Random Kagome Pairings

by im ur misconception

This has been edited and re-posted on FFN. Table of Contents included inside after an important notice. Come along and read as I pair Kagome with various people across the multiverse of Fanfiction. From Games to Movies, to other animes and books!

14. Ch 12 Shattered Glass, Shattered Dreams

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or its characters; that right belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. Nor do I own Diabolik Lovers or its characters; that right belongs to Rejet and their Development team.

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When

I knew when I dreamt that first time, right after Cordelia was vanquished, and Yui completed the first awakening. I didn't have any concerns. Thought little of it, to be exact. It was not unheard of for a vampire to dream. Nor was it a common occurrence, at least to my knowledge, since we don't talk about these things. But there was always something at the back of my mind telling me that it felt familiar.

Each dream was different. Each dream always revolved around the same person. A person that I swear I had seen before but couldn't remember. So as each day passed, I slept, seeing the images over and over as if the replay button was stuck. It was like watching a movie since each time it was a different place, same people and always ending with that same dream. It left me pondering a few things.

That last dream before the cycle started over, always blurry and out of focus. So, when it finally happened again, I saw something I recognized, I came out of my sleep in a cold sweat. Realization striking hard and fast. I knew the exact place I saw and the object that was the focal point of the dream.

Shaking my head as I ran a hand through my slightly messed up black hair. Making my mind recall every detail it could about the dream. The room was bathed in the red light of the full blood moon that I was able to see from the window. The thin gauzy curtains were flowing on a cool breeze. Before my perception shifted and I stared at my altered reflection in a Wrought Iron frame mirror.

Feeling a bit disturbed as I shook my head. I was trying to stay focused as bile rose in the back of my throat. I was again pulling up the image of the dream. Blue eyes in a pale face, framed with blue-black hair looking back, lifting a slender hand to touch the black lace choker with a pink opal that was set in the center at the hollow on my neck. Confusion and shock were shining in my very blue eyes.

Eyes, I knew I had seen somewhere before. Each time I saw those damnable blue eyes, so expressive, it made something in me want to possess their owner. To break them and take the light from them. Have those cerulean orbs show fear as tears streamed down the pale porcelain face they were set in.

As they stared into that Wrought Iron Mirror, only to feel pain flare through my shoulders as hands tipped in familiar purple nail polish landed on my shoulder. Next thing, the surface of the mirror was shimmering, rolling as if it was being heated, as I was pushed forward into it. I only thrust out my own hands to stop myself. Finding that I was sinking into the mirror's surface as green eyes danced in glee as they stared back at me through the distorted surface, framed by purple hair.

There was no mistake about what I had seen. I knew that was Cordelia, though a younger version of Cordelia, that had shoved me or whoever the girl was I was portraying in the dream into that mirror. Not that the dreams I had been having prior to this left any doubts since each one was either from a third-person view showing that same girl or me seeing things from her eyes.

I was growling as I glanced at the miniature grandfather clock on my bedroom wall. I hissed at the time. There were still a few hours before I needed to be up, as well as the others residing in this house. My mood was souring, knowing I would be unable to go back to sleep. I slipped from my bed. Figuring it would be for the best since I could use this time to do more research on it.

Quickly changing into my school uniform and gathering up the notebook I had taken to storing my notes in. I made my way to the library. I was relishing in the complete and utter silence of the house and have already learned a lot about the Mirror, Cordelia (That I had not previously known), and what seemed to be some form of archaic magic. The rather intriguing magic. Simplistic but powerful.

I was lost in my thoughts, running on autopilot as I entered the library. I was placing my notebook on the table before going to the bookshelf that held the needed material. Plucking them out with ease before returning to the table and sitting back down and opening them both to where I had marked them on a prior visit.

Unsure of how much time had gone by, when I felt Subaru enter the library drawing me from my studies. Usually, I would feel annoyed at being interrupted, but instead, I felt satisfied. There before me was the answer I had been searching for. It explained in great detail how to trap someone in an Object and how they were to be released. It was a Curse base bit of magic. And nasty from the fact that the trapped person, when released, would be bound to the one who undid the spell. The only problem was that it had to be done in the same manner as when they were ensnared.

Noting that Subaru looked wary when I lifted my head, knowing there was a smile on my lips. Quirking an eyebrow to indicate he should speak, to get asked if I was going to join them all for breakfast. With a sharp nod of my head to say yes, I started to gather up my stuff. Tomorrow would be a full blood moon. So I could put what I have learned into practice.

I stood there before the mirror, double-checking everything to make sure that it was all correct. A frown marring my face as I took in the details again. It was a full-length mirror, roughly seven feet tall, held up by the two legs on pivot hinges. So if one wanted, they could flip the mirror entirely around. The blackness of the Wrought Iron framing exceptionally plain until you reached the top. Where it looked like thorns were growing out of the top piece.

For Cordelia, this was a rather plain piece of furniture to own. But it had been at one point a birthday gift from her father. So, of course, she would cherish it to some degree.

Lifting a hand, I ran it over the surface of the mirror itself. It looked normal enough, but under my fingers, I could feel the tingling of the magic building. It was making me feel almost giddy in anticipation.

The sound of the large grandfather clock in the hallway chimed the hour. Making me narrow my eyes at my reflection. Soon my brothers would be home. And I wanted this done before they got here. They had the night before expressed an interest in what I had been diligently researching for the last few months.

It was hard to skirt around it at the table, during school, and upon arriving back at the house last night. Leaving my nerves frayed to their end. Before passing it off as something that had to do with Cordelia and wanted to present the findings to our father. Not a complete lie, but not the whole truth. And the simpletons bought most of it easily.

Glancing to the window, noting the position of the moon as it started to turn red. I let out a low chuckle as I stepped back from the mirror. My anticipation causing a small shiver to rush through me as I took a breath and calmed myself. I know that there was a limited window in which to speak the incantation without missing this chance.

Already the moon was lowering in the sky. The Earth casts its shadow across the surface slowly as it blocked out the light from the sun, giving it the red glow. A faint wind blew through the open window, causing the curtains to flutter as I shifted my gaze back to the mirror. Who surface started to shimmer and warp? Flickers of red in the depths, obscuring the image of the room behind me.

Letting a rare smile tilt the corners of my mouth as I spoke, Feeling the power of the magic build and wrap around me and the mirror. Making the room stifling.

"Offen, das Tor zur unsichtbaren Welt, bringe das hervor, was über die Oberfläche der Surrealen hinausgeht, um sich als real zu manifestieren." ["Open, the gate to the unseen world. Bring forth that which is held beyond the surface of the surreal to be manifest as real. The bound to be placed in my command."]

It happened quickly. The burst of power as the mirror seemed to come alive as my red eyes caught a flash of blue before flames covered them. All sound vanished as I caught a glimpse of a small pale hand reached forward, breaking the molten surface. Reaching out, grasping it firmly as I pulled on it. Only for the flames to burst outwards, hot and to incinerate the very air from the room.

The smell of burning cloth, hair, and a bit of flesh filled the room. It was offending my senses. While I could feel my skin knit itself back together from the intense heat of the flames.

The heavyweight of the girl against my chest as the flames were sucked back into the mirror as it returned to normal. The red glow of the blood moon fading as the eclipse passed. I was feeling smug at what I had just accomplished, when I felt movement in my arms, only as my subconscious acknowledged my brothers.

When two small hands cupped my face and pulled down, so I was staring into a pair of wide blue eyes. Next thing I know, I was being kissed. It was soft but firm, causing my body to lock in place from shock. Until I felt the soft pop as my fang pierced flesh. The sweet taste of her blood flooding my mouth. Drawing me from the stupor I had settled in.

Her blood was rich and sweet. Somehow was aged like a fine wine as my mind jumped from one descriptive thought to another. A sharp thrill ran through me a moment later as I felt my bottom lip being bitten. It was causing a mix of pain and pleasure to roll through my person before I felt her sucking at my now bleeding mouth.

Within seconds the magic that had filled the room was gone as the soft silver-white light of the full moon lit the room up. The kiss being broke as a soft sigh was heard before the girl spoke three words. 'My hero, Reiji-san.' Words that caused not just myself, but my brothers to go still as I gazed into now empty blue eyes. Eyes that I had wanted to show me many things as I took pleasure in breaking the person they belonged to.

I was biting back a curse, as I realized that I had forgotten something so basic. That with any curse, there is a downside. The desires I had were being denied me. And I was now bound to an emotionless beauty who just stared up at me, waiting. Lifting my gaze from her, I saw that the mirror was now a solid black before shattering. It was unusable ever again.

Screaming as the flames in the small black glass licked at me again. I disliked it. Time didn't exist here, and I found myself with too much time to think and feel. Then again, there was no one but myself to blame for my current predicament. I mean casting all the blame on Cordelia when I had blindly walked into an obvious trap.

