Timeline: AU, Modern w/ youkai
Prompt: Black, Malice, Formality
Inspiration: "Black Magic" by Little Mix
Murky Magic
"This is a bad idea."
Tsubaki rolled her eyes, casting one more glance at herself in the mirror, smiling at the perfection she saw staring back at her.
"That's because you're a spineless bitch who has no dreams of grandeur," she snapped, tilting her face a few different ways and ignoring the ruby-eyed glare from her friend.
"This spineless bitch is the reason you have a job here in the first place, you ungrateful cow. Show some respect."
"I already thanked you for that. And bought you drinks the day I was hired."
Kagura leaned back against the bathroom counter, her arms folded across her pinstriped pantsuit. "That doesn't give you permission to start casting spells on my boss. Seduce him like a normal person."
"I don't need magic to seduce him, I just need him to notice me a little so I can seduce him. He barely gives anyone the time of day. I need to stand out! Be remembered."
Kagura pointed to her friend's miniskirt, the smooth, indigo fabric barely covering her ass. "You've certainly turned a lot of heads this morning. The wolf who's head of security walked into a wall."
"That's his own fault. Sesshoumaru said his favourite colour is blue and this was the only professional thing I have to wear that's blue. I have to be wearing his chosen colour for the spell to work." Tsubaki straightened the matching blazer, then winked at her reflection and started towards the door.
"Professional my ass…" Kagura muttered, following her friend out of the staff bathroom. "Just don't come crying to me when your spell blows up in your face. Taisho is a daiyoukai, basic spells probably don't work on him anyway."
"My spells always work," the dark miko said with a smirk. "Just watch, he'll be proposing by the end of the week!"
Sesshoumaru growled into the receiver of his cellphone, leaning back in his chair as he tried to keep his emotions under control.
"Their current standing in the court is irrelevant Mother, I will not be bribed into taking a mate."
"Oh come now, Sesshoumaru," the sultry voice on the other end purred, "Your childish antics have gone on long enough. How will you take my place as head of our line without a mate to support you?"
"You have too much love for gossip to give up your seat on the High Council simply because I have taken a mate. I am sure you have been promised more than what I have been offered if I agree to their union."
A lyrical giggle echoed in his ear. "I don't know what you're talking about, my dear son."
A soft knock sounded at his door, a dark-haired woman stepping into the room before he could respond. His eyes narrowed before he swivelled in his chair, facing the glass wall behind him.
"I can smell your lies through the phone, Mother. This conversation is over. Do not bother me with such trivial matters during work hours." He ended the call without waiting for a response, pocketing his device before spinning back around, his gaze hardening at the woman standing in front of him.
"It is customary to wait for an invitation before invading someone's privacy."
The bright red smile on her face faded, her brow creasing as she bowed her head. "My apologies, I just wanted to bring you some tea."
He eyed the tray she was holding, steam rising out of a single cup, curling around the woman's overly painted face.
"You interrupted a personal phone call for—"
Sauntering forward, the woman placed the tray on his desk. "You seemed so stressed today, I thought this might perk you up." She clasped her hands behind her back, purposefully pushing her chest up, the buttons of her gaudy blue blazer straining against her cleavage.
Sesshoumaru bit back a retort, the sound of HR's warning about interdepartmental discourse ringing in his head. "Next time wait until you are given permission to enter my office."
"Of course, sir." She gave him a nauseating smile, watching him eagerly. Did she expect him to drink it now? His eyes narrowed again, and he grabbed a folder on his desk, purposely ignoring the drink.
"You are dismissed."
The woman bristled, opening her mouth a few times but thought better of it and nodded, spinning on her high heels and heading back to the door. "Don't let it get cold!"
The daiyoukai waited for the door to close, then picked up the cup, inhaling the sickly, sweet smell and winced. Perhaps it tasted better than it smelled. Taking a sip, he grimaced and set the cup back down.
He was wrong.
"I told you it wouldn't work."
Tsubaki's fingers struck her keyboard harder than normal, her jaw clenching. "You said it was a bad idea, not that it wouldn't work. And it hasn't not worked yet, he just hasn't drunk it."
"How do you know?"
"Because it'll make him dizzy first."
Kagura snorted from the other side of the cubicle wall. "And what, you're just going to swoop in and be the first thing he sees?"
