Title: Shadows Against a Shoji Screen
Genre: romance/action/adventure/drama
Series: Inuyasha
Chapter keywords: Kagome, Sesshoumaru, Naraku
Chapter 17: Standing in a Fire
AN: This chapter sort of decides to grab Kagome and Sesshoumaru's relationship by the horns and forcing it in one direction. It is the lovely villain who decided to do this. I particularly like this chapter because Naraku is being direct and…ecchi dare I say? Okay, maybe not ecchi—but he wastes no time in claiming his territory.
Plea for help/guidance: I recently started downloading Hikaru no Go, and of course, as soon as I start, it gets licensed. Anyway, if anyone has downloaded the entire series, I would be willing to pay them for the CD's and the shipping just so I would not have to pay for the $30/dvd.
Shadows Against a Shoji Screen
Chapter 17: Standing in a Fire
It had been a week since Sesshoumaru had received his letter from Naraku, since that time the seasonal monsoon rain had lessened and in a few more days would be blown out into the great Pacific Ocean. There was a feeling of anxiety in the air brought by the end of the gloomy and depressing weather. Farmers were ready to go back to tending their precious rice crops; travelers and wandering monks were yearning to feel the open road beneath their sandals.
Resting his head lazily onto the palm of his hand, Sesshoumaru regarded his study in mild annoyance. It was not as though he didn't treasure every book, scroll, or work of art, yet something was missing and that made it incomplete.
What could it be…?
His scowl deepened even more as he heard the familiar squashes of Jaken waddling down the hall toward his chamber. Jaken was supposed to be keeping an eye on Lady Kagome, but of course, Jaken despised her as he had Rin—so, whenever possible, he made excuses and left her free to gallivant wildly around the country.
"Sesshoumaru-sama!" Jaken gasped as he flung open the shoji screens in a most inappropriate manner. Beads of perspiration were forming on his prune-like skin suggesting that the demon had ran all the way from wherever he had been formerly located.
Swiveling his deep stormy golden eyes towards the small figure, he hissed bitterly, "Have you no manners?"
The demon gulped and backed away from the recesses of the room and slowly slid the screen shut. It was quiet for a moment, and closing his eyes Sesshoumaru waited for the proper entry that would be demonstrated by loyal servant.
The demon was seated outside the screen and slowly slid the screen open from his position. His voice was humble, low and devoid of any emotion, "Lord Sesshoumaru."
Not opening his eyes, he replied, "Yes, what is it, Jaken?"
"May I enter?" the frog demon's voice asked again in a self sacrificing manner.
Sesshoumaru smirked and allowed time to slowly drawl by. He could feel Jaken's impatience mounting to a breaking point.
But remember, Jaken, patience is a virtue as is demonstrated by myself everyday upon your arrival…
"Yes, you may enter." Sesshoumaru instructed, adjusting his seated position so that his back was straight and his manner formal.
Jaken entered, walking ever-so-lightly on his feet until he bowed low and placed himself down before the lord.
The game between the two had grown dull and boring, Sesshoumaru decided as he eyed Jaken with disdain. Deciding to end it as quickly as possible, he remarked, "What news do you bring, if any at all?"
Jaken gulped and spluttered out, "My Lord, Naraku-sama has just arrived at the entrance of the house to pay you a visit."
Sesshoumaru's frown deepened, and springing to attention he yelled, "Does this man ever send any warning that he is planning on visiting?!"
Striding over to the closed shoji screen with his silver hair fluttering behind him, an aura of anger and impatience growing about his frame, Sesshoumaru paused at the doorway. A voice whispered to him from behind the panel. The voice of him. As the hushed words were spoken the screen slowly slid open revealing to the morning light the striking creature: Naraku.
"My dear Sesshoumaru," he informed, "Where would be the pleasure in calling on people when they are prepared? All I see then is a stage with performers…"
Stepping back ever so slightly, Sesshoumaru sighed, "Stage or no, one does wish to have some forewarning about your arrival."