But then again, the woman was spoiled, not only by her parents but by the man who was courting her. The same self-assured, egotistical bastard Karlheinz, who had taken two other wives to help goad the poor girl into producing him an heir. Which she did with a flourish. She was doing what was almost unheard of for Vampires — giving that Jerk three sons in the form of triplets.

Sighing softly, I curled up in the middle of my small room and recalling the day with great clarity. I had come to visit the mansion to socialize with his wives. To reassure them that I had no interest in their mate. While Beatrix and Christa believed me. Something told me that Cordelia didn't. So in a show of good faith when asked to accompany her to her room, I did like a fool.

The moment she put the choker around my neck and had me look into the mirror. That ever so familiar feeling of wrongness settled over me as she spoke the damned words, just as the room bled red with the light of the blood moon. Those same words that even now echoed in her voice in the flame-filled the room I was confined in. Closing my eyes as if on cue to me thinking of them, they echoed around me.

"Fade from light, turn to dark. Slip through the cracks of time. Find no place to belong, be obedient. A thrall of perfection with no will to be your own shall you have. Be chained to one who will not return desires. Be bound to one who will hurt you. Be tethered, unable to speak, to act freely. Be fastened with no powers of your own to call your own in times of need. Time will not give release to peace of heart, mind, soul, and body for eternity under a blood contract. Until blood is shed or death granted."

After they finished, a slight tug had me standing up and looking around the room. The flames were starting to jump wildly. Quickly letting my mind sort through what could cause it, the damned things were rushing past me, burning my clothes, hair, and skin as a deep baritone voice spoke in German. Just as I looked at this world's version of the mirror, to see a bespectacled red-eyed boy.

The look of dark glee on his face that I was sure he wasn't aware of, just as the flames seemed to flow into the room around him. Instinctually I reached out towards him. Just to have said boy grab my hand and yank painfully on them. He was drawing me from the little room I had been confined to for however long.

The shift from one planar world to another throwing my senses off, I looked up at him, hands coming up to cup his face. My body was acting on its own until I was kissing him. The force used was not violent, just enough to break the skin of my lips against his fangs, which seemed to draw him from his daze. I could feel his chest rumble where I was pressed to it as he slowly returned the kiss.

Then I was biting him, drinking his blood. It was a heady feeling and incredibly intimate. (Hard not knowing that fact having spent a lot of time with demons) There was no mistaking what he was. A vampire. But it was when my mind finally supplied a name as he drew back, that I felt the binding of my soul to his, that I recalled his name — telling him that he was my hero and using his name.

It was surprising that this was the same little boy that was always trying to please Beatrix. I just stared up at him, smiling. Only to see that he was less than pleased about something. I knew that it had something to do with the curse of being put into the mirror. Leaving me to wonder what he had desired so much to release me, that was now to be denied him.

Where

I sat there in the silence of my room reading. I occasionally heard the soft clink as a piece of one of my many tea sets being picked up and polished. I let my gaze flick to my companion. I was watching as she buffed the Royal Doulton. Lips pursed as she remained focus on the task that I had set her.

Recalling that was the set I had used when giving her my modified English Black Tea. Wanting to see her reaction like I had only a little over a month prior observed from Yui. Watching her wrinkled her nose as she smelled it. With a slightly skeptical look on her face as she sipped it as a proper lady should. Only to set the cup back on the saucer before placing both on the living room table. Her eyes trained on me as a small smile curved her lips in amusement.

To say I was a bit perturbed would be understating the whole situation. When I finally asked Kagome what she thought, I felt like someone had punched me. In a polite, refined tone, she proceeded to tell me which poison I had applied to the tea, the effects one would usually feel for it. Then said that it was rude and ungentlemanly like to poison someone. All while maintaining that poise of a proper lady. I knew my eyes were wide behind my glasses at what she said. But the moment she told me that low doses of poisons like Solanaceae [Nightshade] would not work on her. She had a small immunity to them.

She was giving rise to many new questions. That was answered throughout her time in the house. She was very adaptable, comfortably fitting herself into our daily routine, leaving the impression on myself and my brothers. Who she quickly outmaneuvered like they were pieces on a chessboard. Showing intelligence and wit. A pleasant change from Yui, who was trying to learn from Kagome.

It was made clear to Kagome I expected perfection from her while she was in my company. To act like a lady, present herself as such when I was around. But that didn't make me a fool to know that when I was not that she was something else altogether. But the one thing that never seemed to change was the amount of kindness and patience she exuded — almost portraying her as some kind of saint.

A fact that was balanced out when her temper did flare-up. Though her empty eyes still seemed to emit sparks of something or another as her small body shook with rage, she tried to contain. Laito appeared to be the one to bring this about most often. And as a result, to my amusement, he got smacked hard. But of course, afterward, that nurturing instinct would come out, and she would apologize to him, while claiming it was his fault, and admonish him like a mother to a child. She was leaving my poor younger brother at odds.

I was dropping my gaze back to my book, reading what was there, as my mind bounced to the next fun fact about Kagome. My little walking contradiction. Was that she had quirks. Strange, unexplainable quirks. Such as staring off into nothing, cooking, and baking, to being found outside the house with a rather long pole in hand swinging it until she tripped and fell on her butt only to laugh. And to my utter horror was the hobby of archery. Albeit she was accurate. Very much so, even if it was accidental, she was to...accurate.

Even though all this, no emotions ever reached her eyes. Especially the day the battle for Yui broke out in the mansion. Both the Mukami's and a pair of Pureblood Vampire brothers, Carla and Shin Tsukinami. The foyer and living room were in shambles as we fought to keep our Sacrificial Bride from being taken by them.

Shaking my head as I easily recall the image she made — her aura lashing out on all of us as I caught her moving on the floor. Seconds later, Ruki was holding an arrow inches from his face, eyes wide and face getting very pale. It was as if we all turned as one to look up at her.

I was riveted by the sight she made as she stood there, anger evident on her face as she held her bow, drawn back. When a flicker of movement in my peripheral made me tilt my head just enough to see Yuma rushing forward. Only to have him jump back as an arrow pierced the carpet where he had been — drawing a dark smile from me as another pinned him to the wall where he had jumped back too. A clear warning to the rest of us that she hit whatever she aimed at.

From there, things went sideways. Always having to be in control, making sure things are orderly and perfect. Kagome's tirade that she went on about us being barbaric, inconsiderate fools. Messing up the house and disturbing those who lived here for no better reason than to take Yui by force, how we were acting as nothing more than spiteful children over a toy. A toy that had emotions and thoughts that should be acknowledged at least a little. Before going off how the members of this household were nothing more than a pack of common mongrels. Oh, it had been glorious and incensed me to no end.

She then said that if we didn't know how the process of the sacrificial bride worked, then we needed to be educated. Which had brought back the fact that I had released her from Cordelia's mirror? Add on the fact that I noticed the Tsukinami's stare at her, fear on their faces as their heads dipped. Acting like they were ashamed, and she had the right to rebuke them. It drew my attention though I had bided my time for after the fact to get her alone.

Which brought me to our alone time. It was usually spent either in my room or in the lab. The tea experiment had turned into a sort of game for us. As Kagome gave as good as she got, something, I took great pleasure in. By the end of her visit, I got a good taste of her blood. Which every time I drank, it only seemed to be more potent. It was making me crave it a little more. It was a delicacy that I refused to share.

But what made it better was she freely offered her wrist to me, (having learned quickly it was my preferred place to drink from) only to have her press her body against mine. Before she bit at whatever flesh I exposed to her mouth, latching on until I took my fill, though never breaking, to drink my blood. It always sent a spike of delight coursing through my veins at this show.

"Reiji-san?"

I was blinking my eyes, only to see her blue looking at me. I became aware that I was looking at her again before giving her an ambiguous hm.

"Are you still mad?"

Lifting an eyebrow as I thought briefly on her question. Feeling curious as to why she would ask that.

"No, not particularly."

"Oh, okay. Because you have been staring rather intently at me for almost five minutes."

With a soft snort, I dismissed what she said — feeling a bit diffident — letting my gaze drop back to the book, finding my spot, and continuing to read and ignoring her, as her soft sigh reached my ears before she shifted in her seat. Soon I could hear the material of her pale yellow sun-dress move as she stood up. Followed by the closing of the wooden box, my tea set was in as she took it back to the china hutch.

It had been a rather exciting few months since being freed from that pocket. I liked my new residence. And I had come to appreciate Reiji. He reminded me a lot of a particular Dog Demon Lord. Interacting with his brothers was fun, as well. Though I knew what he expected of me. So when he was around, I was, of course, as close to perfect as I could get.

When the events set into motion before my release happened, such as Yui's kidnapping at the hands of another group of vampires to the battle that occurred a few weeks ago, I had been a bit scared. And when I get scared, my temper flared dangerously. There in the foyer and living room (destroyed pretty badly by the time I arrived) was the Tsukinami's, Carla, and Shin. I had not expected to see the pureblood brothers ever again. They knew who I was, what I was, and to whom I belonged.

