For You
The sun continued to set lower and lower in the sky and with its withering retreat the cold began to creep into its place wrapping everything in its frigid blanket. The flame in the lantern flickered violently as it tried to fight against the encroaching cold, casting wicked shadows about the room. Time crept past in a clandestine fashion and before Sesshomaru realized it, it was well into the hour of the rat, the moon hung heavily at its zenith. It wasn't until he had signed the last document, folded it, placed his seal on it and put it away did he looked up from his seat and out the window when he realized how late it was.
Resigning himself with a sigh Sesshomaru stood and blew out the light from the lamp and exited his study. The cold hardly had an effect on him but as his breath left the sanctuary of his body it turned to smoke making him think of a fire dragon. Winding his way through the corridors Sesshomaru finally appeared before his room, as he reached out to pull the shoji screen open his hand stilled as his ears picked up the faint sound of breathing. He focused in on the sound and found that it was feminine in nature, scenting the air slightly he could only make out the faint scent of some floral perfume but the bitterness of the winter air overwhelmed the delicate fragrance.
Believing the occupant to be Lady Taree, for she was the only one audacious enough to have entered into his rooms with out his warrant. Withholding an irritated growl Sesshomaru pulled open the door, as he walked through he debated hastily with himself whether or not to slam the door loudly to gain the sleepers attention but decided against it for the screen was already shut. Continuing into his room he made his way towards his bed, coming around to the side furthest from the door Sesshomarus golden eyes bore down onto the intruder but instead of seeing silver splashed across his bed he was greeted by raven black tresses.
Slightly taken off guard by this turn of events Sesshomaru wondered absently if it was Rin who had snuck into his room but he quickly shook the thought. Rin had many habits, most bad, but when it came to his self she did things with his explicit permission. No, he realized as her scent filtered through his nose, this was the only other human who would do something so audacious. Kagome. Narrowing his eyes sharply he reached forward to shake her awake but as his hand came to rest on her shoulder he could feel the cold emanating off of her in corrosive waves.
Pulling back his hand Sesshomaru watched as she burrowed further within his blankets as she tried to hide from the cold. His eyes narrowed in distain but he could not muster the will power needed to wake her, he was just so tired, but still she could not stay. Sesshomaru loomed over Kagomes sleeping form like a statue as he thought about what to do with her, or at least he thought he was thinking but in all actuality his mind was as empty as… well something extremely empty. Time continued forward as he stood there motionless and sleep began to creep into his mind like fog on a riverbank.
"Tch, what does it matter?" he thought beneath his thoughts. "We've slept in closer confines then my bed." Sesshomaru continued for indeed his bed was quite large. "Albeit less comfortable and far less warm but none the less this is my home and my quarters. I shall do as I please." He concluded, his conscious stirred softly and opened its eyes wearily, for it wasn't often that Sesshomaru used it, evaluating the situation before shrugging lazily and vanishing back into its comatose.
Taking this as a sign to continue, even though he paid little mind to his conscious it did help propel him into action, he began to divest himself of his clothes and slipped into a pair of firm fitting sleeping hakama and haori. Walking back to his bed Sesshomaru stood there for a moment gazing down at the girl on the other side, a feeling of trepidation coiled in the bit of his stomach. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath Sesshomaru squelched the feeling and as he opened his eyes they shown with indifference. His mind was made up. She was the one trespassing not he and she would pay the price. Or so his dominate side reasoned stubbornly but as he settled into his bed, his back to the Miko and hers to him, but something in the back of his mind reached out almost in warning but reluctantly recoiled as it watched on in uncertainty.
The darkness fell in around them like a massive blanket and the occupants of the room slept on in peace, undisturbed by protocol of the world around them and of them, themselves. The world didn't have to know. No one had to know. And it wasn't like they needed to. They were innocent; their only crime was the need to insure their piece of mind. For Sesshomaru was, indeed, a very tired demon and Kagome seemed, indeed, a very tired Miko. Therefore there could be no one to be blamed for such a weakness as sleep.
Awakening slightly Kagome turned over and found herself pressed against something firm but giving and incredibly warm. Thinking it to be Hotaru in her fuzzled mind, for that was the only reasonable explanation, she nuzzled further into the blankets for it was so very cold this early and the blankets were just the right temperature and before long Kagome had fallen back into the land of dreams. Not even before a full minute had passed Kagome felt as if something massive slapped her across the face as her guts twisted together in distress.