Sesshoumaru turned on his heel and took his arrangement behind the low desk onto which a few papers were strewn. Naraku waited at the door, eyeing the study with some admiration. His deep orbs fell onto the shelves of books, the great wall scrolls from China, the Buddha from India, and finally a large and very old map of Japan with every city, road, water source, and mountain range clearly marked.
"A fine collection you have here, Sesshoumaru," Naraku perused, wandering about the room, picking up a book here or there and glancing through its pages. "Yes, very nice indeed…"
There was a suggestive and possessive tone in the dark lord's voice that Sesshoumaru found unnerving—as though he was looking through property that he would one day own.
"Are you here to look at my collection of books or to partake in a discussion?" Sesshoumaru murmured in a casual manner though his eyes were narrowed at Naraku's back as though deciding exactly where he should stick the dagger that lay quietly in a drawer behind him.
"A discussion, by all means," Naraku purred, turning to face his ally, one of his delicate hands placed on his waist below a silk sash. "Yet I would feel more…" he paused and eyed Jaken with an evident stare of loathing as he sorted through his vocabulary for the correct word, "at ease if you dismissed this frog thing over there. He is rather disgusting to look at."
Jaken bristled as Goosebumps appeared on his skin. "I-I'm not a frog demon!!" he barked, glaring up at Naraku in those large watery eyes.
"Well, whatever you may or may not be, go. Now." Naraku insisted, pointing towards the doorway, his expression mocking in its contempt.
Jaken swung around to face his lord and sputtered indignantly, "L-Lord Sesshoumaru!"
Meeting the demon's beady eyes, Sesshoumaru heaved a sigh and conceded, "If your absence means we may get down to business, then I demand you to leave at once."
"B-but!" Jaken insisted, a flush rising to his cheeks.
"At once!" Sesshoumaru hissed, his long and razor sharp claws glinting in the early morning sun.
"Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama," Jaken sniffed, shuffling quietly out the room and sliding the screen shut with a snap.
*
The water gently lapped against the side of the pagoda half submerged in the mountain lake. The clear depths of the liquid could be seen for several meters down highlighting the smooth and polished stones that lay on its sandy bottom. From high up in the rafters of the pagoda (used mainly for tea ceremonies and conferences), the tinkle of a wind-bell sounded through the morning stillness. With the call of the bell, a figure seated in the shade of the structure stirred, and the fabric from her kimono rustled.
The outline of the girl appeared to be slightly confused as she rose to a standing position and leaned against one of the pillars for support as she gazed out at the mirror-like quality of Suzuran Lake.
The girl smiled at the scene before her and reminded herself that she should visit this place much more often. There was something extremely peaceful and relaxing about this vantage point of the lake. Ahead of her she could see the surrounding sandy shores that gently sloped down into the depths of the deep placid water. Behind the lightly colored foreground was a bit of grass where seasonal flowers bloomed in large quantity to escape the dark and shady recesses of the forest. Beyond the fields, green from the monsoon rains, was the dark and inky forest consisting of tall pine trees and low and horizontally lying maples. The servants had told her that in the autumn the forest was ablaze with color and probably the most picturesque spot in the country was the shores of Suzuran Lake. The forest continued from its point by the waterside and rose steadily into the surrounding mountains that bordered the castle on all but the eastern side where they slowly lessened to form a deep and fertile valley.
Folding her needlework and silk thread into a small basket, she walked down the cobblestone path lined with deep green moss and dried pine needles. Glancing up at the sky filled with buttermilk clouds colored in varying shades of cream, white, and gray, Kagome felt something stir within her soul. A feeling, an emotion, one that she could not yet comprehend was calling to her. It was a low soft call, a soft voice, wise and trustful. Her smile faltered and she gazed at Sesshoumaru's fortress in apprehension. Despite the fact that the sun was splashing off of the woodwork in a pretty fashion, there was still something sinister lurking in the morning shadows. Kagome would later learn the reason for the buildings dark appearance and aura. Hurrying her step, she found one of the servants walking along the veranda, her arms full of a tray filled with tea and rice crackers.
