For All Eternity
It seemed impossible to make a cold man's heart melt and soften. It seemed impossible, yes, but not entirely unattainable.
A few hours after the incident at the hospital, an unwanted discussion was kept as a secret for a while, but not for all eternity, for the hands of time will turn backwards just this once and allow the souls to witness the discussion again.
Sesshomaru sat at his office chair and looked at the old man standing before his table. He seemed to fight the urge to yawn since the old man's remarks were nonsense to him. He hardly paid attention.
"Young Master, give her what she asks and treat her the way she wants to be treated. This way, everything will turn out well."
Hao looked helplessly at his stubborn Master staring blankly at him. He somehow had the idea that he is really not enjoying the fact that he is an old, wrinkled man's audience. But this, old, wrinkled and perhaps wretched man had aims and plans he vowed to fulfill for the good of his Master and he had no intentions of giving up.
He continued speaking when he gave no response. "Fate may not offer alliance with you if you continue to treat her in a very ill manner, my Master."
"You don't think my ideas are not intelligent enough to control the situations, do you?" Sesshomaru spoke at last. But he shouldn't have, for his words made the old man's weak knees shake.
"Oh, no, Young Master, but - -"
"Good. Then we have nothing else to discuss. You may leave."
Silence.
"No, Master. I have come here to persuade you to be a little nicer to the young lady. She's a teenager, and she needs to be treated well. And if she thinks that your attitude is favorable enough for her, she might give way for you as well."
"I am aware of what she might think. But she continues to treat me as some villain in her usual fairy tales." Sesshomaru stood up and turned to the window behind his office table. While Sesshomaru is starting to stiffen at the kind of topic they were talking about, Hao on the other hand, is grateful that his Master of Ice finally opened up to him.
"But not entirely aware, my Master. Kagome is really nice and sweet. She does not belong to the typical flirty females nowadays. She is often generous and kind, and will not hesitate to give love whenever she is treated properly the way she wanted."
"You mean I should become a slave to her?"
Hao shook his head. "No, not exactly what I mean, Young Master. You should become a little nicer."
"Nicer?" Sesshomaru turned around with a questioning look. "What do you mean?"
Hao chuckled to himself. "Well, what I actually mean is..."
"What is this, Sesshomaru?" Kagome held a medium-sized box covered with ruffles, ribbons and purple gift wrapper all over it. In its size, a thick, hard-covered, 3000-page Biology book would fit in. With a raised eyebrow and slightly parted lips, she raised her face up to meet his and ask once more. "I never asked for..."
"Don't tell me the generation nowadays always inform their soon-to-be wives about surprise gifts?" Sesshomaru took the empty space of the soft living room couch beside his fiancée.
"Um... a gift?" Kagome was too confused to keep up with the quick sequence of events.
"Yes, but I can take it away if you don't like it."
Kagome looked at his blank face and shook her head. "No, I do like it. I'm just a little..." She retracted her gaze back to the mysterious glittering box and started untying the ribbons and removing the wrapper. When every shred was removed, she lifted the cover and feasted her eyes on the most eye-catching gift she has ever received.
It was a large silver choker with small precious stones that seemed to be authentic onyxes and emeralds decorating the surface. It gleamed and sparkled with clear genuine beauty and Kagome was completely lost of words to say.
"Oh my... This is..." Kagome looked at Sesshomaru wide-eyed and shook her head. "This is... too much! I can't just... have it for free...?"
"Gifts are given for free, am I right?"
"But I'm not fond of going into parties where this thing can be worn? In fact, I'm not really used to jewelries."
Sesshomaru stood up and walked towards the small coffee table beside the couch and took the small piece of specialty paper folded neatly, perhaps an invitation.
"What is this?" She asked as she took the piece of paper from his hand and unfolded it to read its contents.
"It's a formal invitation for a soirée on tomorrow night, at the residence of the owner of a newly appointed sister company of the White Wolf Corporation."
"White Wolf?"
"The Enterprise of the family."
"Oh..." Kagome stared down to the piece of paper and skimmed. "It says here that the visitor's attire is strictly formal."
"Yes."
"Wait, hold on..." Kagome quickly lifted her eyes off of the invitation to gaze at him. "You're not asking me to come with you at the party tomorrow night, are you?"
He almost smirked at that, but he avoided the confused look of her eyes. "It seems that you don't like it."
Kagome looked back to the letter, then lower to her feet. "Well... I've got nothing to wear... And I'm not really used to formal parties."
"We can fix that problem tonight, since I - -"
"Kagome?!" A familiar female voice came from one corner of the spacious living room.
Kagome stood up, placing the gift box carefully on the sofa. "Sango-chan!"
Her friend Sango ran to her and hugged her tightly, her gorgeous brown hair cascading softly behind her as she ran. She was wearing a blue pair of pants and a yellow printed hanging top.