Flipping her hair, Tsubaki squared her shoulders. "Of course! I'll be the concerned employee, he'll become fixated on my outfit, and fall madly in love! It's flawless."
"Black magic is never flawless. It's conditioned to go wrong. Usually due to the ignorance of the wielder."
Tsubaki's dark aura pulsed, various post it notes dancing around her desk before she sucked in a breath to calm herself. Her spell was perfect. She was perfect. Sesshoumaru just needed a little nudge in the right direction. Her eyes drifted to his door again. He should've stumbled out of his office ages ago—if he'd drank it when she gave it to him—but so far nothing had happened. Maybe she should go back in and check on him. Offer to warm it up if he hadn't—
"Good morning Ms. Kuraihebi, have the caterers sent over their drafts for the employee benefit yet?"
The dark miko glared at the intern; the woman had only started a few days ago and she was already on Tsubaki's last nerve. Clicking her mouse a few times, she quickly opened her corporate email and hit the print button.
"They did! Let me just print it out for you." She clicked her mouse a few more times, then gasped. "Oops! I sent it to the wrong printer, it's going to the one outside the staffroom, sorry!"
"No worries! Ms. Tatsumaki needs me to fix a problem with the sound system, so I'll just do that now instead of after lunch." She turned to Kagura after writing something down on her clipboard. "If that's alright?"
Kagura waved her off, her ruby eyes not leaving her computer screen. "It's fine Higurashi, as long as it gets done."
Giving them both a slight bow, the intern headed to the other side of the office, not catching the smirk on Tsubaki's face.
"You did that on purpose."
"Of course I did! She's a twit, she deserves to do some extra running around. That's her job anyway."
"She's supposed to be learning how the corporate side of youkai-human relationships, not sent on a wild goose chase because you're feeling petty."
Tsubaki pursed her lips, watching Sesshoumaru's door again. "What's with you Kagura? You used to be fun. You'd send that wolf out on false calls all the time."
"That was before I realized that I actually like it here and have to work in order to keep my job." Her fingers hovered over her keyboard, and she glared at her friend. "And if you want the same thing to happen to you, you'll do the same."
"Like I said, used to be fun. We should—" The door she'd just been watching flew open with a bang, their boss's legs stiff as he staggered out of his office, one hand covering his eyes.
Tsubaki jumped to her feet and launched herself out of her cubicle, her feet barely touching the floor as she wrapped an arm around his waist to steady him.
"Sir, are you alright? Are you sick?"
The daiyoukai grunted, trying to pull away from her. "Just a headache. I am going to the infirmary."
Her arm around his waist tightened and she grabbed his free arm, draping it over her shoulder. "Let me escort you there sir, we wouldn't want you to fall over or lose your way."
"Impossible."
Turning them around, she led him towards the elevators, much to the chagrin of her colleagues. She just had to get him alone and then force him to look at her and she would—
"Ms. Kuraihebi, this isn't the right report. This is from the Southern District, not the caterers."
Tsubaki cursed under her breath, the clearly incompetent intern blocking their path. Her eyes narrowed at the woman as she bit back a scalding remark.
"I'll be with you in a moment, Higurashi, Mr. Taisho is unwell and needs help getting to the infirmary." Hoping it would be enough to force the intern away, Tsubaki mentally cursed as the irritation on the young woman's face melted into a look of concern.
"Are you alright Mr. Taisho? Is there anything I can do?"
"It's just a headache Higurashi, get out of the way so he can lie down."
The intern ignored her and reached up, her fingers brushing along his hairline before resting at his temple. Tsubaki felt a flare of reiki and her eyes widened in shock.
She's a miko? Kagura mentioned she lived in a shrine but this is the first time I've felt her power. How did she hide it so well?
Almost immediately, Sesshoumaru straightened, pulling away from her as his hand fell away from his face. His eyes fluttered open to stare at the woman in front of them. Higurashi held his gaze for a moment, then snatched her hand back, her cheeks darkening in embarrassment.
"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to—" she stammered as she took a step backwards. "I'm a trained healer and thought I could—" She clasped her hands together tightly before bowing low.
Tsubaki didn't waste any time and stepped in between them, giving her boss the full splendor of her indigo ensemble. His eyes focused on her and she looked up at him, her face full of concern.