The servant, Kagome believed that Fujiko was her name, bowed and greeted her with a good morning. "How has your embroidery been progressing, Kagome-sama?"
Kagome beamed and replied in turn, "Very well, thank you."
There was a pause in the conversation. Really, Kagome should have excused herself for some mundane reason—an excuse. Yet, she found herself wishing to talk to Sesshoumaru. Kagome often found the emotion, the desire to speak to him, although hardly she answered its call. She had to remind herself, more so than usual it seemed in these past weeks, that she was married. Kagome had a husband.
"Excuse me, Kagome-sama, is something ailing you?" Fujiko questioned as she leaned forward. The teacups rattled on the lacquered base of the tray.
Stepping back in surprise as a pale wash of pink spread across her features, she answered, "No, nothing is bothering me. However…"
What would Sesshoumaru think? What would he do…?
"Yes, Kagome-sama?"
It was already too late. The dice had been tossed; there was no going back now.
"May I take the tea in to Lord Sesshoumaru?" Hearing her voice, faltered, nervous, and wavering, she felt like an idiot.
"B-but of course," Fujiko answered, taken aback. It was unheard of that a noble lady of the court should desire such a meager job of bringing tea, yet Kagome was now the lady of the house, commanded Sesshoumaru. Her word was equal to his and as such, all orders should be obeyed.
Taking the pastel colored tea set; Kagome bowed and thanked the startled servant profusely. Continuing her walk along the veranda, she felt a sudden chill crawl up her spine as she reached Sesshoumaru's study. The sun had fallen behind a cloud casting the world into a temporary shadow.
*
The screen behind Sesshoumaru's desk had been flung open to reveal a private porch, which had a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside and the valley far beneath the castle. The porch itself was sturdily built into solid granite, though below it there was a sharp decline into the tops of evergreen trees some one hundred meters away. Their tops swayed in a breeze that came in the general direction from an approaching head of clouds just now visible over the horizon. Sesshoumaru had to remind himself mentally that although the monsoon season would soon end, it had a few good storms left in it still. In the past, he remembered distinctly, the monsoon season had been known to last until the beginning of August if the trade winds were particular slacking that season. From what he had heard from Edo, there was not a promising chance that the countryside would have significant time to dry off before the war began.
A few minutes before he had demanded of Fujiko a pot of tea, and although Sesshoumaru realized his grounds were extensive to say the least, he also knew it did not take ten minutes for it to arrive. His patience was growing thin. Tea was a distraction, and a welcomed one at that. When it came to Naraku a period of ten minutes could seem like an hour because of all the attention that he demanded. Naraku was a narcissist and loved himself first and foremost, but second only to himself was his hunger for power and attention.
Tea was something that Sesshoumaru could sip, the teacup something solid he could hold in his hands and its depths a place to where he could avert his eyes.
Currently, Naraku was perusing his personal collection of books. Although the thought disgusted him that the fiend was looking through some of his most treasured collections, the thought of having to talk for longer than earthly possible steadied his balance and forced him to find peace within himself.
The scrolls on the wall fluttered in the breeze filled with the scent of salt and damp earth. Casting one last glance at his lands, Sesshoumaru turned and motioned for Naraku to seat himself comfortably. Tea or not, it was rude to stall in such a fashion.
As Sesshoumaru seated himself, his eyes slid unconsciously to the door. He could hear steps some fifty meters away, yet in the meantime Naraku had already begun to make conversation.
"Am I mistaken, or did you order tea?" he inquired in a drawling voice as he leaned against an armrest cushioned in a deep burgundy colored silk.
Not meeting Naraku's eyes, Sesshoumaru replied smoothly, "Yes, I did."
"My, my, Sesshoumaru! What are servants coming to nowadays if they cannot fix a pot of tea in under ten minutes?"