So on impulse, I just vented, which led to the battle stopping and poor Yui finally getting a say in her situation. Way too long overdue, in my opinion. But the poor girl was just so innocent, naive, and overly kind. The way I was once upon a time. A time I missed but would never want to relive.

In the weeks following, Reiji had cornered me in the quiet time we spent in his room. And answer his questions to the best of my ability that the curse would allow. Before settling back into the routine, we were now displaying. His stare was a bit unnerving as his eyes remained unfocused on me. So when I got my answers from him as he went back to reading. I did what I was supposed to do, but the tea set back in the hutch.

Swallowing a bit nervously as I let my thoughts run through my head a few times. As I went through the motions, only to close the hutch with a soft click, I spoke up again, softly.

"Reiji-san."

It was quiet for a few seconds before he answered me.

"What, Kagome."

I was licking my lips to wet them as I spoke, my voice just above a whisper.

"I don't want to play chess, do experiments, or read aloud tonight."

Silence ensued as I started to turn around to face him. All it took was a second, and my back was to the hutch rattling it a bit as Reiji appeared before me, his hands on either side of my head. And all I could do was stare up at him with my eyes wide.

"Oh, then pray, do tell what you want to? Have me drink your blood and leave for bed?"

I could feel my cheeks heat at his stare and what he said in that low dangerous tone. Knowing I had to choose my words carefully. But all I could think about was how his lips felt against my wrist as he drank — causing something in me to stir as if waking. He is the centuries I had been alive, is only the second male to cause this reaction in my body. The first was long dead after the battle that set my path in motion.

"Ka-go-me."

At the slightly sing-song teasing tone Reiji used, I flinched back a bit. Realizing I had not answered him.

"I thought maybe I could...uh...do something for you before you drank my blood and sent me on my way, Reiji-san."

The slow, cat-like blink that Reiji gave me as he tried to figure out what the meaning behind my words. Hell, even I was not sure. He was making me feel a bit panicky as he returned his gaze full force on me. Those vermillion eyes were flashing in a manner that made me want to press my legs together tightly.

"Oh. What did you have in mind."

It was a statement, not a question. But still, I answered Reiji. Repercussions be damned.

"Well, you have been a bit tense since the fight... and often I see you lost in thought... maybe... I could... uh...give you...if you'd allow it... a...massage?"

Mentally I was beating my head against the wall, not the hutch. Even inwardly, any damage to his precious collection of tea sets would be sensed.

When he didn't respond, move, or even blink. I wondered if I had overstepped the unspoken boundaries. He was technically my master due to the binding upon my release. Next thing I know he was stepping back with a grace that drew my eyes down the length of his body, before darting my eyes back to his.

"A massage... That... is unexpected. Being a bit bold with me, are you? No, that is not something you'd do."

"If you do not want it, then fine. We can sit in silence, or I can leave for bed without giving you my blood."

I was off-put by his words that I didn't stop myself from speaking my mind. So, it was no surprise to me aftershock flicked in his eyes for but a second or two, before he was back in my face, hand pressing my neck painfully.

"Temper Kagome. A lady does not show it in mixed company. But a massage would be nice."

Before I could even blink or fully register his words, he was gone. Leaving me, I was sure, looking like an owl as I glanced around his room. When I finally spotted him, he was by his bed, gloves off and removing his shirt. Again I felt my face heat as my throat suddenly felt exceptionally dry, like Sahara desert dry. And from the smirk, Reiji was supporting he was aware of it.

He paused once he got his tie undone and looked at me expectantly. As if silently asking if I was serious. He was teasing me in his cruel manner. Drawing me from the dazed state he just left in. Quirking an eyebrow as I steeled my nerves. He was letting my smirk answered him as I stalked over to him. He knew that I knew he knew I was nervous.

"Well, Reiji-san, please finish removing your shirt and lay face down on your bed. Otherwise, it would be impossible since you are taller than me, and I wouldn't be able to get into those muscles as easily."

I bit back the laugh that threatened to burst from my mouth at his eyes widening. While I went to his nightstand where he kept his lotion to moisturize his hands. Doing my best to keep from hyperventilating at the sight of his pale, perfect skin being revealed as he did as I commanded, cause I had not asked. I was still shaken mentally at what I had just done. It was going to feel like forever before I'd get to leave his room for the night.

How

It had started with me asking if Kagome had experience in wearing formal wear. The face she made before hesitantly giving me a yes was amusing. I then informed her that I was invited to attend a ball at the behest of my father. What I failed to tell her was that I didn't have to bring a guest, didn't want to leave her alone with my brothers, or the Mukami's being around.

So after a bit of bickering, mostly on her part, in picking out a lovely formal gown that would compliment her nicely, and a fair bit of wheedling and cajoling on Kanato's part. And I had to admit (grudgingly) that his strange hobby paid off. I knew I was not the only one to have taken note of Kagome as she walked down the staircase to the foyer. I had to restrain myself from growling at the rather vocal reactions I heard from not just my brothers, but the Mukami's. Of which, Ruki was going to be traveling with myself and Kagome.

When she appeared, Kanato was leading her by her hand down the steps. I couldn't take my eyes away from what I was seeing as they swept up her body. The dress my younger brother had chosen was perfect. A full-length tulle and satin skirt, in purple (I was sure to spite me) that was cinched at the waist by a black satin corset. That did wonders in showing off the hourglass figure she hid with two small puff sleeves made of what seemed to be the same satin as the corset. Black lace ribbons attached the little puff sleeves to the corset.

Kanato had meticulously tamed her unruly curly black hair by pulling half her hair back severely into what looked like a bun. Later I would see that the bun had been separated into five braids that were woven into an intricate flower shape. While leaving the rest of her blue-black locks to cascade down her back. Blending well into the black satin. The only jewelry she wore was that choker that Cordelia had given her, though the stone was no longer pink opal, now black. Something I had figured had to do with the curse.

Upon arriving at the castle, tucked away behind its well-crafted barrier, things had gone smoothly. Already I knew that my father would search me out when he wanted to speak. Most likely about the progress that had been made with Yui's second awakening. Kagome had been announced as my human servant. She garnered a lot of curious stares, that left me feeling a mix of pride and possessive jealousy. Feelings that were not particularly familiar to me.

As the night wore on, I was approached by many of the other Vampire Nobles. Each curious about Kagome and politely indicating but not asking if they could partake of my servant's blood. Self-satisfaction surging through me at denying them all. She was mine and mine alone in that respect. But I was conscious enough to be polite and allow others to dance with her. Such as Ruki and both the Tsukinami's, who still seemed to be fearful of her. Odd, as they were rather prominent nobles of the founders class and usually very confident.

Eventually, Kagome asked for a break from the dancing. So I had taken her to a small alcove and had her sit on a settee. I was telling her to stay while I acquired some drinks. I was leaving Ruki to guard her against the other vampires.

Upon my return, I found Ruki standing nearby so that he was at a listening distance of Kagome, but far enough to be polite. The worried look on his face when he saw me heading in his direction had me narrowing my eyes. I let my eyes travel past him to see my father sitting on the small divan next to Kagome and talking to her. Curious, I reached Ruki's side and leaned back against the wall, so that his taller frame would hide mine.

I was listening in on the conversation only to feel a mix of several more unfamiliar emotions at what was being exchanged.

"I didn't take you as the kind of person who'd do the whole human contracting to a demon."

"I am not."

"Yet here you are, bound to a vampire."

"I am fully aware."

"Your disappearance caused an uproar."

"I am sure."

"Due to it, there is a grudge now being held against me."

"You don't have to say more. If you want to make amends, then I will give you a message to pass on, quickly mind you."

"Oh, and what would that message be to that person?"

"You have to repeat it exactly as I say it. The sooner, the better."

"Of course. The message, please, Kagome."

"Fluffy, get over yourself."

The slightly strangled intake of breath from my father only piqued my curiosity further as I glanced up at Ruki to see him looking lost. With a small shake of my head, I continued to listen in.

"I... will make sure... to pass that on...exactly."

"Good. I doubt you will be easily forgiven. But it will help to mend what was damaged."

"I believe you. But, ah, Kagome, you are still breathtakingly beautiful."

The sound of skin connecting with skin had me peeking around Ruki and the corner to see what had happened. To see Kagome's wrist pushing my father's away as he rolled a lock her hair between his fingers.

"You should know better than to touch what is not your's Karlheinz, Lord of the South."

At her use of my father's real name and title, I felt something in me go very still. As something in my mind finally caught on. They talked to each other as if they were acquainted. My father, over-familiarity with Kagome and need to touch her, spoke of his interest. Meaning this was not their first time meeting. They were drawing me back to her being trapped in Cordelia's mirror. Allowing more of the puzzle the was Kagome to fill in.

Drawing myself from my thoughts as I heard Kagome state that her 'host' for the party should be returning any second with drinks. I took my cue, putting on a neutral mask as I stepped away from the wall, around Ruki. I was sparing him a glance. And into the alcove.

