The Hunted

by InuAkemi

For generations, our small town lived with a problem. A yokai problem. Yokai are beings that are stronger, faster, and maybe even smarter. They take away the young, single women of at least 16. They also took my big sister. Sadly, they only pester our town. Now my best friend, Kagome, two other girls, and I are next. We have no idea of our fate. What will come of us? We don't know.

26. Birthday Special (BONUS)

Disclaimers!
I don't own this sexy piece of trash! Well, I do own the story,
but I don't own Inuyasha. I know, it's tragic, honestly and truly. Cry me a river.
But I do own TRG. Check my page for the info. Oh! And write reviews.
I like those…

---

The Birthday Special

A Delicious One-Shot
This is not related to the story in any fashion.
It's just a birthday special to celebrate my 20th birthday and an apology for being so absent of late.
I have been extremely busy and haven't had as much time to write. For that I am sorry. Please enjoy! The next chapter to The Hunted will be posted soon. That I promise.

---

An alarm sounded off in the room lit by natural sunlight. The bed, that was dressed in white and grays, lay messy with a body lounging beneath the sheets. With sudden movement a groan was released, and two hands stretched out in the cool morning air. Fingers flexing and joints popping, a sparkle reflected the sun's bright light off a large karat diamond ring.

Twisting in the bed sheets, the hand flopped down pushing down the comforter to reveal a drowsy face.

"Yay morning", the young woman said. Scratching her hair, she turned to see that the bed beside her was unoccupied. "Of course, off to work already", she moaned. "And not even a morning kiss..."

With a sigh, she pushed herself up in her bed unenthusiastically. She ran her hands through her hair and threw the blankets to the side, granting her freedom from the bed. Such freedom… One she'd rather not part from.

"If it were up to me, I'd stay a prisoner to my bed for a lifetime. It's unproductive but worth it." She walked to the bathroom to begin her annual morning routine and went to find something to wear to work. She decided that form fitting jeans and a nice sky blue long sleeve button up would do just fine. Placing on her favorite pair of sneakers, she left the house taking her keys, cell, and purse with her. On her way there she made sure to stop and grab her usual coffee from her favorite coffee place.

"Whoa, you opened up", she gasped excitedly as she walked in the front door.

"Well yeah", said her employee. "I thought it'd be nice to grant you a break on your birthday!"

"You remembered!"

"Of course, I did, Akemi! Who could forget your birthday? I mean a lot of people can due to the fact that you are too humble to remind people, but no one who'd truly know you would."

"You are as sweet our cupcakes, Jessie", Akemi said walking to the back. "So, what's the agenda today?"

"A wedding cake is being picked up, we have a batch of cupcakes to finish for a party for tomorrow, and… cookies for an office party."

"Yay", Akemi said throwing on an apron and tying a bandana onto her head. "Anyone coming in for today?"

"Bonnie", Jessie said. "Takara has a doctor's appointment for the baby."

"Oh", Akemi cooed as she placed a drawer in the cash register full of currency. "To be pregnant… it seems like such a beautiful thing. I can't wait till I'm pregnant."

"Then get pregnant already", Jessie laughed out. "Tell Sesshomaru it's what you want for your birthday. He'll do anything for you."

"He's been busy a lot lately with the contract to a partnership coming to an end. Apparently, they did really well in joint venture and he wants to write up another one – hopefully more permanent – but they are considering another option."

"So, he has to appeal to them again?"

"Again", Akemi groaned. "That stressed him out last time because we all know that –

"This Sesshomaru never begs", the two said in unison before falling into fits of giggles.

"Poor Sesshomaru", Jessie teased.

"You have no idea. He is not happy about the arrangement. I can't even tease him about it. He's been hitting me with glares each time I do."

"So maybe you should stop pressing his buttons when he's in his easily tempered state. You don't want to get into another argument because he's under stress, Akemi. I know you tease light heartedly to brighten moods but your husband isn't one to take to teasing very well. He might not be in the mood for jokes. You remember last time."

"Don't remind me", she groaned out with a role of her eyes as she drank her coffee. The two then went to the back and began pulling our pastries baked last night for today's sales. "I hated that argument."

"I think you hated it because it was your first", Jessie said. "You two don't argue much because one of you gives into compromising and when one is upset, you can easily tell."

"Perks of having a soul bond", the happy bakery owner said. "Marrying a yokai and becoming their mate has its privileges. If he's upset, I can feel it and vise versa."

"Yeah yeah, I got that much", Jessie said moving the muffins. "I got this; you just finish up the orders."

"Thank you", Akemi called out.

She turned to the speakers sitting on the shelf and hooked her phone to its Bluetooth. After washing her hands thoroughly, she began on the finishing touches for the wedding cake. Not too long afterwards she received a call.

"Hello?"

"Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Kemi… Happy Birthday to you!"

After a laugh Akemi stood straight and stared at the speakers as if it were the one singing to her. "Who is this?"

"Well it's your dear older brother", he said. "How's my birthday girl doing this morning?"

"I am fine, thank you! I am just finishing a cake."

"Eww, working on your birthday?"

"You work on your birthday, Mr. NFL player."

"I can't help it", he called out. "My birthday is in season!"

"Oh boohoo", Akemi said. "So, what are you up to? Where are you right now?"

"Airport on our way to the next city for the next game", he said. "I got something in the mail for you. I hope you like it."

"It's nothing amazingly expensive is it?"

"Would that be bad?"

"Yes!"

"You're a weird woman, Akemi. Usually ladies love it when I splurge on them."

"Well this lady is your sister and happily married with a man who does enough of that. Damn it, he won't stop. A simple happy birthday kiss will do for me but no, he goes out and buys a damn horse!"

"But you always wanted a horse."

"When I was ten! I'm just dying inside thinking of what he got me this year…"

"Aren't we all", he said. "Well, look it's nothing too bad. I promise it's not a car. You nearly killed me last time I did that."

"Good", she said with a nod. "I can do that. But in the meantime, thank you Ky. I love you and good luck. I'm sure you're getting on the plane soon."

"I'm actually on it now. Just waiting to take off."

"You dumb ass, they probably can't leave because you're on your phone, idiot."

"I'm taking my present back."

"Please do."

"Bye Kemi."

"Bye", she sang to him before he hung up. "Oh, that was fun."

It took her twenty minutes to complete the cake by adding flowers and pearls. It wasn't hard, but it was a delicate job. Either way, she loved it, yet she was done.

"Akemi, there's someone out here for you", a young lady who looked the age of twenty with red hair and brown eye said.

"Oh hey, Bonnie! When did you get in?"

"Not too long ago."

"Oh… well, I'm on my way up."

Bonnie nodded and left the room with an Akemi following. Wiping her hands on her apron, Akemi came out to see a large bouquet sitting on a display case for the pastries.

"Whoa", she said with a giggle. "I wonder who sent this." Already she had the thought of her husband, Sesshomaru. It was like him to send flowers larger than Takara's five month twin holding stomach.

"Why don't you read the card and see", Jessie said poking her sides.

At that Akemi pried the card from the holder and opened it. "Happy Birthday, Baby Girl! Love Mom and Dad… They are so sweet!"

"Your parents sent that", Bonnie asked.

"Yep! Isn't it huge?"

"Which parents", Jessie asked while she grabbed a cupcake for a customer.

"I'm not sure", Akemi said flipping the card over. "But I'm pretty sure my in-laws would've placed their names down. That and they are like Sesshomaru, expensive."

"Rich people", Bonnie groaned as she shook her head.

The three women laughed as they continued with their work. With a grunt, Akemi carried the bouquet to her office and closed the door before picking up the store's phone.

"Hello?"

"Mommy? Hey! Thank you so much for the flowers. They are gorgeous."

"Oh, you're welcome! We're glad you liked it. So, what do you have planned for your birthday? Better yet, what does Sesshomaru have planned for your birthday?"

"I'm not really sure momma. He hasn't given any hints on to what he's planning, but then again, he never does. He's so good at making surprises. But then again, he's kind of predictable. Not predictable as in I know what he's doing but predictable that I know he's doing something. He never misses a beat. I just hope it's nothing too big. Last year he did amazing and then said that he was going to make it even better this year. He's got me curious…"

"Oh yes", her mother said. She could practically hear the nodding through the phone. "I remember last year. He threw that extravagant surprise 25th Birthday party for you. It was delightful!"

"No kidding", I said. "He had Sam Smith perform. Momma you know I love Sam Smith! There's no topping that unless he pops up with Chris Brown and Brendon Urie." At that Akemi leaned back in her chair and sighed. "Oh, that would be a dream…"

Her mother giggled on the other end and sighed as well. "You have quite a husband. He spoils you rotten!"

"I know", she groaned. "It's horrible! I told him don't spend too much money and he goes out and does the direct opposite! I don't need all of that and I don't feel as if I deserve so much."

"You need to learn to start accepting things, Akemi. You do deserve it and I'm happy that you have a man that knows this. Accept that you deserve it and just deal with it."

"But it's so much money", the birthday girl cried out.

"You're so cheap", her mother said. "Well, I'll talk to you later. Your father is yelling for me again to help him find his prescription. I swear if he just leaves it in the medicine cabinet he wouldn't lose it so much!"

Akemi agreed and bid a goodbye before looking at her flowers. Turning to her desk she pulled out a drawer and placed the card inside with all of the past birthday cards she received in the store. She has an extra stash at home with all the cards she receives when she's home. She has always collected her birthday cards. They were beautiful memories that people cared about her and loved her enough to show it.

"Akemi the person for the wedding cake is here!"

"Coming!"

Jumping from her seat, Akemi darted out of the office and went to the back to get the packed cake. It was just in a very large see-through box with the bakery's name on it tied with a ribbon and a bow.

Placing the large cake on a cart, she wheeled it to the front to see someone paying for it. When the woman turned around she gasped and covered her mouth.

"Oh, my niece will love it", the woman said. "She fell in love with your bakery when her fiancé first got her a small cake for her birthday they celebrated for the first time together."

"Well I'm honored to be creating a cake for such a special occasion. I'm even more touched that I had a hand in since the beginning."

"You girls work miracles", the woman said. "My car is right out front."

Akemi nodded and followed the little woman out to her car. Seeing it was an SUV, Akemi tilted her head and nodded. The trunk opened and there were large cases inside with a spot made specifically for the cake to prevent it from tipping over. Smart woman.

"The cake is really heavy", Akemi said placing it inside. "So, I recommend getting a strong young lad to take care of it for you. And kept it somewhere cool until the reception. It's really warm today and that can cause a large affect on the fondant."

"Thank you", said the woman. "Oh, and happy birthday! I overheard the others."

"Well thank you."

Walking back in she sighed and gave a smile to everyone inside and went to continue her job.

---

"You know what", Jessie said leaning on the counter staring at the large stack of opened cards. "We should just get you a box to put on the counter for your birthday. That way whenever someone has something for you, they can just throw it inside and we'll give it to you instead of calling you from the back all the time."

Akemi giggled as she read through a card. She slipped it back in an envelope and reached for the next. At the moment, the store was closed for lunch. They opened in the morning but then close at twelve until one and then close at five for the evening. Weekends they close at three seeing as most people are off, so they have the entire day to come in, place the order or pick up.

"I just enjoy reading the card and personal messages people leave. I can't believe so many people remembered. Look, this is from the girl who gets our cake every year! I remember when it was her first birthday… she's six now. And this… this is from the lady who orders our cupcakes for her holiday events at her office!"

"People love you, Akemi", Bonnie said bringing more bags forward. "When will you realize that! You are so humble, just admit that everyone loves you!"

"I can't say that because it's not true", Akemi said picking up the next card.

"I'm surprised Sesshomaru didn't show up yet", Bonnie said. "Doesn't he usually come and bring you your favorite drink from your favorite café with flowers on your birthday? He does this before the shop closes for lunch."

"Well like I was telling Jess earlier, he's been really busy lately. He's going through a trying time with his ego and work. A contract ended with a small-time partnership and they want to bring it back and make it permanent, but the other company is looking down another road."

"So basically, Sesshomaru has to suck up to them", Bonnie said in conclusion. "You're right, that is deep for him."

Once again, the women said in unison, "This Sesshomaru never begs."

"Oh, he's going to kill us if he finds out we've been teasing him again", Akemi whined as she rubbed her forehead. "But anyway, I'm giving him a break. I understand that he's stepping out of his comfort zone right now. It's not easy for him to bend his will to do something. It never happened like this. He never met with a company so amazing that he had to ask them to stay instead of being asked to stay."

"I get that, but shouldn't he find comfort in you", Bonnie questioned. "I mean yeah, it's your birthday but it's also the anniversary of your proposal."

"Oh yeah that's right", Jessie said snapping her fingers. "I don't know how you planned a wedding in three months and one as big as that, but you did it."

"My mother-in-law is to thank for that. She can plan events in her sleep." Akemi then looked at her watch and jumped up. "Speaking of in-laws… I gotta go. I'm having lunch with Inuyasha and Kagome. I'll see you guys when I get back."

Akemi grabbed her purse and keys and left the shop. With a roll of her eyes she growled and went back in. "You guys, I know this is amusing but stop letting me run out with my apron and bandana on!"

At that the two women ceased in holding their laughter and burst. Akemi rolled her eyes and tried again in leaving, this time not dressed like the Muffin Man's wife.