"You should still lie down sir, your health is of the utmost impor—"
"I am aware of my own health concerns."
"Of course, sir, I was only—" Tsubaki frowned as her boss looked her up and down, then turned on his heel, striding back into the office and shutting the door behind him. Rolling her shoulders, she glanced over her shoulder, the intern's head still bowed.
"Pull yourself together, Higurashi, he's gone."
The younger woman straightened, and she cast a worried look at Tsubaki. "You don't think he'll fire me for that will he? I was only trying to help."
Tsubaki looked down at her hand, inspecting her perfectly manicured nails. "Who knows? You should probably keep a low profile for a bit though. He looked pissed." She smirked as Higurashi nodded, then headed in the direction of the elevators, clearly having forgotten about the missing report.
Good riddance.
Heading back to her desk, she tried not to look at her boss's door, settling into her chair and printing out the correct email in case the other miko came back whining for it.
"Guess it was a bust, huh?"
"Oh, it worked, it just needs some time to take over his system." Tsubaki wasn't worried. Black magic was a delicate process and Sesshoumaru's blood was more powerful than most. He'd be asking for her by the end of the day. Picking up her earpiece, she dialed the number for the floor below her, knowing she'd need an update on each district's finances.
She was just glad Higurashi hadn't been wearing anything blue that day.
Blue.
Regardless of the shade, that particular colour had stood out in his mind's eye for the last hour.
First it had been the hideous pantsuit worn by the busybody who'd invaded his office earlier with the vile tasting tea. Then the signatures on the latest contract sitting on his desk. Then it had been the outline of a stamp on some interoffice mail. And then… And then…
Sapphire.
Concerned sapphire.
And the softest touch to his temple before the lightning that had been burning the inside of his skull had finally ceased.
Even now, a frown marred his usually emotionless features. He'd never had a headache before. Battles had left him with scars, burns, and even broken bones, but he'd never had something as humanly mundane as a headache.
Especially to the point of needing the aid of others.
Yet he'd stumbled out of his office, almost blinded by the pain inside his head. The desperate peacock had latched onto him, vying for his attention as she sought to lead him away. Then someone had interrupted. Intervened. And Sesshoumaru had lost all train of thought when gold met sapphire.
He enjoyed blue; it was the colour of clear spring skies, turbulent seas, and berry tarts, when he decided to indulge in such delicacies.
But he'd never encountered this shade before. It had filled his vision and seared his soul. And now he couldn't think of anything else.
Running a hand over his face, he finally sank into his chair, his body slumping before bolting upright as a soft knock sounded at the door. Apparently, he wasn't even afforded a few minutes to recuperate before cockroaches came scurrying up to his feet seeking crumbs. At least this one waited for a response before disturbing him.
His mask fell into place, and he grabbed a fold on his desk. "Enter."
The door slowly opened, and the person stepped inside, their hand still on the doorknob, as if afraid to venture in any further.
"Is there a reason I am being disturbed again?"
The intruder stuttered, then seemed to find their nerve. "I wanted to apologize for earlier."
"Regarding?" Sesshoumaru heard the person—a woman—move further into his office and he internally sighed, finally raising his gaze. "I do not have time for petty—" His eyes widened as he stared at her.
Sapphire.
The raven-haired woman blushed; her bottom lip caught between her teeth. "I'm sorry sir. I just want to—that is… I've heard that you…" Her hands clenched into fists at her side.
"Your name?"
"Kagome Higurashi." The words tumbled out of her mouth after it had dropped in shock.
"Which department do you work in?"
Sapphire disappeared for a moment as she blinked at him. "This one sir. I'm one of the—"
Her words faded as his vision tunnelled, unable to focus on anything but the hue of her gaze. The sides of her eyes crinkled, the light inside them slowly becoming brighter as she overcame the anxiety that was marring her scent. The light soon became too much for him and he scowled, unconsciously rubbing his temples.
"Do you still have a headache?" The concern in her voice brought the rest of her face back into view and he found himself staring at her again.
"So it would seem."
She took a step towards his desk, her hand reaching for him before she remembered her place and stopped, wringing her fingers together. A memory surfaced, the sensation of reiki-tipped fingers brushing against his skin.
"You are a miko."
A blush stained her cheeks. "Yes sir."