Jolting up right her brain registered the presence beside her before she even saw it. Frantically Kagome scrambled to the other side of the bed and onto the floor pulling a blanket with her as she went. Moving as far away from the bed as the blankets were allowed Kagome turned her attention to the Taiyoukai as she leveled him with the fiercest most vicious scowl she could muster.
Which, in that current situation, was not that fierce at all for the mood in which it was set was more comical then fearful. Now if Sesshomaru had found himself walking through a deserted forest on a dark and possibly stormy night he might have been somewhat… startled for indeed Lord Sesshomaru was never scared. Being scared was something withheld explicitly for damsels in distress and subordinates. Sesshomaru remained entirely impassive as he leveled a stead gaze at Kagome in turn as he waited patiently for her to say something for she always said something, she was good at that. Though sometimes she said strange and oddly stupid things but nonetheless they were words and they ran together smoothly enough.
Kagomes mind reeled frantically as it searched through its verbal situation database as it tried to find the right words to be said for her current dilemma. 'I'll call you.' Was the first questionable reply. 'No, wrong era.' Kagome dismissed. 'That was good.' Was the second. 'We didn't have sex.' She declared frigidly, but then something fluttered painfully in her stomach. 'O my god! Maybe we did.' She thought desperately but then her memories scoffed at her and her stomach settled once more. 'Good Morning.' The third. 'Too nonchalant.' She informed and then her mind seemed to huff at her. 'He's waiting,' she moaned. 'Just say something!' Kagome demanded of herself.
"What are you doing here?" she demanded, her mind groaned at her foolish choice of words for she was in his room not the other way around.
"That is a good question, Kagome," he added her name almost as an after thought. "But seeing as this is my room the question would be better appointed to yourself." He drawled. "So tell me, Kagome," again the name added as an after thought. "What are you doing here?" Sesshomaru asked nonchalantly. 'Trapped.' She declared. 'Dammit, whys he got to be so cunning?'
"I…" Kagome began and trailed off. 'Should I lie?' she thought desperately. 'How are you going to lie about this? I just decided to sleep with you?' she questioned her mind and groaned. 'Truth it is.' "I got lost." She replied, averting his eyes but gauging his reaction.
"Lost." Sesshomaru mused. "Or attempting to practice your skills of seduction?" He wondered fleetingly. His words managed to make Kagome flush with indignity before it was over come with her anger, which only encouraged him to continue. "To have fallen asleep, how embarrassing." He added indifferently.
"Maybe it is your skills which need to be honed for having let me fall asleep." Kagome retorted curtly but before he could reply she continued. "The point is I did get lost. I was tired and this place is easy to get turned around in, its not like I have a map." She quickly informed him, only wanting to end that conversation which was going into a rapid downward spiral in the completely wrong direction.
"And what was it that you were searching for?" Sesshomaru asked as he exited his bed and stood.
"The bathroom." Kagome answered as she scrambled to her feet. "Now if I may be excused." She stated sarcastically as she retreated to the door.
"Kagome." Sesshomaru stated, effectively stopping her from opening the screen. "A few days ago, Nariko came to see you, no?" it was not a question but nonetheless she answered.
"Yes"
"What for." He demanded, the time for playful banter was over, he walked towards her, keeping a hold of her eyes. Feeling uncomfortable while under his intense gaze and only wearing her flimsy yukata she tightened it around herself.
"To warn me." She replied.
"About what?" He needed to know
"About my," she paused for a moment as she searched for the correct word. "About my affairs."
"Affairs?" his eyes narrowed dangerously.
"She saw us Sesshomaru." Kagome admitted, unable to look him in the eye she turned away to look at the screen as she placed her hand on the lip.
"How much did she see?" Sesshomaru demanded.
"I don't know, when I asked all she said was she saw enough." Silence fell around them, thick and heavy, Kagome felt as if she couldn't breath. There was the distinct hiss of silk as Sesshomaru turned away from her and as his piercing gaze left her she felt as if a weight had been lifted from her chest and she could breath once more. "She said I could trust her and, and I believe her, I don't think she'll tell anyone." Kagome informed him, as she looked over his back for any sign of approval but of course there wouldn't be any, letting out a sigh Kagome turned away from the stoic Taiyoukai and left the room.
Heaving a sigh himself he rubbed his temples gently before changing into his normal attire. Making his way towards the door Sesshomaru glanced over his shoulder at his disheveled bed, he recalled the warmth of her touch as she pressed up against him and he found that it pleased him greatly. And it was a displeasing fact that it may have pleased him too greatly. With a soft 'Tch' Sesshomaru turned his back to his room and exited swiftly.
