time, wont we?"
"Hn." Lovely, indeed. It would be pure torture, he thought. He glanced down at the large wet spot staining the front of his pants. He snorted silently. And yesterday, somehow he had convinced himself that nothing could go wrong.
For those that need a reminder: 'Interesting trivia/facts/quotes throughout the chapter are annotated with an italic number, i.e. (0). Below is the corresponding explanation.
Watanabe is the last name of the person used as the voice of Shippo in the Japanese version.
In the manga, when Sesshomaru's Mother observed Sesshomaru's trial after activating the Meido-Seki, she seemed only casually concerned about the possibility of his death. After he refused the escape route she offered, she seemed put off, huffing, "Fine. Ignore your mother's kindness." Ifound this quote amusing and decided to use it. I thought it fittingly captured her character.
A/N: Yes, it has been a long time. You can thank a dear friend of mine for kicking me in the butt to complete this chapter. I am sorry to those who became frustrated waiting for it. The woe's of life got to me, but I will do my best to continue. I think having my friend around to remind me the error of my ways will help, so please thank her. She is why this is up for your reading pleasure.
P.S. For those worried when the next chapter will be out... the answer is fairly soon. It is basically done, some minor tweaking and beta'ing are all that's left. (Again, thank my friend since she insisted on me having at least one more chapter done before I posted this.) I make no promises after that. I hope you enjoyed and again, sorry for the wait.