"You are skilled at remaining hidden. Even I was not aware of you until now."
The blush deepened and she looked at her feet, Sesshoumaru's vision suddenly clearing, the blurred lines around her face becoming sharper and properly defined.
Strange.
"I've found it easier that way when I'm working with youkai." Her teeth found her lip again. "I'm not trying to hide anything, but people tend to feel uncomfortable or threatened if I don't mask it. Though I guess that cat's out of the bag now…"
"I sense no disquiet since the incident. It is likely your powers were controlled enough to continue your charade."
A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth and her shoulders sagged. "That's a relief. I don't want to cause any trouble."
And yet here she was.
Sesshoumaru regarded her thoroughly; there was nothing remarkable about her. Dark hair and sun-kissed skin, combined with navy slacks and a crisp, white dress shirt. Why had she crossed his mind in the first place?
"Sir, if I may, my shrine makes a special blend of tea that helps with headaches. I have some with me today if it's still bothering you."
His refusal was on the tip of his tongue—especially after the disaster he'd been served earlier—but then she met his gaze, and he was swimming in sapphire again. How was it that a human even had eyes that colour? Only the most regal of youkai had irises as dazzling as hers, and yet here she was, a human, a miko, and she was making him question if he'd ever witnessed true beauty before today.
"Do as you please."
A smile broke out onto her face and Sesshoumaru felt himself struggling to breathe. The happiness in her aura shone out through her eyes, the sapphires sparkling even more than before. Clasping her hands together, she bowed respectfully.
"I'll go make it right now, I'm sure you'll like it!" And then she was gone, her heels barely making a sound against the linoleum as she left his office, the temperature of the room seeming to drop without her presence.
Staring at the place she'd just been standing, Sesshoumaru leaned back in his chair, suddenly realizing he'd been on the edge of his seat during the entire interaction. Clearly this headache was affecting his judgement, blocking all reason and common sense from making it to his brain. He rarely consumed any food or drink at work, and now he was being made tea for the second time in a single day.
Perhaps he was ill.
He was definitely ill. Or the miko had put an addictive substance in her tea, as he'd drank two cups a day since that first taste.
Unlike the concoction the first woman had brought him—he had yet to remember her name—the blend from the miko's shrine was pleasant, hints of honey and jasmine wafting up from the mug and filling his office with its fragrance.
He'd found he actually enjoyed the flavour, and with little prodding, the miko had offered to make it for him on a daily basis. The mysterious headache had dissipated after the first day, but the tea gave him the excuse to gaze into the sapphire orbs that had so thoroughly captured his attention.
To the point where his concentration had started to suffer when she was suddenly absent from work.
He had given it a few days, assuming she had come down with something—as humans often did—but it had now been a week and she hadn't returned.
And he was actually worried.
Humans didn't just disappear—not anymore—so there had to be a reason for her prolonged absence. As well as why he hadn't been able to rid himself of the strange addiction he had developed for her tea. And presence.
Cursing under his breath, he opened up the personnel files on her computer, quickly searching for her name and pulling up her file. Her current photograph flashed onto the screen and his hand hesitated over his keyboard. It was a standard company picture; a neutral expression graced her features and had stolen the light from her eyes. Even when she'd been nervous and stuttering in his office, her eyes had had more life than that.
He instantly disliked the photo.
Finding the number she'd listed under her contact information, he pulled out his cellphone, quickly dialing as he leaned back in his chair. It rang twice before a lyrical voice answered on the other end.
"Hello?"
"Miko."
A stagnant pause followed, to the point where Sesshoumaru checked the screen to make sure the call hadn't failed. He placed the device back at his ear as she finally responded.
"Mr. Taisho?"
"Indeed. Can you explain your continued absence? Or are you aiming for unemployment?"
Another pause. "I'm sorry…?"
"I am not looking for apologies, miko, I am looking for efficiency. And reliability."
"Sir, I can assure you that I'm both of those things—"
"Then why have you not been—"
"—but I don't work for you anymore."
It was Sesshoumaru's turn to pause, his phone almost falling from his hand as golden eyes widened. "What?"
"I was a temp sir—an intern. I was only hired for two weeks."
In his entire existence, Sesshoumaru could not remember a day where he had felt the burn of embarrassment.
Until that moment.
"I was unaware of this fact."