"My cousin told me the whole story, but I really can't believe that we're going to be related soon!"
Kagome moved away in shock. "Related?" She turned to Sesshomaru sitting on the sofa with his legs crossed and his eyes slightly closed. "Cousin?"
"Sango is my second cousin. Since the two of you were very close friends, I thought you already know."
"Know? No I don't know! You haven't told me, Sango-chan? How come?"
"I never thought it's important. Now come on and dress up! We should leave now. I really don't want to get home late." Sango pulled Kagome's arm giddily with a smile.
Kagome was still shocked at the recent track of events. "Leave? Where? Why?"
"Silly Kagome-chan, we're going shopping today. We can't go tomorrow since the soirée is scheduled tomorrow night, so we have to go now."
"Now? But why?" Kagome knitted her eyebrows in confusion. "Tomorrow?"
"Today is Saturday, tomorrow, Sunday." Sesshomaru interfered. "And it's for the soirée tomorrow night, like you said earlier you have nothing to wear."
Kagome paused for a while. "Oh... Okay..." She heard a soft sigh from Sesshomaru, perhaps he had sensed her confusion and anxiousness.
"C'mon, then, Kagome-chan. Excuse us, Sesshomaru." Sango pulled her friend and soon-to-be relative outside the living room to the set of stairs then to her bedroom to dress up.
He just watched them leave. Good Sango seemed to be very happy when he told her about Kagome being his fiancée. She's happy about it, all right, while he, on the contrary...
Let's just keep it at that, for now.
Sesshomaru seemed to be a little relieved. He doesn't want to say it but the old man was right. There was really something special about Kagome. When he saw her sitting silently on the living room sofa, at the moment he approached her there, she was on her guard. She's probably thinking that he was angry with her for not coming down for lunch with him, where in fact, that was one of his 'regulations' in his home.
To join him in every meal and to come to him whenever he asks or needs for her presence.
Need?
Probably ask, but need?
Why would he need her? He is even strong enough to take care of himself, a lot stronger than he actually is. Just like a raccoon with a thick fur even thicker than it's own body.
He is stronger than his father was, stronger than his father's father, and far more stronger than his eldest ancestor. Inu Yasha is entirely nothing compared to the strength of his will and spirit. He is sculptured and created with perfection that the weak-minded will have to ask 'him' for help. And he would never, ever need anyone else.
Since his Mother died, he vowed to become independent. The weak are only stepping stones for the great and the strong. And he's definitely not weak.
No, not ever.
Or perhaps he'll need her someday.
Ridiculous...
But even the greatest astronomers had apprentices, to assist them when they're in 'need'.
Apprentices listen and learn from their masters, since they are not good enough. They didn't exist to come to their masters when they are in need. They seek their equals for help.
And not the novices.
He was very busy thinking on the sofa that he did not notice Kagome appear behind the doors of the living room. He was already murmuring his thoughts clear enough for her to understand. She kept herself hidden behind the walls, and among the shadows, and listened to his voice. She's really curious on what he's saying.
"Why would I need her? Would she even come if I ask?"
Kagome's eyes widened with surprise. Is he talking about me?
"Hey Kagome-chan, I told you to tell him we're leaving. What are you doing there anyway?" Sango called from the halls, just in time to ruin the moment.
"Eh... Erm... I was about to." She jumped into the light coming from the living room where Sesshomaru was. Obviously, Sesshomaru was looking at them, his face calm and blank. But he noticed the flushed skin on her cheeks, and he couldn't stop his curiosity.
"What are you ashamed about?" He asked blankly.
"Uh... N-nothing, it was just Sango..."
"Weird, but I can't remember saying anything to embarrass you? Unless asking you to inform Sesshomaru that we're leaving, but I hardly think that's embarrassing." Sango fingered with the ends of her brown hair idly.
"Well, she..." Kagome stuttered. She mentally avoided his gaze and tried to act as normal as possible while doing so but he still seemed to notice.
"Perhaps there is something you want to say that you don't want my cousin to hear?" Sesshomaru lowered his gaze and sighed. He caught Kagome's wide- eyed look and Sango's simple smile before he removed his eyes off the women.
"I'll be waiting at the garage, then. See you there, Kagome-chan." Sango tapped her shoulder whispered to her ear quickly. "See? I told you he noticed."
"What?" Kagome watched as her friend's form disappear in the darkened and shadowy halls of the mansion.
"Is there anything you wish to tell me?"
Stupid Kagome! Kagome mentally hit herself as she turned her face to look at him, but he wasn't where he was sitting a few seconds ago. Because now he's only a few inches away from her.
"No, I really don't have anything to..."
Time ran fast forward, so fast that the events that happened only came to her when she already found herself lying on the sofa. He had pulled her roughly and had almost slammed her on the seat.
