Disclaimer: Hello, I don't own Inuyasha and it is HIGHLY improbable that I
ever will.
Title: Underneath her Mask (I am soooo sorry I changed the title again. This is the last time, I promise.)
A/N: Hi everybody! I am really, really sorry that I took TWICE as long to update. If it helps check out my new story. (more info at bottom) & I am so sorry how short this is. So so soooo sorry.
~
Chapter 3: Tokyo University, Here I Come!
~
*After the Party*
"What did you two say to her?" Inutashio commanded. His voice rang throughout his study, and his face was impassive as he stood in front of his sons.
He had seen Kagome slap Inuyasha, and the yelling that came after. The young woman who seemed so cheerful just minutes before had become distraught within seconds of his sons' presence.
Inuyasha looked to the ground, and Inu Tashio realized the gesture to be shame. Sesshoumaru, however, stood as always. He stood tall and proud, like the day he was born.
Inuyasha spoke, still not daring to look at anything besides the carpet fibers beneath his feet. "I was angry and I told her to leave," he said quietly.
Inu Tashio eyed him critically. "I doubt that you telling Miss Higurashi to simply 'leave' would cause her as much aggravation as you so obviously did. Honestly, what were you thinking?!" he asked desperately, striking his desk for emphasis. His irritation was now on the borderline of furious.
"It was not all my fault!" Inu Yasha yelled defensively. "Sesshoumaru wasn't exactly helping either with his little interrogation! 'Why hasn't your dad talked about you? He must not love you.'" Inuyasha spoke doing a poor imitation of his stoic brother.
Sesshoumaru shot him a cold glare from where he stood. "I was merely asking her a few questions," He stated in his unattached tone. Inuyasha supplied a roll of his eyes while his father calculated all of this new information up.
Inu Tashio sat down in his desk, his head being held up by his arm, and an uncharistic slouch of his shoulders. He started to rub his temples rhythmically, trying to subdue the pounding brought on by his sons.
"You *do* know that both of your behaviors were utterly inexcusable. I just hope that Kagome can find it in her heart to forgive the two of you. You are dismissed," he stated simple, not having the energy to debate with his sons. 'I am getting too old for this'
Sesshoumaru walked to his room with his naturally long strides. As soon as he entered, he sat himself in the nearest chair he could find.
He stared up at the ceiling, so deep in though that he didn't care about the picture he would make to any passersby.
The woman herself was peculiar. It was futile for him to deny that she wasn't stunning. He knew that you would have to be blind not to see the beauty that caressed her features. But surprising she didn't cover herself from head-to-toe in make-up and jewelry. No, she wore no blush or eye shadow, no bracelets or earrings. Completely bare and uncovered. It was as if she knew she didn't need those things to be beautiful. She just was.
But Sesshoumaru knew better than anyone that looks can be deceiving, and he recognized that she was hiding. something. It made him angry, not being able to see something that was clearly there.
He had thought he had seen a glare that could freeze fire come from this. Kagome girl, clearly directed at her father. When he had taken a second glance to check if he had actually *seen* the hostile gaze it had disappeared. He could no longer be certain if it was there in the first place!
He scowled to himself, while starting to getting up from his wooden chair, and starting to change into some more comfortable clothing. Soon the tux was gone, and had been folded neatly. It was ready to be taken to the dry cleaners and sit in his closet till the next formal affair.
He now wore a pair of black cotton pants, as he climbed into bed and underneath his satin covers. Sesshoumaru fell asleep, being plagued with images of the mystery known as Kagome.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
*August 3rd*
They sat in Onigumo's conference room, usually reserved for business meetings.
"Um. could you explain this one more time to me please?" Kagome asked confusedly. She tried unsuccessfully to battle the rising anticipation that threatened to consume her being. Kagome could only hope that if she misunderstood, that she would not be emotionally crushed.
She could hear her heartbeat in her ears. The loud, rhythmic, sound was evidence of. excitement. nervousness? She didn't know.