She mumbled something too soft for him to catch, even with his demon hearing. "Something to add?"
"I did actually mention it… When I was in your office."
The burn returned, colour bleeding into his cheeks as he ran a hand down his face. "It is I who should be apologizing then. I was…distracted during our conversation."
"Because of your headache."
Grabbing on to the excuse, he hummed in agreement.
The tone of her voice softened and Sesshoumaru imagined the same was reflected in her face. "Do you get headaches often?"
"It has only been a recent affliction."
"I'm sure it's been tough. I hate having to work when I've got one. Especially when it involves computer screens."
"Indeed."
"I wish I could do something to help, Mr. Taisho. I really enjoyed my time at your company."
The words tumbled out of his mouth before he could stop them. "I would offer you a position here if there was one available."
"Thank you, sir, that means a lot. Especially coming from you."
"I apologize again for not focusing on our last conversation. And for taking up your time today."
Her soft laughter echoed over the phone, and he knew she was smiling, "You're welcome to do that any time, sir. It's not every day that I get a personal phone call from the head of such a prestigious company."
The urge to come up with a reason to contact her again was strong. But he had none. She had only spent two weeks on his floor, and he didn't even know which department she'd been assigned to. Or what her skills were.
She was respectful, thoughtful, considerate. Willing to accept her faults and apologize when they affected other people. All admirable qualities, but nothing that told him about her work ethic. And he'd meant it when he'd told her that there were no current openings.
"I-I…" she trailed off, not sounding as confident as before. "I hope to hear from you again."
The edges of his mouth tugged up into a whisper of a smile. "The sentiment is returned."
Tsubaki bit her thumbnail, her eyes darting back and forth from her computer screen and Sesshoumaru's door. It had been almost two weeks since she'd served him the tea, and nothing had happened. She'd never had an issue with her spells before, so why wasn't he falling over himself trying to impress her?
The only change in his behaviour has been the headache—which was expected—and she'd made sure that she was the one to be noticed wearing his favourite colour. And yet here she was, still typing away at a low-level job, answering calls from the same low-level people; instead of relaxing poolside, never having to worry about money again due to Sesshoumaru's annual income.
Why hadn't it worked?
Had he not ingested enough of it for the spell to take effect? No, he wouldn't have had the headache in the first place then. She'd even accounted for his daiyoukai blood, having increased the potency of the ingredients.
"You're going to get blood on the keyboard," Kagura said, admiring her own perfectly manicured nails.
Tsubaki scowled at her even as the taste of copper filled her mouth. "I'm going to talk to him. Maybe he just needs to see me—really see me—for the spell to activate."
Shrugging one shoulder, Kagura didn't look up from her screen. "I'm counting that as your second break."
The dark miko slammed her chair back harder than necessary, then straightened her clothes and sauntered into her boss's office, not even bothering to knock this time.
"Good afternoon Mr. Taisho, can I get you some tea or coffee before lunch?" Tsubaki faltered slightly at the sudden dip in temperature, warm amber turning to cold steel as he looked up.
"I do not remember requesting your service."
"Oh, it's my pleasure sir." She flipped some dark hair over her shoulder, forcing him to focus on the bright shade of blue on her blouse. If anything, his eyes narrowed more before sliding back to the screen in front of him.
"I do not require sustenance during office hours."
Tsubaki opened her mouth to argue when something on the edge of his desk caught her eye. A bento box wrapped in lavender, the fabric covered in pale, yellow crescent moons. A feeling of foreboding darkened her aura as she stepped towards it, feminine lettering decorating the accompanying card on top. Gritting her teeth, she flashed Sesshoumaru a smile as she reached for it.
"In that case, I'll just get rid of this for you, clearly someone didn't get the memo—"
"Touch anything on my desk and you will find yourself without a job. And your hands."
Tsubaki snatched her fingers back, unable to read the note from her current position. "Of course, sir. Are you sure there isn't anything I can—"
"No. And do not disturb me with your mindless prattle again."
She bowed slightly, then turned on her heel, her teeth attacking her thumb again as images of someone else taking her place plagued her mind.
She'd made him lunch.
Sesshoumaru stared at the wrapped bento box, having meticulously returned it to its original state after consuming the confections inside. He glanced down at the card on his desk, reading the message again even though he'd already memorized it.