At my appearance, Kagome looked almost relieved, as she stood up and came to my side. Standing close to me, but not pressing her body against mine. Showing clearly to my father whom she belonged to. While taking one of the drinks from my hand, before offering her wrist to me in submission.

My father did not miss the actions she was taking as he narrowed his eyes at me speculatively and causing something in me to take her wrist and bite into it and drawing a hiss from her as I openly drank her blood. I am staking my claim on her person and only serving to incense my father as he stood.

Withdrawing my fangs and licking the bite mark closed. I let her wrist go as my father walked over to us. A cold smile was curling his lips upwards as he spoke.

"Reiji."

"Father."

The feel of Kagome stiffening a bit by my side told me all I needed to know as I continued to make eye contact with my father.

"We will talk later about the matters of the bride. But your room has been prepared. You will stay."

With that, my father swept past me, Kagome and Ruki, to go back to the party. I was frowning as I glanced down at Kagome. I was seeing her staring intently at some spot on the floor. I could feel my ire growing at her demure display.

I had been worried about the moment Reiji asked me my feelings on formal wear. To arrive at our destination. A castle I was all too familiar with. The Tsukinami had kept their mouths shut, smartly so. The last time they saw me, they had been barely older than Reiji and his younger brothers. But knowing who and what I was. Albeit, I was sealed under the curse, unable to use my miko powers.

Discretion was something at least Carla excelled at. Meaning he was keeping Shin on a short leash. The party was pretty standard for the nobility, though I was not surprised that all in attendance were vampires, the descendants of the bat demon clan. Proof that even demons could evolve given enough time. It just was the way of the emotionless, pompous self-titled King of demons. Age didn't always equate to power.

So as I danced with Reiji, Ruki Mukami, and the Tsukinami as well as a few of the Vampire Nobles. The only two thoughts going through my head on repeat were that the Nobles didn't recognize me, and that said 'King' didn't come to talk to me.

At some point, I felt pain flare in my feet from being in the two-inch black heels and not having done this much dancing in what I was estimated over a hundred and ten years — requested of Reiji a moment's respite. Which he willingly gave me, telling me that he would fetch us some drinks. Reiji left Ruki behind to protect me.

The young male was someone I had come to enjoy talking to. He was intelligent, if not a bit insecure at times. Sweet tempered for the most part, or at least he was to me, though something told me that he was rather dominant and very sadistic. So when a familiar aura blanketed the alcove, drawing both our attention to him. Ruki immediately stood and bowed. He is giving me a brief worried glance before I waved him off.

Though I didn't show it, I was just as nervous as he was. But I just put on a polite mask of indifference as he sat next to me. Striking up a conversation, he knew I didn't want to have. He commanded my attention to be on him solely. It was rude. Though as this was his house and he the entertainer of this party he was throwing, I did my best to behave.

After what I deemed a decent amount of time, I made an excuse — silently hoping that Reiji was nearby. Hopefully, not listening. My luck, he walked around the corner glasses in hand. By the fact that of how quick he appeared, he had been listening in.

So in hopes of possibly placating him, I took a drink after standing next to him and offering my wrist up to him to show Karlheinz that I belonged to him. He took and made the bite painful, showing his displeasure. What had me looking at the floor was his exchange with the man before me. Cold dread washed through me as I continued to listen to what was being said. Or, instead, what was not being spoken between them.

Hours later found me in Reiji's room with Ruki. Tension so thick in the air, I felt as if I could grab it and drape it over my body like armor. But that was just hopeful wishing as I stared down Reiji. Who aura was lashing out at me violently? Though I just stood there like nothing was happening.

"You...are over... I find that hard to believe Kagome."

"I assure you it is not. And you know that I am not lying. You would be able to smell it."

I was quirking my eyebrows at him as I just stared back. I was refusing to budge a single inch. I had explained to him in a bit more depth on how I knew his father. That the last time I saw him, he was roughly seven years in appearance, or Demon years seventy. Which shook him, though it did not show outwardly.

"So who else do you know in the demon world? Any names that I should be made aware of? Other than my father, of course."

I gave him a cautious look. I was trying to figure out how to word this. We both knew that when I tried to speak of my past and those involved... it didn't end up pretty. Swallowing, I opened my mouth to tell him the truth. Just to gasp as pain shot through my body. My throat constricting as my hands came up, trying to claw at it.

"Tell me, Kagome!"

Barely able to catch my breath, he demanded it of me. It was making the curse forces me to speak, just as it ripped jagged pain. Exploding bright colors before my eyes as little black spots danced before them. Suffocation hurt like a bitch. It was something that I didn't want to experience. And with Reiji in a temper, there was no making this stop.

"Reiji, you are going to kill her. Stop. She is unable to answer your question."

"Be quiet, Mukami. I didn't ask for your input. She is mine. She will do as I say. That is her place as my possession. Now Kagome give me names."

Once more, my mouth opened as my body jerked in a violent spasm. As if I was being electrocuted. Next thing, the floor was coming up to meet me and closing my eyes, expecting to feel the dull ache of hitting it.

"Dammit, you're a selfish prick."

Opening my eyes, I saw Ruki holding me. And I knew that my body would not respond to my mental commands. The pain was overriding my nervous system. He needed to let me go or be hurt by Reiji. Whimpering, I forced the words from my mouth. Tasting the metallic tang of blood on the back of my tongue as I did so.

"Ple..ase... Lea..ve us, Ruki..."

"You heard her. Get out before I decide you shouldn't draw another breath."

The look he cast at me was filled with worry and indecision before he nodded and laid me carefully on the floor. Showing me, he still had a few shreds of humanity left to him and flashing him a small smile before I turned my gaze back to Reiji, who was glowering darkly at what he was seeing. To have him demand again to tell him the names, names that were tied to my past — sending me over the edge into oblivion.

When I next opened my eyes, I saw the room bathed in the soft golden glow of the sun. Telling me, I had been out for several hours. My body is still aching as I slowly sat up. He was glancing around the room until my eyes landed on Reiji. Who was sleeping at an angle in a chair? His hair mused, and from the way, his one hand was thrust into the black mass, from running his hand through it repeatedly. He had removed his suit jacket, loosened his tie, and had the top four buttons of his black dress sure undone, showing his pale toned chest. While in his other hand was his glasses, held haphazardly.

A wave of guilt washed over me as I saw him sitting there. His face relaxed but looking haggard in his sleep and taking care to stand up. I licked my lips, feeling how chapped they were. With tentative steps, I made my way to the small two-seater couch in the room and grabbed the blanket off it.

My body was protesting the movement, though it was for the best, I padded on the soft carpet to Reiji's side and taking with my free hand his glasses, folding them up and setting them on the little side table. Before taking the blanket and putting on him.

It was covering his lap when my wrist was caught in a vice-like grip of his gloved hand — making my eyes dart to his face. Where I saw his eyes were barely open. Just mere slits of red that were glazed in sleep. Settling the blanket, I attempted to remove his hand from my wrist to have him tug on it and pulling me towards him. Quickly I braced myself on the back of the chair as my face halted inches from his face.

"Stay."

"No. Let me go, Reiji-san."

"Stay."

"No. Please, let me go, Reiji-san."

"Please don't leave. Stay."

"No, Reiji-san. Now, let me go."

His voice slurred with sleep, telling me he wasn't even fully conscious of having this conversation. The frown marring his brow as I rejected him, hurt me. But right now, I needed a way from him — needed space to think. So moving my arm that was bracing me, I gently pried his fingers from my wrist. Only to get a soft, defeated sigh.

I stepped back away from him as his eyes closed. While he snuggled further into the chair, I couldn't help but think just how sexy he looked like this. Unkempt, like a wild creature. Breathtakingly beautiful as the faint sunlight peeking around the heavy curtains made his white skin glow. Shaking my head, I turned and left the room.

Why

It had been two days since the ball and everyone in the house was quiet. Everyone was walking around as if on eggshells. It was to be expected since I had returned in a rather foul mood and with a somewhat withdrawn Kagome. The latter who had not yet been able to give me the answers I had wanted of her. Even when she tried to write what I had asked, her body writhed in pain.

Some part of me found it pleasurable. Even as Kagome's blue eyes, so void of emotions stared up at me. Pain flickering across her face as tears streamed down her face. I knew that something had changed between us when I had awoken in my room. A blanket covering my legs to keep me warm, glasses folded up on the table next to me, and Kagome having left the room.

It was only reinforcing to me that I had not dreamed of the conversation with her. I was asking her to stay and being rejected three times by her. It hurt, but when something is said three times, it is binding. A Simple spell. For some reason, I was uncomfortable with whatever had changed. And now (not that I care) none of the Mukami's would talk to me. My brothers would whisper about how different Kagome was, but go silent when I appeared.

The feel of the silent blame laid on my shoulders was like a very uncomfortable mantle. While in part, it was my fault, I would never admit it. My pride would never allow me to realize I had made a mistake in a state of strong emotions.