"Your father and I have discussed it and he came to see the reason that it would be best if you went to the most prestigious college possible." Inu Tashio started, getting straight to business. 'Yeah right' Kagome thought. "There-fore you are being allowed to attend Tokyo University.
Inu Tashio directed his attention towards Kagome and he watched as her whole face slowly started to light up. Her eyes sparkled underneath her long eyelashes and her whole demeanor started to change as well.
Kagome's normally perfect posture was reduced to a very uncharastic slouch, as she tried to get a hold on herself after receiving the shock of a life time. She was barely able to register that Inu Tashio had started speaking again, due to her daze like state.
". you will be moving into your new apartment on the 28th. That should give you a few days to get acquainted with the city before you start college, and while you'll be going to Tokyo University, your father and I have arranged for you to work at my company part time. Hopefully you will become as comfortable with my company as you are with your father's."
Speaking of her father, Kagome took a glance at the cold man that had not spoken a single word during the entire conversation. His body was rigid, and Kagome could tell he was fighting to keep calm.
"I don't believe so," Onigumo ground out. Inu Tashio remained oblivious as Kagome's father started to seriously debate whether or not to rip out his throat right then and there, but Kagome saw through him. She knew he was seething underneath. His blood was boiling, his gaze was chilling. He was an all too terrifying sight.
And she would be the one who will suffer his wrath. It would be so easy for her to give up, like so many others would have if they had been in her situation. Entirely too easy. But her stubborn pride refused to give in. She had been determined to survive whatever he could throw at her. But now, that second, she had a new aspiration.to be free.
Free of his overbearing nature, and controlling temperament. Free of his abuse and torment. She would no longer have to bow down to his 'majesty'. She would no longer have to be alert at every moment, waiting for the inevitable beating.
Opportunity was knocking at her door and Kagome knew she would be stupid not to answer.
"Excuse me," Onigumo said while swiftly rising from his seat and exiting out of the double doors, before he did something that he might later regret.
Inu Tashio looked on, a little baffled by the abrupt exit made by his future partner. Kagome just felt that familiar sense of foreboding at what the next month would bring.
She was sure that it would turn out to be a month of pure hell. All Kagome could do was hang on to the bleak hope that the future would bring happier times.
Getting back to the matter at hand Inu Tashio spoke up again. "Oh yes, and as for your work schedule, it can be designed to accommodate with any school clubs you might like to join or anything else along those lines. You will be spending every last weekend of the month with your father, unless something comes up, including holidays."
He stopped and waited for Kagome to process all of the newly acquired knowledge that had just been bestowed upon her. She nodded numbly, even though her head was still spinning.
Inu Tashio's face became troubled before he continued. "I tried to talk your father into letting me pay you in cash, or you getting your own savings account, but he insisted that your wages be put directly into his own checking account. E told me that you had access to it at any time. I wasn't able to convince him that cash would be so much easier, and economical. I'm sorry." He looked so solemn, as though it was the most pessimistic words he had ever spoken. Kagome couldn't stop the words that flowed out of her mouth if she had wanted to.
"That is perfectly fine Mr. Takamada," she said reassuringly, placing her hand over the table to pat the gentleman's in a soothing gesture. "You have already done so much for me. I don't think that I will ever be able to repay you for your kindness."
"Your gratitude is payment enough Kagome." Inu Tashio meant every word that past his lips, and in return, Kagome gave one of her few, real smiles. A smile that showed none of her pain, or longing, or sorrow, just. complete bliss.
Inu Tashio had never seen such a smile like the one Kagome bore. He knew then that this girl was different, like no other he had ever met. In the back of his mind a sudden image of his sons flashed. 'Maybe she will do them some good,' he thought. He certainly hoped so.
Snapping him out of his thoughts, were two almost child-like arms encircling his neck, holding on to his so tightly, its as if Kagome thought he would disappear unless she held on with all her might.
Inu Tashio's startled expression turned into a knowing smile as he embraced her back. He was reminded of the phrase 'a bird can not fly unless she has been given wings'
Inu Tashio supplied the wings, now all Kagome had to do was use them.
