Ah. Thank you all.
Anyways…as for a question about why Kagome acted the way she did with Rin. What I was trying to put across was that she likes Rin…her eyes lit up with love (i.e. the emotion Sess isn't familiar with by name) and because Rin is totally cute. She broke because Sess was being so loving towards her and Kagome realized he was her last chance to take the company away from her and he didn't do any of those things to her! She thought he had no emotions and so she thought he could perhaps like her but her overly active feminine mind tells her that obviously he doesn't like her because he isn't doing to cute things he does to Rin (i.e. hug her…pay attention to her) to her. Does that make any sense whatsoever?
But the main point is that Kagome LIKES Rin…it is just that her image of Sesshomaru as a cold, heartless man shattered when he was with his daughter. So…she became saddened that he would never marry her for love (because he doesn't treat Kagome that way) and therefore she would be stuck with a company she hates for the rest of her life. And the reason why she couldn't stay with Rin was because she didn't want Rin to see her sadness. She wanted Rin to know her happy side.
But Rin is too smart-ne?
Okay. I hope that clears a few things up.
Review and have fun!
-MC
And this is dedicated to the elderly Asian couple I see all the time. I want that so bad.
Oh. And my local taqueria too. Yummy!
And sorry it has been so long, but things have been a bit off. So…I as I "threatened" last time, though, there never was a chance at me NOT finishing this story sometime in the near future. So, don't worry. You'll get your fix.
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I sat at the park feeding the stray goose during my lunch break. I usually ate in the cafeteria in the office but more and more lately I had been trying to do anything to get myself out of my desk. I had come out here a few times and always at the same time an elderly Asian couple would walk by going to the local pool around the corner.
They were beautiful.
Not physically, age had brought the telltale white hair, saggy middles and bowlegged ness. They had lines on their faces that told a sad, hard story of their life.
But no matter what, no matter if the woman was pushing or sitting in her wheelchair, they spared a smile for me.
For me.
I first simply nodded acknowledging. But then I gave into the urge to smile. It felt glorious. By the time it took me to reciprocate the smile the first time, however, the couple had left. But the next day I greeted them with that same enthusiasm I saw dancing in their timeless eyes.
Lazily I walked back to my office and as I passed by the pool I gave into another urge to glance through the fence. The elderly couple was fixing the buoys on the lane line. They were trying to grasp some control over their rapidly ending life. Which, inevitably, the tide of life (or some annoying child) would destroy the bit of ordered chaos they achieved in their messy lives.
But they had each other. They had that love that you could be at opposite ends of the room with someone and just know when to look up and catch your loved one's eyes.
And then you would smile.
A smile that spoke volumes but only each other would understand. A smile that spoke of candlelight nights, roaring fires, stupid arguments and little daily idiosyncrasies of life that would pass and slowly fade away.
Hands in my pockets and shoulders shrugged, I scuffed my new loafers on the pavement. I usually was a very thoughtful and philosophical person but lately the things I pondered were unusual.
That elderly couple—I coveted that. I wanted that insane passion yes—but when our looks withered I wanted it to fade into something more lasting, special, everlasting.
I was about to open the large glass door to the lobby of my office when someone called my name.
"Sesshomaru." Not Kingston or mister or sir for that matter…just…
"Sesshomaru."
I turned wondering who I was that familiar with.
Kagome sat in a little convertible. She waved and smiled at me.
"Hey!"
I walked over to her car.
"What are you doing here?"
"Nice to see you too."
"No, I am just surprised, that's all."
"Well, that was the point."
I lifted an eyebrow.
"To surprise you! Hop in, lets go do something."
"But work…I have to—"
"Forget it. Take the rest of the afternoon off for once."
Why the hell not? I opened the car door and got in. Kagome drove off and I went with her—without a second glance back at my pristine glass doors.
We were speeding down the freeway and my reflection shone in Kagome's black sunglasses. Both our hair was whipping around our faces but it didn't bother me as much as it usually did. We were listening to some woman and Kagome sang along. She was singing loud and unabashedly bad but just watching her have fun with me in the car was amazing. I was honored to be able to experience this side of her.
When she caught me staring she simply laughed and playfully pushed my arm.
"Come on! Sing with me! Its not too hard to catch the chorus."
I liked the song, but I wasn't about to sing with her. A Kingston never abuses oneself publicly. And this would abuse my ego.
"Come on!" she pleaded again.