It took Akemi five minutes to drive to the Italian restaurant she was meeting her in-laws at. She loved them for choosing such an amazing choice. She absolutely adored Italian food, most of all the lasagna.

She walked in and asked for the people of her party. She was then ushered to the table and squealed when she saw them. "You guys, I love you! Hi!"

"Akemi", Kagome, a woman with blue eyes and long raven hair, called excitedly. "Happy Birthday!"

"Thank you", Akemi replied while hugging the couple. "You really didn't have to do this. I really appreciate it."

"You're annoying", Inuyasha said, with a long silver mane, golden eyes and silver canine ears to match his hair. "You know you wanted this."

"You're right, I did", Akemi clapped. She then threw out her arms and cried out, "Lasagna!"

"She's is too adorable."

"Yeah, I don't know how the prick picked this one up", Inuyasha mumbled. "Get whatever you want. Kagome's paying."

Kagome rolled her eyes and Akemi shook her head with a straight face. "No, she's not", Akemi said. "Though you refuse to admit it, you're just like your brother. You'll never make Kagome pay."

The two women laughed as the man huffed with a grumble for being compared to his douche of a brother.

"So, what are you doing for your birthday tonight?

"Why do people keep asking that", Akemi laughed out. "I can't just have a chill birthday with a cake, a song, ice cream and a quiet night with my husband?"

"No", her in-laws said in unison with disbelief laced in their voice. "That's impossible."

Akemi rolled her eyes and drank from her glass of water. "It's not that impossible", she mumbled.

"Be honest, Akemi", Inuyasha said. "What are you doing? Or is it some kind of secret?"

"No, I don't know", Akemi said. "He really didn't say anything about it. I mean he said nothing."

"Did you even bring up your birthday like guess whose birthday is this week", Kagome asked with a frown.

"Now that I think about it, no", Akemi said shaking her head.

"You don't think he forgot do you", Kagome said. "I mean I'm not trying to stir anything up but… he said nothing?"

"Sesshomaru doesn't forget things like this", Inuyasha said. "Sesshomaru doesn't forget at all. He can't anyways, Akemi is his mate. He'll get a mental alarm that has anything to do with her."

"And besides, though he does come around and hug me and remind me my birthday is soon, there were times when he didn't. Last year he didn't do it for the surprise party."

"Okay", Kagome nodded. "Well maybe it's another surprise thing but only for the two of you. He did propose to you on your birthday, right? Today is the anniversary of two large events. Who could forget that?"

"Every year it's a surprise with Sesshomaru", Akemi said with a shrug. "And it'd be wonderful to celebrate it with only the two of us. I mean I love everyone, believe me I do, but sometimes I want it to only be us two because it is our proposal anniversary."

"Who knows", Inuyasha said. "Who could be planning to ship you two off to an island for a little bit."

"That sounds nice", Akemi mumbled with her finger caressing her bottom lip. "It's been awhile since we went on vacation. I'd like that… but I doubt it. He has too much on his plate for him to just drop everything and leave for me."

"You're his mate, Akemi", Inuyasha reassured. "If he has to drop everything for you then he will. Nothing is more important to a yokai than his mate, remember that."

"Hm", she hummed looking down at her half full glass.

"Are you three ready to order?"

"Lasagna", Akemi said before anyone can speak. "For here and to go with breadsticks. Three meat lasagna." She looked at the table and nodded. "Yeah… lasagna."

The three sat there and conversed about everything under the sun over lunch. There was laughter, friendly bickering, and even some sad moments as they reminisced on Akemi's grandmother, the original owner of her bakery, who passed away two years prior.

Once they finished eating they provided Akemi with presents. Of course, they got Akemi cards, because they understood her obsession with them. Inuyasha got here a new book series that Akemi said he wanted to get into but couldn't find all of the books in one place. Kagome got her a sweatshirt with her favorite comic book character despite the fact that she was now 26 and people would consider a grown woman immature for running around with a red sweatshirt with a masked man holding up a syrupy stack and a sign that said, "Because I'm Deadpool."

"But it's Deadpool, so who gives a flying frank about what other people think", Akemi said holding the sweatshirt to her chest. Then she gasped. "I should ask Sesshy to get me a Deadpool cake!"

"You asked him that two years ago and he told you no because you were no longer a child", Inuyasha said. "Don't let that ass ruin your dreams!"

"Oh yeah…" Akemi said. Her phone went off and she pulled it out. Once looking at the screen she cursed, though it was only a birthday text from a friend. It was way past reopening time. She totally got carried away. "Hey you guys, I gotta get going. I'm so late for work."

"That's okay", Kagome said. "It was fun seeing you."

"You too and thank you for the gifts. You guys make me happy!" She hugged the two with another thank you, slipped in a tip secretly for the waitress and said goodbye.

"Akemi", Inuyasha growled after her seeing the money.

"Bye", she giggled out before he could get to her. The valet brought up her car and she thanked them after they too wished her a happy birthday. Getting inside, she placed her gifts and extra lasagna in the passenger seat.

"Hey Jessie, I'm sorry. I'm on my way now. I so didn't mean to spend so much time at lunch!"

"It's okay", Jessie said. "Nothing much happened when we opened so we finished the orders and started a few online ones. It's almost three, if you want you can go home and we'll close up."

"No way", Akemi squeaked at the Bluetooth in her car. "You guys already made me take the weekend off, there's no way I'm skipping out early too, even if it is my birthday!"

"She didn't fall for it, Bonnie", Jessie said away from the phone. In the background Akemi heard Bonnie release a curse and something about hiring strippers making Jessie laugh.

"You guys aren't funny", Akemi said. She then hung up and parked her car. Leaving her gifts inside, she locked the car and walked into the shop.

"How was lunch", Bonnie asked. "What did they get you?"

"Deadpool sweatshirt and an entire book series!"

"Nerd", Bonnie murmured.

"Shut up Bonnie, I'm not a nerd", Akemi yelled. She then walked to the back and whispered, "I'm a geek…"

Bonnie laughed out at hearing her and Akemi rolled her eyes. To hell with her. She was always the one to make fun of her. If Maddeline was still here, she'd jump in too, but Maddeline left the bakery with a better job offer. They were sad to see her go but understood completely and sent her off with a goodbye party. She still pops in every now and then and hung with the girls giving her and Bonnie plenty of time to double team Akemi.

Sitting in her office, Akemi looked down at the wedding photo of her and Sesshomaru. He was standing behind her with his arms wrapped around her waist and inhaling her scent from her neck while one hand held his head and the other entangled with the fingers on her waist. She was laughing carelessly in the photo as he whispered sweet nothings to her.

She smiled at the photo, it being her favorite, and picked it up. Spinning in her chair she recalled her wedding day, wishing she could go back just to relive the beautiful day. It was so beautiful and magical. Not that there was anything wrong with the here and now, but she just loved that day. It was one of the best days of her life, many of them including Sesshomaru.

"Speaking of", she said ceasing her spins. "I haven't spoken to him or seen him at all today. I didn't even catch him this morning. He'd usually call. That's any day!" She picked up her cell phone knowing he'd answer quicker when her face popped up with caller ID than he would his work phone seeing as his assistant would answer that first.

She called with her legs folded up in the seat. She leaned on her desk staring at the picture. When it went to voicemail she frowned and released a cry that can't be described as anything but sad.

"He's really busy", Akemi asked herself. "I guess I'll call his work and question Rin about it." Rin was Sesshomaru's assistant. It was Akemi who got her the job because she understood that many people couldn't keep up with Sesshomaru, but with Rin being so vigil and alert all the time, she might just do the trick. He loved Rin because he could keep up and sometimes she'd get things before he could even get to it. Not to mention he consider the girl as a daughter because she's just so dang cute. She's really petite and 22. She came in looking for a job with Akemi at the bakery when she was in high school. She employed her, and Rin stayed throughout college, but her major was business. Finding that out and seeing that Sesshomaru fired yet another assistant, she went to him about it. Of course, being the love of his life, he tried her out. He never thought she'd be perfect.

"Good afternoon, this is Rin Grace speaking on the behalf of Sesshomaru Kahashi. How may I help you?"

"Rin, it's me –

"Happy Birthday, Akemi!"

Akemi smiled and giggled before spinning in her chair again. "Thanks Rin, how's your day going?"

"It's going okay. I'm getting a lot of crap slapped in my face today. How about you? Got a lot of cards?"

"Absolutely", Akemi said. "The girls were joking about getting me a box for them. I'm thinking of taking up the offer, ya know?"

"Right", Rin said. "For you they never stop coming."

"I know, I love it." Akemi then stopped spinning, getting dizzy and leaned on her desk again. "So, how's Sesshy? He didn't answer my call and I haven't heard from him or seen him at all today. I didn't even see him this morning."

"God, Akemi, you're my break right now. Just imagine him."

"Do you have… any idea what he's planning?"

"Excuse me", Rin laughed out. "Akemi, are you trying to get his surprise out of me? This isn't you!"

"I'm desperate and really curious! I never was this curious before!"

"Well, even though I wouldn't tell anything to you anyway… I can't help you. He hasn't asked me to do anything. I have no idea what he has planned for your birthday. I'm sorry, Akemi. Hey, you know he could be taking the initiative and doing it all himself."

"Kags and Yasha think he's doing something super private for only the two of us, like a getaway."

"Now, when he's this busy?"

"That's what I said", Akemi squeaked. "But Inuyasha was adamant about it. He said I'm Sesshy's mate and he'd do anything for me if need be."

"Well, maybe Sessh told Inuyasha something and he was telling you don't get down about it."

Akemi gasped and jumped in her seat. "Or maybe he's finally going to get me a card! Sessh never gets me cards. He says they could never express his love for me."

Sesshomaru never brought Akemi a card, despite the fact that she begs him to for her collection. He says that she'd had plenty and didn't need another from him. She'd only argue that she wouldn't have any memories from him on her birthday. Breaking him down, she got him to do a physical reminder for her birthday. Instead of cards, they'd take a picture.

"If he never got you a card before, what makes you think he's going to start now?"

"It was only an idea, Rin. Don't shoot me down!" Akemi leaned back in her seat and sighed. "Are you sure that he's not planning something with you?"

"Akemi, I don't know anything", Rin laughed out. "I'm sorry. Do you want me to transfer you over, so you can pick and pry at him?"

"Please", Akemi said. "I just want to hear his voice."

"Got you", Rin said. "Bye, I'll talk to you later, okay? Enjoy your birthday."

"Thank you, I will."

The phone went to the automatic ringing and Akemi waited patiently. "Sesshomaru", he greeted.

She jumped up with a gasp as her heart jumped too. "Sesshy!" A sigh was release through the receiver with a deep chuckle. "No, you don't get to laugh! What is wrong with you? You didn't call me all day or answer my call. I get that you're busy so you couldn't come see me at work, but I'd at least like to hear your voice! I didn't even get to kiss you this morning!"

"I apologize for depriving you."

"I wouldn't say it like that", she grumbled. "You make me out to be an addict." Though she was addicted to him she'd never admit it with his large ego. It'd only backfire when she never fired at all.

"I'm happy to hear your voice too", he said before chuckling at her last comment. "Today wasn't easy. I'm receiving relief from you as we speak."

"If you would have called me you would have plenty of relief", she grumbled. "I had to go through Rin to get to you, you bully!"

"Akemi, I was busy."

"I know, I'm just teasing", she said. She sighed and thought of an alternative way to get something out of him. She didn't want to just come out and ask him. Yes, he hated when people would beat around the bush, but Akemi had a way of doing it to the point that it didn't seem that way.

"So am I cooking tonight or are we going out", she asked carefully.

"This one won't be home in time for dinner", he said. "More happened today than what was planned. Not only did I have to work on the merge but there was a breech in the system. We feel someone is trying to hack our systems for newer updates on technology. There is also another investor who is interested. We're carefully considering the contract we're forming with him. We don't want to have a repeat of what we're going through now."

"So, what you're saying is… I won't see you at all today", she whispered. She frowned at her computer's keyboard as if it were to blame. "But Sessh…"

"This Sesshomaru wishes there was an alternative, but these things simply can't be overlooked. I'd rather much be at home with you right now."

"You were going to, but you were called early this morning weren't you", Akemi asked now without her preppy attitude.

"Indeed", he said. "That is why this one left so early without notification. I apologize."

"It's fine Sessh; it's not your fault. Who'd know so much would happen today of all times."

"You're displeased", he said. "There's something else, isn't there?"

Akemi choked silently and denied it. "No, it's just… I won't be able to see you. Now is the only time we interacted with each other so far today. Heaven knows when you're getting home with so much on your plate."

With that being said, Akemi slowly began to cloak her emotions. She totally forgot that he could feel what she was feeling just as much as she could feel him. That was why she was feeling a bit of unease and stress today. She knew it was Sesshomaru and not her which is why she did all she could to send her joy of the day to him. But now it has been officially known that with all the stress that has been going on lately, Sesshomaru completely forgot her birthday.

Seeing as so much happened, a hacker, the old contract, and then a new one to revise with as much attention that can be provided when you have two other situations at hand, Akemi dared not bring up her birthday! If she did, he'd realize that he'd forgot, and that Akemi realized it too. Guilt would then be added to the mix of all that stress and he'd drop everything to make it up to her. The company was in a delicate situation right now and these things couldn't be dropped. Not for something as trivial as her birthday.