The one thing that had not changed was that Kagome still came to my room each evening after I returned from school. Though she didn't talk to me, she did as asked, before we either played chess or experimented with poisons and medications I was producing. She never looked at me unless I commanded it of her, which was how we were right now. I was reading a book while she just sat there, hands folded in her lap, staring at them.

"Why?"

I lifted my head to look at her. I was wondering if I had misheard. Only to see her staring in my direction, but just past me. Her face school into that perfect polite society mask, giving nothing away.

"Why, what Kagome."

Silence filled the room again as she lowered her eyes. Feeling a bit annoyed at her lack of response, I went back to reading and wanting to get the chapter done.

"You live by two philosophies, right? If it is not perfect, it doesn't need to exist. And schadenfreude happiness in the misfortune of others."

She was not bothering to look up at her as she spoke. I finished the page and turned it. She was beginning on the next as I gave her a soft hm in acknowledgment of what she was asking — earning me a soft sigh in return. To hear cloth rustling as she stood up.

"Sit. Stay."

When I spoke, I used a hand to point back to the chair. I had not dismissed Kagome. So when I heard her sit back down. I did lift my head to give her a pointed look. Only to hear a soft woof directed at me. Less than amused by this, I quirked an eyebrow at her.

"Did you just... bark at me?"

The slight nod of her head was my answer. I was taking a deep breath through my nose, letting it hiss out between my lips.

"Why?"

"You pointed and told me to sit and stay. That is what you do to a dog, is it not?"

Feeling my ire rise at her comment. I just shake my head at her, before muttering to myself about impertinent girls before returning to my book. Only to be distracted from it again.

"Why, Reiji?"

This time I chose to ignore her question. Finding it meaningless and wondering if she was trying to provoke me into another fit of rage. I just pressed my lips into a thin line and kept on reading. Until I heard her get up again. This time I didn't bother to tell her to do a single thing. As I listened to her move around my room, closing the curtain on my window before coming to stand just at the edge of my vision. And still, I chose to ignore her.

Two days of just building a wall between us. Reiji's words to Ruki playing over in my head. He was a demon, and I had let my guard down. I was his possession. An object to be owned. A servant to be obedient. Even if what he said was in the heat of anger, it hurt. And I didn't want to open back up.

Because of what happened now, others were suffering. The rest of the Sakamaki's were keeping their distance and showing actual manners when around me. But they didn't talk to me outright anymore. More so when it would set of Reiji.

So finally, after two days of silence with Reiji, I figured I would have to be the bigger person. Take that first step to try and work through it. It was a simple question. One word having so many reasons. His tone curt and agitated when he responded. He was making me pause.

Finally, I flung his two life philosophies back at him. Only to receive a hm in response. Just to be treated like an animal, which I didn't appreciate. So I acted like a child, earning more of his displeasure. So when he didn't answer my question the second time I just got up. When he didn't stop me, I went and shut his curtains. Steeling myself for what I was about to do.

Making my way back towards him. Stopping just in the area, I knew he could still see me.

"Why Reiji do I still exist if I am not perfect?"

I forced my body to stop shaking as I reached up behind me and pulled the zipper on my dress down. I was watching as Reiji's body froze before he turned to look at me fully. His eyes went wide as he sucked in a quick breath. Eyes were flashing dangerously.

"Stop that; it is indecent. And what nonsense are you spouting about?"

I couldn't help the smile that curled my lips upwards. As I let put an arm under my breast as I finished unzipping my dress to hold it up. I was allowing my eyes to meet his as I gave a dry laugh.

"Nonsense? No, it is not. We both know I am not perfect. And you value perfection. You expect it from everyone and yourself. So why do I still exist?"

The small pause he gave before speaking.

"The curse is the imperfection. It took the emotions from your eyes."

At his response, I gave a cold laugh that would do several demons I know very proud. It was mirthless and angry.

"That is a bunch of bullshit, Reiji-san, and you know it. That is just a band-aid. I am far from perfect. And since you are in denial, let me give you physical proof, Master Sakamaki."

Letting my feelings carry me, I spun around and making sure my hair flipped over my shoulder. The dress was sliding down my right arm. I slipped out the sleeve to give Reiji a damned good view of my right side.

The sharp intake of breath was all I needed to hear.

"There, physical proof, you cannot deny my imperfection. So tell me, Master Sakamaki, why do I still exist. I am useless to you. Why do you refuse to end me?"

Again I turned, so I was facing him again. Pushing and goading him. There had to be an answer he could give. What I saw in his eyes was what I guess he hid very well all the time.

After a few minutes, he didn't respond to me. I couldn't help it. My shoulders slumped in defeat as I pulled my dress back on — the burning of tears as they filled my eyes. I bit my lip as he just stared transfixed to me. Unwilling to answer my questions. So I walked to his door. I was pausing to see if he would say something, anything. When nothing was forthcoming, I opened the door, stepped out, and closed it softly behind me. Then I ran, tears falling down my face to my room — pain swelling in my chest.

What

As I stood there with the rest of my brothers, the Mukami's and the pureblood founders. I was staring at the now-closed door. Again two more days had gone by since I had last interacted with Kagome. And how it had ended had left a bitter taste in my mouth. She had been very improper and forceful. While the latter was not exactly a surprise as it often happened with my brothers, she never acted that way with me. More-so when she was blatantly shoving her imperfection (One I was not aware of) in my face.

Her question, once she made it clear what she meant, had shocked me. She had essentially asked me why I had not killed her and disposed of her body. Frankly, I was unprepared and in shock. Therefore was unable to answer what she was asking. Only to have her run from my room. The smell of unshed tears tainting the air in her wake.

Everyone had been more cautious after that. The looks I had been getting were grating on my nerves. With a small sigh, I coughed to get everyone else's attention as we all heard the soft muttering of Kagome to Yui. Who had started the second part of her awakening?

"We should adjourn ourselves to the living room. It would probably be wiser and to not have Kagome's sharp tongue lashing into us further."

With that said, I turned and made my way down the hall to the staircase. For once, I was not feeling up to teleporting. My mind was fraught with so many thoughts. Mostly about Kagome. I could honestly, another shock to me, careless who Yui chose when she awakened, as long as it was not me. The only blood I wanted was Kagomes. She belonged to me and by my side.

By the time I reached the bottom of the stairs, everyone else was either standing around or sitting on the furniture as I took myself to the fireplace and rested my arm against the mantle, leaning to it. No bride had ever finished the first awakening to make it this far. So we were all strained. But somehow, the mystery that was a part of Kagome knew.

"Emotionally stunted Neanderthals...haha. Your little birdie has a way with words, Reiji."

I was tilting my head to look at Laito, noting that everyone else was looking at him as well. I just stared blankly at him. I was again feeling torn in two. The need to take Kagome to the task and punish her for being impertinent and talking like that to not just myself, but everyone else. But also feeling elated, even aroused by her taking command like a proper lady of a household and directing all of us to do the appropriate thing and getting out of Yui's room while she was going through the change.

"I won't disagree with your younger brother. Then again, she is a sight to see when she is like that though her eyes are blank, empty blue orbs. The flush on her face, the veritable wave of physical emotion that she infused into her aura to thrash us with. Beautiful is the only way to describe her, Reiji."

Irritation washing through me as I turned to look at Carla Tsukinami. Letting it show on my face to which I received a cynical looking smile as his yellow eyes showed a longing for but a few seconds before glossing over.

"Oh. So you ever going to be honest with us... me... and elucidate more on your history with Kagome."

I felt my lips curling into a cold smile, that would be just as calculating. The flat glare Carla continued to give me before movement behind me drew my attention. I saw Shin look very uncomfortable.

As the younger of the two Tsukinami's brothers opened his mouth to speak. A very familiar aura seemed to settle around us as the front door opened. Causing, I am sure all of us in the living room to look. There stood my father, tall and proud as he walked in. His presence was commanding our attention.

But it was the three that filtered in behind him that made (At least me) everyone go still. Even my unrefined brothers and the halfbreed Mukami's had enough sense to straighten up or stand, for there were three other lords of the North, East, and West. Their auras were mixing and becoming a dense, almost suffocating mantle.

"Gentlemen. Has it happened yet?"

Silence ensued for, but a second or two before (out of everyone), Shu spoke up. Since I did not doubt that everyone else was thinking the same thing as me. Why were the other lords here?

"Not yet, father. She is being attended to right now."

Stillness settled over the room as no one spoke up after that. The minutes were ticking by, being accounted for by the grandfather clock. Until the sound of a door opening and shut broke the monotony as soft footfalls were heard on the hardwood floors. Telling all there, who knew who was attending Yui, that they'd be updated soon.

The sound of her stopping as she gave a muted gasp, before coming to stand in the middle of the room and adequately addressing my father and the other Lords. Two of which came forward, touching her and being overly familiar with her.

It filled me in on who else in the demon world she knew. Once she was free, she made her way to the Lord of the West, calling him her Lord, before said male lifted her face and nuzzled her affectionately.