"Thank you. for everything," she whispered before letting go. Kagome smiled with the cutest blush of embarrassment gracing her cheeks. She bowed politely before muttering an apology and heading out of the double doors.
It had started. She knew that from now on, nothing would ever be the same. Her face was beaming as she headed down the steps that led to the front of the building. 'Tokyo University, here I come!'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: So what did you all think of it? Again, I am REALLY sorry about not updating for a whole week later than I wanted to, and it is much shorter than I would have liked it to be! I have just had a lot of family stuff going on. Getting back to the chapter. is there anything that you liked especially about it? Anything you didn't like at all? I WANT TO KNOW! Please review. I need more! Help me out! I want at least 15 more before I update again. Plus, thank you to all of those that did review!
REVIEW RESPONSES:
leishkychan: Again really sorry for the late update! Forgive me!
Nuria: Thanks!
silverspun: I'm glad you think so!
ellie: It is a Sess/Kag story, but Inu and Kagome are going to be friends. I'm glad you think that they are long. Unfortunately this one is shorter than I wanted. Please update again, and thanks for the long review!
HFaith: Are you serious? Thank you so much! Please update again.
Stardreamer090: Thanks! That's what I was going for. Yeah Naraku's human name was Onigumo. Thanks for the tip!
Sixiyai: Thank you a lot. I don't think you realize how much that meant to me.
chocolategummybearofdoom: Cool name. You will just have to wait and find out.
ioke: I'm afraid that this wasn't as soon as I wanted.
myinuyasha04: Thanks for reviewing again. and for the length of it. You are right Sess is very perceptive, thanks for the question. It's the reason I added Sesshoumaru's thoughts at the beginning again. And I'm really glad you like it!
flare2: It's nice to hear from you again.
InvisibleRain: lol. You are completely right. But do you really think it's kind of depressing? Well, if it is I don't think it will be as much in a lot of later chapters.
shanaka: Thanks for the review, even if it didn't get posted.
Title: Underneath her Mask (I am soooo sorry I changed the title again. This is the last time, I promise.)
A/N: Hi everybody! I am really, really sorry that I took TWICE as long to update. If it helps check out my new story. (more info at bottom) & I am so sorry how short this is. So so soooo sorry.
~
Chapter 3: Tokyo University, Here I Come!
~
*After the Party*
"What did you two say to her?" Inutashio commanded. His voice rang throughout his study, and his face was impassive as he stood in front of his sons.
He had seen Kagome slap Inuyasha, and the yelling that came after. The young woman who seemed so cheerful just minutes before had become distraught within seconds of his sons' presence.
Inuyasha looked to the ground, and Inu Tashio realized the gesture to be shame. Sesshoumaru, however, stood as always. He stood tall and proud, like the day he was born.
Inuyasha spoke, still not daring to look at anything besides the carpet fibers beneath his feet. "I was angry and I told her to leave," he said quietly.
Inu Tashio eyed him critically. "I doubt that you telling Miss Higurashi to simply 'leave' would cause her as much aggravation as you so obviously did. Honestly, what were you thinking?!" he asked desperately, striking his desk for emphasis. His irritation was now on the borderline of furious.
"It was not all my fault!" Inu Yasha yelled defensively. "Sesshoumaru wasn't exactly helping either with his little interrogation! 'Why hasn't your dad talked about you? He must not love you.'" Inuyasha spoke doing a poor imitation of his stoic brother.
Sesshoumaru shot him a cold glare from where he stood. "I was merely asking her a few questions," He stated in his unattached tone. Inuyasha supplied a roll of his eyes while his father calculated all of this new information up.
Inu Tashio sat down in his desk, his head being held up by his arm, and an uncharistic slouch of his shoulders. He started to rub his temples rhythmically, trying to subdue the pounding brought on by his sons.