I gave her a stony glance through my hair and she leaned over and whispered in my ear while her lips brushed against the lobe. I didn't understand how it was all possible because she was able to drive perfectly fine but it didn't register as she said,
"I'll make it worth your time."
Damn woman. Now all I wanted to do was to pull this damn car over and really make it worth my time but then I remembered what happened last time and I calmed.
Fine. But quietly.
"'Cause I wanted to fly,"
"Louder!"
"So you gave me your wings
And time held its breath
So I could see, yeah
And you set me free!"
I yelled extraordinarily loud just for her benefit.
We continued as the song repeated the chorus a couple times and then ended.
Kagome was laughing. A delightfully lyrical laugh that crinkled her eyes behind her sunglasses and scrunched up her nose. She was strangely attractive at that moment. I felt like grabbing her and laughing forever with her.
I felt…free. There just wasn't a better word for it.
We pulled up at some beach. It was about three so there was a slight breeze to stave the heat.
"Here. Loosen up." And she released my tie and slipped it over my head. Next she brought her attention to my jacket and once it was off it was carelessly tossed in the back seat. Finally, and with much concentration and her little tongue sticking out a bit, she rolled up my sleeves.
Kagome stepped back to admire her work and frowned.
-----------------------------------
"Admire?"
"What can I say? I'm a work of art."
"No more ego boosting for you!"
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"Just one more thing," and she blushed when she unbuttoned the top couple of buttons on my dress shirt.
"Much better."
I was slightly out of breath at her attention. She was too cute for words. No one had been comfortable enough with me to dress me. And I hadn't been comfortable enough with someone to let them.
She was scampering away. I followed, walking at a leisurely pace and enjoying the scenery (and admittedly, Kagome).
But Kagome was not to be ignored.
"Come on, old man. Catch me!"
Old man! OLD MAN! I may be many things but I am certainly not old.
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"You act seventy, admit it."
"I do no such thing."
"…"
"Fine! I have senior citizen tendencies."
"Tendencies? Sess, you cut out coupons you don't use. You always do the crossword and word jumble. Admit it, 'isyss'!"
"Cutting coupons relaxes me. It is somehow wonderful to think about saving so much money. But then it doesn't really matter for me…the crossword is challenging and the word jumble amuses me. And I am NOT rising to your bait about that word, 'cielbime.'"
"My point exactly, people."
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I chased her all afternoon, periodically we took breaks to check out the tide pools and I was introduced to the Kagome that absolutely loved what she did.
And she knew her stuff.
Finally, at about 6:30 I had her trapped against a rock. I charged and picked her up over my shoulder and jogged back to the blanket she brought—the whole time her arms and legs flaying madly.
I loved it.
I gently deposited her on the blanket and hovered over her.
"I, Lord Sesshomaru, the ruler of the Western Lands of the Internet Superhighway and Price Ratios claim this territory in the name of myself."
She giggled.
"Oh, Lord Sesshomaru, this territory is not worthy. Go claim that blonde territory over there."
Lord Sesshomaru, my longtime alter ego glanced at the unsatisfactory territory.
"No. This territory will suffice." Lord Sesshomaru sniffed.
"And not to mention it would be good for farmin', dontcha know."
"WHAT? Where did Lord Sesshomaru go?" She managed to say between giggles.
"Lord Sesshomaru had some urgent business to attend to and I am Minnesoda Sesshomaru, you betcha."
We were both laughing then and I collapsed next to her on the blanket.
"Where did you learn to do all those voices?" Kagome asked after her laughter died down.
"I do voices for Rin when I read her stories at night. You are the first person other than her to be privy to them. So I hope you enjoyed the performance."
"Very much so."
Ah. Rin. Wow…
"It's late, maybe we should head back. Rin might get worried."
Her eyes sparkled mischievously for a second and then she answered.
"Just call her and tell her you're out with me. She'll understand."
I eyed her warily before taking out my cell phone and dialing Rin.
"Moshi moshi."
"Hi Rin."
"Sesshomaru-sama!"
"Rin, I'm out with Kagome, but if you want me to come home…"
"No! Stay with Kagome!"
That was easy…
"Okay, are you sure?"
"Hai, have fun! Can I talk to Kagome?" She giggled and the phone was passed to Kagome.
I couldn't hear the whole conversation but Kagome's end was filled with "uh-huhs" and "hmms" so I figured Rin was talkative tonight.
Funny, she hadn't wanted to talk to me much at all.
Slightly disgruntled I heard the phone click and Kagome gave me back the phone.
A little too easy. What were those two up to?