And now he's on top of her, his breath caressing her lips, and his hair falling around his face like a silvery-white curtain.
She had to hold her breath. She had nothing to say and nothing in her mind to do. If Sango was there, she would cheer her up. Since a few minutes ago they were talking about Sesshomaru's meteoric behavior. Of course Kagome didn't believe it. Since the beginning Sesshomaru behaved perfectly like a quiet stalker, or an assassin. He would rather be alone than have a nonsense chit-chat with anyone, and he'd rather read a book than argue with anybody inside his mansion.
But it seemed that he did have quick mood swings.
"W-what are you doing??" She was able to ask.
"I don't know." He murmured as he brushed his lips to hers. "I really don't know."
"Um... S-Sesshomaru...?" He made a sound which seemed to be 'yes?', but still continued his simple ministration that confused the both of them. "A-are you going to kiss me--?"
He moved away, lifting himself a few inches away from her face with the use of his arms. "I'm not quite sure. Forgive me." He moved away completely, now only sitting at the small portion of the sofa seat.
What did he say?
What did the Master of Ice just said?
Kagome took every second to replay in her mind the soft tone of the words he had just said. She didn't believe it, he would never say 'that' word to anyone regardless of their ranking or whatever. He just can't do that!
"Uh... Um... Sesshomaru...?"
She surprised him when she called his name despite their very interesting position. "Yes?"
"Why did you, I mean, this... You didn't..."
"Are you asking why I didn't kiss you?" Sesshomaru stared at her. He somehow felt weird in his position, and also felt weird that she's not asking him to get off. Maybe she's waiting for something, he smirked. "Do you want me to kiss you?"
Kagome gasped slightly.
"Well?" Sesshomaru teased. If he could make her open up, then he'd know how to deal with her if there's something he wants her to do for him.
If only he can...
"Well..." Kagome pulled herself off the sofa to sit. He was sitting beside her, only that on the bigger portion of the seat behind him. "Sango-chan and I were talking about you, and I was asking her if you really are inarticulate."
He twisted his torso to look at her still-flushed cheeks. "Inarticulate?" She nodded. "Believe me on this but you are the first woman to say that I am inarticulate."
"Well, not generally, but only on one thing." Kagome tried to look at him but all she could see is his silvery-white locks and his pale and pointy ears. "When it comes to your emotions..."
"Emotions?" He chuckled lowly at that, much to her amazement.
"What's funny?" Kagome raised a bow and stared.
"You are."
Huh?
It might sound stupid but Kagome was sure she just felt the goosebumps.
It's really creepy to hear Sesshomaru crack jokes.
"Nothing serious. Memories had come to me."
He was about to lift himself up from the sofa when she grabbed his arms tightly, and said, "Sesshomaru, I want to hear you talk."
"For what? What would you gain?"
"Nothing profitable, that's for sure." Kagome laughed softly. Sesshomaru sat again and leaned backwards slightly, just to create contact between the two of them.
"An honest proposal. What do you want to hear, then?"
"First," She paused, uneasy at their close contact – Sesshomaru's back on the side of her left leg, and his hair gorgeously folded on her lap. "Memories." This made him glance sharply to her, which she probably didn't notice since she was looking at the ceiling. "You memories. That is, if you still have them."
"Of course I do. I may be a twenty-four year old young adult but I'm perfectly free from Alzheimer's disease. Besides, I am not that old." His eyes slightly narrowed the moment he glanced farther to the right, hiding his serious face from her. "Why do you wish to hear them?"
"I don't know. Maybe because I have very few memories."
"Few?" Sesshomaru glanced back at her to look at her expression. She could be lying.
"This sounds weird but I only can recall things from my childhood when I hear other people say them."
"How many can you remember then?"
"Like I told you, I can't enumerate them one by one if I don't have clues or hints. Actually, I could hardly remember you the first time we met which was yesterday morning, right?"
He nodded. "Yes."
"So? What can you remember? How did we meet?" She sound excited.
"You lent me your coat when you saw me freezing on a bench in a park."
Kagome clapped her hands twice and cheered. "Yay! Now I remember! My mom even told me not to talk to strangers and I even told her 'yes', but I did talked to you. I can remember persisting that Sess-chan wasn't a stranger."
"That was what you used to call me, Kagome."
"Sess-chan." Kagome giggled slightly.
"And that was what you used to do when you tie ribbons in my hair."
"I did?" Kagome gasped. "I tied ribbons?"
"Yes. You said you always dreamed of a baby sister, so you poured all out of your wishes on me."
Kagome was laughing hard now. She used to be pretty quiet in Sesshomaru's mansion, but now, she's even louder than the guard dogs barking outside.
Guard dogs?
Why are they barking anyway?
"Kagome." He called softly. "Hush for now."
Kagome was slightly intimidated by the sudden change of his tone. "What?"