In marriage there are things you have to sacrifice and right now was the perfect example. He did so much for her in her past birthdays, there's nothing wrong with him forgetting just one because of stress. It wasn't that important! Besides, she got enough for her birthday. There were a bunch of cards, and counting, that she has yet to read. One person forgetting her birthday is completely fine, even if it is her husband and mate…

"Are you positive", he said. "You aren't cloaking your emotions again, are you? This one is suddenly feeling an overwhelming since of joy coming from you."

"Oh, that's because I just realized that I have extra lasagna from lunch I can just eat that for dinner. That and I came across an amazing Deadpool sweatshirt and I finally got that book series I was looking for! How can I not be happy? I mean despite the fact I won't see you today… We'll just make up for it tomorrow won't we?"

"Of course", he said. You could hear it in his voice that he didn't believe a word she was saying.

"Okay, so what if I was cloaking my emotions! It's nothing; I'm just really worried about you is all! You're working extra hours, Sesshomaru. I'm your wife and mate; that makes me worry. The last thing I want you to feel right now is my distress over you with all the distress you're feeling as well because not only will that happen but then you'll also feel guilt and then you'd want to race home to comfort me. You can't do that right now! In marriage, there is sacrifice. You sacrifice so much for me. I can sacrifice a day with my husband, so he can do some repairing at work. It's nothing, I'm fine, okay?"

"I love you, Akemi", he said.

"I love you, too", she replied.

"How about you come by with dinner?"

Akemi was so going to jump for the opportunity but then stopped herself. "I can't, Sessh. As much as I want to… I can't. If I do that's going to call for a distraction for you and I'll be there for hours. Who knows what we will end up doing on your desk when no one is around! If I bring you dinner, it'll just be like you coming home. You'll get nothing done and you'll have to deal with it the next day. The best thing for us to do is let you finish work so you can come home and be done with it. Deal?"

"Approved", he said. "You're a very intuitive woman."

"I'm your intuitive woman", she said with a smile.

Not long after that, Akemi ended the call, so he could get back to work and she did the same.

"I heard you on the phone with Sesshomaru", Jessie said. "How'd it go?"

"Um", Akemi began with a clap of her hands. "He forgot my birthday." She gave a shrug as Bonnie and Jessie's mouth hit the floor. The fact that he forgot, and she was okay with it was dead ass.

"Are you okay or are you holding in your emotions with your reiki", Bonnie asked.

"Both kinda", Akemi said. "I mean of course I don't like that he forgot but I understand with the grounds he's on. It's much more than the old contract but a new one is being made with an investor and someone hacked the company for inside secrets on new tech."

"Damn", Bonnie said.

"Yeah, I know", Akemi said with a nod. "So right now, it's best that I hold everything under wraps until it disappears on its own. The thing about hiding my emotions is I won't feel them at all unless I wanted to. I plan on keeping it that way because if I let him feel it, he'll get guilty and race to me to make it all better. He can't do that with what's going on right now. He won't even be home tonight, so you see what damage can be done."

"So, you're planning on hiding everything until your emotions are gone and everything at the company blows over", Jessie asked. Akemi nodded, and Jessie and Bonnie shook their heads. "We understand what you're doing and why you're doing but you can't keep doing it. It's dangerous. You remember last time you cloaked your emotions, Akemi. It was when Grandmama past. You cloaked it because you felt you had to be strong for everyone even though you were the one hurting the most because you were the closest to her. It wound up backfiring and you did stupid crap and had a break down."

"She's right", Bonnie said. "Even though the emotions go away they don't entirely go away. You just don't feel them anymore. They build up in the end, Akemi, and if too much builds, you'll explode."

"Look I get what you're saying but I'll be fine. It's just for now. He's going through a lot and I don't want to be selfish."

"You're the complete opposite, Akemi", Jessie said sternly. "You do this all the time. You need to stop thinking so much of others and take time to at least consider yourself. Your feelings are important too."

"I don't have to consider my own when I have you guys to do it", Akemi said with a shrug. "Now please, let's drop it before I end up breaking the wall and revealing my emotions. And don't call Sesshy about it. At least wait until he has a little more time on his hands."

The two women sighed and exchanged looks. "Fine", Bonnie said. "We'll cave! But only if you leave right now."

"What", Akemi laughed out. "But it's four. I only have an hour left."

"Exactly, so it shouldn't be that hard", Jessie said. "You tend to overwork yourself when you're cloaking your emotions, so you can replace the ones that are not there with alternate ones giving yourself truly too many emotions to sort through. But not today. Not on your birthday."

"But you guys already made me take three days off!"

"And", Bonnie said. "Besides don't you want to finish reading your cards. You still have some here. You haven't even looked at what you got in the mail."

"Plus, Izayoi is taking you to the spa at 5:30. If you don't get going, you won't be able to get through them all and hide them before Sesshomaru gets home. If he sees them, your plan will fail. Not only will he be guilty but angry because you hid your emotions and you hid your birthday!"

Akemi growled and stomped her feet. She knew what they were doing, and she knew they were right. She won't have time! "I hate you guys", she said going to her office and grabbing her things to leave. She grabbed the stack of unread cards off the counter in the front and growled again. "I hate you so much."

"Bye Akemi", Bonnie said.

"Enjoy your birthday!"

"Fuck you", Akemi said leaving the shop. She got into her car, now aggravated and drove home. It took her twenty-five minutes to get home with light traffic, which is nothing compared to if she left at her usual time. That's an upside to leaving early. She stopped at the mail box at the end of the driveway to her house. Like usual, the post office just left her an entire box with her gifts in it seeing as it was too much for the actual mail box.

Akemi always forgot how many people she knew. She was quickly reminded on her birthday. She got out of the car and placed the box inside and drove to the garage. She quickly tucked everything inside the box and took it in. She went to the living room and sat down to quickly get started. She read through about a quarter of them before her doorbell stole her attention before the door opened.

"Hey mom", Akemi said as a middle-aged woman walked in with brown eyes and black hair. "I'm almost done with this card; just give me a second…"

"This is more than last year", her mother-in-law, Izoyai said as she looked at the already opened ones.

"Well it comes from family, friends and clients at the bakery. They send my cards as a thank you on my birthday. How they find it out, it's beyond me."

"Is your birthday online", Izoyai asked smiling at a card.

"Well nowhere other than my Face… oh…" Akemi said as her head popped up in realization. "The bakery's Facebook is under my personal one since I'm the owner. They must look at mine and get my birthday. Speaking of which, I have to check the messages on there, so I can reply. But that's for later, I have to finish these before Sesshy gets home."

"Something big planned?"

"No", Akemi sighed out standing up. "Nothing at all."

"What do you mean? He always has something planned for you." Akemi froze in her attempt to pick up her cards. "Akemi…?"

"Um… it's nothing really", Akemi tried. "He's just been really out of it, lately. I can't blame him."

"Did Sesshomaru do something wrong? Did you two get into another argument?"

"Oh no, nothing like that", Akemi laughed out as she slowly packed up her presents.

"Akemi, you better start talking now because we won't leave until you do. I know how much you hate wasting money. If we cancel within two hours of the appointment, I'll be charged a fee."

"Sesshomaru forgot my birthday but because I know he didn't mean to because his mind has been consumed about work, I'm leaving it alone. I mean he does so much every year, I think he deserves a break? And I'm trying to finish all my cards and hide them, so he won't feel guilty and obligated to make it up to me because then that will just be one extra thing on his mind", Akemi shot out all within one breath. "I know I shouldn't be doing this and hiding my emotions from him because I can have another breakdown, but he really needs to finish his work! I'm worried about him, and adding on my birthday is just another burden so please don't tell him!"

"He is going to eat you alive when he finds out", Izayoi said shaking her head.

"You're gonna tell him", Akemi squeaked.

"No", Izoyai said. "He's going to find out. He always does. But I recommend you tell him yourself because if he finds out on his own that you're risking your health for this… well you're in huge trouble."

"I know…"

"Well as long as you know", Izoyai said. "Let's go, okay?"

"Okay", the two women left for the spa then.

Akemi had a wonderful time. She wasn't expecting to get practically the full package. She got a massage, a facial, a foot massage and hand massage, and a medi-pedi. When she was done, she was glowing and relieved. It wasn't until when she got home did she remember what she had to do. She totally forgot she had presents and cards to go through. She didn't expect the spa to take that long.

So, after a shower, Akemi threw on a pair of shorts, footies and one of Sesshomaru's casual button-ups. She contemplated on not doing it, but her senses were telling her that it was the next best thing. It smelt so much like him though it was clean. His cologne was practically implanted in all of his clothes. She heated up her lasagna and sat on the couch and quickly went through her cards and presents. Akemi rushed through them not because she wanted to see what she got but to pay respect to the people who got her something. Yeah, she could finish up the next day but then they wouldn't get the respect they should get by her reading it on her birthday or as soon as she got it. That way, the next time she sees them, which could be the very next day, she can thank them properly knowing she read the loving words. That's what it was about, not the receiving end.

When she was done, it just reached 11:54. She released a breath knowing that she got them all done before midnight. Looking at where her lasagna was, she got up and cleaned up her mess. All the cards were packed away in the box and she placed them with the others from past birthdays. She distributed her gifts to the proper place, like clothes with clothes and jewelry with jewelry. By the time she was done with that, it was well past midnight.

Yet Sesshomaru still wasn't home.

"I would have at least thought he'd come in at eleven", she whispered. He'd usually leave work at six, arriving home around seven due to traffic. "He probably didn't even leave yet due to looking over the new contract repeatedly to make sure nothing is left out."

She sighed and fell back on the bed. The sudden yearn for her mate grew in the pit of her stomach, but it died not too long afterwards. If he felt it he'd surely leave his work behind for her sake. She just wanted him to get done so she could have him to her. That's the one thing Akemi was selfish about, having Sesshomaru to herself by their selves but even that had a limit, as you can see from her actions today.

She closed her eyes and pushed back her tears. She held the collar of his shirt to her nose and took in his smell. The scent calming her down as she took deep breaths. Oh, how she wished it was his growl doing the job, but she had to get over it. She sat up and wiped her eyes. Remembering something she grabbed her phone and breathed deeply.

Holding the camera above her she smiled and snapped the picture. Just because he wasn't here doesn't mean she had to waver on tradition. At least it made her feel a little better.

She got up and walked to the in-house office she had. Both she and Sesshomaru had one. She went to her printer and attached the Bluetooth. Pressing print, the photo came out as clear as day. She carefully picked it up and began to fan it for thirty seconds. When she was done, she wrote on the back.

Akemi's Birthday 2017

She then walked back to the room and placed it with the others. Seeing the pictures of her and Sesshomaru she shook her head. She then realized that the best part of her birthday wasn't reading loving words from people she cared about, not anymore. It was spending time with him.

And a picture by herself on her birthday did not make her feel better.

Before she allowed herself to feel anything more, she went to bed. Hopefully Sesshomaru won't feed too much into her sadness. But deep down she knew he would. She only hoped that it'd drive him to move faster instead of abandoning it all together. She clung to his pillow and dug her face in as the exhaustion from today took over.

An hour later she was startled awake by the sound of the bedroom door opening. She looked at the clock on her phone and turned toward the door. She turned on the lamp and gasped. She rubbed her eyes and jumped out of bed.

"Sessh", she said running across the room to him. He took her into him and embraced and kissed her head. She then pulled away and punched his chest ignoring the sting in her knuckles. "It's passed one in the morning! What the hell took you so long? When you said late I was expecting something like eleven not the next day to date!"

"This one came home as soon as he could, Akemi", he said holding her chin.

"Did you at least finish what you had to do", Akemi whispered.

"I did", he said. "You're crying, and it isn't the first time tonight. What has bothered you?"

"I missed you", she said truthfully. She wiped at her tears and smacked his hand away. "Don't ever do that to me again! I don't care what it is, I'm done sharing you! You come home to me, understood? I've never been away from you this long as your mate…"

"I'm sorry", he said.

She sniffed and stood on her toes. She pressed her lips to his and sighed at the relief it brought her. Wrapping her arms around his neck she felt her feet leave the ground.

"You're wearing my shirt."

"It smells like your cologne."

"I don't wear cologne, Akemi."

"Oh right", she said still drowsy. "Well, you know your scent becomes stronger on everything when I miss you! See what you did?"

He chuckled and kissed her cheek. "It will never happen again."

"Good", she said. "Now let's go to bed. You owe me a major cuddle session for what you put me through."

She motioned for him to put her down, which he did, and she walked to the bed. He slapped her rear, earning a tired glare, and moved to undress. Climbing in bed she watched him pull up a pair of pajama bottoms and walk over to the bed. She took this notion as a chance to turn off the light. He climbed in the bed and Akemi gave him his pillow she stole. Getting comfortable, he pulled her into him and they both sighed, satisfied to be within each other's reach.

"It was made aware to me that you and my mother went to the spa. Did you enjoy yourself?"

"Yeah", I said. "It was just some girl time. I told her about how you had to stay at work and how I wouldn't see you, so she thought of a way to relieve my stress."

"That's what Izoyai said."

Good, Akemi thought before falling asleep.

---

Three months later Akemi's emotions did as expect, faded away. She didn't forget about her birthday, but she did get over it. Sesshomaru, on the other hand, just wasn't catching a break. When he thought he got somewhere the day he had to stay at work until wee hours of the night, more piled up on his desk. It was getting to him and he grew touchier. Akemi noticed this and tried her best to cheer him up, but it wasn't working. His ego was taking major blows.

