Title: A Second Life
By: Rin6
Rin: Nothing to say today guys, I'm beat and really tired. Later
Chapter 7: Funeral
Kagome woke to the radiant sun shining through her large window. Blinking she slowly sat up letting the blanket fall to her lap. The smell of cooking reached Kagomes nose and she looked to her partially open door curiosity making her get up and stick her head out the door. The smell intensified, bringing her stomach to rumble loudly. Hurrying back into her room Kagome quickly changed out of her tank top to throw on an extra large white shirt. Kagome brushed her hair a few times and forgetting about changing her pj bottoms Kagome left her room.
Her eyes widened at the sight of her kitchen. It was a mess, but what else would you expect of a 10 year old boy and a grown man who obviously never cooked in his life.
"My kitchen! It was sparkling clean yesterday!" Kagome yelled her eyes large as she gazed around the dirty kitchen.
Souta winced but then laughed, "That was my fault Kagome, sorry. Sesshomaru is the one actually cooking and he's really good!"
Kagome turned her now narrowed sapphire eyes to Sesshomaru's threatening golden ones. It was a battle as they stared straight at each other before Kagome threw up her hands in defeat.
"I give up! Now I have two hours before the funeral and I have yet to take a shower, and get ready, but no now I have to clean the kitchen!" Kagome sighed and flopped down on a stool next to the bar.
Souta looked at Sesshomaru who was smirking, "It's okay Kagome, I'll clean the kitchen and you can get ready."
Kagome smiled weakly at her little brother, before reaching out and placing a hand on top his head, "No I'll clean it, and anyways you still need to get ready mister."
Souta nodded sadly, which made Kagomes own smile falter. Yes they had much to get ready for.
"I will clean the kitchen while you two get ready. Besides it takes me not long to get ready anyways." Sesshomaru volunteered as he dished out breakfast to the two siblings on silver plates.
Kagome shook her head, "No Sesshomaru I will not trouble you with a problem I can easily fix. Besides why do you need to get ready? Shouldn't you be at he office?"
Sesshomaru smirked, as he leaned back against the counter, "I let the little tike make a mess of the place so I'll clean it. Plus do you think I will let you go alone when obviously someone is after you and your brother?"
Kagome shrugged thinking of a few reasons of why he shouldn't go but decided to say them when Souta was out of the room. Together Souta and Kagome ate at the bar while Sesshomaru ate against the counter. Minutes ticked by before Souta let loose a loud belch.
"Souta! What do you say?" Kagome exclaimed.
"Excuse me! Now can I go?" Souta said smiling innocently.
Kagome nodded, but called after him when he ran away towards his own bathroom. "Wash Souta!"
Souta stood with one hand on the bathroom door, "I'm not a little kid Kagome. I know."
He slammed the door shut, which made Kagome sigh. Picking up her plate she brought it around the counter to the sink. Turning to Sesshomaru who was still eating quietly, "Are you sure?"
"I don't like to repeat myself Kagome; remember that."
Kagome nodded and wiped her hands on a towel, "Well I just want to ask you. You know and I know that these people who are making trouble are only doing it to get to you, so why would you deliberately put yourself fin danger?"
Sesshomaru finished the last piece of his breakfast in silence before raising his golden eyes to Kagome. "One you are probably one of the best secretaries I have had in years, so I can't bear to lose the best. Two, whatever the reason is why they are going after you has got to be some damn good reason, if they didn't bother to go after say someone closer to me; since we have only known each other for a brief few days. And three I cannot risk two human lives over something stupid, that I'm sure these people want. I know that if you went alone to the funeral they would try to kidnap you and use you and Souta to make a trade with me. Understand?"
Kagome nodded but she was not done asking questions, "But at the funeral, could they not still maybe kidnap you, and leave Souta and I out of this?"
Sesshomaru stood beside Kagome next to the sink, as he started to wash the dishes he spoke in a low tone, "No they would not dare try it with me since I'm sure whatever they want I can only get for them."
