"Tell me everything."
Kagome shares the story of how she arrived home to the sound of raised voices. Sesshomaru's gaze is intense as she speaks. When Kagome mentions the woman she saw exit Totosai's residence, his eyes narrow.
"What did he call her?"
"Arisu Aikawa," Kagome answers.
He scoffs. "I gave her far too much credit. I did not anticipate she would follow me on land."
"What do you mean?"
"My mother has several hobbies she leverages to keep herself entertained. Lately, her favorite one has been to interfere with my affairs. Ever since my father's passing, she has turned her attention away from other menial tasks to focus on me," Sesshomaru explains.
"That's nice, though, isn't it? She must care if she spends so much time with you," Kagome replies.
"You do not understand my mother or her true intentions."
"Maybe not but when I saw her with Totosai, she seemed worried about you."
"She is concerned about how others perceive her. Female leaders are not uncommon amongst our kind, however, the ones who have lost their mate are. We are strongest when we are with our pair bond. My mother knows this. She seeks to justify her place through me," Sesshomaru says.
"Are you like a prince or something?" Kagome asks.
"We do not rely on titles the way humans do. Our hierarchy is established through dominance and displays of power. It is instinctual. We form alliances with each other. Typically, that results in clusters of us traveling together. Out of that group, an alpha couple emerges. When they grow weak or are no longer capable of protecting the group, a stronger pair claims their place."
The process sounds cold, almost clinical in its precision. Kagome understands that animal instincts are inherited to ensure survival. She's read enough texts about the brutal effects of nature to know that sentiment could get them killed. This holds especially true for empathetic creatures such as primates, elephants, and dolphins who are losing their homes— and their lives —due to humans. Even though Kagome understands the process, that doesn't mean she approves of it.
She can't imagine growing up in a home where there was a constant threat of being cast out for being perceived as weak. Kagome wonders if that is part of the reason why Sesshomaru kept hidden for so long. The biggest danger to a siren's life is humans. Kagome would never hurt Sesshomaru but she can't say the same for her colleagues.
Totosai must have had his reasons for only accepting Kaede's help when he first brought Sesshomaru to the aquarium. Regardless of how nice everyone here seems, Kagome has to be careful. She doesn't want Sesshomaru to end up as the subject of a scientific journal or as a fisherman's prized mount.
She's almost afraid to ask but her curiosity causes the words to slip out. "What happened to your father?"
"He chose to spend the remainder of his life on land. His second wife was human."
Kagome stares at Sesshomaru. She didn't realize they had a choice. Kagome suspected that Sesshomaru's ability to shift was temporary— a defense mechanism similar to chameleons changing the color of their skin. She never considered the possibility of Sesshomaru remaining in his human form.
Which reminds her.
"Um…here. Put these on." She thrusts the clothes into his hands.
Kagome ducks her head and turns away. It doesn't escape either of them that any semblance of privacy is long gone. Regardless, she can't find the courage to watch him dress. The skin of her face heats until she feels almost feverish. Kagome claps her palms over her cheeks, hoping the chilled skin will cool them down.
"I will never comprehend how humans were able to survive for so long. You cover yourself in these garments that offer little to no protection. What purpose do they serve? Why not exist in your natural skin as we do?"
"We can't just parade around naked! Have some decency!" she cries.
"Decency?" He snorts. "Considering how your kind ravages the seas, I do not believe they operate with even the smallest shred of the trait."
"Okay, I'm not going to argue with you about that but you still need to wear clothes. People don't go out in public naked," Kagome points out.
"Fine."
She hears the rustling of fabric as he covers himself. Kagome sighs in relief. That's one less problem on her list. The next hurdle they need to overcome is how to get Sesshomaru outside.
Kagome is debating whether or not she can swipe a visitor's pass from the front desk when she remembers Totosai's badge. "Perfect!" she cheers, retrieving the laminated red card.
"Why do you require Totosai's badge?" Sesshomaru asks.
"I don't; you do."
Kagome pauses, suddenly unsure of herself. "Unless…unless you want to stay here."
"I am certain your accommodations are far superior to Totosai's," Sesshomaru responds.
She glances up to see him adjusting the sleeves of his shirt. Totosai left him a pair of trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, and socks. The only thing that appears to be missing is shoes. Kagome can't fault Totosai for that. There would be no way for him to know the correct size since she's pretty sure this is Sesshomaru's first time in human form.
The clothes are varying shades of dark, neutral tones. Against Sesshomaru's coloring, the material's pigment accentuates his pale complexion. His eyes— a stunning molten hue —pop against the black shirt.
Kagome can't deny how good he looks. If she didn't know any better, she'd think he was here for a photoshoot. Sesshomaru could easily have a career as a model.
She scratches the back of her neck, nervously turning to the side. "So, yeah, about my living arrangements. I'm renting the apartment above Totosai's house."
