It appeared that the suggested, "nutritional" lunch for the day was going to be another horrid tasting, goopy, unidentifiable mess. Kagome and Sango sighed in unison while InuYasha, Kagome's tail for the day, grinned at the prospect of a meal.
"I'm so hungry," he said, not noticing the slightly green color of the two girls. Without hesitation he began towards the far end of the cafeteria, his intent clear, while Sango and Kagome just watched in amazement.
Cocking her head to one side, Sango turned to Kagome. "Should we tell him there's a pizza place just up the street?"
"Maybe," Kagome shrugged. "I'll go stop him while you head over and get us seats. Make mine cheese if you have to order," she called while starting through the crowd.
He'd been having a really good day. It was a surprise to discover that Kagome was actually the same girl SesshouMaru had run down that morning, but luckily for InuYasha, she either hadn't recognized the family resemblance or was too nice to say anything. That was one thing InuYasha was definitely not used to: people being nice.
Not only had Kagome introduced him to all her friends, Sango being the closest, but she'd also exuded patience and empathy for his position as a new student. She'd listened with apparent interest to his stupid jokes and attempts at coolness, been surprisingly honest in her reactions to his strong opinions, and tolerated his stubbornness. That last of those had caught him totally off guard and InuYasha was eager to get back to the table and find out more about his beautiful, intelligent, and highly complex hostess.
He was ready to take a plate of something off the buffet line when a soft hand on his shoulder stopped him. "I wouldn't do that if I were you," said a sweet voice very close to his ear. InuYasha turned to face Kagome, her nearness causing a jump in his pulse and a tingle of awareness for her hand on him, to shiver down his spine. She was looking at the plate he was about to take and not him, but her presence alone jumbled his thoughts for a moment.
"There's no telling what's in it," Kagome intoned, before switching her gaze to InuYasha. He was starring directly at her. Amber eyes more textured and fluid than she'd originally thought were fixed solidly on her face. Blushing prettily, she stepped away from his back. "Come on," she said with a smile, drawing him along by the hand.
InuYasha followed like an obedient dog as she led him from the cafeteria, out the side door, and up the street to a little Italian market-café where Sango waited.
# # #
He'd had multiple offers for lunch dates, all from girls that ranged from the mildly presentable type to those that exuded sex like a horn blast. None of them held his interest though, as SesshouMaru exited the grounds swiftly and drove to the nearby junior high.
It had been a trying morning, what with his teachers thinking he wanted to introduce himself in each class, and the way every female student flaunted before him. There were jocks too, and the customary badass guys that seemed to take pleasure in giving him dirty looks, but SesshouMaru had no worries. He could handle himself in a fight not that he'd ever lower himself to such a level.
Not about to park a mile away, SesshouMaru pulled into the spots for visitors in front of the smaller school. Younger students mulled about, eating their lunches and socializing. He grabbed Kagome's pocketbook and was getting out of the car when a door on the side of the building opened.
SesshouMaru watched in amazement, joy, and then close to full rage as Kagome exited the building with his brother in tow. It wouldn't have been so bad that they were holding hands except that she didn't let go of the bastard as the two began walking away from the school.
Jealous interest had him following, and he was mildly surprised to see them join several other students headed towards a little restaurant that had gone previously unnoticed.
So, SesshouMaru thought, InuYasha had managed to make friends. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad; after all he needed an introduction. And InuYasha would do as he was told, else SesshouMaru would alert all his new "friends" to previous mishaps on his brother's part.
Smirking with actual enjoyment of the scene to come, SesshouMaru sauntered into the little café.
# # #
Sango noticed the way her best friend and the new guy where "together". It nice to see since in her opinion Kagome needed a boyfriend. The girl was too uptight and could use some mellowing out.
"I wasn't sure what you might like so there's a meat, a cheese, and a veggie on the way," she said with a wink to her friend. The booth she'd chosen was big enough for 7 people and quickly filling. Kagome and InuYasha were among the latecomers and took seats on the end.