Kagome nodded and sighed deeply, "What do you think is going to happen today?"
Sesshomaru shook his head, "Whatever it is I will have bodyguards around so there is no way they can get anywhere near you or Souta."
"That's good to hear Sesshomaru, and thank you." Kagome whispered suddenly feeling her cheeks flush. Looking away quickly she tried to hide her flaming cheeks.
Sesshomaru smirked as his nose caught scent of her blush and her suddenly heart increase. Deciding to amuse himself he asked, "For what?"
"Well you called me one of the best secretaries you've had and I know you seem to care for my brother and I well being. I thank you for that." Kagome said choosing to leave the kitchen before her whole body flared.
Sesshomaru watched her leave with curious eyes. That woman is very odd; I need to find out more about her. What am I saying? Why should I care for a human? I only need her to figure out why there are people wanting my company. This woman is seriously causing many problems around here, and it' s only been a few days.
Kagome let the hot water run down her small body, waking her up both physically and mentally. Sighing in pleasure Kagome rubbed the shampoo into her long hair, her nails scalping her skull. Then she let the warm water run through her hair rinsing it of shampoo and conditioner. Washing her body slowly Kagome finished her shower and stepped out. Drying off she wrapped herself in a large fluffy towel, before sitting down to blow-dry her wet hair.
Please I beg to whatever God is listening to let nothing go wrong today; I don't think I could handle it. Too much has happened for me to take anything more awful events to happen; please I beg you. Kagome thought a silent pray.
Standing Kagome left her bathroom and entered her closet. She found a black skirt that went to her knees and long sleeved black silk shirt. Once Kagome was changed into her clothes and ready she grabbed her keys and purse.
"We'll be taking my limo Kagome." Sesshomaru said when Kagome walked out of her room.
Kagome looked up at him and immediately felt the blush come back again. Sesshomaru was wearing an expensive looking black suit that brought out his broad and strong upper body. His silver hair was held back in a low ponytail that fell to his mid back.
"Um, sure. Where's Souta?" Kagome asked, trying hard not to look at Sesshomaru.
"In the bathroom; he's ready he's just brushing his teeth." Sesshomaru replied. A heavy silence fell over the two as they waited for the young boy to finish.
Sesshomaru was lightly smirking to himself, as he stole glances at Kagome. She had her head down with her hands clasped in front of her, her fingers gripping her purse tightly. He was easily picking up her embarrassment and slight arousal. Taking a deep breath of her scent that filled the room he looked away towards the now emerging Souta.
"Ready to go?" Kagome asked quickly.
Souta nodded and ran to Kagome to grab her hand. Sesshomaru turned and started for the door, Kagome and her brother following close behind. The trip down to Sesshomarus limo was quiet except for Soutas constant chatter about one of his toys that they had bought the day before.
Jaken stood by the stretch limo a grim expression stretch across his ugly face. Sesshomaru nodded to Jaken, and he quickly opened the door for the three. Sesshomaru stood to the side and waved his hand to the open limo door.
"Ladies first Kagome." He said smirking lightly.
Kagome narrowed her own in return and stepped into the limo. Souta climbed in next and finally Sesshomaru who settled himself across from the siblings. Souta made busy with exploring the limo and it's contents. Kagome turned her head to stare out the window at the city as they drove by. Sesshomaru watched Kagome relax as she looked outside, he himself for some reason found he was content just watching her.
"Sesshomaru how many people are going to be there?" Kagome asked.
"I cannot answer that question Kagome because I do not know how many." Sesshomaru replied.
Kagome fell silent again as she continued to stare out the window. From Sesshomarus point of view she seemed to have entered another world. Soon enough they stopped and Jaken appeared at their door.
"M'Lord there is a officer here that wishes to speak with you, shall I send him away?"
Sesshomaru looked at Kagome quickly who had turned her own attention to Jaken. "No Jaken I will speak with him."