I wasn't sure what you liked, so I put in all of my favourites. I hope there's something here that you like. –Kagome
Normally he stayed away from human food—save for when his associates felt business meetings were more productive when drenched in sake—but this woman's pull over him had him tasting each item she'd chosen, leaving him to wonder which parts she enjoyed the most. She'd also included a large supply of the tea she'd served him before, so he could make it whenever he chose.
Her note was written on the back of a business card, which had him equally intrigued. It was for a nearby café by the name of Aoitori; one that he'd actually heard others on the floor talking about.
Blue bird, indeed.
Such a fitting name, considering the miko seemed to own it, her contact information located under the image of its namesake sitting on the branch of plum blossom tree.
Which brought him back to his current dilemma, needing to return the container gave him the excuse to see her again. To see if the pull was stronger in her presence. He wanted it to be—he wanted to let the sound of her voice wash over him as he drowned in the pools of sapphire that were her eyes.
She had become his guilty pleasure, but the sensation had been slowly fading with each day she wasn't around. And each day it worsened, he became more convinced that she was the addiction, not the leaves swirling around at the bottom of his teacup.
Mollified in his decision, he rose from his chair, pocketing the note and grabbing the box. Making sure to double check the lock on his door, he strode towards the elevator, aware and uncaring of the shadow that followed in his wake.
The door chimed and Kagome forced herself not to wince, hoping that she'd already seen her last customer of the day. It was less than fifteen minutes before closing and the only thing she had left to do was pack up the leftovers from the display. The money in the till had been counted, chairs and tables wiped down, and ingredients prepped for the next day. All she wanted to do was turn off the lights and head home. Maybe soak in a bath before heading to bed.
For now, she plastered a smile on her face and turned towards the doorway. "Welcome to Aoitori, what can I—Mr. Taisho!" Her smile immediately became genuine, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the corporate executive.
He inclined his head, heading straight to the counter. "I came to return this." He held up the bento box and she leaned forward on the counter.
"Just to return it?"
"Perhaps." Her heart would have sunk if not for the mischievous light dancing in his eyes.
"Did you enjoy it? I hope you weren't allergic to anything."
"Demons do not have allergies."
"Guess that means you don't have an excuse not to try anything I give you then."
A silver eyebrow rose. "Do you intend on feeding me in the future?"
"Perhaps." A blush spilled onto her cheeks even as she tried to seem nonchalant about it, her heart beating wildly against her ribs. "If you're okay with that…"
He looked around the shop, taking in the simple decorations before glancing over the baked goods in the display case. "I am not opposed to the idea. Though I usually do not partake in human food."
She'd already picked up the box, grinning like an idiot. "And yet it's empty. Unless you gave it away to someone else at the office."
"No."
The complete lack of emotion in his answer made her smile more. Maybe the fantasies that had been running around in her mind all day weren't as far-fetched as she initially thought. Each interaction she had with the daiyoukai left her feeling like an inept teenager, regretting each word and action in his presence.
And yet, here he was.
Something brushed against her aura, and she placed the box down in front of her, speaking softly as she undid the knot on top.
"You brought a guest."
"So it would seem."
"Have they been following you the whole time?"
"Hnn."
"You seem to attract all kinds of attention, Mr. Taisho." Her eyes locked with his, content cobalt turning to fierce indigo before a dome of reiki encased them, lightning crackling along the outside of it before the front door slammed open.
"You conniving bitch! I saw him first!" Lightning shot from Tsubaki's fingers again, electrifying the air before being swallowed by Kagome's shield. "You stole him from me!"
Kagome stepped around the counter, taking on a defensive stance in front of Sesshoumaru. "I wasn't the one who tried to get in his pants by spiking his tea." She felt surprise ripple along the edge of the aura behind her before it shifted, swirling around her like a protective tornado.
Incensed, Tsubaki blasted the pair again, purple flames licking the edge of the barrier. Kagome twisted her fingers in a delicate dance, her sapphire gaze darkening to that of an ocean during a tempest.
"If you break anything in my store, I will break your face."
"You did something didn't you? You ruined my spell! Everything would've worked out perfectly if not for you."
The barrier flickered as a blush crept up Kagome's neck and she felt Sesshoumaru's eyes on her. "I wasn't sure what you'd done, but it was fairly obvious after you suddenly knew he needed help. And tried to drag him off."