Sesshomaru stares at her.
"I don't have a tank or even a pool for you to use. You'd have to stay like that," she says, gesturing to his legs.
"Fine".
She blinks. "You're…you're okay with that?"
He nods.
"Okay," Kagome drawls.
She expected him to refuse to be anywhere near her landlord, especially since his mother visited a few weeks ago. Of course, it's not like he has a choice. Kagome doesn't have any alternative housing to offer Sesshomaru. It's not like she was prepared for him to sprout legs and walk out of the aquarium. Kagome planned to get Sesshomaru out and return him to the ocean.
"Well, I guess that settles it. You'll have to come home with me," she says.
Sesshomaru grins.
"We should find you some shoes though. You can probably borrow a pair of boots from one of the trainers," Kagome suggests.
"Boots?"
"To cover your feet," she explains. "Don't look at me like that! You'll need them. Believe me, walking home barefoot isn't as fun as it sounds."
Sesshomaru doesn't appear convinced. Shaking her head, grabs his hand and leads him out of the chamber.
They are halfway down the hallway before someone spots them. Kagome inwardly groans. Of all the people they would run into, it would have to be him.
"Hey, Kagome! I didn't know you were still here," Koga greets her.
"Yeah, just finishing up some stuff for Totosai in the back."
Koga nods, smiling at her before he notices Sesshomaru. Kagome sees the change in his expression the moment Koga spots where their hands are joined. Instantly, she drops Sesshomaru's hand. He makes a low sound in his throat and entwines his fingers with hers.
"Who's this?" Koga asks.
"Sesshomaru. He's Totosai's…," she trails off.
"Nephew."
Kagome's eyes go wide as Kaede appears behind Koga. "It's nice to see you again," she says to Sesshomaru.
"The same to you," he returns with a bow of his head.
Koga's gaze flickers between them. He seems suspicious but he doesn't press Kaede. Instead, he speaks to Sesshomaru. "I didn't know Totosai had any siblings. Are you working here?"
"No."
Kagome watches Koga's brow crease as he frowns. She clears her throat. "Totosai asked me to give Sesshomaru a tour."
Koga folds his arms across his chest. "Oh, yeah? Strange he didn't want to do it himself. I think he'd want to show the place off to his family."
"My uncle—," the word seems to take some effort on Sesshomaru's part to say, "—is quite busy."
"Afraid of getting lost?" Koga quips, glancing at their interlocked hands.
"I fear nothing," Sesshomaru responds cooly.
"What he means is that the security here is so extensive that we didn't want to risk him getting trapped somewhere without the appropriate credentials," Kagome lies.
Koga raises an eyebrow.
Kaede smiles. "Smart move. It took me almost a month to memorize this network of hallways."
Scoffing, Koga drops his arms. "Whatever. I'm glad I ran into you, Kagome. I spoke to the rest of the staff and it looks like everyone is free this Saturday."
"Saturday?"
"Yeah, for our group outing," he clarifies.
Kagome flushes with embarrassment. She completely forgot about Koga's offer to arrange a team dinner. Originally, Kagome wanted to go so she'd have a reason to approach Sango. She figured a group outing would be the perfect excuse to strike up a conversation with the head of security. That was before Kagome discovered Sesshomaru's ability to transform.
Koga senses her hesitation and adds, "You're welcome to join us, Sesshomaru."
"If Kagome attends, so will I."
Her cheeks color for an entirely different reason this time. His responses always manage to fluster her. "Right, well, we'll see you both tomorrow. I have to head home– lots of studying to do."
She pushes past Koga and Kaede before either of them can question her need to take Sesshomaru with her.
"No boots, then?" he questions as they round the corner toward the exit.
Kagome curses under her breath. She takes a brief detour to the locker rooms.
He eyes the symbols on the pair of doors in front in front of them. "Go in this one," Kagome directs, pointing to the one in his right. "It's the men's locker room. You should find some spare boots along the wall near the showers. The trainers usually leave them there to dry off between shows."
Sesshomaru scowls. "It is degrading to expect animals to perform for your amusement."
"I didn't say I agreed with it," Kagome snaps, pushing him forward.
His response is lost as he disappears through the doorway.
Kagome ducks into the women's locker room to collect her backpack. She thought her biggest challenge with getting Sesshomaru out of the aquarium would be the actual getting out part. Turns out, her main obstacle is the man— siren —himself.
He doesn't seem to like anything about the human world. His opinion of Koga was clear, though he appeared slightly more tolerable of Kaede. Kagome supposes he feels obligated to show the elderly woman gratitude, considering she helped smuggle him in. Sesshomaru's views on the animal trainers doesn't surprise Kagome. She doesn't disagree but the practical side of her understands the shows being in crowds, which brings in the money that helps them fund rehabilitation. It's a tricky situation.