Sesshomaru climbed out of the limo and waited as Souta hopped out followed by a silent Kagome. A middle-aged lady walked over to Kagome and Souta and embraced them both into a tight hug. Jaken made an attempt to stop the lady but Sesshomaru put out his hand to stop his servant.
"Oh Kagome, I'm so sorry about your mother..." The lady cried into Kagomes arms. Kagome closed her eyes and hugged the lady back. Sesshomaru wasn't worried since Kagome seemed to know the lady.
"Thank you Migumi, I'm sorry too." Kagome whispered.
"Excuse me mam but I have to ask who you are." Sesshomaru interrupted.
Kagome pulled away from the woman's embrace, keeping one hand on Soutas shoulder. "Sesshomaru this is Miss Migumi she worked with my mother at the hospital; she's old friend of the family."
Sesshomaru nodded but stopped at the evil glare the woman named Migumi was giving him.
"Sesshomaru Taisho. Kagome darling why are you in the company of this evil man." Migumi accused coldly.
"Migumi! Sesshomaru is not evil. He is my boss and friend who has offered Souta and I a home." Kagome explained amazed at her friend's outburst.
Migumi looked at Sesshomaru not caring to hear, "Look mister I know your kind, and don't like them on bit. If you harm Kagome or her brother Souta you will have much to deal with."
Sesshomaru fought back a comment he knew was sure to make the woman gasp and Kagome yell at him. Deciding to go easy and not do anything too bad, "You have my full understanding Ms. Migumi that I would never do any of the sort."
"And I hope you have a good idea who set fire to Kagomes house, killing her mother." Migumi further interrogated.
"The police and I are currently investigating the matter, now if you do not mind I have to speak with one of them." Sesshomaru said evenly as he turned to Kagome and Souta, "Stay with Ms. Migumi, I will have one of my guards watch you two. I'll be back shortly."
Kagome nodded silently and tightened her hold on Souta. As they were led away by Migumi towards other friends of the family, Kagome felt a weight drop down on her heart. It was a feeling Kagome could only think and describe as insecurity, and loneliness. Even though she had a guard watching her and Souta, and had many friends around her giving her their condolences. Trying hard to forget the feeling of someone watching her Kagome put on a fake smile and began to talk with some of the people around her.
A sly grin appeared on Onigumis face as he sealed the letter. Looking up at one of his servants he spoke slowly, "Make sure to deliver this to Ms. Kagome Summers."
His servant bowed and took the letter from his master's hands. Turning quickly he left leaving Onigumi to his evil thoughts. Oh how the table turned and the ball was beginning to spin, but it was only a matter of time until that ball landed in his slot.
"Jackpot..." Onigumi whispered staring at a picture in the middle of his desk.
A silver haired man with an emotionless face, stood standing by his car. Behind him a sign of the road was clearly seen, it read:
Main Street
"Oi! Sesshomaru!"
Sesshomaru turned around to greet a cocky smiling detective. Just the man he needed to talk to, "Kouga, it's been a long time."
"Too long if you ask me." Kouga smirked, extending his hand to Sesshomaru.
Sesshomaru took it and shaked before releasing Kougas hand, "Have you any news for me?"
"Not much, but enough to go on." Kouga replied.
"Talk wolf." Sesshomaru growled.
"Calm down M'Lord!" Kouga joked, "Let's see a neighbor reported seeing a strange man in a suit standing outside their house at around ten in the evening. The lady who reported it was taking her dog out for a late night walk and was very suspicious of the man."
"Did she leave a description?"
"For being at night she left a very good description. He was tall, and well-built, slick black hair pulled back into a tight ponytail, wearing shades, and the thing that immediately let's me know who did it was because, on the back of his jacket was a large spider." Kouga explained.
Sesshomaru silently cursed, "Onigumi."
"That's what I'm thinking, but I questioned him and he had a very well alibi as to where he was that night." Kouga continued.
