A/N: So I wanted to say thank you to the last person who commented telling me to keep going because holy shit am I swamped since school has started and I also just started my second job and it's frightening. Also, I do appreciate ya'll who like actually know shit about Japanese clothing or history or whatever else trying to help me, because clearly I'm like a lvl 1 weeb (I use this term endearingly I promise), but I do want to say that I am writing this for FUN, so if something doesn't make sense, then I'm sorry? Like this modified priestess clothing? If anyone has seen Inu x Boku SS, think of Ririchiyo's demon clothing, minus her weapon, horns, scarf, and heeled sandals. I thought that shit looked cool. I have no idea how to describe it, so google it if you want. Idk m8. Also, I hate writing author's notes so if ya'll think I'm ignoring you because I don't respond to comments...just know I see your comments, and I appreciate them, and if you got something nasty to say to me, just know AGAIN that I write this for fun. Don't be an A-hole. It's fanficiton, guys. I'm 26, work 2 jobs, and have part time school aiight. We all too grown to be rude about an early 2000s anime. I genuinely love the support and nice comments and even people questioning shit I clearly forgot about in the plot because yes I am updating less and less and am forgetting my own story. Last thing I wanna say is thanks for reading, and not just the story but this stupid ass long author's note.
~Sploosh
Kagome barged into Sesshou's office with a determination he hadn't seen in her since Inuyasha had been alive to rattle her nerves. He raised an eyebrow at her noisy entrance.
"You!" She stood before his desk, hands on her hips, "You failed to mention that this entire court is just here waiting to fall into your arms and claim some old school title!"
"Why is this relevant now?" He had a feeling some of the females were threatened by her presence. Perhaps they had moved to strike fear in her as well.
"I met with a number of ladies," Kagome paced, motioning with too many hand gestures to make sense, "And more than once they had hinted at your return to court, when they had all arrived for your benefit."
Ah, there it was. So some of them had been more open about their pursuit.
"Kagome I assure you these women have never come to know my person." Sesshou closed his laptop, leaning back into his leather desk chair.
"You're centuries old," Kagome paused her pacing to judge him openly, "I hardly believe you're so pure."
"I am not," He admitted, watching the confusion play across her features. "But I fail to see why this is important-"
"Because-!" Kagome interjected, and he paused for effect.
"To you."
Oh. She realized her mistake far too late. Why is this important to her? And if it is, then why is she telling him directly?
Kagome beat herself up internally as Sesshou watched her turmoil turn to embarrassment. He was not familiar with this sort of emotion on her. While he was heavily aware of her jealousies from centuries ago, even then she hadn't acted on any ill thoughts that took her mind.
A silence filled the air and he could hardly contain his smirk. Crossing his arms over his chest, he sat smugly, knowing she was berating herself for the corner she backed herself into.
"I-" Her voice pitched with her nerves, "I guess I'm just concerned."
"For me." He uncrossed his arms, and relaxed. He would not make fun of her now. She was too good hearted to scorn her for such behavior.
"Yes." Her whole body eased with her exhale of the word, dropping her gaze down as well. He would accept her lie, and she no longer had to scramble for reasons.
"There is no need." He stood and came around the desk, "Now come, it's about time I take you home."
Exiting his office, Sesshou was curious of the expression on Daisuke's face. He was leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, and only his wide, dark eyes were telling of any conflicts that may have arisen with Kagome. Surely, she hadn't behaved poorly with the ladies of the court. So why the gawking?
"Don't let me forget my bag. I made sure to bring my history book home this time so I could study." Kagome rolled her eyes when Sesshou did no more than stare blankly back at her. "Yes I know I lived history, but I only lived one year of it. Besides, this test isn't even on the feudal era."
"What do you wish to know about history?" Sesshou began to lead her back towards the family wing, where she had left her uniform and school bag.
"I have a feeling your version of history will be different than my school books." She was skeptical of his help. If anything, he probably had something to do with major turn of events in time.
"That doesn't mean I cannot assist you in studying." Sesshou kept his eyes forward, realizing he was only digging himself into a hole. So much for trying to spend less time together.
"Fine," Kagome looped her arm through his and charged forward, attempting to hurry the lord she had become so smitten with. "Coffee tomorrow? After studying I can come here and I don't know, do more stuff?"
"Stuff?" He hadn't exactly assigned her any duties but it appeared she was ready to take on the household and belong. Kagome blushed, realizing she must have assumed and opened her mouth to backpedal, but he intervened, "The only assignments I have for you require my mother from here forward. We shall return when she is ready to be welcomed."
"Alright," She shrugged and continued onward, "Any idea what she wants to teach me?"
"Etiquette, most likely." Sesshou side eyed her for a reaction and was pleased when he saw her eyes turn to slits, ready to fire back a snarky retort. "Hush, Kagome." He intervened before she could go off, "Times have changed, and we are not looking to change you. As you can see from your attire, our customs have changed over time. Assume that our politics have, too."
She remained quiet, pensive. It was rare he wondered what she was thinking without having an inkling of what she was turning over inside her mind's eye. Perhaps she was still feeling moody. He couldn't chalk it up to her menstruation, though. He knew that was two weeks away. As they came to the familial rooms, Kagome left his side to change back into her school uniform.