He was telling her that she was causing problems. Only to joking brush him off.

Times slowed down around me. This was not normal as I watched him reach for her neck as she flinched back. The flicker of exasperation in his citrine eyes before they were blank once more. Not happy at her denying him the right to break the 'simple' curse, making me happy to some degree.

The moment was broken when Ayato spoke up, asking how they all knew Kagome. The answer was less than pleasant as a collective of hisses, and whistles came at the reply. Well, minus the Tsukinami who knew this information. For myself, I was in shock and feeling a large amount of vexation at learning that Kagome was the acting Lady of the West.

I was beside myself as I slammed the door on all thirteen of the vampires. I was wondering just how stupid they could be. A lot apparently from their actions and reactions. But the problem lay with Yui. The poor girl finally hit that point and was making the last and final change from human to a vampire — a rare occurrence.

And due to it happening while she was sleeping, she had not come down to dinner. Which had caused a small stir? So as it was agreed to check on her. The surprise arrival of not just the Mukami's, but also the Tsukinami's. From there, things had taken off on a tangent. Before she could say anything, a pulse of power echoed throughout the house. And then she was alone in the foyer.

Letting a small smile played across her lips as she sat on the edge of Yui's bed. Hand smoothing down her blond hair and making the girl awaken enough to look at her with glazed eyes. As she attempted to smile up at me.

"Kagome?"

"Shush, Yui. The change is happening. It could take as long as a few hours to a few days. And I won't lie to you... it is painful. Last one to do it was around four hundred centuries ago."

"Oh...Will I be able too?"

With a small nod of my head to affirm that I believed that she would, Yui seemed to relax more. Body sinking into the soft mattress as she watched me.

"Yui, I need to know who the last person to drink your blood."

The faint flush of her cheeks, which were jaundice looking from being in pain. She mouthed what she didn't want to say aloud — leaving me a bit shocked before I chuckled. It would cause a stir, but it made sense. And in my opinion, I thought they'd balance each other out.

"Then that is who will be your mate or husband, Yui. For better or worse."

The soft laugh she gave as she closed her eyes and fell back asleep was all I needed to know. With that, I stood up and made my way out of the room. Ready to inform all thirteen of the 'barbaric' gentlemen downstairs. Each was invested in her, but only one could be her significant other.

So wrapped up in my thoughts as I started to descend the stairs to the living room. I was formulating the words in my mind as I heard Shu speaking. Seemingly odd, I lifted my gaze from my feet and focused on what was around me as several powerful and familiar aura hit my senses, making me stop as I gave a quiet gasp.

Before, my eyes were now the twelve who were here originally, with an additional four. But my gaze was only focused on one of them. And at once, so many thoughts and emotions washed through me.

Realizing I was being rude, I finished making my way to the bottom of the stairs. Making my way to stand in the middle of the living room before curtsied respectfully.

"My Lords. Welcome to the Sakamaki Mansion."

As I righted myself, my person was accosted by the Lord of the East and spun around. Leaf green eyes framed by bright orange hair looking up at me. The smile that boyish face delighted as I was set on the ground again, a quick and polite peck placed on my forehead.

"Oka-san. It is good to see you."

Opening my mouth to reply, I was cut off as the Lord of the North shoved his way into my field of vision. His rough hand coming out the rub my hair much to my chagrin. Blue eyes were laughing as his long black ponytail swayed back and forth, speaking of mischief.

"Kagome, I am so glad you're alive. Ayame and the pups have missed you."

Unable to help myself and laughed. It was both happy and sad, sounding to my ears. When it finally died down, a low cough broke the quiet — tilting my head to the side to peek between my two friends, looking at the Lord of the West. Who had his typical stoic mask on his face as he looked at me with golden eyes.

Not even asking, the two in front of me parted, making way for me. Slowly I walked towards the Lord of the West and again curtsied. Only to have one of his long, pale fingered hands grabbed my chin and lifted my face to him, before bending down and nuzzling my cheek affectionately.

"Miko. You always seem to cause problems."

"Of course, Lord Sesshomaru. I wouldn't be me if I didn't. And I see, Lord Karlheinz delivered my message to you."

"Indeed, Miko. You chose a distinctive way to tell me you resurfaced."

Giving a cheeky grin as I felt two hands clamp down on my shoulders. It was drawing another laugh from me as I surged forward and hugged the cold, distant Lord of the West. Only to hear a collective gasp from those behind me as I started to count down in my head for a reaction.

"The hell! How do you even know these people?"

A low growl was let out from my lord before I could even respond.

"I see Karl, that your brood lacks manners in being polite. Kagome, how is a girl?"

I was pausing before disentangling myself from Sesshomaru. I looked up at him and frowned.

"She will make the change. It could be either a few minutes, an hour to a day or two, my lord."

"I see. Now about what happened and this weak curse, would you like me to remove it?"

With his words, I watched as he raised a clawed finger to the choker. Only to flinch back from it, giving a small shake of my head. It was what bound me to Reiji-san. The look in my eyes must have told him all he needed to know because what he said in the next instant left me at a loss.

"We will all be staying until the young lady finishes her change and bonds to her life mate. As it is not every day that a human makes the change or a demon is bonded for life."

Before I could tell him that this was unnecessary, a steady pulse accompanied by a blood-curdling scream enveloped the house. It was making me cringe as I stepped further away from Sesshomaru and the other lords. Spinning on the ball of my foot, I marched towards the young male that had fed from Yui last.

His eyes widen as he stared at me. Face showing fear as his eyes darted behind me to the Lords, before I go back to my own. I was grabbing his wrist in my hand and clamping down tightly, before growling that he should come. Then half dragging him up the stairs and into the room. My aura flaring in a threatening manner to the others to not follow.

Once we reached the door, I jerked it open and thrust him in. A smile on my face as he came back to himself. Just as he was yanked violently into the room, I shut the door heard the low growls. My face flushed as I wished him silently, good luck, and made my way back down to the living room. I was not sure how long they'd be in that room, cementing their bond. It could be days or until he knocked up poor Yui.

Either way, Kanato was going to be smug when this was all over.

Who

Standing there, staring up at the towering castle, eyes narrowed as I mentally prepared myself. It had been almost two weeks since Kagome had left with 'her' Lord of the West. Two weeks with her words replaying over and over in my head. Words that I craved to hear. Words to me that was the biggest compliment that could be given to me. So why did they make me feel as if I was insulted and something disgusting?

It was the day after Kanato and Yui had emerged from her room. The changes to her were noticeable. Hair longer, pink eyes a bit redder, but still very light. Skin pale, fingernails a bit longer and tiny little fangs in her mouth. She always acted like the mousy girl she was, showing that somehow she retained some of her humanity.

The smile she wore was soft but held a harder edge. Kanato was damn near unbearable. But that didn't bother me much; I had already known I was not her mate. So, when it had been announced after breakfast, that the Lords would be returning to their lands. Laito had asked Kagome if she would return with her Lord.

She had glanced at me, but I had chosen to ignore her. Which I assumed had made her leave. Curling my lip as the gate to the castle was opened by an imp who glared impudently up at me, before motioning, I should follow him.

Doing so, I let those parting words she told me to reply to. She told me that I was my father's child in every sense. Kagome was somehow making that into an insult. The blank face as she said it, before turning and walking right out the mansion's front door. Not once pausing to look back at me, even as the Lord of the West called her his Imouto. And I didn't bother to call for her as the Lord told me of the East that I was an idiot — realizing in my shock that I had been wrong about their relationship. She was not his intended mate, no he saw her as a sister, and he was her brother.

Now I was being led to the where said Lord of the West met with people visiting him. His castle was sparse but tastefully elegant. Masculine in almost every way. But there were touches here and there that showed a female's touch. Of which I was sure was Kagomes.

The soft knocking on the door drew me from my thoughts. Only to hear the blunt command to enter.

Upon entering the room, I let my eyes do a glance. I was placing it as a study. The walls were lined with shelves. There was a large throw rug in the middle of the room with four plush looking dark leather chairs. Two of which were filled with the Lords of the East and North. Behind the grandiose white ash wood, the desk was the Lord of the West. Who's Aurelian gaze was pinning me to the floor I stood on.

"Oh, lookie what the cat drug in. A brainless child."

I was taking a deep breath not to give a scathing remark back to the Lord of the North as I was waved into the room. Once I was inside the door shut. I was sure that the imp would have slammed it if he was allowed. There was no mistaking the disgruntled aura he gave off when he saw me.

"What is your business here, young Sakamaki?"

I was letting my cerise colored eyes meet his gaze. I refused to flinch or back down as I straightened myself to my full height.

"I have come to reclaim what is mine. Where is Kagome?"

My voice didn't waver as I laid out what I wanted and demanded he tells me. Knowing already that showing even the slightest bit of fear or hesitation, and I'd be dead in a second. My instincts were running on high as I earned intrigued glances from all three of the room occupants. Though I never took my gaze from the white-haired male behind the desk.

