Tease
Ch. 5
Kagome twirled in front of Sango, showing off her dress.
"The flowers are nice, but the dress makes you look older. I feel like it's too mature for a first date or any actually. Where is Sesshoumaru taking you again?" Sango asked, sitting on Kagome's bed.
"That French fusion restaurant downtown," Kagome answered from her closet. She slipped out the knee length dress.
"Ooh fancy. Yeah, your dress has to be more than cute; it has to be a showstopper," Sango confirmed.
"Um, okay how about this? How short is too short for a first date?"
"If you have to ask that, I'm scared to see what you picked," Sango laughed.
Kagome came out wearing a gray bodycon dress. It had a deep V neck and cut off just below her butt.
"Oh god Kagome no!" Sango exclaimed, "Not first date appropriate at all! I want you to turn heads, but not like that!"
Kagome walked over, crashing in her bed. "Ugh, I'm so bad at this. Dating seemed way easier in college."
"That's because you only dated one guy," Sango giggled.
Sango went to her closet, "Okay let's have a look here."
Kagome threw a pillow over her head, "It's official, I only have two types of clothes. Stripper clothes and matronly outfits."
Sango pulled out a dress, "Here, try this one on."
Kagome pulled herself off the bed to check Sango's pick. Her face brightened.
"Oh, it's perfect."
Sesshoumaru straightened his tie. It had been the fourth time that hour he'd done so. God he needed a drink. Several, if he was being honest. He shrugged away his nervousness. Why would he feel like this? It was just a date. That had been his mantra the past week, but it did little to calm his nerves.
"You look handsome, Daddy." Rin smiled. Sesshoumaru smirked.
"Thank you. Behave for Inuyasha, Rin. I'll be back later tonight."
He could do this. It was just a date.
Sesshoumaru checked his watch again. He'd arrived at the restaurant early to make sure there was a table available and now there were only five more minutes to wait.
"Sesshoumaru, is that you?"
Sesshoumaru looked up to see Kagome waving. She was early. Had she been as excited to see him as he was to see her? Sesshoumaru stood to pull out her chair when he got a good look at her. She walked up to their table, shyly tucking a curl behind her ear. She wore a red dress, modeled like a modern Chinese kimono, knee-length with a dragon hugging her curves and a small slit running up her thigh. Sesshoumaru swallowed hard. Just a date, he thought. He could handle this.
Kagome sat in the pulled-out chair and thanked Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru sat. Neither spoke a moment. Kagome couldn't hide the amusement in her eyes as Sesshoumaru looked everywhere but her.
"You really know how to clean up," Kagome said, admiring his dark grey suit. "And this place is beautiful!"
"You're beautiful," Sesshoumaru murmured, his eyes finally on her.
Kagome was stunned at the declaration, but laughed. Sesshoumaru's eyes slid back to his menu, feeling hot and uncomfortable. The faintest of blushes dusted his cheeks. If Kagome hadn't been so focused on him, she wouldn't have noticed.
"So who is watching Rin now?" Kagome asked, attempting to break the ice.
"She's with my sibling, Inuyasha."
"Oh, you have a brother?"
"Hn, half-brother actually, but yes," Sesshoumaru confirmed, eyes trailing over the restaurant.
Kagome giggled at his tone. Something told her he corrected people on that detail a lot. Still Inuyasha couldn't be that bad if Sesshoumaru had him watching Rin.
"What's so funny?" Sesshoumaru hadn't known what he said, but the flutter of her laugh eased his spirits.
Kagome stifled herself, "It's you. You come off so serious, but you have these pouty moments when you don't like something."
Sesshoumaru frowned.
"I do not pout," He said, pouting exactly as Kagome had said.
Kagome giggled again, "You do, but it's okay. I think it's cute."
The waiter came around and took their orders. After he left, Kagome spoke again, choosing a safe topic.
"Has Rin adjusted well?"
Sesshoumaru relaxed a little more, "Yes, she's adjusted incredibly well. I've started reading with her from the list you provided and I've already seen an improvement."
"I've noticed that as well and every morning she tells me all about her favorite stories. She really likes that fantasy story of Ah-Un, the two-headed dragon."
Sesshoumaru nodded, grinning in agreement, "Yes. Thank god there are several stories about him or she would have us reading the same story every night. Now she's determined to adopt two dogs, brothers, instead of one and name them after that dragon."
Kagome laughed, her own eyes glittering in amusement, "You know, yesterday she was looking up different dog breeds in the library. She even asked me to rate which one looked more 'dragony'. I just thought she was working on a story or picture."
Sesshoumaru chuckled, "Such an imaginative girl. Tell me, was Naraku able to assist you with one of your other students?"
"A little, he was able to streamline this process. His mom has actually entered him in foster care. Within the next month or so, a case manager will review my request and make sure I have a safe environment for him."
Sesshoumaru smiled, "That's good news." He cleared his throat, "So if you are able to foster the child, will you resign from…your other work?"