Sesshoumaru could tell that Naraku was testing the water and how deep he could wade in before he was over his head. Currently, Naraku was half way to trying his patience.
Gritting his teeth, Sesshoumaru replied noncommittally, "I am sure there is a practical explanation."
The steps stopped outside the screen and Sesshoumaru could hear the rustle of fabric as she seated herself onto the tatami mats. The screen slid open, and not even bothering to look, he motioned for her to present it to them.
Her light steps swished across the freshly laid floor, yet he was suddenly caught off guard as he recognized an all too familiar scent. That of lilacs. Sesshoumaru had yet to look up when Naraku's voice broke the hushed silence.
"Ah, Kagome-sama! So, we meet at last!"
Naraku's voice was overly sweet, camouflaging the ruthless nature beneath the mask. Snapping his head to attention, he stared in utter shock as he watched Kagome kneeled and placed the steaming pot of tea before the two gentlemen.
Of all the times, of all the places, this had been the worst possible moment for Kagome to appear. Now Naraku had the upper edge and information that one day he could use against him. A potential weakness had been discovered, and he had to quickly hide any traces of it before Naraku could latch on like a half crazed dog.
Replying in a particularly uninterested voice, Sesshoumaru motioned to the stunned Kagome who was looking at the stranger with looks of interest and apprehension. She had already seemed nervous, and this sudden manifestation of Naraku had certainly not helped her situation at all. He pitied her.
"Higurashi," it felt strange to address her in such a way; Kagome suited her so much better. "This is Lord Naraku."
It was hard to remember that Kagome had married Inuyasha. Higurashi was no longer her name.
The teacups rattled in the tray as she poured the fragrant liquid and bowed her head. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Naraku-sama," she replied graciously.
So, the fiery girl had manners after all. This did not surprise him as much as he thought it would. Kagome was a lady of the court; she knew how to be gracious when she pleased to be.
Handing the cup of tea to the dark-haired lord, Kagome, Sesshoumaru noticed with some concern, averted her eyes and turned down her mouth as Naraku continued to speak. His voice was thick with the intonation of arrogance and obvious jubilation. Naraku had now decided to overlook Kagome's presence and instead turned all his comments toward Sesshoumaru.
"So, you decided to keep the girl after all!" Naraku exclaimed, a wide amused smirk on his lips and sparkles of malice in his eyes.
"I do not know what you mean," Sesshoumaru replied coolly, sipping his tea and looking Naraku directly in the eye.
"Oh, come now. We are allies, are we not? Let us be frank about the whole situation. There is nothing to hide—and I am sure she couldn't care less about it. Or at least hardly notice." Naraku waved his hand breezily towards Kagome's seated figure that was now placing the dish of rice crackers on the tatami mats, "After all, what do these courtiers discern, hmm? They are all so busy with their Tales of Genji and perfumes and silk, why would they bother to pay attention to one such as me?"
Sesshoumaru did not reply, instead he was staring at Kagome, waiting for what her reaction would be. Had it been he who had spoken such words, he was sure that an argument would have issued at once. Yet, perhaps her behavior towards him was unique in her regard towards men. Perhaps when it came to Sesshoumaru she allowed her true and individualistic personality to show instead of hiding it under many layers of refined delicacy.
Watching her carefully, Sesshoumaru noticed that her eyes had gone glossy from the beginnings of tears. So, it seemed Kagome knew how to play the part of the domicile courtier. He was disappointed. Someone needed to prove to this jackass Naraku that they could not be stepped on. Had Sesshoumaru not been in his position, attached with strings and ropes, or at least it seemed to Naraku, he would have gladly taken a razor sharp blade to the pretty boys' tempting crown.
"If you will excuse me, Sesshoumaru," Kagome whispered, bowing and not bothering to take the tray with her. Her exit was extremely fast, however each motion was careful in its movements so as not to attract excessive amount of attention.