"You *do* know that both of your behaviors were utterly inexcusable. I just hope that Kagome can find it in her heart to forgive the two of you. You are dismissed," he stated simple, not having the energy to debate with his sons. 'I am getting too old for this'
Sesshoumaru walked to his room with his naturally long strides. As soon as he entered, he sat himself in the nearest chair he could find.
He stared up at the ceiling, so deep in though that he didn't care about the picture he would make to any passersby.
The woman herself was peculiar. It was futile for him to deny that she wasn't stunning. He knew that you would have to be blind not to see the beauty that caressed her features. But surprising she didn't cover herself from head-to-toe in make-up and jewelry. No, she wore no blush or eye shadow, no bracelets or earrings. Completely bare and uncovered. It was as if she knew she didn't need those things to be beautiful. She just was.
But Sesshoumaru knew better than anyone that looks can be deceiving, and he recognized that she was hiding. something. It made him angry, not being able to see something that was clearly there.
He had thought he had seen a glare that could freeze fire come from this. Kagome girl, clearly directed at her father. When he had taken a second glance to check if he had actually *seen* the hostile gaze it had disappeared. He could no longer be certain if it was there in the first place!
He scowled to himself, while starting to getting up from his wooden chair, and starting to change into some more comfortable clothing. Soon the tux was gone, and had been folded neatly. It was ready to be taken to the dry cleaners and sit in his closet till the next formal affair.
He now wore a pair of black cotton pants, as he climbed into bed and underneath his satin covers. Sesshoumaru fell asleep, being plagued with images of the mystery known as Kagome.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
*August 3rd*
They sat in Onigumo's conference room, usually reserved for business meetings.
"Um. could you explain this one more time to me please?" Kagome asked confusedly. She tried unsuccessfully to battle the rising anticipation that threatened to consume her being. Kagome could only hope that if she misunderstood, that she would not be emotionally crushed.
She could hear her heartbeat in her ears. The loud, rhythmic, sound was evidence of. excitement. nervousness? She didn't know.
"Your father and I have discussed it and he came to see the reason that it would be best if you went to the most prestigious college possible." Inu Tashio started, getting straight to business. 'Yeah right' Kagome thought. "There-fore you are being allowed to attend Tokyo University.
Inu Tashio directed his attention towards Kagome and he watched as her whole face slowly started to light up. Her eyes sparkled underneath her long eyelashes and her whole demeanor started to change as well.
Kagome's normally perfect posture was reduced to a very uncharastic slouch, as she tried to get a hold on herself after receiving the shock of a life time. She was barely able to register that Inu Tashio had started speaking again, due to her daze like state.
". you will be moving into your new apartment on the 28th. That should give you a few days to get acquainted with the city before you start college, and while you'll be going to Tokyo University, your father and I have arranged for you to work at my company part time. Hopefully you will become as comfortable with my company as you are with your father's."
Speaking of her father, Kagome took a glance at the cold man that had not spoken a single word during the entire conversation. His body was rigid, and Kagome could tell he was fighting to keep calm.
"I don't believe so," Onigumo ground out. Inu Tashio remained oblivious as Kagome's father started to seriously debate whether or not to rip out his throat right then and there, but Kagome saw through him. She knew he was seething underneath. His blood was boiling, his gaze was chilling. He was an all too terrifying sight.
And she would be the one who will suffer his wrath. It would be so easy for her to give up, like so many others would have if they had been in her situation. Entirely too easy. But her stubborn pride refused to give in. She had been determined to survive whatever he could throw at her. But now, that second, she had a new aspiration.to be free.
Free of his overbearing nature, and controlling temperament. Free of his abuse and torment. She would no longer have to bow down to his 'majesty'. She would no longer have to be alert at every moment, waiting for the inevitable beating.
Opportunity was knocking at her door and Kagome knew she would be stupid not to answer.
"Excuse me," Onigumo said while swiftly rising from his seat and exiting out of the double doors, before he did something that he might later regret.
Inu Tashio looked on, a little baffled by the abrupt exit made by his future partner. Kagome just felt that familiar sense of foreboding at what the next month would bring.