Turns out that the investor pulled out before signing the contract. They said that if they couldn't keep a great merger with Bento Corp., the company Sesshomaru is fighting with, then there's no lead in him keeping any mergers intact. That totally rubbed Sesshomaru the wrong way. Kahashi Tech didn't need the investor, but that statement made him want to prove him wrong and then brush the investor off when they got everything together.

And by this happening not only was Sesshomaru agitated, but so was Akemi. She was only hoping that the thing she had planned for their anniversary and his birthday two weeks later helped. She took serious consideration in the thought Kagome and Inuyasha brought up when they were thinking about what Sesshomaru was doing for her birthday.

Hopefully things would be a lot less harsh by the time his birthday comes around. She was planning on kidnapping him and going on vacation. He needed it because you could see tension in his muscles. It was making her sick. But for their anniversary she was planning on making his favorite for dinner, making his favorite cake – which happened to be her least favorite, coconut is gross – and a massage from her to him to relax him. And perhaps… maybe something else… But it'd be a shame for her to do all this for him to only come back to the same thing that irritated him in the first place.

She didn't want to do all of this right in the middle his torture. What's the point in relaxing him when he was just going to get tense again?

"I hope everything blows over", she whispered to herself as she stared at the cake she was making. "He hasn't touched me this entire time and I'm aching for it!"

"Ooh sexual frustration!"

Akemi turned around and smirk. Of course, it'd be her. "Hey Maddeline!"

"Don't hey me! Spill everything. I heard he forgot your birthday. Now you're saying that there has been no sex from the God of Sex, himself? Hell: you're strolling through it."

"And it's driving me insane", Akemi growled. "I know that it's hard for married couples when they don't touch each other but it's even worse for mates! We literally hunger for the other and right now… I'm starving…"

"It's only been three months, right?"

Akemi shook her head. "Four and a half, it's been since this whole thing at work began. It hasn't been since my birthday but longer."

"Dayummn", Maddeline said shaking her head. "I am so sorry."

Akemi only shrugged her shoulders and turned to the cake. "It's fine… I have to live with it."

"I'm sure you have a plan for your anniversary though, right?" Akemi nodded and Maddeline smirked. "What is it?"

"I plan on making his favorite dinner and cake. I'll give him a massage and basically cater to him. Hopefully me catering to his every need will appeal to his yokai to the point he won't be able to help himself. I'm sure he wants me just as much as I want him if not more."

Maddeline nodded at this as she watched Akemi work. "Well you're married to a yokai, so I wouldn't be the best to judge that decision. From how you explained it, it makes sense. I hope it works too because I can see the tension in your shoulders."

"That's from the tension I'm feeling from Sesshomaru too. I can feel when he's unhappy and all and vise versa, so half of this is also him."

"That's too much."

"Well Maddie, yeah you're right."

"Thank God you only have a day left. Not even a day, tomorrow. Do you have everything set up?"

"Yep", she said. She scrunched her nose in disgust and pointed at the cake. "This is for him. I hate coconut." The entire cake was covered in coconut and white icing. It was large, but a small personal size. He'd be the only one eating it, why make a larger one? "I'd prefer strawberry or yellow with chocolate icing. Oh my gosh, and blue raspberry!"

"That does sound good", Maddie said nodding. She then smiled and wiggled her brows at Akemi. "Let's just hope he doesn't forget this too."

"Ooh don't say that", Akemi said with a growl. "I swear if he forgets I don't know what I will do. It's one thing to forget my birthday; I can handle that, but our wedding anniversary? It's also the anniversary of our mating. This is an extremely important date not only for us by our soul ties. No amount of stress can make you forget that. And I'm doing so much for us in the time of three weeks for his birthday included. His favorite dish isn't easy to make! It's not like lasagna!

"Lasagna isn't easy to make", Maddie laughed out.

"It's extremely easy to make, Maddie. Don't play games."

"Maybe for you because you love it so much."

"Shut up", Akemi said. "My thing is if he forgets our anniversary I don't know if I'll be able to handle it. I've been clouding too much of my emotions in the past three months. I'd burst. Yeah, I said I didn't mind him forgetting my birthday, and I didn't at first. But later in the night, it got to me. Not only did I not see him the whole day, but he literally had so many hints and had no idea. It hurt my feelings a little, but I guess what hurt me most was that I didn't celebrate it with him. That's the best part, taking a picture with him. I was deprived of that. I won't be able to handle it if I'm deprived of celebrating with him again especially for our anniversary. That's a no go."

"And it'd also show that his ego is bigger if he lets his ego breaking get in the way of his senses for his mating anniversary. Don't yokai like have a mental alarm for that like a werewolf have for a full moon?"

"Yes", Akemi said finishing the cake and boxing it up. "It's unbearably noticeable. Well that's what Inuyasha told me. I don't know for myself."

"So, he shouldn't forget."

"According to Inuyasha, he shouldn't have forgotten my birthday either because there's an alarm for that too. Something about a pack's bond or something…"

Maddeline frowned at Akemi and shook her head. "You need to get laid, I don't like this. The girls said you weren't yourself, but I didn't expect this. You find the bright side in everything but right now you're just… I can't explain it. You're acting like a teenager who just doesn't give a fuck!"

"I'm just not in my usual preppy mood."

"That's the problem; you're always in the mood!"

Akemi rolled her eyes and turned to her friend as she made the mistake in licking icing off her fingers. It had coconut on them. It was a habit. "Stop saying that; I'm not always in a preppy mood. Take now for example."

"Now you're pissed because your mate is pissed because you're pissed. Does he even know he forgot your birthday?"

"Why are we back on my birthday?"

"Because I know you're also secretly pissed about that but you're just too sweet to admit it", Maddie said with a shrug placing her hands on her hips.

"No, he doesn't know. Now is not the time to tell him either. God! I just want to finish this shit! I wish I had some understanding in what he's dealing with, so I could help, but nope! Sesshomaru has a useless mate."

"You're not completely useless. You make him cakes!"

"Fuck off, Maddeline", Akemi said placing the cake in the fridge and leaving the room.

"You guys, it's not working", Maddie yelled.

"What's not working", Akemi asked irritable. "Did you call her up here? Why?"

"You're in a bad mood and you've been this way for months", Jessie said.

Takara, a now eight-month pregnant woman with blonde hair and hazel eyes nodded as she ate a chocolate raspberry cheesecake slice. "She's right…" she said around a plastic fork. "You're never like this. You find the good in everything and you're usually the one making the bright side when there isn't one."

"Why are you eating the merchandise", Akemi asked frowning at her. "And then it's the most popular cheesecake I made for tomorrow because I will be leaving early."

Takara slowly lowered her fork and smiled innocently. "I'm pregnant? Grant me some slack! I have life defying hunger and cravings and you got me in a bakery, damn it!"

Akemi rolled her eyes and went behind the counter. "Whatever", she said. "Just don't eat it all because then I'll have to make another one."

"Deal!"

"Yeah you say that now", Bonnie said quietly.

"The point of the matter is, Akemi, you're tired and irritable, and it's not only because you and Sesshomaru share feelings. You're still upset about your birthday. Just admit you're mad at him! It will make you feel better!"

"I'm not mad at him because it's not his fault."

"Yes, it is, Akemi", Bonnie said. "He placed his ego first and you know it. He doesn't need that merge and he doesn't need that investor! He just wants them because they said no, and no one says no to the Sesshomaru."

"Bonnie stop", Akemi said.

"She's right, Kemi", Maddeline said. "The company is doing amazing if not better. That merger was made to benefit the other company, not Sesshomaru's. So, what if it got him a little extra cash too. The only reason why he's so hell bent on keeping them is because they already made the decision to leave before Sesshomaru said they could."

"Would you guys stop", Akemi said. "You're making him out to be a bad guy! He's not putting his ego before me, he wouldn't do that!"

"Okay sure that may be true but because he won't let it go, it's making you suffer in more ways than one. His irritation is rubbing off on you, he forgot your birthday and he hasn't been spending the right amount of time with you. And because you care about him so much and you don't want to make him feel guilty, you're hiding everything causing even more stress on yourself and he doesn't even know it!"

"So, what the hell do you want me to do", Akemi snapped. "Huh? What do you want me to do? I'm sorry I'm not all happy and smiles right now! I'm sorry if I'm a bit touchy! I'm sorry for worrying about my husband, my mate, to the point in taking it all on myself to give him some type of relief at least. There's nothing I can do to change it, nothing now at least. I don't know what to do! So, tell me, what the fuck you want me to do."

"Release it", Jessie whispered. "Release it before you break again, before you do something completely irrational like last time. When you use your reiki to hold in your emotions, it has a terrible side effect. All of your emotions join together in this fit of…of rage? I don't know what it is but it's a large ugly monster that we all know you don't like."

"The company is only in a delicate spot if Sesshomaru puts it there", Maddeline said. "Tell Sesshomaru or we will. This needs to end."

Akemi released a trembling sigh and ran her hands through her hair. They were right, it was getting to her. It was already starting to show its ugly head and she didn't like it. She wasn't herself, she practically cussed out her friends for worrying. She had to end it.

With a nod, Akemi agreed. "Okay", she said. "I'll tell him… tomorrow. Hopefully it won't be as bad if I tell him while I'm doing something nice."

"Yeah, it will make him think that it is the least he could do since you're trying to comfort him", Takara said.

"No", Jessie said flatly. "She's doing it tomorrow, so she won't get in trouble for holding in her emotions. We're hard on her for doing it, Sesshomaru is worse."

Akemi looked at her watch and cleared her throat. "I have to go. I have to go to the store to pick up food for the dinner tomorrow. Catch you in the morning. Maddie, thanks for stopping by."

"No problem, babe", she said as Akemi hugged them all.

Saying goodbye, Akemi left as Bonnie closed up. She got in her car and drove straight to the store. She had to pick up some cube steak. It wasn't that making cube steak was extremely hard but a lot of work. You first had to season it without ripping it on accident, flour it, pan fry it, and then smother it in gravy. That's a long list and making sure it was cooked all the way wasn't an easy judge either.

By the time she got home, Sesshomaru has yet to arrive. She went in and immediately started making spaghetti, an easy meal compared to tomorrows. He walked in the house when she pulled out the garlic bread.

He walked in the kitchen relieving himself of his suit jacket and tie. She turned to him and provided a smile.

"How was work?"

"It was work."

"Oh really", she said sarcastically with a playful eye roll. She walked to him and placed a kiss on his lips. It lingered for a while leading to more, and like a starved man, Akemi ate it all up.

"Are you okay", he asked. "You were upset earlier."

"Maddeline passed by the shop and she and Bonnie decided they wanted to pester me. With feeling your irritation… I got angry a bit quick."

"I see", he said. "Well I promise you that we are reaching an end rather soon."

"Really", she said excited. "And how soon will it be?"

"Tomorrow", he said.

"So, does that mean you'll… be home early…? We haven't had much time together."

"I'm not certain but this one will try his best", Sesshomaru said bringing her in for another kiss. "Or would you prefer I pay my respect to you now?"

"Dessert before dinner, Sessh", Akemi asked. "Are you sure you want to spoil your appetite?"

"My appetite is a healthy one", he said kissing down her neck. Dragging his canines down her pulse, a shiver ran down her back as she pulled him in.

"Oh God", Akemi whispered out as her eyes rolled to the back of her head. "Sessh… Sesshomaru", she called out, but she was quite sure it was sought as a moan. "Sesshomaru, as much as I want this – oh man I want this so bad", she cried out. She then cleared her throat and pushed him away shaking away the clouds in her head. "You have to eat. I know you're yokai and all and you can survive without food longer than I can, but I don't care. You need to eat. I am absolutely positive that you ate nothing this entire day."

"Hn", he said with a smirk as he kissed her hand. "As you wish."

"Oh, I'm wishing…"

In the kitchen, after making their plates, the two ate in little less than a hurry. When they were done Sesshomaru assisted with cleaning. Akemi couldn't even close the fridge before he attacked her, closing the fridge for her as he pushed her back against it.

"Someone's eager", Akemi joked as she pulled away for air. "You see what happens when you keep away from your mate for months?"

"It will never happen again", he whispered as his hand left her waist to move to the small of her back under her shirt. His palm radiated warmth through her skin. She hadn't realized how cold she was until he did it. She has been cold for too long.

"Upstairs", she said pushing pass him. "Now." She then ran out of the kitchen with him at her heels. Before she reached the stairs, he had her in his arms. She laughed out as he threw her over his shoulders and sped to the bedroom. The door was opened, and she was dropped on the bed.

His shirt was removed and so was hers. The hot kiss on her lips went down her neck and to her collar bone. Her bra strap slid off her shoulder as he kissed the skin there. His hands went behind her and unclasped her bra like a pro. It was thrown to the floor and she sighed once he attached to her nipple.

"Too long", she whispered eyes rolling closed. "It's been too long, I could kill you."

He chuckled as he went to the next nipple. His predator eyes taking her in, glowing in the dark giving her that spark. Her jeans were unbuttoned, and his warm hands slipped in.

She lurched forward at the sensation he started in her Netherlands. "Sessh…" she moaned out before her cell phone began to ring in her back pocket. She completely forgot it was there.