"Kouga it's not Onigumi who sets fire to people he doesn't like houses. He has henchmen for those kind of things." Sesshomaru pointed out.
"I know, well we need to figure out who the man was, get him, and then threaten him to the point where he cracks and spills all." Kouga smirked.
"We'll keep me updated Kouga. I want to know all about who is after Kagome and Souta. Understand?"
"If I didn't know better I would say you are falling for this human girl. There is something about her that intrigues me. I remember her, from a long time ago." Kouga said leaning over to look behind Sesshomaru to where Kagome stood.
"I am not falling for some human, Kouga." Sesshomaru growled.
"Then you don't mind if I go for her?" Kouga suggested.
"I do mind wolf, she is just getting over her mothers death. And do you not have a mate Kouga? We don't want to be cheating on her now do we?" Sesshomaru replied an edge lacing his voice.
"Sheesh Sesshomaru don't get all worked up over what I said, I didn't mean it. But I will say this, there is something about her, strange, and odd; a little powerful too." Kouga said.
"And you think I've haven't noticed this?" Sesshomaru inquired.
Kouga shrugged, "Never doubted you buddy, but if I go with my gut feeling and hunch, I'll say that maybe the people after her feel the same thing we do."
"Your gut feeling, a hunch; how pathetic Kouga, honestly. Now if you have nothing more to say I will be leaving." Sesshomaru said.
"Nope nothing else." Kouga said shaking his head, "Wait actually yes, Ayumi and I are hosting a party at a local club tonight, maybe you should come and relax, and bring Kagome as well if you want."
"And what about Souta?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Ayumi has a friend who can watch the little guy for you. Ah come on Sesshomaru, you need some time to relax and sit back." Kouga persuaded.
"I will speak to Kagome about it, and call you later." Sesshomaru said.
"Good to hear later bud." Kouga said lifting his hand in a wave before turning and heading back to his car.
Sesshomaru stood for a few more moments watching Kouga walk off before he too turned and walked away. Quietly he came up behind Kagome and noticed that she had opened up a little but was still distant. Slowly he lifted a hand to lie on her shoulder. Kagome jumped beneath his touch and turned her head to look at him.
"Sesshomaru..." She whispered.
"Mr. Taisho well isn't this a surprise." An elderly woman spoke up.
Sesshomaru turned his eyes to the woman and bowed his head slightly, "Hello Miss."
"Shianna, Sesshomaru here is helping Souta and I out. He has offered us a home also, while being my employer." Kagome explained to the group of woman now curiously looking at Sesshomaru.
"Oh well then as long as he is looking after our sweet little Kagome and handsome Souta, I see no harm." Shianna said smiling.
"I am trying my hardest Miss. Shianna." Sesshomaru assured hating that he was lowering himself to a human, but he was used to it after having to do it for so many centuries.
A light tap made Sesshomaru turn around and look at a man dressed in a robe and Sesshomaru could only guess that he was the priest. "We are ready for you."
Sesshomaru nodded and kept one hand on Kagomes back as she followed the priest, Souta keeping a strong grip on his sisters hand. They sat together in a pew in the front, Kagome never once looking away but kept her gaze on her mother's coffin.
The funeral ran by quickly to Sesshomaru and before he knew it Kagome was standing to say her respects to her mother. Souta followed walking so close to his sister he could have sworn that he was attached to her. Sesshomaru stayed where he was watching with mild interest as Kagome ran her hand slowly across the coffin. Her face showed nothing but Sesshomaru knew it was a mask, a weak mask at the looks of it. Though her face showed nothing it was eyes that spoke the truth.
Kagome blinked fighting back the tears as they formed in her eyes. She had to be strong, she had to, not for herself but for her brother and everyone here, her mother she knew would never want to see her like this. Squinting her eyes she let the first tear fall before she turned and walked quickly away from the coffin. Souta remained for a minute his own tears falling freely, before he too turned and ran to his sister. Kagome sat down beside Sesshomaru her face turning blank again, but the tears fell one after another, shedding the pain from her heart.