The small smirk that curled one side of his mouth told me he was amused. But he picked up the papers before him and shuffled them. He was dragging out the confrontation more than I thought it needed.

"She is not here."

"Then tell me where she is. I will go to procure her from that location."

The burst of laughter from the Lords sitting between the Lord of the West and me were a bit disconcerting while the Lord of the West fixed a cold glare at me.

"That would be very unwise. Kagome is visiting her family at their shrine in Tokyo."

"I see. Thank you for your time, Lord Sesshomaru."

With that said, I spun in place and marched to the door, opening and stepping through and closing it behind me. Though I had been warned, I was given the information about where Kagome was. There was plenty that was not said in that exchange, and I took seriously for what it was. Approval.

The imp was there waiting for me. Quickly I followed the demon, but he didn't lead me to the gates of the castle. Instead, we went up several staircases to a section of the castle that, while clean, was not used very often. The room he led me to had a circle in the middle. Before, I was motioned to step into the center before the imp activated it.

I was barely catching his parting words of how I was not worthy before the world shifted around me. My stomach was bottoming out as I was now standing outside on an empty street. Turning, I saw a long traditional staircase that led to most shrines. At the top was a red Tori gate that said Sunset Shrine — making me smirk at the play of words since Higurashi meant the same thing.

Slowly I mounted the stairs, taking them one at a time as I tried to figure out how to say what I had to say. Still, nothing came to my mind as I passed through the Tori gates. There before me was the object of my quest, sweeping the stone pathway to the small prayer shrine. Her body was swaying in time to the movement of the broom, showing just how focused she was on her task.

"What do you want, demon."

Turning my gaze away from Kagome, I saw a young man with dark brown hair and warm brown eyes staring at me. His posture told me he was ready in case I decided to make myself a threat. Though he was the same height as me, I could tell he had a small amount of spiritual ability.

"I have come to... talk...to Kagome."

The way his eyes narrowed as a small snort drew our attention to the other occupant in the courtyard. Blue eyes were looking in our direction as the broom was held loosely in pale hands.

"Then talk."

"Sis?"

"It is okay, Souta. I think you should go into the house and inform mother we have a guest."

When the young boy spoke up, calling Kagome his sister. I had to look at him again. For some reason, I figured that her siblings would look like her. Then again, I bore no resemblance to Shu. I was turning my gaze back to Kagome, who looked annoyed but still patient while waiting for me to respond.

Lost in the simplicity of the chore, I did my best to not think about anything. But for some reason, my mind always came back to Reiji. Even now, after he rejected me, and I spoke the words I knew he craved to hear. My mind wanted to dwell on him. It hurt me each day to be away from him.

Not just because of the curse, no because he, in his imperious manner, had my heart. He was making me berate myself for always falling for the ones with an ego that borders on a flipping ID. So when I heard Souta speak loudly, his aura flaring weakly, I stopped what I was doing and paid attention to my surroundings.

As if summoned by my thoughts, there he stood. I was looking down at my brother. There was amusement in his body language as if he found the idea of my brother's actions were something or another. So I decided to say something when he spoke up.

Two weeks of nothing since I left, and now of all times, he wanted to speak with me. Oh, that was rich. His arrogance never ceased to amaze me. Not that I didn't find some part of it charming, due to the fact I could poke at it and rile him up. So with that, I told my brother to tell our mother to set another place at the table.

"Speak."

The shocked look on his face at my command gave me flutters in my stomach. I was sure that he was unaware that when he was commanded to do something, that he showed desire in those deep burgundy eyes of his.

When a minute or two had gone by, and he said nothing. I closed my eyes. I was willing myself to stay calm. Reiji was most definitely a difficult man. Full of pride and arrogance. Some of it was founded, while some of it was just his ego due to his past. I knew it very well after living with them for half a year in his care and tender mercies.

Opening my eyes, I saw that he was staring at me. His red eyes were darkening to a garnet color as he watched me. Reiji was trying to read me. I knew I was an open book, didn't care to hide my emotions. With a deep breath, I finally broke the silence.

"What do you want, Reiji-sama?"

The slow blink he gave me as his posture stiffened. Allowing me to see his mind shift through all the possible answers. Meaning he was overthinking how simple it was.

"I have come to procure you."

I was pressing my lips together, letting my face go neutral. I pulled my aura close to my body to keep him from being able to read my aura's fluctuations.

"Oh. Why do you need to 'procure' me, Reiji-sama?"

The slight hesitation was showing in his body language before he went utterly rigid at my words. He was not liking me questioning him.

"Because, Kagome, you are mine."

My eyes were narrowed as I mentally sighed to myself. We were back in this again. Me being Reiji's property. It hurt.

"Where, Reiji-sama, did you get that notion?"

Though his body stayed stiff, his eyes flicked away from my own for but a second. He was telling me more than he probably wanted me to know. But this had to happen. For good or bad, this had to happen. Nothing was easy, ever.

"...Kagome..."

Lifting a hand, I made him stop. His eyes narrowing behind his glasses at me and not liking me being rude.

"No. Answer me, Reiji-sama. We are on my home turf. You will respect me here, at least."

The way he pressed his thin lips into a barely visible line as I let what I was feeling show in my voice a little bit. After another few minutes of silent, he tilted his head just a little to show his ascent.

"Because I believe that is where you belong, Kagome. No more or less."

It took a lot not to show my surprise and shock. He had said so much but so little with those two sentences. And I would be damned if I gave him the upper edge, by my heart fluttering in my chest with what might be hope.

Taking a slow deep breath, I shifted my body, hands back on the broom. Leaning on it a bit, showing a more relaxed posture. Something Reiji seemed to appreciate as I saw his shoulders drop just a little.

"When did you come to... that conclusion, Reiji-sama?"

His head tilted at my question, eyes glazing just slightly in the setting sun. Showing me, he was thinking about it. Meaning he hadn't noticed. And it was killing me inside. As if he was stringing me along by an invisible tether. The one I had let get tied around me.

"When... I guess it was about a week ago. But if I had to think of an approximate date. The day you walked out of the mansion after Kanato and Yui emerged. Your parting words... they did not make me happy. I didn't understand..."

The fact his perfectionist persona was starting to crack. I didn't think he realized it was doing it as he stared at me. Again I just blinked slowly at him. My mind recalling the advice from not only Sesshomaru but also my two other good friends and extended family. The latter had been very vocal.

This was the hard part. I could not back down or bend. It would make me weak and prey. A thing I never wanted to be again. The centuries I had worked so hard to better myself. I was becoming stronger and more adept.

"Who are you, Reiji?"

The sharp intake of breath at me, dropping the honorific after his name. Only to watch as confusion washed over his face.

"Reiji Sakamaki, of course."

At his words, I frowned at him. Shaking my head slightly, I let my face show my dissatisfaction clearly and knowing that my eyes were still blank pools. His statement was all I needed to know. Turning, I started to make my way back to the house and showing my back to him in dismissal.

I heard the low growl of frustration from him as I made my way slowly towards where I would find succor from my family once again — forcing my body not to start to shake from what it was feeling at his words.

I was almost to the front door when I was grabbed from behind. Pulled flush against a thin, but the well-muscled chest. Letting my body go limp, I waited. He was not one for open displays of affection. He was a man of words and actions. Mostly the former.

"Who am I?... I am frustrated. I am cross. I am bored. I am lonely. I...am...not perfect...Kagome. I am still learning. But most of all... I am...I do not belong to myself. I am stubborn, prideful, and exceptionally foolish. I am blind."

At his softly spoken words. Words that would not be audible if he hadn't brought his head down, resting his chin on my shoulder. But that was not enough. It was many revelations that I know delivered powerful blows to his ego. None of it was what had to be said.

"Who are you, Reiji Sakamaki."

This time I did not make it a request. I made my voice sound firm, demanding when I all I wanted to do was run away and hide. Unwilling to continue this. But it was necessary. Demons were peculiar. I could not show weakness or hesitation.

Again he was silent. Each time he exhaled, it tickled across my cheek. But still, I waited. My body hardening as I tensed my muscles and made to move away from him, only to have his arms tighten to the point of pain around me. He was acting as if he was Kanato with his Teddy.

"I, Reiji Sakamaki, am your mate. I have wronged you. I come seeking your forgiveness."

Dropping my head, so my chin was resting on my chest. My hair was slipping slightly to hide my face from his view at his admission. Glad he couldn't see my smile. There was just one thing that was left to be asked.

"How does that make you feel, Reiji?"

"Scared. Terrified. But at the same time, proud, dignified, safe, and at home."

His instant answer was more than enough as I brought my hands up and rested them on his arms, where they crossed over my chest. The broom had dropped to the ground with a clatter, as I let my fingers dance across the soft cotton of his shirt. My body was relaxing and leaning into him and tilting my head to the side in a show of submission while asking for my forgiveness for leaving him.