Sesshomaru pulled it out and growled at it. "It's your friend's husband."

"He's probably calling me to whine about her hormones again", she said sad that their actions took a pause. "I usually get her to go easy on him. Ignore it. He'll call again but we'll ignore it twice. Two times is his limit if I don't answer."

Sesshomaru abandoned it on the bed and moved to rid her of her pants. She rose her hips and allowed him to pull them off. Once they hit the floor, her phone rang again. She quickly picked it up and ignored the call.

"We should be good now." Sesshomaru rolled his eyes and spread her legs. Akemi hissed as she bit her lower lip. After so long it was feeling like her first time all over –

"What the hell", Akemi cursed sitting up. "Again! Why is he calling? It can't be that bad!" She answered the phone with a growl. "What Charles? I am really busy with my husband planning for a better tomorrow!"

"Well, Takara is about to give birth to the better tomorrow", the man said over the phone. "She's having the babies early!"

"Oh shit", Akemi cursed. Those words had more meanings than one. Oh, shit the babies are coming! Oh shit, why so early? Oh shit, I get to finally see my god-children! And last but not least; oh shit, why now? "We're on our way."

Akemi jumped up with a growling Sesshomaru following her. He knew that no matter what, she wasn't going to decide against going. They named Akemi the god-mother for a reason. She adores children. She wants to be there from the beginning to the end. It was only best that he follows her instead of trying to change her mind.

With Sesshomaru driving they made it there in ten minutes tops. It took about an hour and a half for the babies to come. And when they did, and Akemi was granted access to see them, she nearly died. Holding both of them she broke into tears at how gorgeous they were. Two boys who were so handsome and hanyou with Charles being yokai.

"Aw…" Akemi cooed. "Sesshy look how cute they are!"

"During labor", Takara began. "I was thinking is this really worth it? Should I just quit now? Seeing them here I decided that it was partially worth it."

Akemi snorted with a roll of her eyes and shook her head. "Oh whatever! You know they're entirely worth it!"

"Yeah, you're right", Takara said holding the eldest. "I can't wait until you feel the amazing joy I'm feeling." She then looked to Sesshomaru and smirked. "You better get to work, Sesshomaru."

"I was trying", he simply said. Akemi's head shot up and she went red as the two new parents burst into fits of laughter.

Realizing that it was extremely late yet early, about two in the morning, she and Sesshomaru left. There was no getting back to what they were doing before the birth. No, knowing that they didn't have long before it was time for them to wake for work, the two went to bed.

Before leaving Sesshomaru woke Akemi for a kiss and bid her a good day. Once he left the room, Akemi was back to sleep. An hour or so later, she woke up to get ready for her day. It was a long one ahead of her, no pun intended if you get what I mean.

Walking into the bakery she chirped to Jessie and Bonnie who smiled at her better mood.

"What's got you so happy all of a sudden", Bonnie questioned.

"Well for one, it's my anniversary. Two, knowing that I'll tell Sesshomaru about everything tonight, I feel a little weight off my shoulders. Last but not least three, Takara won't be coming in today because… last night she had the babies!" The three women all cheered and got excited about the good news. "So, I'm thinking that when I leave we could close up early so you can pay her a visit. We'll post a sign saying it is a store emergency or whatever. Sound good?"

"Sounds amazing! Let's get to work so we can finish everything in time!"

The girls separated and went on to work. Akemi was in her office handling bills and store business, taking in orders offline and putting in an ad for new workers. Takara won't be able to come in for a while and the three of them couldn't work here seven days out of the week none stop. If they can't hire in certified workers to do the baking that means, she'll have to split up the time. At least one of them has to be present in the day with two uncertified workers to do simple work. Jessie went to the back to handle some of the orders they had to get out of the way today, meanwhile Bonnie worked the front. When Akemi was done handling business in the office she went to the front to relieve Bonnie who then went to the back to help Jessie.

It was an all around easy day until their closing time for lunch. They all went out together to a little diner on the corner and went back in time to see a small group waiting outside. By three their small rush was over, and they began to close up before anyone else came.

"So, you're planning on leaving tomorrow right", Bonnie asked.

Akemi nodded as she walked to her car. "Yeah. Sesshomaru said things were tying up at work and that he should be in a good place by the end of the day. It's absolutely certain that I'll be leaving tomorrow."

"And you'll be back in two and a half weeks?"

"Yep. I put out the now hiring ad, so we might get something in the shop's email. Please check it. If you want, go ahead and interview but –

"Wait till you get back", Jessie confirmed. "Got it! Now go and do what you got to do. You have important stuff, and by important stuff I mean an important conversation."

"Yeah yeah, I get it", Akemi said climbing into her car. She placed Sesshomaru's cake in the passenger's seat. She drove home and made it there after four.

She knew that Sesshomaru left work at six and would be home by seven, so she'd start dinner at six. But she wanted to prep the meat now. Everyone knows that if you season the meat and leave it in the fridge for a while, the flavor will be better, so that's what she did also adding onions to the mix. She then set up the table for dinner and went to the room to set up for the massage she was planning on giving him. She didn't have a table for it because she knew he didn't need one. Seeing as they were interrupted last night, she wasn't even sure if the massage would last as long as she planned it would. And that's if they do the massage! She sat the oils and lotions out along with candles. She would light them later. I mean it'd be stupid and a fire hazard to light them now. Done with that, it was well past five. She knew that if she wanted to take a shower to get rid of the flour she knew she had in her hair and get dolled up for him, now would be the time.

She took a well needed shower and washed her hair. She nearly rushed to do her hair and makeup. Grabbing the present and card he had – just because he didn't want to get her cards doesn't mean she felt the same – from her office, she ran downstairs and placed it on the made table. In nothing but a silk night gown and panties – no bra, it'll just get in the way later – she began dinner. At exactly seven she finished on time and took the plates to the table. She ran behind on getting herself pretty, but she made it. She lit the candles at the table and sat on the couch and waited for him as she read her first book from the series Inuyasha got her. She knew he wouldn't make it at exactly seven but sometime around, so she wasn't too worried. That is until a half an hour passed.

Picking up her phone she called him. "Hey Sessh, what's going on? Why aren't you home?"

"I'll be home late", he said. "Things are taking longer than this one thought. I will be home shortly. It won't be passed midnight. I promise."

"Well get home soon okay? I mean… you didn't –

"I'll have to call you back, Akemi. I'm going over the contract with the Bento Corp."

"Right", Akemi said with a frown looking at the time. "Okay, talk to you later." She hung up without another word.

7:49 PM

He's coming home late. He's working with Bento now. That doesn't mean he forgot right? No, he's just trying to get it over with, so he can come to her. There's no way he forgot, his yokai wouldn't let him! I mean now more than ever he should be ready to take her. He has to be feeling it! But if he was feeling it… he would be home right now despite everything…

She got up and closed her book. She took the plates and placed them in the stove and turned it on to KEEP WARM.

I mean after four months and not touching his mate, he should be breaking down the doors to get to her. That mixed with the urge to retake her on their mating anniversary should be agonizing! It is agonizing! She most certainly felt it!

She blew out the candles and looked at the time. 8 o'clock. With a sigh she sat back on the couch and cracked open her book.

Perhaps she was over thinking everything. Maybe it's her mind playing with her. She's feeling too many emotions. Once he gets here – in just a moment – she'll release it all. She'll be fine.

She went back to her book and began reading. Only thing with that was every time she would read she realized that she was on autopilot. She couldn't recall what the last paragraph was about though she read it about five times. Her mind wandering wouldn't let her read her book. Sooner or later she gave up on it and decided to go clean the mess she made in the kitchen. It wasn't a huge mess; it was just the dishes in the sink. Looking at the time on the microwave, 9:32, she released a groan. She rinsed the dishes off as best she could and placed them in the dishwasher. Seeing as it wasn't full and that there were still more dishes out, she didn't turn it on.

9:50

She turned off the oven and grabbed the mitts before taking out the over warm plates. She sat them on the counter to cool off for a few minutes before wrapping them up. While waiting for them to cool, she took the time to get a head start on the wine she had for their anniversary.

10 o'clock

The bottle was half empty and the plates were cool enough. She wrapped them with foil and slid them in the fridge. She placed her wine glass in the dishwasher and started it not caring anymore. She walked in the dining room and took his cake and placed it in the box from which it came and slid it in the fridge beside the dinner she made.

10:20

He forgot. There's no sense in denying it anymore, Akemi. He forgot.

She tried to reason with it, but she couldn't force herself to. What her friends were saying about none of it was an excuse came coming to her mind. They were right. Inuyasha told her that. She knew it. There was no excuse for him to forget when his yokai lets him in on everything about Akemi. Rather she's happy or sad, he'll feel it. Whether she's hurt or healthy, he'd know it. When it's her birthday or their mating anniversary, he'd know because their souls are tied now.

But apparently, he is so tied up with himself and his bruised ego; he ignored everything that came at him.

Crying Akemi wiped away her tears and ran upstairs. She sat on her bed and wiped away her tears. Bottling up everything away from him to feel, she sighed as her emotions drifted away. Why release it if he's not here for her to tell him the truth behind it. No sense in stopping now, right?

She stood up and pulled the covers back in the bed and got in. Getting comfortable – as much as she could – Akemi closed her eyes and willed herself to sleep. If she did that then she wouldn't make any hasty decisions, right? And the girls expect her to be gone for two and a half weeks so she just won't go to work then so they won't notice.

Soon enough she fell asleep. It wasn't a deep slumber so when she heard the calling of her name from downstairs she jolted forward. The door to the bedroom opened and she shot forward as Sesshomaru turned on the light and walked in. She looked at the clock, it was passing eleven. Well at least he kept his promise.

She blinked a few times until his worried face came into a clear. "You're here", she said.

"Akemi", he said. "Our anniversary…"

"You forgot it didn't you", she asked though she already came to the conclusion all on her own. She shook her head and fell back onto the bed. "You forgot my birthday too but… let's not talk about it now. I'm really tired. Did you finish up with Bento and the investor?"

"Yes. Akemi –

"Did you clear up that hacker business?"

"Some silly college student who thought it'd –

"Good", she said. "Well not good that he hacked you but good that you fixed the problem. If you want, dinner is in the fridge and so is your cake. It's your favorite."

"Akemi, I'm sorry."

"It's okay", she said. "As long as you finished the problem, I'm fine. We can discuss it tomorrow."

"Akemi –

"Tomorrow Sesshomaru", she said loudly.

---

Akemi woke to her alarm going off the next morning. With a frown and groan, she moved to turn it off but to her surprise an arm tightened around her waist and someone snuggle into her neck. She froze and took a sharp breath. A growl was released calming her down and letting her know it was Sesshomaru.

"I didn't mean to startle you", he said.

"Y-you're still here? Shouldn't you be off at work?" She then sat up and turned to him with a frown.

"Things are finalized at work but at home they are not. I've hurt my wife and mate though she refuses to show it. I plan to make it up to you."

"Sesshomaru, I'm fine", she said shaking her head. "You were busy… things were rough. I can understand that your mind was consumed by work. It's okay. I'm fine."

"You're lying", he said.

Akemi rolled her eyes with a sighed and threw her arms up. "You're right", Akemi said. "I am hurt about it and you should absolutely make it up to me."

"What are you planning, Akemi", he questioned.

"Nothing" she said standing up. "I'm going to make coffee, you want some?"

"Akemi!"

"What", she said looking at him. "Look Sesshomaru, you said you want to make it up so let's do it. I'm giving you the benefit of a doubt. Take advantage of it because if I start yelling and crying then we'll both end up in a horrible mood. I don't want to deal with that. So instead let's do it my way. I make coffee and you get breakfast. I would make some but… I don't want to", she laughed out. "I have a taste for a western omelet."

"Is this truly what you want?"

"When isn't food something I truly want? Now chop-chop! Time is ticking and I'm hungry!" She walked to his side of the bed and grabbed his hand. She pulled him out of bed and wrapped her arms around him before placing a kiss on his lips. "I want white toast too."

"When I get back we're going to talk about it."

"Well take your time. The longer you take to get food the more time I have away from that dreadful conversation." Akemi then walked down the stairs to the kitchen and set the coffee pot. When it began to brew the front door shut. She looked out the kitchen window to see the car pull out as the sound of the garage door went off.

With a sigh she ran up the stairs and into the bedroom. She slipped into a pair of jeans and old sneakers and put on a bra before slipping into her new Deadpool sweatshirt. She then ran to her office where she hidden the suitcases she packed for the surprise trip she planned for them. Grabbing her own bags, she carried it down the stairs and went into the garage. She then ran back inside realizing she forgot her keys and purse. Driving off Akemi sighed as the house left peripheral view.

She was shocked that Sesshomaru fell for that but then again, she guess he was willing to do whatever so she wouldn't explode. Little did he know, this was her exploding.

Akemi decided last night that she wasn't going to let her planned trip go to waste. Her friends were right; she couldn't keep her emotions in right now. Not when they were constantly building up like this, so she was going to leave. If Sesshomaru wants, he can just follow her. She was sure he'd figure it out. She was tired and didn't feel like being bothered right now. Here she was being selfless as possible out of consideration for him and he took advantage of it and was being completely selfish. Well right now, she wanted to be selfish.

"Fuck it all", she said calmly.