"I gave my two weeks already. If my request is accepted, I'll receive an allowance anyway and since I'll be fostering, I qualify for additional government grants to help with adoption costs." Kagome watched his expression and took a sip of her drink, "It wasn't terrible you know, working there."
The waiter came back with their entrees: prime rib for Sesshoumaru and roasted duck for Kagome. Sesshoumaru barely registered him, interested in the woman before him. Their conversation wasn't exactly typical for a date, but neither was their meeting in the first place. Sesshoumaru continued.
"It wasn't degrading? To go from teaching young minds to…"
"To pouring liquor and grinding on dirty old men?" Kagome offered.
"In so many words, yes," Sesshoumaru said with a quirked mouth.
Kagome tasted her duck and hummed sweetly. She plucked up a heathy forkful of her duck and held it in front of Sesshoumaru.
"This is delicious; try some," Kagome coaxed.
Sesshoumaru opened his mouth and allowed Kagome to feed him. Kagome smiled and ate another bite before completing her thought.
"The women I met were sweet and I was just the waitress, not a dancer so my experience was different. Mostly I had to flirt for tips, though I'm not really a natural."
"Yes, I still remember your impressive throw, but I imagine that isn't your typical selling point there," Sesshoumaru teased.
"Not at all," Kagome tittered, "You're the only guy that I attracted with martial arts. What about you? Loving the retired life?"
Sesshoumaru swallowed some of his food, "I'm busy actually; I've already taken another job."
"Really? What is it?"
Sesshoumaru shrugged, "I'm a private investigator at a small firm. Nothing extravagant."
Kagome scoffed, "You're too modest! That's really interesting; you're like a spy or secret agent."
A kind chuckle escaped the demon's lips, "It sounds more remarkable than it is. My days mostly consist of paperwork and tracking cheating spouses."
"Not really like your glory days, huh?"
Sesshoumaru ran a clawed hand through his hair, "Not at all."
Kagome looked down at his plate with a bit of guilt. His food was barely touched, distracted by their conversation.
"How's your prime rib?"
"Wonderful," Sesshoumaru answered, "Try a bite."
"Returning the favor?" Kagome asked with a kittenish grin. She licked her lips and opened her mouth.
"Of course, I am a gentleman."
Sesshoumaru dug into his prime rib when his knife slipped and sliced his hand.
"Shit," Sesshoumaru cursed quietly, dropping his knife. He grabbed his napkin to absorb the blood.
"Oh no! Sesshoumaru let me see," Kagome said, coming to his side.
"It's a nick, nothing to fuss over," Sesshoumaru comforted her.
Kagome dabbed the blood away and checked his wound. It was deeper than she thought. Her hands began to glow pale pink as she stroked his hand tenderly, healing the wound.
Sesshoumaru tensed. He watched Kagome, pushing away the irritating sting of her power mending him. She was a miko. She was a miko and he hadn't even sensed it. Kagome pulled back and flashed him a smile.
"Better now?"
Sesshoumaru nodded stiffly and took a gulp of his water, feeling a tight, uncomfortable lodge in his throat. He began eating the rest of his prime rib silently. Kagome noticed he didn't offer her any, but didn't mention it. After an awkward silence, Sesshoumaru commented.
"You've had spiritual training?"
Kagome shifted a little in her seat. His eyes bore into hers intently and Kagome had to look away. The entire mood had shifted and Kagome couldn't understand it. She focused her attention on her entrée, rolling around the vegetables on her plate. She joked lightly, hoping to dispel the now tense air.
"Not really. I had a little training, but shocker shocker, I wasn't really the best at listening to authoritative figures."
"Hn. You've seemed to learn enough though," Sesshoumaru said, motioning to his hand.
Kagome wasn't quite sure, but she thought she heard an edge of accusation in his voice, but it was so subtle, she didn't want to seem oversensitive. Maybe she was imagining it.
"I started my training later than other priestesses and decided to stop when I left for college. It was honestly more of my gramp's dream that I unlock my powers, but my sensei told me I had some great potential. I've thought about resuming my training soon; I mean I'm only 24." Kagome said, at this point talking to herself.
"You're 24?" Sesshoumaru asked.
"Yeah, is that a problem?" Kagome mused.
Sesshoumaru sighed, "I may be a little old for you."
"Seriously, you're a demon! Of course you're older than me."
Sesshoumaru looked away. Kagome's smile ebbed away. "Fine how old are you?"
"32."
Kagome laughed again, "That's not old. I thought you were going to be like a hundred years older!"
"There is an age gap," Sesshoumaru grumbled.
Kagome leaned over, stroking his chiseled jawline. Sesshoumaru stiffened, but didn't turn away.
"Well then I like older men," the vivacious vixen purred.
Sesshoumaru sighed, "It's not just that. If we continued and I impregnated you, a demon pregnancy would be hard on your body."
"Woah, mister, we haven't even kissed and you're thinking about putting a baby in me?" the young woman playfully pestered.
Sesshoumaru shook his head with a huff, irritated.