Once the shoji screen had shut completely Kagome removed herself from the royal wing as fast as she possibly could with out running. Winding her way through the estate she finally found herself at the baths and slipped inside as silently as possible. Once the door shut behind her she left out a long sigh as she rubbed her face gentle, pinching the bridge of her nose ever so often. Making her way further into the room Kagome slipped off her yukata and slung it over the shoji screen, entering into the warm waters of the bath.
Not having her things with her Kagome searched the room and found a lump of rather coarse soap that smelled oddly. She dismissed the scent for it didn't matter she just wanted to be rid of Sesshomarus scent and get herself cleaned. Rinsing off the soap Kagome relaxed in the waters and just let the heat soak into her weary bones. She just wasn't use to such intensity in the mornings and Sesshomaru certainly was intense. Not wanting to recall what had transpired that morning Kagome emptied her mind and listened to the silence that folded in around her.
A small draft swept in threw the room picking up small tendrils of her hair making them dance against her skin ever so gently sending a chill up her spine. Taking this as a sign to depart Kagome stepped out of the water and rung out her hair trying desperately to get ever last drop of water out of her hair before she had to step into the frigid hallway. Putting the yukata back on she tied it tightly before she made her way back to her room as quickly as possible before she froze to death.
"Where have you been?" Hotaru demanded, swooping down on her like a hawk when she entered into the room.
"I went to take a bath." Kagome stammered, completely taken aback by Hotarus rage.
"A bath?? You didn't even take your things that you require for bathing." Hotaru pointed out as she fixed her with a venomous scowl.
"I had to go pee, so I went to the bathroom but I was really cold so I figured a bath would warm me up so I went to take one but I was to lazy to come back for my things." She lied, well it was true it just had a large hole in the middle of it but Hotaru did not need to know about that. Immediately Hotarus face fell in relief and her shoulders sagged as if a huge weight had been lifted from them.
"Forgive me Kagome-Sama, I was so worried when I had awoken and you were not here." Hotaru apologized as she slumped at the low table.
"Its ok, I should have woken you up." Kagome admitted as she went behind her personal screen and began to change into something warmer.
"I shouldn't fret about you so, I was just worried that maybe Lady Taree had another go at one of her games. I'm glad that you're safe." Hotaru confessed.
"It only shows that you care." Kagome commented as she fumbled with her obi, it was just so damn hard to tie them from the back.
"Here let me help you." Hotaru offered as she came around the screen and made quick work of the vexing silk.
"One of these days I'm going to do it on my own!" Kagome vowed.
"I'm sure you will." Hotaru grinned. "Are you hungry My Lady?"
"Yeah, I can eat." Kagome agreed.
Having finished his paperwork from the summer and what had bled in through the winter Sesshomaru found him self seated outside in one of his pavilions that was strategically placed beside a small pond, which still remained frozen. There he sat across from his Captain playing an intense game of Go. Picking up a white stone he placed it carefully along side its brethren. The captains eyes narrowed as they took in the offensive move of the Lord, chewing lightly on the inside of her cheek she picked up one of her own black stones and twirled it between her fingers.
"I hear that you have taken conference with Lady Kagome, Nariko." Sesshomaru commented offhandedly as he watched her place her stone one the board. 'Perfect.' He thought to himself as he waited for her reply.
"You have heard correctly My Lord." Nariko revealed as she watched him place another piece onto the table.
"What was so important for you to discuss, that you had to do so in the strictest of confidence?" Sesshomaru inquired nonchalantly.
"My Lord is well informed." Nariko stated, as she gave a bow of her head and placed another piece onto the Go board.
"There is nothing with in these walls that does not go without my scrutiny." Sesshomaru drawled as he studied the board.
"I was simply assessing the Lady Kagome." Nariko admitted as she watched Sesshomaru place another stone onto the board.
"Assessing her for what?" Sesshomaru wondered, pleased with how the game was going.
"To see if she is a threat or not." Nariko informed as she placed her piece onto the board, capturing several of Sesshomarus own pieces.
"She is no threat." Sesshomaru stated simply as he added yet another piece.
"Of course she is of no threat to you personally My Lord, but we do have very important guests staying with us at this moment," pausing she placed another stone down. "I would hate to see anything befall them." Nariko resumed.