And this was exactly what her friends were warning her about. Holding it all in until she did something completely mindless. It happened before. Last time she and Sesshomaru got into an argument Akemi held it in. Sooner or later she wound up exploding, but not like everyone else. Instead of yelling and cursing out every little thing and one, no she does stupid things.

It's a side effect from using your reiki to cloud you true feelings. After a while, instead of clouding your feelings the reiki clouds your better judgment, and it doesn't cease until she releases those emotions that you are trying to make vanish. And if you keep it up for too long, the release can be something as serious as a panic attack or any other form of any emotional break down. When Akemi's better judgment is clouded she tends to place herself in danger. Last time she ran off, got drunk, and went to her ex boyfriend. It was a horrible idea because Akemi nearly got rapped. And right now, running out of the country may not be the most dangerous but then again it isn't the safest either.

But she didn't care. If anything, to her this was nothing but a little prank to show Sesshomaru that you shouldn't place anything before your mate. It was immature and childish, but she'll deal with herself for that later.

Arriving at the airport she pulled her car to the ticket booth to pay for her parking.

"How long will you need to be parked here?"

"Two and a half weeks", Akemi said with a smile. "I'm taking myself on vacation, a well-deserved one."

The man nodded with a smile and handed her the ticket. "You pay for it when you come back in case you arrive back early or late."

"Got it, thank you. Oh, and when will the next shuttle be here?"

"About ten minutes", he said.

"Good." Allowing her to pass through Akemi found a parking spot near the shuttle pick-up. She grabbed her purse and luggage and waited there alone. Looking at her phone she realized that she has yet to receive any calls. He mustn't have realized she was gone yet. So, she turned off her off and pulled out her book to read. This time she could actually focus on the story.

The shuttle arrived early dropping people off and picking her up along with others who joined her during her waiting time. She rolled her bag on and sat in the front. Once the bus drove off she sat back and waited till she was dropped off at check in.

Meanwhile, at home…

Sesshomaru had just arrived with food from Akemi's favorite diner. He was anxious to have the conversation about what has been going on for the past three months. How could he forget such a relevant date? And how could she be fine with it? Not once has she seemed unhappy unless it was due to the irritation he was feeling. He honestly felt pathetic. Here he was thinking of the better tomorrow for his company, yet Akemi was hurting on the inside. No doubt she shielded her feelings from him. He knew that was a given, but why? He knew his mate to always be selfless. She probably did it for his sake.

"So, what you're saying is… I won't see you at all today? But Sessh…"

"This Sesshomaru wishes there was an alternative, but these things simply can't be overlooked. I'd rather much be at home with you right now."

"You were going to, but you were called early this morning weren't you?"

"Indeed", he said. "That is why this one left so early without notification. I apologize."

"It's fine Sessh; it's not your fault. Who'd know so much would happen today of all times … You'll get nothing done and you'll have to deal with it the next day. The best thing for us to do is let you finish work so you can come home and be done with it. Deal?"

"Approved. You're a very intuitive woman."

"I'm your intuitive woman."

…

"Hey Sessh, what's going on? Why aren't you home?"

"I'll be home late. Things are taking longer than this one thought. I will be home shortly. It won't be passed midnight. I promise."

"Well get home soon okay? I mean… you didn't –

"I'll have to call you back, Akemi. I'm going over the contract with Bento Corp."

"Right. Okay, talk to you later."

…

"It's okay. As long as you finished the problem, I'm fine."

She tried to tell him, but he kept cutting her off. But then she must have pulled away, so she wouldn't concern him about it. All she wanted was for him to be finished with it, so he could come home to her. For four months he let this get between them and for four months she allowed herself to suffer from it, so he wouldn't.

"My mate truly is caring", he said standing in the foyer. He smirked with a chuckle and walked to the kitchen. The smell of coffee took over his sense. It was so powerful that he couldn't smell anything else. Coffee had that power, coffee and nail polish scents were so strong they yokai couldn't smell through it for even a second.

Seeing the full pot of coffee, he frowned. She must have gone upstairs while it brewed. With this in mind, he went in the cabinet and pull out two mugs, one for her and one for himself. He made their coffee and carried it up the stairs along with their food.

"Akemi", he called out. Walking into the bedroom, she was nowhere in sight. He placed down the food and coffee of the dresser and went to the on suite. The bathroom was empty. Perhaps she was in her office. "Akemi do not try to avoid the discussion. We need to speak on this."

Opening the door to her office he was surprised to see packed suitcases. With an uneasy feeling dropping to the pit of his stomach he unzipped one to realize it was only his clothing. Was she planning to kick him out? Of his own house?

No… Akemi didn't think like that.

"Akemi Alexandria Kahashi", he shouted, providing her full name to prove his distaste for the matter. Looking around her office he began going through her things to see if there was a possible clue as to what she was doing. Tending to be forgetful, she left plenty of clues hence his packed suitcases. Coming to her box of past birthday cards he picked up a photo that appeared different from the rest. Instead of it holding both of them, it was only her. He looked at the back.

Akemi's Birthday 2017

With the scent of coffee still drifting throughout the house, he couldn't even tell if she were here for the past couple of days, though he knew she was. Dropping the photo, he pulled out his phone and ran out of the room. He called her phone and it went straight to voicemail without a single ring. Coming to the garage, he opened the door, it was empty. His car was parked in the half circle before the front door. He didn't notice her car missing until now because he didn't use the garage.

Calling her again it went to voicemail.

"This is Akemi Kahashi's phone! I'm so very sorry for not answering your call. This only means one thing; I am busy with my husband. Seeing the situation, I'd probably not answer in a couple of hours so if you'd leave your name and number, I'd gladly get back to you! Enjoy your day!"

She was most certainly not busy with her husband which truly was the only time she'd not answer her phone.

"Akemi, where are you? Whatever this is, it isn't funny. It isn't safe. I need you to get back home immediately. You are not in your right mind." He then hung up the phone and left the house to get in his car. The first place he'd think she go was the first place he drove to, the bakery.

"Sesshomaru", Bonnie said with a frown as he walked in. "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be –

"What's wrong", Jessie said running forward.

"Akemi ran once more", he said. "This one has no idea as to where she went."

"Damn it", Jessie growled. "She's pissed at you! You missed her birthday, what did you do, forget your anniversary too?" Seeing as he said nothing, Jessie growled. "Damn you, you did, didn't you? Were you so involved with your God damn bruised ego that you couldn't put two and two together?"

"Jessica", Sesshomaru said calmly. "Just help me find my mate."

"Oh, so now she's your mate", Jessie said full of sarcasm.

"Aye Jess", Bonnie said carefully. "Now is not the time. Akemi's out there somewhere and she's not herself. We can't sit here and –

"Haven't you noticed for a split second that you didn't feel not a thing from her? She cloaked her whole entire emotional side. The only emotion she was feeling was yours. Do you want to know why she did it? Because she didn't want you to be overwhelmed, that's why. She didn't want you to feel guilty for forgetting. Her thought was if I let him off the hook, so he can work, he'll finish quicker and everything will be okay. She didn't expect it to last fucking four months, you ass! And now what? She's nowhere to be found, in trouble, again, because of what? Your selfishness! Whereas Akemi may be the best wife, the best friend, the best mate you ever had and ever will have, you cannot even mark up to half of what she does because of your fucking ego. And you have the nerve to come here and demand we find your mate?"

"Are you telling this one that he is failing to take care of what's his? That he is failing to make his mate happy?"

"You drew that conclusion all by yourself", Jessie asked. "Oh wow, for a second there I thought I had to help you!"

Sesshomaru's eyes flashed red and Bonnie squeaked as she jumped over the counter. "AYE! Quit it now!" She placed herself between the two and pushed them away from each other. "Jessie, you can't go and provoke him while he's in the state. He lost his mate and right now his yokai is scratching the surface. Even though you are right, and he has been a selfish prick… now isn't the time. We need to call everyone and get out there and begin looking."

"We can't call Takara though, she just had the babies. We can't stress her out."

"I'll call my family", Sesshomaru said eyes lingering on a pissed Jessica.

"I'll call Maddie, she can help. And Rin may know something."

Calling everyone that knew who could help; everyone began to meet up at the bakery. Placing up a sign and drawing down the shades, they closed the bakery down.

Inuyasha and Kagome were the first to show. Then Maddeline and Sesshomaru's parents. Then Rin came knocking on the door. They didn't bother calling Akemi's parents because they moved to a different state.

"What happened", Inuyasha asked. "What set her off in the first place?"

"I know that Sessh forgot Akemi's birthday", Izoyai said. "But she told me she was going to talk to him about it when the time comes."

"That's what she told us", Maddeline said. "She promised she'd tell you yesterday while you celebrated your anniversary."

"Well he forgot that too", Jessica said.

"What", everyone but Bonnie and Jessica shouted. Sesshomaru just sat there, leg bouncing. He didn't want to just be sitting here and discussing it. He wanted to get out there. An hour already passed, and he still had no clue as to where she went.

"How could you forget", Inuyasha questioned. "Especially about your anniversary, you claimed her on your wedding night! Whenever that centennial approaches, a yokai goes into heat along with its mate."

"Were you truly that intoned with your work, son", Inutaisho, his father asked.

"I was", Sesshomaru said. "This one hadn't thought it'd affect his home so vitally."

"Does anyone have an idea of where she would run off too", Kagome asked.

"I went to the cemetery before I got here", Rin said. "When she's feeling down she goes there to visit her grandmother. She wasn't there, and she hadn't gone there either because there weren't any lavender flowers."

"So, that's out of the question", Bonnie said. "You don't think she'd go back to –

"She wouldn't dare", Kagome said. "Not after what happened last time."

"Not to mention he wouldn't even pass her a second glance when Sesshomaru nearly killed him last time", Inuyasha said.

"What about her parents", Rin questioned. "Would she go to their house for a small visit to clear her mind?"

"She wouldn't do that because Mr. Genesis hardly likes Sesshomaru", Jessie said. "It's her mom who loves him. She wouldn't risk giving her father more to use to nag about him."

"And her brother", Izoyai said.

"She wouldn't be able to catch up with him", Inuyasha said. "He just left one state to go to another. He's traveling away for his next game in the NFL. Besides, he'd be too busy. You know Akemi, she wouldn't bother going to him right now."

"What do you think, Sesshomaru", Maddeline questioned, seeing as he has yet to say anything yet.

"This morning she made coffee and asked me to go out to buy breakfast because she didn't feel like making any herself. This one didn't consider that the coffee was to mask her scent when he got back. Last night when I got home to see the house set up for our anniversary, she was half asleep. She said she was fine and didn't want to discuss it. She left no clue behind that she was leaving let alone where she'd go. It wasn't until this one went into her office to see bags packed with my clothing."

"Was she going to kick you out", Inuyasha questioned.

"No, Akemi isn't like Kagome", Rin said. Seeing the current situation, Kagome only rolled her eyes. Besides, she couldn't argue. There have been plenty of times she threw Inuyasha out on his ass to think about what he did.

The building went silent, with the exception of the humming from the refrigerators. Then all of a sudden Maddie, Jessie, and Bonnie all gasped out. "The trip", the all exclaimed in unison.

"What trip", Sesshomaru questioned with vigor now that they had a lead.

"She planned on cooking your favorite food, baking your favorite cake, giving you a massage and having sex last night", Maddeline said without a hint of filter for the word she said. The woman was shameless. "When after telling you that she hid that you forgot her birthday and that it upset her she planned on escaping with you to the Bahamas to unwind."

"Are you certain that's where she went", Inutaisho questioned.

"Well did you see her luggage in her office", Bonnie asked in monotone. Sesshomaru shook his head and stood. "Well what else do you think she did? Akemi hates wasting money, that's whether she's sane or not. She's extremely cheap unless it comes to quality and integrity. She already put money down on the trip. Why waste it?"

As Sesshomaru began to leave his phone ranged. Everyone looked over to him as he pulled it from his back pocket. His eyes widened as he saw Akemi's face on caller ID.

"Akemi", he said holding the phone to his ear. "Where the hell are you?"

"Well hello to you too", Akemi said on the phone as she sat in her seat comfortably in first class. "Don't worry, Sesshomaru, I'm fine and safe. I didn't run back to my crazy ex. Believe me… that'll never happen. Besides, at that time we weren't married."

"Akemi", Jessie said taking the phone from Sesshomaru and placing it on speaker. "Akemi, please you have to come home. Everyone is here, and we're worried about you. Where are you so we can come and get you?"

"I'm not coming home, Jessie", Akemi said. "Well at least not now. You guys said that I need to release so… that's what I'm going to do."

"Yes, we told you to release your emotions before it's too late but not this way", Maddie said. "We meant talk to Sesshomaru, not run off!"

"Is that what you guys really want", Akemi said rubbing her forehead and sighing. "To talk to Sesshomaru?"

"Yes", they all said, Sesshomaru silent.