Studying her face as she left, he felt suddenly a strange emotion overpowering his being as he noticed her blue eyes glanced to his figure. She was calling for his help, although he had none to give. As the shoji screen slid shut, it dawned upon Sesshoumaru that he had not allowed her to leave the room.
Naraku, of course, had noticed as well.
*
It was two hours after midday and the sun had become obscured by the onslaught of an afternoon shower. The raindrops fell against the blue tile roof causing a gentle rhythm to echo throughout the serene grounds of Sesshoumaru's. Although it was only two hours after midday, Kagome had decided to take a bath. After hurriedly leaving Sesshoumaru's study, she had fled into the woods to the familiar meadow now speckled with large yellow and white flowers hidden amongst the grass. Kagome, since that day two months ago when she had tried to escape, had not yet broken the boundaries of the meadow. She had yet to travel into the distant trees however much they called to her. Recently, she found that their call had grown soft and instead, she found herself content amongst the well-trained gardens. Perhaps, Kagome had reasoned, she was becoming domesticated like the bonsai she trained. Or, on the other hand, perhaps she had grown fond of the place and of its master.
The image of a miniature maple tree sprung to her mind. How beautiful was a trained item.
Today the anger inside of her had risen to a boiling point, and daringly, she had defied her own inner voice as she broke into the line of trees and headed into the deep woods. She had no plans to escape, yet Kagome just wished to clear her head of the anger and humiliation.
After three hours of walking through the forest Kagome had not found peace. Instead, her anger toward 'Naraku' had grown and her infuriation toward Sesshoumaru had doubled in its amount. Was it just her ignorance that had caused her to believe Sesshoumaru actually respected her? Was it her adolescent nature that had convinced her that there was friendship flowing between them, or perhaps, even more? Had she been wrong in her judgment of Sesshoumaru? Perhaps he was as arrogant and cruel as the rumors had assumed.
As she neared the grounds, she found a servant tending the gardens, a large basket tucked under her arm. Angrily, Kagome had snapped that she was to take a bath. The servant dropped her basket and hurried ahead to inform the other servants to prepare one for her.
As she waited, Kagome leaned against a nearby persimmon tree and closed her eyes. She was so confused and disappointed. She had thought better of Sesshoumaru than to let her be humiliated in such a way. Running her hands through her hair, Kagome heaved a sigh. She was so disappointed, but it was not the sinking feeling that demanded her attention the most—it was her emotions concerning the youkai warlord.
I will not think of him, she told herself, gazing up into the leafy branches of the persimmon tree, Sesshoumaru does not desire my attention…and as such, I should not delude myself of any of his own emotions.
Telling herself such things did not work. Kagome knew that there was only one thought she could think that would override any feelings she held toward the youkai. Only one thought where she could realize its impact.
You are a married woman, Kagome. You are not allowed to fall in love.
No truer words were ever thought for the young girl.
The rain began to fall harder, but Kagome did not care. The kimono she wore was a present from Naraku and whether or not they became ruined was of no matter. As she waited for the servant to return she closed her eyes and wondered of her husband.
*
Naraku sipped his tea archly and watched Sesshoumaru, who was still looking toward the closed shoji screen. Outside, a light rain had begun to fall from a storm that had quickly moved in over the mountains. The day had turned gray although it had begun fine and pleasant. Dimly Naraku thought back to his own castle nestled and hidden away in the great mountains, and as he did so, he thought of Kikyou. His precious jewel creating her own light, so there was no need for the sun in his abode. A kindly smile hinted on Naraku's lips as he thought back to his love.
Sesshoumaru's head lowered and he observed the depths of his teacup. His face was emotionless, yet his eyes gave away nearly all his secrets. Sesshoumaru was grasping at straws to remain a composed and formidable host.
Naraku coughed slightly, and continued his speech as though he had paused for a breath, "As I was saying, you decided to keep the girl. I am not surprised in the least. After all, who could resist a beauty such as her? Her breasts are quite fine as well…it is so hard to find acceptable breast nowadays. All these scrawny villagers hardly have any, unless they are pregnant, and who would want one of them then?"