In a few minutes Hao came from the door. His face contorted and mixed with fear and slight anguish as he bowed low to his Master and his Master's Mistress.
"Forgive me for intruding, but my Young Master seemed to have an unexpected visitor tonight."
"Visitor? Now that's..."
"Hush, I said." Sesshomaru whispered to her while gently squeezing her hand. "Who is it."
"He says he is the owner of another company that you refused when he requested an alliance between your companies. A man named Naraku, he looks furious and he's shouting at the security guards outside, which made the dogs noisy."
"Take him to my office and tell him to wait for me there."
Hao bowed again and left. Sesshomaru stood up and turned to Kagome.
"Let us continue our small chit-chat later when you return."
He was back to his normal self; the usual, quiet and proper Sesshomaru with the word 'formality' written all over him.
But she'd rather hear him make jokes that would make her shiver than frown 24/7. Well he doesn't really smile, but still...
"Sesshomaru..." She whispered to herself sadly when he continued walking away, leaving her.
But the room was shrouded in complete silence that he heard her discreetly say his name.
She probably is sorry. Sorry that he would never get away from his troublesome life. Sorry that he will always have to deal with problems so frequently that he'd rather not talk to anyone and spend his whole time tying to figure out a solution.
And lastly, she seemed to be sorry for not being there to aid him.
Can she really be a good wife?
He stopped before he would take another step away from her and turned around. He walked back to her and carried her into his arms. He felt her smile on his chest, and heard her soft voice whisper his name for the second time. Then he lifted his chin with a hooked index finger and gave her a soft kiss on the lips.
Her lips looked so full and sweet, something he has never tasted before. Something he always dreamed of tasting.
Dreamed? Yes.
For in reality, he simply walked away. Completely leaving her in the living room.
You still do not know too much about me.
"I demand an answer, Sesshomaru!" For the third time he had slammed his closed fist on Sesshomaru's office table. "You had rejected my proposal of having an alliance with your company, and now I had found out that you offered that thing you rejected me to another company that doesn't even made up to The White Wolf Corporation's standard?"
"And who said that yours was better?" Sesshomaru mocked him seriously. He had his right elbow on top of his table, and his perfectly sculpted chin resting on the back of his right hand.
"I'm warning you." He glared at him, his black wavy hair moving swiftly behind him as he spoke. "If you still refuse me this last time..."
"Perhaps you did not understand me." Sesshomaru closed his tired eyes. He has been working on his business papers the whole day and he needed rest. "I have already turned your request down. I 'refused'. And I'm finished with you. So please, Naraku," He stood up and prepared to leave the room, turning his back on his angry face.
"Don't turn your back on me!" He snapped angrily.
Sesshomaru paused. "I don't seem to be a very happy person, Naraku-san, but I became more unhappy since you came here. Make me more happier by leaving." He continued walking towards the door.
"Oh really? You don't?" The sudden change of his voice alarmed Sesshomaru, and made him stop again.
"On that tone of your voice you sound like you are doubting."
"In fact I am, my dear Sesshomaru-sama. It's that woman who left with your cousin Sango-san." He smirked. "Doesn't that wench of yours give you enough pleasure to satisfy you and make you happy? She's breathtaking , isn't she? Just look at those perfect curves she has, and that skin..."
"For a sex maniac like you, probably yes. But forgive me for disappointing you but I not who you think I am. Good evening."
"Then she doesn't matter to you? Dare create a trade?" Naraku almost laughed loud when he saw Sesshomaru clench his fists and heard his almost inaudible growl. "She seems profitable to me. But a little secretive too, if I may add. Has she ever told you anything?"
"Although she is not exactly my type, I will not let that happen. She would lose all her beauty when she becomes your bitch. Besides, her relationship to me is no longer your business. Let us pretend she still does have a lot of things to tell me, but it is already none of your business. Someone will show you on your way out." He opened the door to leave, but Naraku made him pause again, leaving him with his last few words.
"Perhaps you don't know but I am a very unimaginable rival, Sesshomaru- sama..."
"It doesn't alarm me, do not worry."
"You will see, soon..." Naraku grinned. "Good evening, Sesshomaru-sama..."
Sesshomaru closed the door and left him there in his office. "One by one," He chuckled low while he brushed his bangs from his forehead and wiped a few drops of sweat. "They will disappear..."
"One by one..."
Naraku picked up his phone, flipped the cover and placed next to his ear. "Kagura, have you spotted the women?"
"Yes, Naraku. Just as you ordered." A female voice replied.
"Good. Send Karyu-no to follow them."
"At once, Naraku-sama."
a/n: I really didn't like this chapter. It's all talk... Oh well, this I'm sure, I have to change the rating for the next chapter's sake. Do I have young readers here? I'd really love it if you'd sound off now, so I can decide if I should include the lemon parts here. I hope you liked it. And please review again. Lacus Somniorum
It seemed impossible to make a cold man's heart melt and soften. It seemed impossible, yes, but not entirely unattainable.