The table was almost full when a waiter appeared and took drink orders. InuYasha watched as Kagome smiled pleasantly to the man before turning to search in her bag. Her expression went from confused to distressed in the span of a heartbeat.
"Kuso," she mumbled under her breath as the waiter left to fill the order.
"Is everything okay?" Sango, who was busy making butterfly eyes at a cute guy from their geometry class, turned her attention back to the table at InuYasha's question.
Where's my pocketbook, Kagome wondered while she fruitlessly searched her bag again for the delinquent accessory. The front pouch where she usually kept it was torn open, probably a result of ...
"Are you looking for this," a smooth and familiar voice asked.
Kagome's head snapped up and her gaze swung beyond the offered pocketbook to the face of the man who held it. He was still as beautiful as when she'd seen him that morning, still as perfect and proper in his appearance, but there was a spark in his eye now that Kagome was sure had not been there before.
"Thanks," she said wearily, as though not quite sure why he'd bring it to her.
"My pleasure," the man's eyes slide over the other surprised faces at their table, pausing for more than a moment on InuYasha, before returning to her. "It must have fallen out of you bag this morning." He swallowed, an almost unperceivable movement except that Kagome was so close. "I'm sorry for this morning. I was not paying attention and am grateful you're not hurt."
Sango snorted at this and rolled her eyes. "Whatever, you're just glad you're precious car wasn't damaged," she said in a somewhat snide voice. The man obviously didn't give a wink about her friend otherwise he would have been more sincere in his apology.
One elegant eyebrow lifted, but he never stopped looking at Kagome. A little flustered by the attention and only slightly aware of the tension building at the table, Kagome at once stood and scooted past the man to head to the counter. She mumbled something about having to place her drink order.
As she maneuvered past him, the driver moved back a little and then began to follow her to the counter. She had to figure that if she ignored him and seemed uninterested then maybe he'd take the hint and leave her be. His beautiful looks made her nervous and that he'd come all the way from the high school to a junior high hangout to return her property, was rather disturbing. It made her worry that he might not be as insincere as Sango believed.
# # #
The first look had said "Behave" and the second "Mine". InuYasha watched with growing fury as his brother followed Kagome indiscreetly to the front counter. It was just like SesshouMaru to do everything in his power to make InuYasha's new life as miserable as the last.
At their pervious home InuYasha's friends were few and far between since no one wanted to be in SesshouMaru's disfavor. He'd been subjected to all sorts of pranks and cruelties simply because his older brother had marked him as an outcast. InuYasha's hopes had risen though with the move, partly because it was to be a new start for him, and also because the new school system didn't have both brothers in the same building. It was a wonderful set-up, and InuYasha had met so many great people so far [the best of which was Kagome], but now as he watched SesshouMaru close in behind her, he felt as though something highly important was slipping away.
# # #
She smelled of shampoo and soap, a touch of perfume to heighten it all, and a mysterious innocence he couldn't name. SesshouMaru was standing so close behind her that all he'd have to do was reach out and turn her into him.
"What can I get for you?" I guy at the counter asked. It was as though she wasn't listening though since no answer was forthcoming.
"Two colas," SesshouMaru finally answered for her.
The waiter nodded and moved away from them. They were as alone as was possible for the time being.
SesshouMaru leaned around her on the counter, studying her profile while contemplating how to break the ice. She was obviously uncomfortable about having him so close and without thinking he stroked a hand down her arm.
She jumped at his touch and angry, smoldering eyes met his. "Thank you again for bringing my pocketbook back," she said in a stiff voice. The way she said it, without any real feeling, told him she was not interested in continuing a conversation in any form with him. He smiled at this, recognizing the challenge and accepting it in the same breath.
"I am truly sorry for this morning," he said in a carefully crafted voice. Taking her hand, he turned it palm up and gently brushed his fingers over the little bit of pavement rash left from where she's caught herself. "I didn't want to say it in front of the others, but I've been upset with myself all morning for hurting you."