She was sure that it would turn out to be a month of pure hell. All Kagome could do was hang on to the bleak hope that the future would bring happier times.
Getting back to the matter at hand Inu Tashio spoke up again. "Oh yes, and as for your work schedule, it can be designed to accommodate with any school clubs you might like to join or anything else along those lines. You will be spending every last weekend of the month with your father, unless something comes up, including holidays."
He stopped and waited for Kagome to process all of the newly acquired knowledge that had just been bestowed upon her. She nodded numbly, even though her head was still spinning.
Inu Tashio's face became troubled before he continued. "I tried to talk your father into letting me pay you in cash, or you getting your own savings account, but he insisted that your wages be put directly into his own checking account. E told me that you had access to it at any time. I wasn't able to convince him that cash would be so much easier, and economical. I'm sorry." He looked so solemn, as though it was the most pessimistic words he had ever spoken. Kagome couldn't stop the words that flowed out of her mouth if she had wanted to.
"That is perfectly fine Mr. Takamada," she said reassuringly, placing her hand over the table to pat the gentleman's in a soothing gesture. "You have already done so much for me. I don't think that I will ever be able to repay you for your kindness."
"Your gratitude is payment enough Kagome." Inu Tashio meant every word that past his lips, and in return, Kagome gave one of her few, real smiles. A smile that showed none of her pain, or longing, or sorrow, just. complete bliss.
Inu Tashio had never seen such a smile like the one Kagome bore. He knew then that this girl was different, like no other he had ever met. In the back of his mind a sudden image of his sons flashed. 'Maybe she will do them some good,' he thought. He certainly hoped so.
Snapping him out of his thoughts, were two almost child-like arms encircling his neck, holding on to his so tightly, its as if Kagome thought he would disappear unless she held on with all her might.
Inu Tashio's startled expression turned into a knowing smile as he embraced her back. He was reminded of the phrase 'a bird can not fly unless she has been given wings'
Inu Tashio supplied the wings, now all Kagome had to do was use them.
"Thank you. for everything," she whispered before letting go. Kagome smiled with the cutest blush of embarrassment gracing her cheeks. She bowed politely before muttering an apology and heading out of the double doors.
It had started. She knew that from now on, nothing would ever be the same. Her face was beaming as she headed down the steps that led to the front of the building. 'Tokyo University, here I come!'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: So what did you all think of it? Again, I am REALLY sorry about not updating for a whole week later than I wanted to, and it is much shorter than I would have liked it to be! I have just had a lot of family stuff going on. Getting back to the chapter. is there anything that you liked especially about it? Anything you didn't like at all? I WANT TO KNOW! Please review. I need more! Help me out! I want at least 15 more before I update again. Plus, thank you to all of those that did review!
REVIEW RESPONSES:
leishkychan: Again really sorry for the late update! Forgive me!
Nuria: Thanks!
silverspun: I'm glad you think so!
ellie: It is a Sess/Kag story, but Inu and Kagome are going to be friends. I'm glad you think that they are long. Unfortunately this one is shorter than I wanted. Please update again, and thanks for the long review!
HFaith: Are you serious? Thank you so much! Please update again.
Stardreamer090: Thanks! That's what I was going for. Yeah Naraku's human name was Onigumo. Thanks for the tip!
Sixiyai: Thank you a lot. I don't think you realize how much that meant to me.
chocolategummybearofdoom: Cool name. You will just have to wait and find out.
ioke: I'm afraid that this wasn't as soon as I wanted.
myinuyasha04: Thanks for reviewing again. and for the length of it. You are right Sess is very perceptive, thanks for the question. It's the reason I added Sesshoumaru's thoughts at the beginning again. And I'm really glad you like it!
flare2: It's nice to hear from you again.
InvisibleRain: lol. You are completely right. But do you really think it's kind of depressing? Well, if it is I don't think it will be as much in a lot of later chapters.
shanaka: Thanks for the review, even if it didn't get posted.