Meeting up with Sesshou outside her temporary bedroom, she was pleased to see he had changed back as well. Gone was the old Sesshoumaru, and back again was Sesshou, dressed in a suit and tie. This made more sense to her. The Western Palace was a maze of her memories, despite never having been before. Even the modified priestess garb she had donned for the scant few hours she spent in these halls brought to life old thoughts she was sure had been put to rest.
For you, it must feel like you just lost Lord Inuyasha.
What would her world be like to find out he lived this long? To have him once again, welcoming her home as if she had never left. Her heart ached.
"Kagome," Sesshou's voice pulled her from the depths of her despair, "Whatever transpired between you and my people, think nothing of it. They do not know you."
"They know enough." She kept her eyes on the floor, too embarrassed to admit to longing for a dead lover. He could feel the tension in the air around her, and see her shoulders raise as she bowed her face away from his view. The scent of salt tickled his nose and he was aware of her sadness before he could physically identify it. Putting a hand to her shoulder, he was reminded of just how small her frame is. She had old muscle in her shoulders and back from the intensive year of archery in battle, and he knew how lean her legs were from the cardio that came with running to and from danger, but she was so small. So human.
"Sessh-" Kagome turned her head up to question him, only to be engulfed in a hug so warm, and so overwhelming, she forgot just what she wanted to say. His arms were laced over her shoulders, allowing her to wrap her own around his waist, looping under his suit jacket.
"Do not let ghosts haunt you." He breathed into her ear, a soft whisper that sent a shiver down her spine, "I am no substitute, but I will not let you be alone." The tears that threatened to fall before were building in her lashline now, spilling down her cheeks and dampening his button up shirt.
"Thank you," Her voice was a wavering plea, but she refused to dissolve under his touch. "I'm sorry I'm like this."
"Do not be sorry." He simply stated, pulling from the embrace to view her tear streaked face. His longing to fix her heartache overtook him in a way he didn't wish to dissect at the moment. Dropping his arms from her person entirely, he was acutely aware of the audience in the doorway.
"My apologies, my Lord, Lady Priestess," A young demoness dressed in a simple kimono bowed at the waist, "Lord Daisuke sent me to introduce myself to our honored guest."
"You may enter, Ami." Sesshou stepped aside to allow the two women to interact. He knew she had seen more than he intended for anyone within these walls to see. He would be more careful next time. Kagome reeked of his person now. Stepping just outside into the hallway, he could still hear their interactions, but the guise of privacy was respectful. Perhaps Kagome's emotions would thrive with more female attention.
"Lady Priestess," Ami bowed again, this time less severely, and nodded her head kindly. The short bow jerked her short brassy bob forward and back, showing the volume and shine that came naturally to her species. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Ami, your handmaid."
"Are you…?" Kagome eyed the brassy tails bunched together behind Ami's backside.
"A kitsune? Yes." Ami's polite smile never faltered. "Lord Sesshoumaru and Lord Shippou asked that I come to assist in the events and remain by your side for the duration of your stay with the Western Palace."
"Thank you for coming, then. I know I'll need help around here, so I appreciate you taking time from your personal life for everything." Kagome didn't know how to react. Trying to hide the fact that she had been crying, she kept her gaze from the kind demoness' eyes. "And I wanted to thank you for the clothing. The priestess outfit is perfect. It's just what I wanted."
"I'm glad I could please you, my Lady," Ami nodded again in a bow, "Please let me know if I can fashion together anything else for you, your rooms, or anything that may come to mind."
"That's awfully sweet of you, Ami," Kagome blushed, wondering if maybe she would be allowed to bend the rules now, "But do you mind not calling me Lady Priestess? Kagome is just fine."
"As you wish, Kagome." Ami's smile eased some, knowing that all Shippou had told her of his surrogate mother would soon be evident in her time within the castle. "I don't wish to hold you up any longer, so please, Lord Sesshoumaru is waiting just outside. I will see you again when you return."
"Thank you, Ami." Kagome bowed her thanks and moved to pass the demoness.
"Anytime, Kagome." Ami paused and reached for her lady, startling the young human to look up. Grinning in the foxy way that reminded her of Shippou's mischievous mannerisms, Ami mouthed, "He is very fond of you."
Sesshou pushed himself off the wall when Kagome made her exit. He approached her with curiosity, seeing that her mood had altered. For better or worse, he wasn't sure, but at least she had stopped crying.
"Come," He offered his arm to lead her back to the garage, "I should get you home."
"Okay." Kagome took his arm without thought, still swirling inside her own thoughts.
Once they had made it inside the car, Kagome pulled out her cell phone and sent off a quick text. Sesshou thought nothing of it, assuming it was one of her school friends.
"Actually," She turned to him as he began backing out of the parking space, "Would you mind making a stop before taking me home?"
"Anywhere." A simple glance told her enough. He would do anything for her.
He is very fond of you.
"Sometime tonight you have to return home." Sesshou raised an eyebrow at her in warning, knowing she might be procrastinating studying for that history test.
You have to return.
"What did you say?" Kagome's head pounded, a headache forming on her temples and pulsing outwards.
"I can't have you out past curfew, Kagome. I've robbed you enough from your mother." Sesshou kept his eyes on the road as he navigated his way from the backside of the palace.
"Right," She shook her head, discreetly rubbing her forehead. As fast as the headache had formed, it was gone. "Sorry."
"So where to?"