She shrugged, a sign of softening, before speaking in a low voice. "It's just a little scrape... no big deal really."
He liked that she didn't try to take her hand back, that her eyes were intently watching as he continued to caress her palm. "This is maybe, but your leg..." he trailed off as his gaze traveled down her body.
She blushed under the scrutiny but didn't back down. He tailored his expression to deep concern before looking at her again, knowing full well she was spitting mad now because he had inadvertently given her the once over. Electric blue eyes met somber golden ones and he could almost see her mind working though everything.
SesshouMaru realized the advantage this gave him and carefully lifted her hand to his lips, kissing her palm ever so slightly. "Sorry," he whispered, leaving it open-ended on purpose so she would wonder over what he meant.
The waiter returned with their drinks then, and SesshouMaru left cash enough for both of them on the counter. Taking the cola bottle he leaned in before she could realize, and kissed her lightly on the cheek. The stone silence of the entire café was almost more exciting to him than her sudden intake of breath.
It was time to make a dramatic exit.
Passing the table of her friends on his way, he stopped to put the unopened cola in front of InuYasha. "See you at 4:30, brother," he said overly loud so that everyone would hear. Leaving the café, SesshouMaru felt like humming the entire way back to his car. He knew what it was now that he had smelt on her but couldn't quite identify.
It was retribution.
Author's Note:
SesshouMaru is evil. I know this, you know this, and that's how he's going to be in this fic. Notice that he still hasn't properly identified himself to Kagome yet, another plot twister, though she now knows he's InuYasha's brother.
My next scene in this will take place approximately a week after this, at InuYasha and SesshouMaru's home. Pretty much Kagome and Sango and another new student, Miroku [who actually knew InuYasha at their old school], are working on a project together and SesshouMaru comes home. Kagome needs a ride home, SesshouMaru offers, he makes a pass at her, they get a little closer, and then....
LOL, sorry can't tell you that's all for next time. I can tell you though that I am undecided if this should be a Sess/Kagome fic or an Inu/Kagome fic. Feedback is appreciated.
_
"I'm so hungry," he said, not noticing the slightly green color of the two girls. Without hesitation he began towards the far end of the cafeteria, his intent clear, while Sango and Kagome just watched in amazement.
Cocking her head to one side, Sango turned to Kagome. "Should we tell him there's a pizza place just up the street?"
"Maybe," Kagome shrugged. "I'll go stop him while you head over and get us seats. Make mine cheese if you have to order," she called while starting through the crowd.
He'd been having a really good day. It was a surprise to discover that Kagome was actually the same girl SesshouMaru had run down that morning, but luckily for InuYasha, she either hadn't recognized the family resemblance or was too nice to say anything. That was one thing InuYasha was definitely not used to: people being nice.
Not only had Kagome introduced him to all her friends, Sango being the closest, but she'd also exuded patience and empathy for his position as a new student. She'd listened with apparent interest to his stupid jokes and attempts at coolness, been surprisingly honest in her reactions to his strong opinions, and tolerated his stubbornness. That last of those had caught him totally off guard and InuYasha was eager to get back to the table and find out more about his beautiful, intelligent, and highly complex hostess.
He was ready to take a plate of something off the buffet line when a soft hand on his shoulder stopped him. "I wouldn't do that if I were you," said a sweet voice very close to his ear. InuYasha turned to face Kagome, her nearness causing a jump in his pulse and a tingle of awareness for her hand on him, to shiver down his spine. She was looking at the plate he was about to take and not him, but her presence alone jumbled his thoughts for a moment.
"There's no telling what's in it," Kagome intoned, before switching her gaze to InuYasha. He was starring directly at her. Amber eyes more textured and fluid than she'd originally thought were fixed solidly on her face. Blushing prettily, she stepped away from his back. "Come on," she said with a smile, drawing him along by the hand.