Kagome frowned and sat back down, "Hey, it's fine; I get it. Let's just wrap it up now."
Kagome stood and shrugged on her jacket, "Okay let's go."
"Kagome-"
"You wanted the lap dance, but didn't want to seem like a creep so you asked me out. I came on too strong and you just want to let me down easy. It's fine," She flashed a smile, "Dinner was still good, a good change of pace for me."
Kagome left him at the table without so much as a hug goodbye. Sesshoumaru sat in his chair. He watched the raven-haired beauty leave, sitting in place even after the waiter had cleared the table. Sesshoumaru pulled out his phone. Only an hour had passed. He didn't want to see Inuyasha so soon after a disastrous end to his night.
Fuck.
Sesshoumaru balled his fists so hard his claws dug into his skin, drawing blood. Sesshoumaru stood up with a groan, exiting the restaurant. He just needed a little time to clear his head.
"So let me get this straight. You asked her out so you could tell her you're too old for her?" Miroku asked.
"Forget that. Why the hell would you mention knocking her up on the FIRST date? I knew you were rusty, but damn," Inuyasha added.
He passed Miroku and Koga a beer before crashing back on his brother's couch. It seemed the normally perfect Sesshoumaru was full of mistakes lately and talking to his friends about his date was one of them. For the past half-hour, when they weren't making fun of his choices, they were actively chastising them.
"I don't get why her age would bother you. I mean she looks like a woman so it's not like you have to worry about the whole- what's it called- Lolita thing." Koga mentioned casually.
"Why the FUCK would you bring that up? Don't put that shit in our heads!" ranted Inuyasha, disguising his own embarrassment in anger.
"I said he didn't have to worry," said Koga defensively, "Besides, she's only a year younger than Tsubaki and you two dated for two years."
"Two long years," Inuyasha grumbled. He turned to his brother, "Seriously, she couldn't have been worse than her so what gives?"
"She is a miko." Sesshoumaru said for the fifth time that night.
Miroku sighed. They all knew Sesshoumaru's feeling on mikos after dealing with Tsubaki.
"So what? Not every priestess is like Tsubaki!" Inuyasha fought back.
"I don't care what you say; I no longer have an interest in her anyway," Sesshoumaru lied.
He stood, "I'm not discussing it anymore. I already messed up."
Inuyasha grabbed his shoulder. "Sess, if you feel bad about messing up with her, then somewhere inside, you understand that this girl isn't trying to use you."
Sesshoumaru jerked away, "Just drop it!"
Sesshoumaru retreated to his room and slammed the door. He ground the palm of his hand into his temples, smoothing out the creases that threatened permanence if he didn't calm himself.
Inuyasha groaned, "Stubborn bastard."
Koga picked up Sesshoumaru's phone, "Well he left his phone. If he won't call, how about we call for him?"
Inuyasha grinned, scrolling through Sesshoumaru's contacts. He found Kagome's number and typed it in his phone.
"Hey, Koga be the lookout," Inuyasha instructed, listening to the phone's ring.
Kagome glanced at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were still puffy, but at least her sniffling had stopped. She raised her phone to her ear again.
"I just don't get what happened, Sango. I thought we were having a good time. We had a good conversation, laughed and then he just became so cold. And now he's gone ghost! No calls, no texts, nothing."
"Have you called him? Even if nothing happens with him, you owe it to yourself to know the truth."
Before Kagome could answer she heard a beep.
"Wait a sec, I have another call coming in from an unknown number. It could be Shippo."
Kagome switched over.
"Hello?" She asked.
"Um, Kagome?"
"Who is this?"
The half-demon built up his resolve and cleared his throat, "I'm Inuyasha. You don't know me, but I'm-"
"Sesshoumaru's brother, right?"
"Yeah. Sess told you about me?" Inuyasha asked a little surprised.
"Briefly." 'What does he want?' Kagome thought impatiently.
"I'm calling to ask you to give Sesshoumaru another chance."
Inuyasha waited for a response, but the line was silent. He thought Kagome had hung up until he heard her breathing on the other line. Inuyasha continued.
"I don't know if he'd want me to get into it, but because of a past relationship, he doesn't trust mikos much. When he heard you were one, it shook him I guess."
"Oh," Kagome said simply. Of all the things she had done and said, she didn't think healing his cut was the thing that set him off.
"Did Sesshoumaru ask you to do this?" questioned Kagome, almost timidly.
"No."
Kagome bit her lip, "Does he- does even want to see me again?"
Inuyasha glanced at Sesshoumaru's door, "I'm sure of it. He was pretty excited about seeing you before and honestly he's been a dick since he messed up your date. He's just too stubborn to admit when he's wrong."
Despite her dour mood, Kagome laughed at Inuyasha's crass explanation.
"Okay, I'll text him or call in the next few days," Kagome said.
Inuyasha grinned, giving a thumbs up to his friends, "Um hey, could you do me a favor though?"
"What is it?"
Inuyasha lowered his voice, a little sheepish, "Please don't tell him I did this."