"You neutralized it. When you touched me."
Her blush increased and Kagome hoped he thought it was because she'd been caught and not because she was remembering the feel of his skin beneath her fingers.
"Sorry if I overstepped—"
"Stop talking to him!" Tsubaki's eyes flashed, and she raised a hand, a sleek serpent shooting out from behind her. It streaked towards the pair, venom dripping from its fangs as it burst through the barrier. Kagome gasped in surprise, unable to get her hands up in time to protect her face.
A pale hand snatched the serpent out of the air, it instantly disintegrating as poison leaked out of his fingers, turning the pale scales to ash before they hit the floor.
Kagome flashed him a grateful smile over her shoulder, then returned her stormy gaze to the dark miko. "Last chance. Leave now or you will regret it. I can pretty much guarantee you've been fired—"
"Affirmative."
"—and I will have way too much fun making sure you stay away. Permanently."
The dark miko glared at her, then shifted her gaze to Sesshoumaru, her lips pursing into a pout. "We would make such a great couple."
The daiyoukai didn't look at her, inspecting his claws. "I do not associate with bottom-feeders."
Tsubaki recoiled, her aura flowing out of her like magma as her hair turning from black to silver, power pooling around her. Another serpent appeared over her shoulder, and she turned her eyes on Kagome, enraged.
"You're much too young to be giving me orders." The shikigami coiled around her arm, hissing softly before opening its jaws. Her other hand shot out, power surging towards Sesshoumaru, distracting him long enough for the serpent to attack Kagome.
But the younger miko was prepared this time.
Her hands came up and crossed in front of her face, a blast of pale, pink reiki repelling it back towards its owner. Tsubaki screamed as the shikigami hit her face with open fangs. It disappeared into her right eye, causing her to stagger back against the front door.
She let out a string of curses, one hand covering her eye as she raised her other hand to attack again. Only pausing when Sesshoumaru stepped in front of Kagome.
"Stand down. Or you will not live to see tomorrow."
Tsubaki opened her mouth to respond but then closed it again with a snap, the woman steeling herself before she yanked the door open and disappeared into the night.
Kagome didn't move until the dark aura faded completely before letting out the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Looking around the front of her shop, she ran a hand through her hair.
"At least I don't have to replace anything. Or clean up again." She looked up at Sesshoumaru, biting her lip. "Thanks for not slicing her open. I'm sure that would've been easier."
"Indeed."
She felt his youki expand and she couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips.
Always so thorough.
"Think she'll come back?"
"Perhaps. But not tonight." He turned slightly, regarding her out of the corner of his eyes. "You were aware of her intentions."
Sighing, Kagome leant back against the counter, her barrier finally dissolving around them. "Like I said, not exactly. I could feel that your aura was tainted and that she was the cause. Using my reiki on you was the quickest way to stop the spell's effects."
"And the tea?"
Guilt tainted her aura and she looked down at her feet. "It builds up your immunity against corrupted reiki. You normally only need a few doses, but you seemed to enjoy it, so I sent you more."
His gaze moved, focusing on something behind her but she stood her ground, trying to think of a way to explain her actions without placing herself into the same category as the witch they'd just run off.
"What about that?" He inclined his head, motioning to the bento box. "Does that have magical properties as well?"
She blinked at him, the blue standing out more as a blush stained her cheeks. "No. That was for my own selfish intentions."
His lips curved up into a smirk and Kagome bit back a moan at the roguish expression on his face.
"Good."
Kagome found herself smiling as well, hope blossoming in her chest.
"Do you always work the evening shift?"
"No, usually I open, but my part-timer needed the night off."
"Then you are free Saturday evening."
Sapphire gleamed at him, shining like gemstones even in the artificial lighting. "Depends."
Amber eyes narrowed at her. "You have other suitors?"
"No, but you haven't actually asked me anything yet."
Sesshoumaru muttered what sounded like "devious wench" under his breath, then faced her fully. "Will you accompany me to dinner on Saturday?"
Kagome flashed him a brilliant smile, almost jumping out of her skin. "Yes! Do I need to wear anything specific?"
His eyes lingered on hers, the golden depths taking her in as he seemed to consider his answer.
"Something blue."