InuYasha followed like an obedient dog as she led him from the cafeteria, out the side door, and up the street to a little Italian market-café where Sango waited.
# # #
He'd had multiple offers for lunch dates, all from girls that ranged from the mildly presentable type to those that exuded sex like a horn blast. None of them held his interest though, as SesshouMaru exited the grounds swiftly and drove to the nearby junior high.
It had been a trying morning, what with his teachers thinking he wanted to introduce himself in each class, and the way every female student flaunted before him. There were jocks too, and the customary badass guys that seemed to take pleasure in giving him dirty looks, but SesshouMaru had no worries. He could handle himself in a fight not that he'd ever lower himself to such a level.
Not about to park a mile away, SesshouMaru pulled into the spots for visitors in front of the smaller school. Younger students mulled about, eating their lunches and socializing. He grabbed Kagome's pocketbook and was getting out of the car when a door on the side of the building opened.
SesshouMaru watched in amazement, joy, and then close to full rage as Kagome exited the building with his brother in tow. It wouldn't have been so bad that they were holding hands except that she didn't let go of the bastard as the two began walking away from the school.
Jealous interest had him following, and he was mildly surprised to see them join several other students headed towards a little restaurant that had gone previously unnoticed.
So, SesshouMaru thought, InuYasha had managed to make friends. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad; after all he needed an introduction. And InuYasha would do as he was told, else SesshouMaru would alert all his new "friends" to previous mishaps on his brother's part.
Smirking with actual enjoyment of the scene to come, SesshouMaru sauntered into the little café.
# # #
Sango noticed the way her best friend and the new guy where "together". It nice to see since in her opinion Kagome needed a boyfriend. The girl was too uptight and could use some mellowing out.
"I wasn't sure what you might like so there's a meat, a cheese, and a veggie on the way," she said with a wink to her friend. The booth she'd chosen was big enough for 7 people and quickly filling. Kagome and InuYasha were among the latecomers and took seats on the end.
The table was almost full when a waiter appeared and took drink orders. InuYasha watched as Kagome smiled pleasantly to the man before turning to search in her bag. Her expression went from confused to distressed in the span of a heartbeat.
"Kuso," she mumbled under her breath as the waiter left to fill the order.
"Is everything okay?" Sango, who was busy making butterfly eyes at a cute guy from their geometry class, turned her attention back to the table at InuYasha's question.
Where's my pocketbook, Kagome wondered while she fruitlessly searched her bag again for the delinquent accessory. The front pouch where she usually kept it was torn open, probably a result of ...
"Are you looking for this," a smooth and familiar voice asked.
Kagome's head snapped up and her gaze swung beyond the offered pocketbook to the face of the man who held it. He was still as beautiful as when she'd seen him that morning, still as perfect and proper in his appearance, but there was a spark in his eye now that Kagome was sure had not been there before.
"Thanks," she said wearily, as though not quite sure why he'd bring it to her.
"My pleasure," the man's eyes slide over the other surprised faces at their table, pausing for more than a moment on InuYasha, before returning to her. "It must have fallen out of you bag this morning." He swallowed, an almost unperceivable movement except that Kagome was so close. "I'm sorry for this morning. I was not paying attention and am grateful you're not hurt."
Sango snorted at this and rolled her eyes. "Whatever, you're just glad you're precious car wasn't damaged," she said in a somewhat snide voice. The man obviously didn't give a wink about her friend otherwise he would have been more sincere in his apology.
One elegant eyebrow lifted, but he never stopped looking at Kagome. A little flustered by the attention and only slightly aware of the tension building at the table, Kagome at once stood and scooted past the man to head to the counter. She mumbled something about having to place her drink order.
As she maneuvered past him, the driver moved back a little and then began to follow her to the counter. She had to figure that if she ignored him and seemed uninterested then maybe he'd take the hint and leave her be. His beautiful looks made her nervous and that he'd come all the way from the high school to a junior high hangout to return her property, was rather disturbing. It made her worry that he might not be as insincere as Sango believed.