Naraku tittered to himself and poured another cup of tea.
Sesshoumaru, lifting his head, spoke sardonically, "I am relieved Naraku."
"Oh? About what?" Naraku snickered, and added, "That I have decided to approve of the wench?"
It sounded very strange that he had called Kagome a wench. Yet, as Sesshoumaru remembered, he had called her the same thing not so long ago. It was all very humbling.
"I am relieved, Naraku, that you are not very agreeable. It saves me trouble of actually liking you." Sesshoumaru smirked to himself and waited for Naraku's reaction. Usually, he would never have spoken so frankly to one such as him, but the situation required it. Naraku was being even more repulsive as usual, and Sesshoumaru wondered to himself if the dark lord was drunk. Well, if so, at least he was a happy drunk, not an angry one. Angry ones became tiresome so quickly.
Naraku, as Sesshoumaru had expected, blinked and then chortled to himself. "She is bringing you out, that girl. You're blossoming for her. And they say romance is dead."
Sesshoumaru's features fell and he glared in anger at Naraku. Suggesting he had physical relations with the girl (however false) was one thing, but eluding that he actually cared for Kagome was another. "How dare you even imply…" Sesshoumaru snarled as he reached for his sword placed beneath his silk sash.
Oh my, how hard love has hit the lord. Neither of them has yet to realize it. Naraku sighed to himself as he reclined deeper against his armrest. Lazily, he eyed the youkai. It had been some time since he had seen him, and as usual he was looking icy cold with his attractive face. Sesshoumaru's pale looks suited Naraku, and once he claimed Sesshoumaru as his own, he would have great pleasure in discovering every nook and cranny to the powerful youkai lord. It would be most wonderful, Naraku thought idly to himself as he enjoyed the scornful look of Sesshoumaru's face. If he could have a portrait made of the two of them in bed together, what a piece of artwork that would be: Sesshoumaru's pale and cold skin with his white hair spread across his own tanned skin and dark hair. We are like the yin and the yang, and one day, in that same position. A smirk stretched across his face.
"I dare to imply, Sesshoumaru," Naraku continued breezily, not even put off by the fact that the beginning of the blade was starting to appear and flash in the light of the room. "You have already revealed to me that you care for her. Your underside has already been discovered. I know, Sesshoumaru. I know."
The youkai lord said nothing and sank back down into his cushion, his gaze never leaving Naraku's dark, depthless eyes.
"You think you know. But you are wrong." Sesshoumaru hissed bitterly, his lips sneering in disgust.
"Oh?" Naraku inquired, his thick and plucked eyebrows rising in amusement, "I am wrong then?"
Sesshoumaru did not reply to his question. Instead, he gazed across the room and at a wall scroll. It had been so long since he had actually looked at it. He saw it nearly everyday, but he had forgotten the particular craftsmanship when it came to the haiku and the painting of misty mountains.
"Do not deny, Sesshoumaru," Naraku began, giving the figure seated opposite him a very stern and serious look that he rarely bestowed, "That you are attracted to her. You can see it in your eyes."
Turning his attention towards Naraku, Sesshoumaru's golden orbs narrowed and clouded over with darkness, distrust, and loathing. Internally, Sesshoumaru knew that the dark lord would get his answer one way or another. This dark lord spoke so directly that it caught one off guard in the country of aversion and indirect conversation. It was rare, very rare, to find one such as Naraku. Even if the being was a demon sent from hell to destroy him, Sesshoumaru had to admit that although he loathed the man with all his heart, there was a mutual respect between them. Naraku was a man of action and cunning; when he wanted something, he did whatever he could to obtain it. The two were alike in that way. They did what was required to grasp their desire.