A few hours after the incident at the hospital, an unwanted discussion was kept as a secret for a while, but not for all eternity, for the hands of time will turn backwards just this once and allow the souls to witness the discussion again.
Sesshomaru sat at his office chair and looked at the old man standing before his table. He seemed to fight the urge to yawn since the old man's remarks were nonsense to him. He hardly paid attention.
"Young Master, give her what she asks and treat her the way she wants to be treated. This way, everything will turn out well."
Hao looked helplessly at his stubborn Master staring blankly at him. He somehow had the idea that he is really not enjoying the fact that he is an old, wrinkled man's audience. But this, old, wrinkled and perhaps wretched man had aims and plans he vowed to fulfill for the good of his Master and he had no intentions of giving up.
He continued speaking when he gave no response. "Fate may not offer alliance with you if you continue to treat her in a very ill manner, my Master."
"You don't think my ideas are not intelligent enough to control the situations, do you?" Sesshomaru spoke at last. But he shouldn't have, for his words made the old man's weak knees shake.
"Oh, no, Young Master, but - -"
"Good. Then we have nothing else to discuss. You may leave."
Silence.
"No, Master. I have come here to persuade you to be a little nicer to the young lady. She's a teenager, and she needs to be treated well. And if she thinks that your attitude is favorable enough for her, she might give way for you as well."
"I am aware of what she might think. But she continues to treat me as some villain in her usual fairy tales." Sesshomaru stood up and turned to the window behind his office table. While Sesshomaru is starting to stiffen at the kind of topic they were talking about, Hao on the other hand, is grateful that his Master of Ice finally opened up to him.
"But not entirely aware, my Master. Kagome is really nice and sweet. She does not belong to the typical flirty females nowadays. She is often generous and kind, and will not hesitate to give love whenever she is treated properly the way she wanted."
"You mean I should become a slave to her?"
Hao shook his head. "No, not exactly what I mean, Young Master. You should become a little nicer."
"Nicer?" Sesshomaru turned around with a questioning look. "What do you mean?"
Hao chuckled to himself. "Well, what I actually mean is..."
"What is this, Sesshomaru?" Kagome held a medium-sized box covered with ruffles, ribbons and purple gift wrapper all over it. In its size, a thick, hard-covered, 3000-page Biology book would fit in. With a raised eyebrow and slightly parted lips, she raised her face up to meet his and ask once more. "I never asked for..."
"Don't tell me the generation nowadays always inform their soon-to-be wives about surprise gifts?" Sesshomaru took the empty space of the soft living room couch beside his fiancée.
"Um... a gift?" Kagome was too confused to keep up with the quick sequence of events.
"Yes, but I can take it away if you don't like it."
Kagome looked at his blank face and shook her head. "No, I do like it. I'm just a little..." She retracted her gaze back to the mysterious glittering box and started untying the ribbons and removing the wrapper. When every shred was removed, she lifted the cover and feasted her eyes on the most eye-catching gift she has ever received.
It was a large silver choker with small precious stones that seemed to be authentic onyxes and emeralds decorating the surface. It gleamed and sparkled with clear genuine beauty and Kagome was completely lost of words to say.
"Oh my... This is..." Kagome looked at Sesshomaru wide-eyed and shook her head. "This is... too much! I can't just... have it for free...?"
"Gifts are given for free, am I right?"
"But I'm not fond of going into parties where this thing can be worn? In fact, I'm not really used to jewelries."
Sesshomaru stood up and walked towards the small coffee table beside the couch and took the small piece of specialty paper folded neatly, perhaps an invitation.
"What is this?" She asked as she took the piece of paper from his hand and unfolded it to read its contents.
"It's a formal invitation for a soirée on tomorrow night, at the residence of the owner of a newly appointed sister company of the White Wolf Corporation."
"White Wolf?"
"The Enterprise of the family."
"Oh..." Kagome stared down to the piece of paper and skimmed. "It says here that the visitor's attire is strictly formal."
"Yes."
"Wait, hold on..." Kagome quickly lifted her eyes off of the invitation to gaze at him. "You're not asking me to come with you at the party tomorrow night, are you?"
He almost smirked at that, but he avoided the confused look of her eyes. "It seems that you don't like it."
Kagome looked back to the letter, then lower to her feet. "Well... I've got nothing to wear... And I'm not really used to formal parties."
"We can fix that problem tonight, since I - -"
"Kagome?!" A familiar female voice came from one corner of the spacious living room.
Kagome stood up, placing the gift box carefully on the sofa. "Sango-chan!"
Her friend Sango ran to her and hugged her tightly, her gorgeous brown hair cascading softly behind her as she ran. She was wearing a blue pair of pants and a yellow printed hanging top.