"Give Sesshy the phone." People began to sigh at hearing that. She said Sesshy instead of Sesshomaru, which had to be a good sign. Sesshomaru took the phone and looked at it as if he could see her face through it. "Look Sesshomaru, you forgot my birthday. Not only was that my birthday but also the day you proposed. When I found out, I was fine with it. I mean you had a lot going on, so I didn't blame you. But then when I took the picture we were supposed to take together, I realized that the best part about my birthday was spending it with you and yet out of all of the amazing things I did out of all the lovely words given to me, you weren't apart of any of it. That hurt me. But I cloaked my emotions, so you wouldn't know. I thought that maybe if I told you, you'd come rushing home to make it up to me and wouldn't finish work. Then I planned out our anniversary and you forgot that too. That's also the day you claimed me. For a yokai, that's impossible to forget but somehow you found a way to do that. That tore me apart, Sessh. So yes, I'm pissed. You forgot two of the most important days of my life. They aren't important to me because they are about me, they're important because they are the two days where we moved closer to spending the rest of our lives together."

"I'm sorry Akemi."

"I know you are, Sessh", Akemi said quietly. "But I'm still not coming home right now."

"Ma'am I'm sorry but you must end your call. We will take off soon."

"Okay no problem", Akemi said to the attendant. "Well Sesshy, I have to go. Maybe you should go to work and forget that I left. Until then, go fuck yourself."

She hung up her phone and placed it on airplane mode.

"Damn she is pissed at you", Inuyasha mumbled. "You really did it. You manage to piss off Akemi."

Sesshomaru's grip on his phone tightened as his eyes bled red. "My mate… where is she on her way to?"

Akemi sighed as she placed her ear buds in her ears. Soothing music played as she silently cried and slowly released her emotions. She thought that maybe if she released them slowly, they would hit her so hard causing a breakdown. Fully in the air above the clouds, she leaned back her seat and pulled out her blanket and travel size pillow. She closed her eyes with a sigh and willed herself to sleep. It didn't take much because she was absolutely exhausted.

---

Akemi walked off the plane with her carry on and sighed when she didn't see anyone she knew. You wouldn't believe how fast Sesshomaru could make it from one place to another if he was determined. A determined Sesshomaru was a scary Sesshomaru, but then again, he's always determined.

Walking to the luggage pick up she waited for hers to come around. Doing this she turned her phone off of airplane mode and saw that she had multiple missed calls from multiple people. She rolled her eyes and turned her volume to silent and slipped it into her back pocket. As her head looked up, right in front of her rolling by was her luggage. She quickly grabbed it and heaved it off the belt.

She cleared her throat and left the area. Not too far away she saw people holding up signs for the people they were waiting for. She saw Kahashi and smiled.

"Hi", she said to the limo driver. "I'm Akemi Kahashi."

"And your husband ma'am", he questioned in a heavy accent. "I was instructed that I'd be driving two."

"Oh", she said pulling out her ID. "He's arriving a bit late. He got caught up at work."

"Of course", he said confirming her identity. "Allow me to help you."

"Thank you, so much", Akemi said as she followed him to the car parked outside. He opened the trunk and placed her suitcase in first before taking the carry-on from her and placing that in second. When Akemi reached for the door he got to it first and she laughed.

"I'm not use to this", she said with a laugh.

"It happens often."

"Really?"

"No", he said shaking his head with a smile.

They both laughed, and Akemi got inside before he closed the door. He then got into the driver's seat and began driving to the resort.

On the way there Akemi's stomach began to growl which made her blush. She didn't eat anything, not even food on the plane because she slept through the entire flight. Making a mental note, she thought, the first thing I'm going to do is eat when I get to the resort.

Making it there Akemi glowed at the sight of the place. It was more gorgeous than the photos and the descriptions from the website. It was off the ocean and there was the large hotel resort along with small cabanas splashed around the private beach for those who wanted privacy from the hotel. Akemi booked one of the cabanas for her and Sesshomaru but now she was wondering if she should have at all. She would've been fine with a simple room now that she's on her own.

"Who cares, I deserve luxury", she mumbled to herself. The stopped at the foyer main doors and the driver opened her door. She thanked him with a smile and moved to get her bags. Motioning her away he told her he'd get it for her and meet her at the front desk.

"Hello", said the hotel clerk. "Welcome to the Nassau Resorts! How may I help you?"

"I'm checking in under Kahashi. I rented out one of the cabana suits for a couple of weeks."

"Okay", the lady said looking on her computer. "Oh yes, under Akemi Kahashi. It's for you and your husband, yes?"

"Uh yes", Akemi said with a small smile.

"Great", the clerk said.

The limo driver placed her luggage beside her and bid her a good day. Akemi gave him a wonderful tip and then completed her checking in. She was then escorted by a young man to her cabana with her luggage. Instead of walking they took a golf cart. Akemi stared mouth wide at the beautiful scenery. Only if Sesshomaru was here to enjoy it with her…

No, she was going to think about that. She was going to enjoy her time off. At least now she doesn't have to worry about more stress, work, and if another vital event in her life was going to be forgotten by the most important person in her life. She can relax now.

"Here we are, miss", the bell hop said. He parked the cart and helped her off. He then grabbed her bags and followed her to the door. She unlocked the front door and squealed as she saw the suit.

"Wow it's amazing in here", she gasped. She looked in the small kitchenette and giggled at how the place looked as if it was a small one-bedroom shack. Then there were sliding doors that were already opened. The ocean breeze caused the curtains to blow in and she inhaled the salty scent. There was patio with lawn chairs with cushioned seats. Beyond that was the beach. There were markers alerting people if they crossed into the territory of the next cabana.

She quickly turned back to the bellhop and smiled. "Oh, I'm sorry! I guess you can place it where ever." She then walked up to him and handed him a tip. "Thank you so much for your help. Have a good day."

He nodded and left. Akemi sighed and took her bags into the bedroom. It was also very nice, and from the look of it in the window planted on the walls, the bedroom was over water.

"Wow", she said at the opened windows. About half of the room was opened to the floor-to-ceiling windows. Of course, they had curtains, but Akemi didn't want to close them. The scenery was breath taking.

"I can definitely unwind here", Akemi said. "Yeah Sesshomaru will be pissed when I get back, but it'll be alright." She then sat on the bed and pulled her knees to her chest. "That's if he doesn't follow me out here, which… is a guarantee."

She looked over to the nightstand and saw a menu. Though it wasn't a menu but more so a TV guide, it reminded her that she hadn't ate and needed to.

She stood up and walked to the kitchen. There on the counter was the menu and a landline phone. She picked it up and looked over the menu before dialing.

"Hello", she said once she heard a voice. "Yes, I'm Akemi in cabana suite A-16. What are your options of lasagna?" She nodded her head as they gave the option of beef and vegetarian. "Yeah… that's a no. I just had beef. I was hoping you had chicken or turkey. I love turkey lasagna and I don't do vegetarian anything. Oh! I see you have rigatoni! I'll have your turkey. How can you guys have turkey rigatoni and not turkey lasagna? That's unfair to lasagna lovers! I guess I'm lucky that I love Italian food period." She frowned and rubbed her chin. "Oh no it's just I always prefer lasagna, but I had that multiple times already." She sat on the bar stool and stared out at the patio as the person on the phone took her order.

She stood to her feet and began walking out to the patio. Suddenly an overwhelming feeling of sorrow and despair was over her. She released a depressed sigh and ran her hand through her hair. She wasn't feeling it today.

"You know what… cancel that. Just give me the lasagna. It's one of those days. I want the lasagna with a basket of breadsticks. Do you have yellow cake with chocolate icing? No… Double chocolate? Good, give me two slices of that and your best red wine…. No, the whole bottle. Just send the entire bottle. Yeah that bad." Completing her order, she thanked the person on the other end and hung up.

Pulling her knees up on the chair, she placed her chin on top and closed her eyes.

"Why", she whispered. "Why did I come out here all alone…? This was stupid. I was stupid. Sesshomaru is stupid!"

Her eyes screwed tight as she lowered her head. She didn't really want this. No, she just wanted to teach her husband a lesson. Yeah okay, so it's true that in order for him to ignore his inner yokai alarm he has to be truly inclined in what he's doing. Yeah and it's true that what he did he only did because his ego was bruised and he wanted to prove that he could. Yeah it made him extremely selfish whining knowing his company didn't really benefit or decline from the situation, but that didn't mean she had to retaliate with just as much or even more selfishness.

She really began to feel down on herself because of it. Her mate was suffering right now because of her. Who knows what he is doing right now. Probably flipping tables at her bakery demanding an answer! She didn't leave a clue as to where she was going. He didn't have any idea about the trip she planned for them.

"Oh man, grandmama's bakery is probably in shambles right now", she cried out. She could feel the rage rolling off of him almost as if he were standing right behind her. With this thought, she slowly turned around and saw the empty cabana. Taking in a shaky breath she wasn't sure is she was relieved or disappointed.

She was so conflicted right now! Did she hate him or miss him? Was she pissed at him or not? Was she upset with him… or herself more?

"All of the fucking above", she screamed as she kicked her feet like a pouting child. "Damn it, Sesshomaru this is all your fault! Why did you have to be an ass, hm? All because you care about that stupid company more than your wife and mate I'm sitting here crying acting stupid because you piss me off, but I miss you! I don't know if I want to kick you in your nuts or… or –

A knock came to the door and she jumped up. She ran to it, wiping her face, and opened the door. There stood a woman with a cart and a smile. As soon as she saw Akemi's puffy face, it fell.

"Great… the food's here."

"Miss, are you okay?"

"My husband is an asshole", Akemi whispered. "He's sexy… but an asshole."

The woman's face fell to an understanding one as she nodded. "I get it."

"Yeah", Akemi cried out.

Meanwhile…

Sesshomaru stepped off the private jet with a growl and walked over to the SUV, provided. Climbing in the back he stopped the driver before he closed the door all the way.

"Make it quick. This matter is urgent." The driver nodded and closed the door quickly making his way to the passenger seat. In the back, his luggage was placed and then the trunk closed. The driver immediately put the car in drive and set off for the resort.

Sesshomaru's leg bounced tremendously, a habit he picked up from being with Akemi, as he glared at his phone. On the cracked screen, which he cracked after speaking to Akemi, he saw no notifications from Akemi. Yokai never gray, but if his hair weren't silver he was sure to have a few strands in there from dealing with this woman. She was truly stubborn.

Unlike the past couple of months, he could feel Akemi's emotions pouring out. She was calm at first then excited. Slightly angry then excited. All of a sudden, she got sad and then self loathing. Then she was angry, sad, self loathing and pissed. He presumed she was pissed with him. Now she was… sad and in heat? It was almost as if she were teasing him with her feelings. How could she be in heat at this moment without him in range? There is no way she could be picturing him in this fashion while upset with his being. That is the only way she is allowed to be in heat when he isn't around is if she was thinking of him!

"If you can, this one urges you to drive faster."

"Yes sir", the driver said. The poor man was scared to death with this angry yokai in the backseat. He dare not defy him!

Reaching the resort, Sesshomaru could smell Akemi at the entrance. She was definitely here. When she arrived, she was happy. Sesshomaru stepped out of the SUV and slammed the door, breaking the window and startling everyone around him. The driver gave a groan, wondering how he'd explain this to his boss.

With no second thought, Sesshomaru walked to the front desk.

"Good day sir, how –

"My wife, Akemi Kahashi, is here. She must have checked in almost an hour ago. Where is she?"

"Oh well", the lady said clearing her throat. "I definitely remember her… She was truly excited to be here. Though she didn't say you'd be late…"

"Where is my mate? It is an urgent matter."

"Mate! Oh okay", the woman said bringing up the screen. "Well, it doesn't say she participated in any activities here at the resort. It didn't say she went anywhere so far. We'd know because the key takes note of all locations she's entered. You can only –

"What room number?"

"Oh, actually she's not in a room here. She reserved a cabana suit. One of the bests, actually! She probably had good things in mind for you when she thought of it. I'm sure her thought in this surprise wouldn't have been that you'd be upset with it."

"That is not what this one asked you! Now where is the suite", he growled out eyes bleeding a dangerous red.

"Ahh… A-16. W-would you like an escort?"

"Immediately", he said.

The lady nodded and scanned a card before offering it to him. Sesshomaru turned around to see the driver placing his luggage down.

"Your tip, and call this number to address the window", he said before sitting on a cart and looking at his phone for any sign of Akemi whom he felt nothing but bitterness from.

The bellhop gathered his things and began to drive off in a hurry. Screeching to a stop in front of a cabana the bellhop got off the cart and grabbed Sesshomaru's luggage.

"Leave it here", he said tossing the man a tip. "Now go." Without another word or disagreement, the man and the cart were gone.

Forgetting the glass, or… not really, Akemi paced around the cabana living room with a plate of cake in one hand and wine bottle in the other. This was her second slice and it was half gone, and the wine bottle was practically empty, with the exception of a swallow. Without a second notice, she took that swallow with a bite of cake.

With a groan, she animatedly held the bottle upside down indicating she was checking how empty it was. She sighed and placed the bottle on the table. It rolled off but luckily didn't break.

"Damn", she said falling on the couch with her cake. She was full after her lasagna, three breadsticks, a full bottle of wine – that she was currently feeling – and one and a half piece of double chocolate cake, but being a baker herself, she dare not let a delicious piece of cake go to waste. She then finished the cake, regretting it a little as it filled her stomach to capacity. Once she burped, though, she began to feel relief.

She released a giggle knowing she just burped and fell off the couch drunkenly. The sound of the door to the cabana opening caught her attention. Slowly in a drunk haze she peered over the couch she fell off of. With wide eyes she jumped up alerting the man and gasped.

"Wow! It's either you're really here or… I'm really drunk…" She ran her tongue along the inside of her teeth and tasted the taste of the wine and laughed. "It's both isn't it?"