Yet, humans and emotions were something that the two took two separate paths on. Sesshoumaru despised humans and found that bottling one's emotions served more useful then wearing them on a sleeve like his idiotic half-brother. Naraku, although not openly telling the world what he was feeling, visibly conveyed it. Naraku's aim at the moment was to discover Sesshoumaru's true feelings towards Kagome, and whatever the method he would use it if it brought him closer to his desired answer.
"Come, come now." Naraku hissed, leaning forward, his eyes aglow, alit with a raging fire.
Avoiding his glance, Sesshoumaru heaved a sigh and spat, "Love? Hardly. Respect? Yes, I respect the girl, just as I respect you. Yet I do not like you, so you see, Naraku, respect can only get you so far."
Naraku laughed one of his rich dark laughs so characteristic of him and pointed his silver leaf fan in Sesshoumaru's direction and insisted, "You did not answer my question. Are you attracted to her? You would have to be questionable in your sexual desires if you were not. She is one of the most beautiful in the country."
Sesshoumaru, meeting Naraku's eyes yet again, smirked and replied in a mocking tone, "Then would you need my answer?"
Smirking, Naraku confided, "One cannot stand in a fire and help but be consumed. Remember this."
Draining the remnants of his teacup, Naraku chuckled as he hoisted himself up from the tatami matted floor and crawled towards Sesshoumaru's seated form, "You are a tough blade to break, but one day, I shall do it. I guarantee you."
Naraku placed the cup back onto the tray and moved closer to Sesshoumaru's form. This, no doubt, would be the last time the two would meet before the war began in less than a month. Licking his lips, Naraku pushed aside the lacquered serving dish and crawled forward even more. It was best not to waste an opportunity. Sesshoumaru's mind was probably still residing in the past conversation about Kagome and so Naraku's actions would take him by surprise and astonishment. Dimly watching Naraku's moves, Sesshoumaru stiffened slightly as the dark lord placed one hand against his knee and slowly ran it up the length of his leg. What was he planning on doing?
He leaned forward even more, placing his other hand on Sesshoumaru's waist. Naraku fixed his eyes upon his prize and quickly darted his head forward and slipped his tongue between Sesshoumaru's slightly opened lips. As he did so, he pressed his body weight against Sesshoumaru's and quickly intertwined his arms about his strong back. The kiss deepened for a split second as Naraku dug deeper, probing and searching and hoping. But it was to no avail. A moment later he was flung against the tatami mat, his legs spread about him, the point of a sword rested casually against his Adams apple.
"You sick disgusting--!" Sesshoumaru began as he wiped his mouth in revulsion, his eyes aflame with fury and humiliation.
"Pass that on to Kagome, won't you?" Naraku murmured in a deep voice as he ran a hand through his dark wavy hair and licked his lips, savoring Sesshoumaru's unique flavor.
A moment later, Naraku vanished into thin air, leaving Sesshoumaru alone in his study, his cheeks afire with shame.
*
Nearly an hour and a half had passed since Naraku has disappeared in his usual allusive and dramatic style. Yet the events and conversation still remained heavy on Sesshoumaru's conscious. Like the great storm clouds above, no relief would come unless he confronted the matter and let all spill loose. Resting his chin atop his hands, Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes and focused on the spot where Naraku was seated for most of the conversation. As he stared dimly into space, he begrudgingly allowed his mind to wander to the words that his twisted ally had spoken.
What was his relationship with Kagome? He could not deny, even to himself, that he thought her beautiful. Of all women he had seen in the course of his lifetime, perhaps Kagome was the most striking. Yet it was not because she was breathtaking (although she was)—it was her personality and lust for life that heightened and created her memorable splendor. It was her fiery personality, her will that refused to be restrained, it was all things and more that made Kagome unique and as refreshing as a summer's shower.
But past that? How far did his emotions run? Even this was a mystery to him. There was attraction to be sure, but attraction did not equal love, did it? He had felt lust for women before during his lifetime, but once his needs had been satisfied, their faces usually disappeared from his mind and he continued on with his life. To desire Kagome for her body was one thing, but to love her for her mind was another. Did he love her?