"My cousin told me the whole story, but I really can't believe that we're going to be related soon!"
Kagome moved away in shock. "Related?" She turned to Sesshomaru sitting on the sofa with his legs crossed and his eyes slightly closed. "Cousin?"
"Sango is my second cousin. Since the two of you were very close friends, I thought you already know."
"Know? No I don't know! You haven't told me, Sango-chan? How come?"
"I never thought it's important. Now come on and dress up! We should leave now. I really don't want to get home late." Sango pulled Kagome's arm giddily with a smile.
Kagome was still shocked at the recent track of events. "Leave? Where? Why?"
"Silly Kagome-chan, we're going shopping today. We can't go tomorrow since the soirée is scheduled tomorrow night, so we have to go now."
"Now? But why?" Kagome knitted her eyebrows in confusion. "Tomorrow?"
"Today is Saturday, tomorrow, Sunday." Sesshomaru interfered. "And it's for the soirée tomorrow night, like you said earlier you have nothing to wear."
Kagome paused for a while. "Oh... Okay..." She heard a soft sigh from Sesshomaru, perhaps he had sensed her confusion and anxiousness.
"C'mon, then, Kagome-chan. Excuse us, Sesshomaru." Sango pulled her friend and soon-to-be relative outside the living room to the set of stairs then to her bedroom to dress up.
He just watched them leave. Good Sango seemed to be very happy when he told her about Kagome being his fiancée. She's happy about it, all right, while he, on the contrary...
Let's just keep it at that, for now.
Sesshomaru seemed to be a little relieved. He doesn't want to say it but the old man was right. There was really something special about Kagome. When he saw her sitting silently on the living room sofa, at the moment he approached her there, she was on her guard. She's probably thinking that he was angry with her for not coming down for lunch with him, where in fact, that was one of his 'regulations' in his home.
To join him in every meal and to come to him whenever he asks or needs for her presence.
Need?
Probably ask, but need?
Why would he need her? He is even strong enough to take care of himself, a lot stronger than he actually is. Just like a raccoon with a thick fur even thicker than it's own body.
He is stronger than his father was, stronger than his father's father, and far more stronger than his eldest ancestor. Inu Yasha is entirely nothing compared to the strength of his will and spirit. He is sculptured and created with perfection that the weak-minded will have to ask 'him' for help. And he would never, ever need anyone else.
Since his Mother died, he vowed to become independent. The weak are only stepping stones for the great and the strong. And he's definitely not weak.
No, not ever.
Or perhaps he'll need her someday.
Ridiculous...
But even the greatest astronomers had apprentices, to assist them when they're in 'need'.
Apprentices listen and learn from their masters, since they are not good enough. They didn't exist to come to their masters when they are in need. They seek their equals for help.
And not the novices.
He was very busy thinking on the sofa that he did not notice Kagome appear behind the doors of the living room. He was already murmuring his thoughts clear enough for her to understand. She kept herself hidden behind the walls, and among the shadows, and listened to his voice. She's really curious on what he's saying.
"Why would I need her? Would she even come if I ask?"
Kagome's eyes widened with surprise. Is he talking about me?
"Hey Kagome-chan, I told you to tell him we're leaving. What are you doing there anyway?" Sango called from the halls, just in time to ruin the moment.
"Eh... Erm... I was about to." She jumped into the light coming from the living room where Sesshomaru was. Obviously, Sesshomaru was looking at them, his face calm and blank. But he noticed the flushed skin on her cheeks, and he couldn't stop his curiosity.
"What are you ashamed about?" He asked blankly.
"Uh... N-nothing, it was just Sango..."
"Weird, but I can't remember saying anything to embarrass you? Unless asking you to inform Sesshomaru that we're leaving, but I hardly think that's embarrassing." Sango fingered with the ends of her brown hair idly.
"Well, she..." Kagome stuttered. She mentally avoided his gaze and tried to act as normal as possible while doing so but he still seemed to notice.
"Perhaps there is something you want to say that you don't want my cousin to hear?" Sesshomaru lowered his gaze and sighed. He caught Kagome's wide- eyed look and Sango's simple smile before he removed his eyes off the women.
"I'll be waiting at the garage, then. See you there, Kagome-chan." Sango tapped her shoulder whispered to her ear quickly. "See? I told you he noticed."
"What?" Kagome watched as her friend's form disappear in the darkened and shadowy halls of the mansion.
"Is there anything you wish to tell me?"
Stupid Kagome! Kagome mentally hit herself as she turned her face to look at him, but he wasn't where he was sitting a few seconds ago. Because now he's only a few inches away from her.
"No, I really don't have anything to..."
Time ran fast forward, so fast that the events that happened only came to her when she already found herself lying on the sofa. He had pulled her roughly and had almost slammed her on the seat.
