Author's Note: It's hard to write the mindset of a 'drunk' person. Being drunk doesn't assist this process, either.
A Distant Promise – Mini-Chapter # 35
"No, I'm not."
"Yes," the dog-demon replied firmly, "You are."
"No, I'm not!" Kagome protested, again, for what seemed like the hundredth time. Although it was probably not the hundredth time. It didn't seem very likely that Sesshoumaru would argue with her that long. Especially over something so trivial and stupid.
Truly, though, she was not drunk! She wasn't drunk, because an intoxicated person behaved like a fool. And she was not foolish. She did not even weave back and forth, as she walked! Drunk people had trouble standing up straight. But no, not Kagome.
She was fine, absolutely fine. In fact, she felt warm and fuzzy and happy inside. She was better than fine!
The elevator doors opened, and her escort wrapped his arms around her, partially lifting her off the floor. Giggling madly, Kagome threw her arms around him and envisioned a roller-coaster ride. "Uwah!" she squealed, "That was fun! Why did you pick me up?"
"Because you are unable to stand, miko." Censure dripped from his tone, but she failed to hear it.
"I'm not drunk," she pouted, "I'm happy."
A tiny snort emanated from the taiyoukai standing beside her. Instead of commenting though, he supported her down the hallway, opening the door to their suite. Kagome marveled at the soft, brown carpeting and the marble trim along the edges of the wall, gripping her partner more tightly than necessary.
Gently depositing her on a chair in her room, Sesshoumaru stepped back, obviously trying to determine whether she could get ready for bed, alone. Kagome laughed again, when she observed the vaguely worried expression on his face. He looked awfully cute with 'concern' written across his forehead.
"You're right. I am drunk," the priestess finally decided, after patting her shoulder absently without finding the zipper to her dress. "I can't even remember how to get this dress off. How did I put it on?"
With a sigh, the dog-demon rubbed his right cheek distractedly. "Perhaps, if you had not allowed certain young gentlemen to bring you so many free drinks…"
"Ah!" purred Kagome, "But they were being friendly! You told me to make friends!"
"No, miko. I…" the taiyoukai began, but unfortunately, he was never allowed to finish his sentence.
"S'Kagome. My name, you know," she gurgled, happily. Then, holding her arms in the air, the girl in the chair abruptly added, "Will you undress me? The zipper, not the rest of the clothing. Unless, of course, you really want to take that too. Haha!"
Now, her companion actually seemed uncomfortable. Leaning forward carefully, he helped her out of the chair and then unhooked the back of the dress, slowly guiding the zipper toward the middle of her spine. A surreptitious blush crept across his cheeks, despite the human glamour, and as Kagome kicked off her shoes, she realized that he had never removed the concealment spell.
Well, that was unsatisfactory! She liked him better with cheek stripes, silvery-white hair, and golden eyes. They had recently had a conversation about this, too! Or… maybe she had thought of it, privately, inside her own head. Either way, the concealment spell had to depart. "You don't have to appear 'human' when you're alone with me," she informed him, brightly. "I like you better with stripes and crescent moons."
"Are you…" murmured the taiyoukai, "Thoroughly capable of preparing… yourself for bed?"
And for some reason, it was the funniest statement that she had ever heard. His speech was so stiff and formal, in a situation that didn't allow any privacy or dignity, at all. Well, none on her part, anyway. She chuckled.
Watching the dog-demon, as he kept an eye on her, while she wobbled precariously in place, Kagome felt marvelously transparent. Obviously, he needed a big hug. She could tell.
So, she gave him one.