# # #
The first look had said "Behave" and the second "Mine". InuYasha watched with growing fury as his brother followed Kagome indiscreetly to the front counter. It was just like SesshouMaru to do everything in his power to make InuYasha's new life as miserable as the last.
At their pervious home InuYasha's friends were few and far between since no one wanted to be in SesshouMaru's disfavor. He'd been subjected to all sorts of pranks and cruelties simply because his older brother had marked him as an outcast. InuYasha's hopes had risen though with the move, partly because it was to be a new start for him, and also because the new school system didn't have both brothers in the same building. It was a wonderful set-up, and InuYasha had met so many great people so far [the best of which was Kagome], but now as he watched SesshouMaru close in behind her, he felt as though something highly important was slipping away.
# # #
She smelled of shampoo and soap, a touch of perfume to heighten it all, and a mysterious innocence he couldn't name. SesshouMaru was standing so close behind her that all he'd have to do was reach out and turn her into him.
"What can I get for you?" I guy at the counter asked. It was as though she wasn't listening though since no answer was forthcoming.
"Two colas," SesshouMaru finally answered for her.
The waiter nodded and moved away from them. They were as alone as was possible for the time being.
SesshouMaru leaned around her on the counter, studying her profile while contemplating how to break the ice. She was obviously uncomfortable about having him so close and without thinking he stroked a hand down her arm.
She jumped at his touch and angry, smoldering eyes met his. "Thank you again for bringing my pocketbook back," she said in a stiff voice. The way she said it, without any real feeling, told him she was not interested in continuing a conversation in any form with him. He smiled at this, recognizing the challenge and accepting it in the same breath.
"I am truly sorry for this morning," he said in a carefully crafted voice. Taking her hand, he turned it palm up and gently brushed his fingers over the little bit of pavement rash left from where she's caught herself. "I didn't want to say it in front of the others, but I've been upset with myself all morning for hurting you."
She shrugged, a sign of softening, before speaking in a low voice. "It's just a little scrape... no big deal really."
He liked that she didn't try to take her hand back, that her eyes were intently watching as he continued to caress her palm. "This is maybe, but your leg..." he trailed off as his gaze traveled down her body.
She blushed under the scrutiny but didn't back down. He tailored his expression to deep concern before looking at her again, knowing full well she was spitting mad now because he had inadvertently given her the once over. Electric blue eyes met somber golden ones and he could almost see her mind working though everything.
SesshouMaru realized the advantage this gave him and carefully lifted her hand to his lips, kissing her palm ever so slightly. "Sorry," he whispered, leaving it open-ended on purpose so she would wonder over what he meant.
The waiter returned with their drinks then, and SesshouMaru left cash enough for both of them on the counter. Taking the cola bottle he leaned in before she could realize, and kissed her lightly on the cheek. The stone silence of the entire café was almost more exciting to him than her sudden intake of breath.
It was time to make a dramatic exit.
Passing the table of her friends on his way, he stopped to put the unopened cola in front of InuYasha. "See you at 4:30, brother," he said overly loud so that everyone would hear. Leaving the café, SesshouMaru felt like humming the entire way back to his car. He knew what it was now that he had smelt on her but couldn't quite identify.
It was retribution.
Author's Note:
SesshouMaru is evil. I know this, you know this, and that's how he's going to be in this fic. Notice that he still hasn't properly identified himself to Kagome yet, another plot twister, though she now knows he's InuYasha's brother.
My next scene in this will take place approximately a week after this, at InuYasha and SesshouMaru's home. Pretty much Kagome and Sango and another new student, Miroku [who actually knew InuYasha at their old school], are working on a project together and SesshouMaru comes home. Kagome needs a ride home, SesshouMaru offers, he makes a pass at her, they get a little closer, and then....
LOL, sorry can't tell you that's all for next time. I can tell you though that I am undecided if this should be a Sess/Kagome fic or an Inu/Kagome fic. Feedback is appreciated.
_