And now he's on top of her, his breath caressing her lips, and his hair falling around his face like a silvery-white curtain.
She had to hold her breath. She had nothing to say and nothing in her mind to do. If Sango was there, she would cheer her up. Since a few minutes ago they were talking about Sesshomaru's meteoric behavior. Of course Kagome didn't believe it. Since the beginning Sesshomaru behaved perfectly like a quiet stalker, or an assassin. He would rather be alone than have a nonsense chit-chat with anyone, and he'd rather read a book than argue with anybody inside his mansion.
But it seemed that he did have quick mood swings.
"W-what are you doing??" She was able to ask.
"I don't know." He murmured as he brushed his lips to hers. "I really don't know."
"Um... S-Sesshomaru...?" He made a sound which seemed to be 'yes?', but still continued his simple ministration that confused the both of them. "A-are you going to kiss me--?"
He moved away, lifting himself a few inches away from her face with the use of his arms. "I'm not quite sure. Forgive me." He moved away completely, now only sitting at the small portion of the sofa seat.
What did he say?
What did the Master of Ice just said?
Kagome took every second to replay in her mind the soft tone of the words he had just said. She didn't believe it, he would never say 'that' word to anyone regardless of their ranking or whatever. He just can't do that!
"Uh... Um... Sesshomaru...?"
She surprised him when she called his name despite their very interesting position. "Yes?"
"Why did you, I mean, this... You didn't..."
"Are you asking why I didn't kiss you?" Sesshomaru stared at her. He somehow felt weird in his position, and also felt weird that she's not asking him to get off. Maybe she's waiting for something, he smirked. "Do you want me to kiss you?"
Kagome gasped slightly.
"Well?" Sesshomaru teased. If he could make her open up, then he'd know how to deal with her if there's something he wants her to do for him.
If only he can...
"Well..." Kagome pulled herself off the sofa to sit. He was sitting beside her, only that on the bigger portion of the seat behind him. "Sango-chan and I were talking about you, and I was asking her if you really are inarticulate."
He twisted his torso to look at her still-flushed cheeks. "Inarticulate?" She nodded. "Believe me on this but you are the first woman to say that I am inarticulate."
"Well, not generally, but only on one thing." Kagome tried to look at him but all she could see is his silvery-white locks and his pale and pointy ears. "When it comes to your emotions..."
"Emotions?" He chuckled lowly at that, much to her amazement.
"What's funny?" Kagome raised a bow and stared.
"You are."
Huh?
It might sound stupid but Kagome was sure she just felt the goosebumps.
It's really creepy to hear Sesshomaru crack jokes.
"Nothing serious. Memories had come to me."
He was about to lift himself up from the sofa when she grabbed his arms tightly, and said, "Sesshomaru, I want to hear you talk."
"For what? What would you gain?"
"Nothing profitable, that's for sure." Kagome laughed softly. Sesshomaru sat again and leaned backwards slightly, just to create contact between the two of them.
"An honest proposal. What do you want to hear, then?"
"First," She paused, uneasy at their close contact – Sesshomaru's back on the side of her left leg, and his hair gorgeously folded on her lap. "Memories." This made him glance sharply to her, which she probably didn't notice since she was looking at the ceiling. "You memories. That is, if you still have them."
"Of course I do. I may be a twenty-four year old young adult but I'm perfectly free from Alzheimer's disease. Besides, I am not that old." His eyes slightly narrowed the moment he glanced farther to the right, hiding his serious face from her. "Why do you wish to hear them?"
"I don't know. Maybe because I have very few memories."
"Few?" Sesshomaru glanced back at her to look at her expression. She could be lying.
"This sounds weird but I only can recall things from my childhood when I hear other people say them."
"How many can you remember then?"
"Like I told you, I can't enumerate them one by one if I don't have clues or hints. Actually, I could hardly remember you the first time we met which was yesterday morning, right?"
He nodded. "Yes."
"So? What can you remember? How did we meet?" She sound excited.
"You lent me your coat when you saw me freezing on a bench in a park."
Kagome clapped her hands twice and cheered. "Yay! Now I remember! My mom even told me not to talk to strangers and I even told her 'yes', but I did talked to you. I can remember persisting that Sess-chan wasn't a stranger."
"That was what you used to call me, Kagome."
"Sess-chan." Kagome giggled slightly.
"And that was what you used to do when you tie ribbons in my hair."
"I did?" Kagome gasped. "I tied ribbons?"
"Yes. You said you always dreamed of a baby sister, so you poured all out of your wishes on me."
Kagome was laughing hard now. She used to be pretty quiet in Sesshomaru's mansion, but now, she's even louder than the guard dogs barking outside.
Guard dogs?
Why are they barking anyway?
"Kagome." He called softly. "Hush for now."
Kagome was slightly intimidated by the sudden change of his tone. "What?"