She spun around the room but stumbled over the fallen bottle and fell to the floor with a high pitch "umph".

"Akemi", Sesshomaru said before running to her. She was drunk for one bottle of wine? She was always known to be a lightweight when it came to drinking.

She stood up and rubbed her head and stepped away from him. He reached for her, but her hand swung out and slapped him. "Don't touch me! I can't stand you right now!"

With a print now fading from his cheek, Sesshomaru ignored what just happened and the swipe of his man card.

"Akemi… you are drunk, right now."

"I know, that's kind of the damn idea, ya dumb ass", she yelled. She stumbled over the bottle again but Sesshomaru caught her. Irritable she kicked the bottle away and shoved Sesshomaru. "I said don't touch me!"

"Would you rather prefer to kiss the floor once more", he said with a growl.

"At least I'll be kissing something! That's more than I can say for you these last four months!"

"This one is –

"A sorry piece of shit", she said shaking her head. "You're only sorry because I'm upset with you. Had you not known anything, you'd be walking around here with your head held high, proud to the fucking bone because you took hold of a company that was an experiment! You didn't need that company, Sesshomaru, and you didn't need that investor! You only went after them because they denied you! It scratched your little ego… Now that I remember clearly… that's the same reason you pursued me! Is that all I am, Sesshomaru, a scratch on your ego? Hm?"

"Akemi, you know you are more than that", Sesshomaru sighed rubbing his right temple. "You are my mate."

"Oh really? Well act like it because it hasn't felt like it for the past four months! Like, what the hell, Sesshomaru? How could you forget my birthday – the time you proposed – and our anniversary –when we mated? That's nearly impossible! But here you go, you make the impossible possible, don't you Sesshomaru? Are you proud? Are you fucking proud? And it's ridiculous because you've been ignoring me for four months, yet you say I'm more, I'm your mate? I have been so god damn irritable and horny, but I played nice little wife and endured it because I thought that maybe I was being selfish. That you were going through a rough patch and I needed to be supportive! Well fuck you, Sesshomaru! Fuck you! Ever wondered why you were so heated the night the twins were born? Hm? It was because our mating anniversary was the next night! That and the fact that you haven't touched me in 119 days… You couldn't feel that overwhelming feeling to fuck like rabbits building up? Well I could! I felt it the entire time and fucking masturbating didn't help any!"

"Akemi, I –

"Shut up", she cried out. "I'm so… so tired. I don't know what to do anymore I'm tired. This has all been exhausting. I just needed a break…"

"So, you felt that it was okay to travel half way across the world, Akemi", Sesshomaru questioned. "You have been in need of my presence, so you travel far away from me. What sense is there in this?"

"I did it to make you suffer", Akemi yelled. "I did it to show you how much shit I went through, even if it was only two and a half weeks to my four months. Now that you're done with work and all, you might actually feel it! But as soon as I got here and got settled I began to miss you…" She cried to herself and fell on the couch. "The problem is I love you and I hate you. From being away from you all I want to do is curl up into your hold, but because you're the reason why I've been away for so long I want to rip your god damn balls off! But I can't do that anyways because I want children. And that's another thing! Why haven't you impregnated me yet, damn it", she screeched standing up.

"Do you not see how you are acting?"

"You're right because this is all my fault", she said throwing up her arms and waving them in the air.

"Akemi you're drunk and out of your mind! A great mother wouldn't do this and run away to a foreign country!"

"You're right", she said nodding. "It's probably best that we aren't parents right now… I mean because having you coming home past twelve in the morning then leave super early all for work and then forget birthdays and shit, that would definitely disappoint the kids! That's the job of a splendid father", she spat sarcastically. "But I'd be the terrible mother because I go crazy for holding in my emotions, so you wouldn't feel guilty and drop everything for me. I'd be the horrible mother because I put aside my thoughts and feelings for you. I'm the ridiculous person because even though you hurt me, I pretend like its okay and that I've forgiven you, so you don't feel like shit the next morning."

"Akemi, you're not a horrible person and you'll never be a horrible mother", Sesshomaru said stepping to her. He engulfed her in his arms and she flinched. As she relaxed in his hold, shuddering, he continued. "I'm sorry if I ever made you feel that way. It has been brought to my attention that this entire time you have been attentive and caring while I have taken advantage of that while also taking you for granted. But that still doesn't give you the right to leave like that."

"Fuck off", she said. Breathing harshly and shoving him away, she began to hiccup and take deep breaths. "You're… such… an asshole… and I… hate you… right now! Don't touch me!"

"Akemi, you need to calm down", Sesshomaru said. "You're beginning to break down." He grabbed her face, but she slapped his hands away. "Akemi!"

"No! Don't touch me!"

"Listen to me for one god damn second!"

"I hate you!"

"You don't mean that!"

"I know but I do", she said. "I don't know anymore! I don't know… I don't know… I don't know…"

"Akemi", he said grabbing her face. "Look at me. Do as I say. Release it. You have to release it all, so you can get through this. Do you hear me?"

"No", she whined out. She began to hit him and push him away. "No!" She kept hitting his chest and shoving at him. It took him awhile to realize that this was her releasing her emotions. All of her pent-up emotions were resented towards him. This truly was, on a level, his fault.

He pulled her into his arms tight as she fought him off.

"No, leave me alone. Leave me alone!"

He picked her up bridal style and carried her to the room. There he lay with her and allowed her to cry into his chest. Face buried in his shirt, she released it all. He sat there comforting her as she cried to him and told him how she hated him and how she wanted to punch him in the face but couldn't because he was attractive, and she loved his face too much to ruin it even though she couldn't ruin it because he was yokai and her hands were too fragile to break his super strong bone structure and bust his lip. In the end of her rant she realized that she could punch him in the face but there was no way he was going to allow her to release that much, so she struggled against his hold to try and punch him. Then giving up, she sat there silently staring at the on-suite door.

"Sesshomaru, let me go", she whispered.

"You will not punch this one in the face."

"Sesshomaru, let me go, now." Her body lurched forward as her stomach made an awful sound. "God damn it, release me", she yelled as her arms flailed. He released his grip and she darted to the bathroom. The sound of the toilet lid echoed before she released the contents of her stomach into the bowl.

Sesshomaru stood up and left the bedroom once she began to groan and cry from how sick she was. He walked to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water and ice and returned to the room and walked in the bathroom.

"All of the lasagna and chocolate cake… it's all wasted now", she moaned with her eyes closed as she laid her face on her arm which was resting on the toilet seat. "It's such a shame."

"Now maybe you'll think twice about drinking to the point of being intoxicated."

"It's your fault", she said taking the water. She took some in, swishing it in her mouth and spitting it out. She repeated his process until she felt it was enough.

"I know, and for this, I apologize."

"You better", she said as he placed ice on her head. She moaned at the feeling for she was hot before. At least he remembered something. Whenever she got drunk, her body temperature rose uncontrollably. She wasn't sure if this was for everyone, but she knew it happened to her. She bit her lower lip as he rubbed the ice from her forehead to her neck to the back of her neck and back.

"That feels good."

"Hn."

She opened her eyes and looked at him. He was looking at the ice. Her eyes began to water. His nose twitched, and his eyes went wide before he looked at her.

"Sesshy…" she cried out. She sat up and fell onto his chest. "I'm sorry, I don't hate you. Not that much."

He pet her head and sighed with a chuckle. "I know, Akemi."

"Don't laugh –

She turned around and threw up in the toilet once more. "I hate this…" she moaned in to toilet bowl. She then motioned towards her neck and sighed when he placed the ice back.

---

The entire day, the two did nothing. After Akemi provided her guts to the toilet, Sesshomaru gave her multiple bottles of water and pain killers and had her lay down. It didn't take her much to fall asleep on his chest. He too, exhausted from the day, fell asleep. They slept the entire day away.

Akemi, being the first to wake, slowly sat up and stretched. Thankfully, from taking the pills earlier, she didn't have much of a killer headache. No, it was just a minor pain that was already fading.

She turned to look at Sesshomaru who was half asleep. She knew this because Sesshomaru was never fully asleep. The man practically slept with one eye open. He was aware of everything that was happening.

Akemi's finger picked up a lock of his hair and twisted it in her fingers. She sighed and turned to look through the open windows in the room.

"You're such a pretty boy, Sessh."

"Don't disrespect me, Akemi."

She giggled and sat against the headboard with her knees to her chest. Looking forward she bit her lower lip. "Are you mad at me… for running away?"

"Yes."

"Great", she said with a roll of her eyes. "I guess I'm going to be in trouble, huh?"

"You are."

"Are you mad at me for slapping you too?"

"I am."

"Can you just let it go and forgive me?"

"No."

"Fuck Sesshomaru, cut me some slack!"

"No, you are to sit there and think of what you've done."

"Oh, go jump in a volcano", she said once she realized he was teasing her. He then sat up drawing her attention.

"You can't hold in your feelings, Akemi. Never again. You see where it leads."

"But I –

"Need to stop. No matter what the circumstance is, even if it's for this one's sake, tell me. Am I understood? I may be able to sense your emotions, Akemi, but I cannot read your mind, especially when you keep said emotions from this one. It'll not help but, instead, cause more stress to both of us. Am I clear?"

"No need to scold me like I'm a child", she grumbled. "I was just worried that you'd get too over worked. I thought if I told you, you'd end up spending all your time making it up to me that you wouldn't do what you needed to resulting in more stress because it was taking longer."

"Next time come to me. It's my duty to make you happy no matter the circumstance."

"And it's my duty to make you happy."

"You do that whenever you stand by my side", he said. He held her chin and pulled her in for a kiss. Almost as if he was water and she was dying of thirst, Akemi crawled and clung to him. He flipped her onto her back and went in for the next kiss. Her hands balled into his shirt, pulling it up.

"Sessh", she whispered. He rose to take off his shirt knowing exactly what she wanted. Her fingers traced over the sculpted muscles and defined markings of his body. When his hands traveled up her shirt, she shivered in anticipation. She too relieved herself of her shirt.

"Shall we continue what we were interrupted in the other night", he growled in her ear.

"Well that all depends", she began. "Do you want to start from the top or just pick up?"

"Which would please you most?"

"Don't know, surprise me."

He reached between Akemi's breasts and undid the clasp. Latching on to a nipple, he began to nip at it. Akemi bit her lower lip as she twisted her fingers in locks of his hair. The sound of her zipper was heard in the room. Sesshomaru's hand made its way inside and Akemi gasped. She arched her back forward.

He rubbed at her private pearl and slipped his fingers inside of her. She groaned and closed her eyes. She could definitely feel it. Oh God, she could feel it and it felt good, but it wasn't enough. There was friction with his hand and her jeans and the simple fact that his penis was still in his pants and not inside her.

"Sessh", she moaned out. "Sessh, don't do this. Don't tease me!" Moving to her neck, Sesshomaru obeyed her calls. Removing her jeans he attacked her neck.

She kicked them off, providing as much aid as possible. She just wanted them to be gone. She then reached for his belt and began assisting in removing his pants. She wasn't too hurried to make it a desperate attempt but she was quick enough to let him know she was done waiting.

Sesshomaru grabbed her legs and pulled her closer to him. Placing himself at her entrance his eyes flashed red before returning to gold. He smirked and kissed her slowly. The kiss left her breathless as it trailed down her neck to her collar bone. His tip rubbed against her entrance and she groaned at it.

"Sessh stop –

Before she could finish he shoved in causing her to yelp. But he didn't stop there. Pumping into her, he could feel her nails dig into his shoulder blades. Her ankles connected tightly around his waist causing her heels to burrow into the small of his back. She was hanging on for dear life and not letting go.

"Oh my God, Sesshomaru", she cried out.

"No more hiding", he said.

"No… no more hiding…"

"No more running."

"No more… running. No more running."

It wasn't long before she came. Usually she wouldn't come to her end so quickly but because she was doing this for the first time in four months, her senses were on top notch. She didn't care what anyone said but that was the best fifteen minutes of her life right now.

"More", she whispered sweaty and out of breath.

"Is that so?"

"It's very so", she said. "We're going to be going multiple times a night. You said you'd make it up to me so you're gonna. Don't ever do this to me again!"

He chuckled and sat up. "Turn around."

"On one condition", she said sitting up.

"Which is?"

"Impregnate me, damn it!"

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OH! There we go! Sorry peeps, but that was the end. Yeah I know, very amusing and conflicting but it's okay. It's just a reflection of my life! Well… not the story but the amusing confliction thing. My life is nothing but a conflicting joke, is what I'm saying.

Anyway, sorry for not updating stories. Shit went down in my life. First, I turned a certain age on my birthday, and third my heart has been filled with so much joy now that I have a new person in my life. He takes up a lot of my time, honestly, and I kind of like it. It's nice to have a guy who stares at you with a small smile on your face and say, "I'm just looking at how beautiful you are." He makes me so happy, and I need that because this depression shit has been trying to kill me since junior high. I finally have the upper hand.

Not only that bullshit – haha, yeah right – but I've been writing other shit. I've started writing stories chapter by chapter before posting anything. My new idea is I'll finish the story first then start posting regularly every week. But for that to happen I first have to finish this story and I first have to finish the stories I already have. So, until then, toodles and enjoy anything I shoot at you. I love you guys and please leave reviews. I like those…