An hour later they were once again in the limo. Kagome sat lifelessly by the window once again staring out it with an emotionless face. Souta was curled up at her side his eyes closed. Sesshomaru watched, just simply watched, his mind was telling him to ask the question Kouga had asked, but why do it? The pair was obviously tired from the day's morning events so why bother?
"I need a drink." Kagome suddenly said.
Sesshomaru's eyes widened slightly but merely replied, "Really?"
"Yes I need to go someplace and have fun. I don't want to feel this way anymore Sesshomaru. I know this wouldn't be what my mother wanted me to do, mourn over her death and rag through life like a zombie. She would have wanted me to keep going, keep living, be free." Kagome said slowly.
She looked away from the window to him, her eyes no longer blank, but full of determination and strength. "I don't know why really but I need to move forward and stop falling further into this depression. Because I can't, I can't continue being like this, I have to be strong for myself, for Souta and for everyone around me."
Sesshomaru nodded somewhat relieved that Kagome wanted to get out as much as he did, "Well a friend of mine named Kouga, he's working on your case too. He offered to come to a party he is hosting at a nearby club. He wants us both to come."
"And what about Souta?" Kagome asked, starting to like the idea of going to this party, but her brother's well fare came first.
"Ayumi, Kougas wife has a friend who would love to watch him." Sesshomaru said, "What do you think?"
"I think it's a great idea, I need to get out and it would be nice for Souta to spend some time with someone else." Kagome pondered, then smiled at Sesshomaru, "Yes I think that's a great idea."
"Then it's settled, do you have anything to wear to the party?" Sesshomaru asked.
Kagome thought back to the clothes she had bought, none of them would be considered party type. Shaking her head Kagome said, "No I don't, do you mind if we go get something for me to wear please?"
"Yes I believe we can." Sesshomaru replied.
"Thanks Sesshomaru!" Kagome exclaimed.
"Will you grab my mail Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked turning around from the step she stood on.
Sesshomaru nodded and looked for the slot number that was hers. Finding it he easily opened it and reached in to pull out a small stack of envelopes. "Sesshomaru!" Kagome yelled making Sesshomaru look up and start after her and Souta.
Unlocking her apartment door, Kagome sighed. Souta let go of Kagomes hand somewhat excited that they were going out and that he would be spending a few hours at someone else's for once.
"You can set it on the counter, I'll look through it later." Kagome said walking to her room. She shut the door as Sesshomaru set the mail on the counter. He walked to the large window and sliding door that lead to the balcony outside. He only had to wait a few minutes before Kagome walked out. Sesshomaru turned to her and raised an eyebrow. She wore a pair of jeans, and a loose T-shirt; her hair was thrown back into a ponytail and to top it off she wore sandals.
"Where's Souta?" Kagome asked. As if knowing his name was called Souta appeared from his own room dressed causally. In his hands he held a game boy already blasting away on it.
Kagome placed a gentle hand on Soutas head leading him towards the door. Sesshomaru followed stepping out beside them as Kagome turned to lock the door. Together they once again made their way down the stairs and towards the limo.
Souta climbed in and Kagome waited to turn and look at Sesshomaru. "Thank you Sesshomaru for everything you've done."
"You've-"Sesshomaru started.
But Kagome interrupted, "I know you're going to tell me how you've heard so many times before from me, but I want you to know that I truly mean it."
Sesshomaru nodded and Kagome smiled once more before climbing into the limo beside her brother. Sesshomaru placed a hand on the car door as he stared up at the sky. Why was his heart giving him this funny feeling? It felt like it was melting, waking up from its icy sleep. It caused him pain and yet pleasure at the same time.
What are you doing to me Kagome?
A/N: Reviews make me happy guys please do review!