In a few minutes Hao came from the door. His face contorted and mixed with fear and slight anguish as he bowed low to his Master and his Master's Mistress.
"Forgive me for intruding, but my Young Master seemed to have an unexpected visitor tonight."
"Visitor? Now that's..."
"Hush, I said." Sesshomaru whispered to her while gently squeezing her hand. "Who is it."
"He says he is the owner of another company that you refused when he requested an alliance between your companies. A man named Naraku, he looks furious and he's shouting at the security guards outside, which made the dogs noisy."
"Take him to my office and tell him to wait for me there."
Hao bowed again and left. Sesshomaru stood up and turned to Kagome.
"Let us continue our small chit-chat later when you return."
He was back to his normal self; the usual, quiet and proper Sesshomaru with the word 'formality' written all over him.
But she'd rather hear him make jokes that would make her shiver than frown 24/7. Well he doesn't really smile, but still...
"Sesshomaru..." She whispered to herself sadly when he continued walking away, leaving her.
But the room was shrouded in complete silence that he heard her discreetly say his name.
She probably is sorry. Sorry that he would never get away from his troublesome life. Sorry that he will always have to deal with problems so frequently that he'd rather not talk to anyone and spend his whole time tying to figure out a solution.
And lastly, she seemed to be sorry for not being there to aid him.
Can she really be a good wife?
He stopped before he would take another step away from her and turned around. He walked back to her and carried her into his arms. He felt her smile on his chest, and heard her soft voice whisper his name for the second time. Then he lifted his chin with a hooked index finger and gave her a soft kiss on the lips.
Her lips looked so full and sweet, something he has never tasted before. Something he always dreamed of tasting.
Dreamed? Yes.
For in reality, he simply walked away. Completely leaving her in the living room.
You still do not know too much about me.
"I demand an answer, Sesshomaru!" For the third time he had slammed his closed fist on Sesshomaru's office table. "You had rejected my proposal of having an alliance with your company, and now I had found out that you offered that thing you rejected me to another company that doesn't even made up to The White Wolf Corporation's standard?"
"And who said that yours was better?" Sesshomaru mocked him seriously. He had his right elbow on top of his table, and his perfectly sculpted chin resting on the back of his right hand.
"I'm warning you." He glared at him, his black wavy hair moving swiftly behind him as he spoke. "If you still refuse me this last time..."
"Perhaps you did not understand me." Sesshomaru closed his tired eyes. He has been working on his business papers the whole day and he needed rest. "I have already turned your request down. I 'refused'. And I'm finished with you. So please, Naraku," He stood up and prepared to leave the room, turning his back on his angry face.
"Don't turn your back on me!" He snapped angrily.
Sesshomaru paused. "I don't seem to be a very happy person, Naraku-san, but I became more unhappy since you came here. Make me more happier by leaving." He continued walking towards the door.
"Oh really? You don't?" The sudden change of his voice alarmed Sesshomaru, and made him stop again.
"On that tone of your voice you sound like you are doubting."
"In fact I am, my dear Sesshomaru-sama. It's that woman who left with your cousin Sango-san." He smirked. "Doesn't that wench of yours give you enough pleasure to satisfy you and make you happy? She's breathtaking , isn't she? Just look at those perfect curves she has, and that skin..."
"For a sex maniac like you, probably yes. But forgive me for disappointing you but I not who you think I am. Good evening."
"Then she doesn't matter to you? Dare create a trade?" Naraku almost laughed loud when he saw Sesshomaru clench his fists and heard his almost inaudible growl. "She seems profitable to me. But a little secretive too, if I may add. Has she ever told you anything?"
"Although she is not exactly my type, I will not let that happen. She would lose all her beauty when she becomes your bitch. Besides, her relationship to me is no longer your business. Let us pretend she still does have a lot of things to tell me, but it is already none of your business. Someone will show you on your way out." He opened the door to leave, but Naraku made him pause again, leaving him with his last few words.
"Perhaps you don't know but I am a very unimaginable rival, Sesshomaru- sama..."
"It doesn't alarm me, do not worry."
"You will see, soon..." Naraku grinned. "Good evening, Sesshomaru-sama..."
Sesshomaru closed the door and left him there in his office. "One by one," He chuckled low while he brushed his bangs from his forehead and wiped a few drops of sweat. "They will disappear..."
"One by one..."
Naraku picked up his phone, flipped the cover and placed next to his ear. "Kagura, have you spotted the women?"
"Yes, Naraku. Just as you ordered." A female voice replied.
"Good. Send Karyu-no to follow them."
"At once, Naraku-sama."
a/n: I really didn't like this chapter. It's all talk... Oh well, this I'm sure, I have to change the rating for the next chapter's sake. Do I have young readers here? I'd really love it if you'd sound off now, so I can decide if I should include the lemon parts here. I hope you liked it. And please review again. Lacus Somniorum