The moment he nuzzled my neck with his nose, I couldn't help the blush that bloomed over my skin as my body shuddered.

"It is never easy. Love is harsh. But if it is worked at, it will give you the greatest strength. The strength that your father never had, Reiji. And as your mate, I will always do my best by and for you."

A soft rumbling growl that vibrated through his chest let me know he accepted my words.

17 Years Later (3rd person/General P.O.V)

He stood there, glaring at the empty house. Eyes narrowed at the fact that none of the servants had arrived and aired it out and warmed it. It was unacceptable. And being slightly drenched from the downpour outside didn't help matters. Teleportation or not, it left him irritated.

"Reiji."

His name rolling off the lips of his mate had him turning to look at her. In a few hours, it would be their seventeenth mating anniversary. And his oldest child had insisted that they go ahead and arrive at their summer house before everyone else. To have time alone together, knowing that once all her uncles, aunt, and cousins showed up that they'd get absolutely no rest.

When his eyes landed on her, he saw she was smiling at him, but her blue eyes were darkening. The rain had dampened her hair enough that it was sticking to her pale forehead.

"I am not happy, Kagome. The familiars should have been here and had the house prepped."

Reaching up, he took his glasses from his nose and pinched the bridge. Closing his eyes as he sighed. It wasn't like the house was dirty. They had been there only a month ago. But still, the weather had taken a turn for the worse. The limo they were in had broken down miles from the summer house. Causing him to drain himself by teleporting both of them to it's offered sanctuary.

"Reiji...Please."

When Kagome spoke up again, he heard the faint tremor in her voice — drawing him from his thoughts. Reiji looked at her. I looked at her. Only to wonder how she had gotten wet from the waist down so badly.

When she let out a pained whimper, it hit him. His mouth was going slack as a small wave of panic welled up in him. They were the only ones in the damn house. The house that had once been his mothers' retreat. Bequeathed upon their mating by his father. Of course, Kagome had taken a liking to it.

Now she was standing in the foyer looking at him as pain rippled across her face as she started to double over with a contraction. It was not a man's place to deliver. In fact, it was a huge taboo. She was leaving him feeling at a loss for what to do.

"Dammit Reiji, pull your fucking head out of your ass! I need you right now!"

Flinching at the shrill scream, he moved forward and scooped her up and doing his best to not wrinkle his nose at the smell of amniotic fluid and how it felt seeping into his skin. While looking at his mate, who was starting to curl up in a ball in his arms as her body was wracked in a contraction.

He hated seeing her like this and had since the first pregnancy. Though he loved his daughters.. all six of them... But the pain that his little spitfire of a wife was not something he liked unless he inflicted it on her person when she was more than willing participant.

Walking swiftly to their bedroom. Reiji quickly settled her on the bed. Shifting some pillows to raise her into a semi-sitting position. Eyes were darting around the room. This shouldn't be happening. She was only 31 weeks along. Just sigh of being eight months. And this had been a rather hard pregnancy on her already. Several times she had almost miscarried in the first and early second trimesters. Swallowing reflexively, he felt the panic returns. Unsure of what to do.

"Sweetie, you need to calm down. I know you have read books on pregnancy after Reijina was born... and re-read them all for the next five as well. So please... help me..."

His eyes were immediately back on her as her words sank in. He had. The fact she had caught him doing so had embarrassed him greatly. But knowing about it helped keep him calm. But reading and doing are two different things.

"What...I... tell me...what to do..."

The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them. Earning him, a gentle smile laced with distress as Kagome nodded. Standing there, he watched her as she took a few deep breaths.

"Get towels, heat water, a pair of scissors, and something to clamp with and then get my damned pants and panties off me."

Nodding his head, Reiji dashed out of the room. Just in time, as she screamed again, it echoing through the silent house. Making him flinch at it, while glad he wasn't in the room with her.

After obtaining everything, she had asked for mostly from the servants quarters. He was back in the room, lighting a fire in the fireplace to heat the water in the kettle and glancing over his shoulder to the bed to see that Kagome was soaked through with sweat and was shivering slightly.

Mentally he cursed himself as he rushed to her side. Noting her eyes were closed as she focused on her breathing. Taking a deep breath, he flicked his wrist and sliced the dress from her person, getting her underwear in the process and frowning at the fact that they were tinted with the dark red of her blood.

Turning his head to see her looking at him, she mumbled what he needed to do. Feeling a bit disgusted by it, he complied by shifting her and the pillows to the end of the bed. Lifting her legs, so her knees were bent, giving him an unrestricted view of her. Taking his ability to rationalize from him as he saw more blood seep from her sex.

"Do not lock up on me, Reiji... do you see the baby? It's head, feet, anything?"

With a quick shake of his head as he looked over her swollen belly. Into blue eyes that were almost black with agony as another contraction hit her. Making her distended abdomen flex and shift, like one, would see a cat do when they stretch.

"Push?"

He had no clue. But at his word, he got Kagome to quirked an eyebrow and smiled at him as she complied. This went on for what felt like hours, though according to the miniature grandfather clock in the room, it was not more than thirty minutes. Eventually, he saw his child start to crown.

Just as the kettle whistled loudly, having reached its boiling point. When Kagome growled, he better get the water, towels, and everything else, he felt fear crawl down his spine. The dark tone in her voice was only heard when she was angry and beyond any reasoning. Giving a silent nod, he did as told, swiftly.

Once he was kneeling between her legs, he could see the dark tufts of hair on the head of the baby. Who had slipped a few more inches from her womb? Sucking his bottom lip in as he steeled his nerves. He pours a little bit of the hot water on a towel, dampening it before lifting it and wiping the area around the birth canal.

Body moving as if he was no longer a part of it. He told Kagome to breathe deep and push hard after her next contraction. Hands coming up just in time as she finished pushing to grab the base of the head and help slide his child from her. The warm towel instantly being wrapped around his newborn. Lifting the child, he stuck a finger into its mouth, swirling it around and scooping out most of the mucus. Before jostling the baby, in what he hoped was the correct manner, to dislodge the rest — earning him a small cry before the child settled.

The smell was overpowering his senses as he looked down in awe at the child he now held in one hand. While he fumbled for the scissors, only to realize he needed to sterilize them and the clamp. With dexterity and precision from years of making tea and experimenting, he lifted the kettle. He poured the heated water over the implements, now resting on another of the clean towels.

Satisfied that they'd be clean enough, Reiji moved the towel from over his child, placing the clamp about two inches from the belly. Again earning him a small cry, but this one of displeasure as he reached for the scissors and snipped the cord. Hearing a sickening squelching sound as the placenta slipped from his mate onto the hardwood floor.

He was not caring at all as he stared down at the baby — awe showing on his normally stoic face. Lifting his face as he heard Kagome call his name, Reiji couldn't help but smile with pride. Standing up, he left the mess and came to sit by her on the bed carefully and gingerly handing her the baby.

"What do you want to name...him?"

At his words, he saw Kagome's eyes go wide as she looked down at the child she now held. The smell of tears mingling with her sweat and everything else as she realized she gave birth to a boy. A small smile playing on her lips before she looked up at him. Mischief shining in her eyes. Letting him know she was up to something.

"Adam... as he is the first son..."

The meaning of her words were not lost on him at all. His father's project had failed with Yui after she turned. And while Kagome couldn't be turned due to what she was and being immortal already, all his children were pure-blooded vampires. Grinning back at her, he just nodded his head before moving away. He'd give her time to enjoy their newest addition and rest while he cleaned up everything.

Looking at the small clock, he saw it was now about nine o'clock in the morning. Well, past the time, both of them should have been. And through the curtains, he saw bright golden sunlight. The irony of it all was not lost on him.

The sound of voices filtering through the thick doors had Reiji stirring. Frowning at how loud everyone was being, he glanced down at Kagome, who he had moved back up the bed after replacing the bedding and sheets. She was asleep with their son nestled to her chest, her head on his shoulder, while one hand was grasping the hand attached to the arm being pinned.

Silently he counted in his head. Knowing that when they had not appeared that they'd all come looking for them. In their chambers, since his brothers had not an ounce of sense between them.

Sure enough, he hadn't even gotten to six before Laito, Ayato, and Subaru appeared. Lifting a finger to his mouth as the rest of his clan, daughters included appeared and moving his body just enough to reveal his sleeping mate and baby.

Feeling smug at the looks he got from his brothers as they saw the blue blanket wrapped bundle in her arms. As they realized what they saw and probably happened. Lifting his other arm, he waved at them to leave. Knowing that Reijina would take care of everything, though she was still very young, she was almost a perfect carbon copy of him, except her eyes were a beautiful blend of his red and Kagomes blue.

Once they were gone, having been herded by said child. Reiji settled himself back against the pillows. More than content to stay there all night and day with Kagome and their new son. Or at least until his father and the other Lords showed up for dinner later. Oh, he couldn't wait to rub his son in his father's face. But until that time, he was tired and content.

THE END!