I turned back to Kagome who was trying but failing to suppress a smile.
"What did Rin say to you staying with me?"
"She said she didn't mind but I'm sure you already knew that. Especially since you two seem such close friends."
"What would give you that idea?" She smiled coyly. "Come on, let's get something to eat."
She then took my hand and we gathered our things and headed off in the car. Kagome said she knew a good local taqueria a couple blocks from the beach since she goes here sometimes to tide pool.
How convenient. I think I've been set up.
Funny, but I found that at the moment I forgot to care.
She ordered in Spanish [Quiero uno burrito especial, por favor] and I didn't even attempt it [Quier…quer…can I have what she ordered?] After our orders arrived and Kagome had finally finished laughing at my obvious language barrier blunders the expression on her face grew serious.
"Can I ask you a question, Sesshomaru?"
I nodded, missing her grave tone for a minute.
This damn burrito was delicious.
Note to self: Check if this taqueria has stock to buy. If not, perhaps just buy Mexico. It's high time someone with sense took it over and helped the people. No more CEO's of Coca-Cola for them.
WHAT?
I just like a burrito, for goodness sakes. It doesn't give me the responsibility to just go out and save a country.
I really am starting to loose my touch.
Kagome was looking at me expectantly. She had a bit of salsa on her lip and I reflexively wiped it off. She started to blush ferociously and I had no doubt as to where her thoughts were headed. She was just lucky we weren't in public or I might have had to use my tongue.
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"Had to?"
"Yes."
"Life or death situation?"
"Exactly."
"Said the blind man."
"To his deaf dog."
"Who barked at the deaf man."
"Who said—"
"Stop!"
"Rin?" "Rin?"
"You two act worse than kids!"
"Its time for bed, isn't it?"
"Waaaaaay past time."
"I'm standing right here, you know!"
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"Umm. Why does Rin call you Sesshomaru-sama and not 'Daddy' or something?"
Ah. I was in too good of a mood for a talk about Kingston ethics. But she asked.
"Well, because I addressed my father as such. It fosters a professional relationship instead of a familial one. A Kingston never creates intimate bonds with anyone."
"Oh."
"But I was a fuck-up since birth. I was one of the lesser Kingstons because I broke those rules. But in the end the rules broke me."
"…you really love her, don't you?"
For a moment I thought it was the voice inside my head speaking about Kagome. I've never spoke against my father and how his rules affected me. But her eyes waited for an answer.
Rin.
"Yes I do. And that cannot be forgiven."
There was a pause.
"You aren't your father, you know."
I'm not? I thought I was an upgraded version just waiting for a male heir to ram the Kingston ideals down his throat for another generation.
"Yes I am."
And I got up and walked to the car. Kagome took the hint and left as well, handing me the keys as she approached.
Good. I felt like being in control anyway. However, currently I know my handle on things is slowly giving way to something not entirely to my disliking.
But she didn't have any right to assume—
What am I talking about? She had every right to assume. I said I loved her and she was more open with me now. If I wanted to make this relationship-whatever kind of relationship it was-work, then I had to let down all my barriers. Even the ones surrounded by a high tech security system.
For when I waited at the counter at the restaurant and Kagome found us a seat there was this moment.
She was speaking in Spanish to a woman nearby, someone she probably knew since she was a regular. I was watching futbol on television with Miguel, a short man with a penchant for swearing.
For there was this moment I glanced at Kagome and she looked up at me with those beautiful, starry green eyes and smiled.
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You Set Me Free
Michelle Branch
(The Spirit Room)
Can't you see?
There's a feeling
That's come over me
Close my eyes
You're the only one
That leaves me
Completely breathless
No need to wonder why
Sometimes a gift like this
You can't deny
'Cause I wanted to fly,
So you gave me your wings
And time held its breath
So I could see, yeah
And you set me free
There's a will
There's a way
Sometimes words
Just can't explain
This is real
I'm afraid
I guess this time
There's just
No hiding, fighting
You make me restless
You're in my heart
The only light that shines
there in the dark
'Cause I wanted to fly
So you gave me your wings
And time held its breath
So I could see, yeah
And you set me free
When I was alone
You came around
When I was down
You pulled me through
And there's nothing that
I wouldn't do for you
'Cause I wanted to fly
So you gave me your wings
And time held its breath
So I could see, yeah
And you set me free
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If you didn't catch it…I will give a preview of the next chapter to whoever can tell me what word 'cielbime' is.
And the other was 'sissy'…for all those confused out there…wink
-MC