She sighs. They haven't even made it past the employee-only section of the aquarium yet. If Sesshomaru keeps noticing flaws in the human world, Kagome won't be able to convince him to stay.
Where did that come from? she wonders as she steps out into the corridor.
Sesshomaru can't stay. He's a siren. Living on land wouldn't be an escape, it would just be a larger cage— or tank, in his case. No, he has to return to the ocean. It is the only place where he can truly be free.
The door creaks open. "Are these what I require to leave?" In his hand, Sesshomaru has a pair of thick rubber boots.
"Perfect!"
"Hn." He slips his feet inside.
After a few awkward passes back and forth through the hallway, Kagome hooks her arm through his. "Let's go."
"This is me," Kagome announces as they turn down a narrow path. They stroll along a few more meters and Totosai's home comes into view. "I'm on the second floor," she says, pointing to a staircase that runs up the side of the house.
Sesshomaru doesn't comment on the building. His expression remains impassive. Kagome isn't sure what he expected to find. They passed several businesses and homes on their way here. By comparison, Totosai's house is rather modest. He keeps the place well-kept, including the yard, which contains several black pine trees for privacy.
Kagome reaches into the front pocket of her backpack to retrieve the key. She can tell by the soft glow of the lights in her landlord's kitchen that Totosai is home. She freezes on the pathway, debating whether or not to tell him about Sesshomaru. Though Kagome suspects Totosai knew Sesshomaru would one day transform, she's not ready to witness another argument between the two— an argument she is sure will happen when her landlord discovers she invited Sesshomaru to stay with her.
She doesn't have the energy to explain how improper her offer is. Since Sesshomaru doesn't understand the need for clothes, she doubts he'll find fault with sharing her room. Totosai will but that's a battle for another day.
Kagome cautions Sesshomaru to be quiet as he follows her up the steps. She unlocks the door and switches on the lights.
The studio space isn't large but she's managed to keep it tidy. In the center of the room is a circular table where her textbooks are stacked next to a pile of notebooks. Against the far wall is her bed. On the right is a large window that overlooks the front of the house. A kitchen counter is situated underneath, along with a stovetop and fridge. Across the room are a storage closet and the bathroom.
"It's not much, but it's mine," she says, twisting her hands in front of her.
His only response is a brief nod.
Kagome bites her lower lip. She can't tell what he's thinking. His expression is difficult to read. Unsure what else to do, Kagome shucks off her shoes. She sets them on the floor mat. Sesshomaru does the same.
"Can I get you water or tea? You'll have to wait a bit for dinner. I don't have anything prepared."
"Water will be sufficient for now," Sesshomaru tells her. He looks around the apartment before settling on the floor by her table.
It's surreal seeing him in her space. He doesn't appear uncomfortable. She expected some level of confusion, maybe even apprehension, yet Sesshomaru seems completely at ease. Kagome hopes that means he'll be able to sleep well.
Her eyes go wide. Sleep. She glances over her shoulder at her bed. It's the only one in the apartment. Kagome chides herself for not considering this earlier. What am I going to do now?
Her hands tremble as she pours him a glass of water. Kagome almost trips over her own feet on her way to deliver it.
"What troubles you?" Sesshomaru inquires.
"Sleeping bag," Kagome blurts out. He tilts his head. She clears her throat. "I'll use my sleeping bag. You can have the bed."
Sesshomaru stares at her. "What is a sleeping bag?"
Kagome explains the portable bedding option, noting the way Sesshomaru's face darkens.
"It is a net," he remarks.
"No! No, wait, let me just—." She takes her sleeping bag out of the closet and unrolls the lightweight fabric. Kagome demonstrates how easily she can zip and unzip the sides to get in and out of it.
Sesshomaru's expression doesn't change. "Why do you require such a thing?"
"We can't sleep together!"
He frowns. "Why not?"
"I've never…because we're not mar—," Kagome starts to cycle through an array of reasons finally landing on, "Because it's not proper."
"Humans never share the same bed?"
"No, they do. It's just—."
"Then we will share."
"No, Sesshomaru—."
"I fail to understand your reasoning. Humans regard it as improper behavior and sleep separately or humans accept it and sleep together? Which is it?"
"Both. Humans sleep with their partners, what sirens call their pair bond. Anything else is considered improper," she explains, her face reddening as she speaks.
"You will not share your bed with anyone who you do not consider your mate?" Sesshomaru asks.
"Right."
"Very well. I understand your reasoning and accept your terms. For now, I will take the sleeping net. You must conserve your energy for your studies."
"Thank you, Sesshomaru." Kagome turns to begin preparing their dinner but even with her back to him, she manages to hear what he says next.
"Until you invite me into your bed."
Author's Note: Voting is now open for Feudal Connection's 2022 1st Quarterly Inuyasha Fandom Awards! Go vote for your favorite SessKag artists and authors!