"Yes, they are rather important aren't they?" Sesshomaru asked rhetorically as he placed a piece onto the board. A moment of silence passed between them as each took their turn, careful not to let their hold slip. "What is it that you have assessed?" Sesshomaru asked finally as he added another stone.
"My Lord?" Nariko responded, unsure of his question.
"Is she a threat or isn't she?" Sesshomaru clarified.
"It is hard to tell at this present time My Lord." Nariko confessed, she too adding another piece.
"Indeed." Sesshomaru noted as he placed his last stone. "It seems that I have won." He added nonchalantly.
"Yes it does seem that way." Nariko agreed.
"Look Master Jaken! Sesshomaru-Sama and Captain Shijo are playing Go!" Rin cried out as she ran towards them, a squawking Jaken chasing after her.
"Rin, you know better then to disturb Lord Sesshomaru while he is playing Go!" Jaken reprimanded.
"Yes I know but I only want to watch I will be quiet I promise." Rin bargained and she took a seat at the side of the table and quickly looked over the game. "Awe!" she exclaimed softly. "Lord Sesshomaru already won." She pouted as she continued to look over the table. "It was very close though, you did well Captain Shijo!" Rin orated as she looked up to the captain who was already standing.
"Thank you Rin, if that is all Lord Sesshomaru I have other things to attend to." Nariko urged as she bowed.
"That is all." Sesshomaru agreed and with that Nariko turned and disappeared down the veranda and into the estate.
"Can I play with you Lord Sesshomaru? I have gotten much better! Even ask Jaken!" Rin declared happily as she took Nariko's empty seat.
"Rin you are wet." Sesshomaru observed mildly.
"Yes, I was breaking up the ice so that it would melt faster." Rin admitted with a nod of her head.
"Go inside and change I do not want you catching cold again." Sesshomaru ordered as he leaned back in his seat.
"If I change will Lord Sesshomaru then let me play Go with him?" Rin asked hopefully as she bowed her head to him, sneaking glances at him occasional as she waited for him to answer.
"Yes." Sesshomaru agreed with a nod of his head.
"Thank you My Lord, I won't keep you waiting." She exclaimed happily as she dashed away leaving a befuddled Jaken to waddle after her, grumbling all the way.
The sun had already dropped low onto the horizon, the day had warmed nicely and it seemed that the intense cold of the previous night was only the last dieing grasp of death and not a cold snap like Hotaru had predicted. With the lamp lit Kagome sat alone in her room, deciding to write Sesshomaru a response before Hotaru returned from her visit to the launderer. Pulling out her paper and ink Kagome hastily wrote her reply, by the time the ink had dried and she had placed the seal across the seam and it too dried Hotaru had returned with her fresh Kimono.
"Here you are My Lady." Hotaru greeted as she placed the boxes in the corner of the room.
"Thank you Hotaru." Kagome replied. "I was hoping though, if it wasn't to late, if you could take this to Sesshomaru?" she asked as she held out the message to her.
"Yes of course Kagome- Sama I will return as quickly as I can." Hotaru announced as she vanished back into the hallway once more.
Not at the least bit surprised to still see light leaking through the thin rice paper doors of his study. Hotaru seated her self beside the door and knocked gently.
"Enter." Sesshomaru called coolly. Opening the door Hotaru stepped inside bowing she seated herself and closed the door before taking a seat across from her Lord.
"I have come to give this to My Lord, it is from Lady Kagome." Hotaru informed him as she pulled the letter out from her obi and handed it to him.
"If that is all you may leave." Sesshomaru order nonchalantly as he placed the letter on his desk.
"Yes My Lord." And with that she disappeared back into the manor. Running a clawed hand through his hair Sesshomaru studied the seal on the back of the letter intently before he opened it.
"We have come too close
Fire and ice should never
Sleep under one roof"
She was right and Sesshomaru knew it, they had become to close, they would end up destroying each other and the delicate lives they had built around themselves. Though for a while it seemed that if they were careful enough that they might have been able to fool the world into believing it was possible but it was only they who had been the fools. It seemed to Sesshomaru almost as if he had no other reason except for her, it made him feel an even bigger fool and Sesshomaru was not accustom to feeling the fool.
Nariko was indeed right, it was hard to determine whether or not Kagome was a threat to them, to him, but it seemed she had more sense then he had accredited humans to having. But of course Kagome was on a level far above normal humans of that age and Sesshomaru almost feared seeing a world where humans ran supreme. Feeling far more exhausted then he had a few minutes ago he rose from his seat and blew out the lantern disappearing into the night.