No. He did not.
Then again, his mind whispered, who are you to know what love is? You, who have lived alone, a solitary clam in a lonely ocean…. Is she prying you open?
There was a mutual respect between them now, a respect that was beginning to grow. Today, unfortunately, had caused a deep gash in this unstable balance between them and it was his duty to see that it was properly restored. Sesshoumaru did not know why he was concerned that Kagome might potentially hate him forever—but for some reason it brought a great amount of unease to his heart. It felt as though someone was wrenching at it, trying to pull it from his body.
Standing up quite suddenly, Sesshoumaru slapped the screen angrily aside and walked calmly out into the hallway and toward the pavilion. What he needed was a long walk, away from them all, away from the presence of Naraku, away from his words, away from his truth. He needed to be away from Kagome, for she, as he had to remember, was the wife of his stepbrother. No matter what his feelings towards her were concerned, he knew that they would never bear fruit, and Sesshoumaru was never one to pursue something unless it would prosper.
Stepping onto the pavilion, he gazed out at the countryside now painted in the gray wash of rain. The clouds were scattered across the great mountainside, broken and clinging to the earth.
One cannot stand in a fire and help but be consumed.
Pausing, Sesshoumaru ran his clawed fingers along the railing and gazed out at the nearby vegetable garden and beyond that the sandy shores of Suzuran Lake. His golden eyes nearly missed Kagome's form plastered against the persimmon tree.
When we desire solitude it only draws us together, Sesshoumaru thought ironically as he descended the steps and made his way to Kagome hidden beneath the leafy bows. One day, I'm sure, we will desire one another's company and it will be impossible.
****
Quotes:
"I do not want people to be very agreeable, as it saves them the trouble of liking them a great deal." -Jane Austen
"One cannot stand in a fire and help but be consumed," ---from the book, "Possession".
AN: so, the plot thickens between Sesshoumaru and Kagome. I feel that I need to add some more description, especially when it comes to Kagome from Sessh's POV. He needs to notice her beauty more, I think. I mean, come on now, Kagome already knew Sesshi's a hunk but I will add the needed provocative language. Yet Sesshie…he needs to notice it more, because he is a man. Anyway, a bet all my S/K fans are shouting from the rafters! But, I tell you, even if you are an IY/K fan, just keep on reading this story! It is a very strange story as you have already discovered, so neither IY/K fans nor S/K fans know what is going to happen!! HA HA HA!
So, what did you think of Naraku putting the moves on our beloved golden-orbed youkai? If I was writing a lemon I would have loved to make S and N just go at it, because they are just both so hunky. But fear not, Sesshoumaru is completely heterosexual in this story…(*cappie goes and cries because she likes shonen-ai very much*)
Recently I have been watching an anime called "Hikaru no Go". However, it got licensed and as such I can't really download it anymore. This really sucks because I am a starving high school student who makes $67 a week and can't afford to buy 30+ dvd's with only 3-4 episodes on them. So, if anyone previously has this series downloaded I would be more than happy to pay you the cost of CD's and shipping and handling for them. We anime lovers must work together and try to save as much money as possible and enjoy all the lessons that HnG has to offer!
Continuing on, even more!
Hopefully I won't butcher this story like I do most when it gets to the end. No, we are not at the end (hardly) but let's just say we are about ¾'s of the way through it and as such I tend to put the work into high gear and toss out really crappy and sloppy chapters. That is sort of a problem I have, you see, because…*ahem* well, in my past stories they sort of all unravel at the ends, and the ending is too quick and the like. So, if you review or happen to IM me perchance, tell me to go slow and make this a good ending.
Okay, god, yet another long author's note. I guess I am just chatty, ne? -^_^-; gomen gomen!
Feel free to contact, IM or review (particularly the last one)
AIM: kantou matsuri / cappie channever on this one, but hey, I snagged the sn before anyone else could.
e-mail: cappiepost@yahoo.com