IMPORTANT: Before I say anything else. (1) You know those little stories I like to write in the beginning of each chapter? Well, they actually become important in this chapter. Why? I've said before that they come from a made up book that Sesshy read as a child but exactly WHO wrote it? Here's where references to the series really come in. (2) In my last chapter I said that I need reviews. I wasn't trying to be stuck up or anything but I was feeling kind of down and its always encouraging to know what people think (brings a smile to my face *sniff* )
I also apologize for any corniness in the last chapter, I was kind of in a rush when I typed it.
A very good question was raised about why there are so many fics that pair Sesshoumaru with Kagura. Here goes, Kagura is a part of Naraku, but she hates him since he holds her heart (literally). She knows that Sesshoumaru is the only Youkai (demon) who can possibly match Naraku in strength, so she goes to him and asks that he free her from Naraku by killing her. Sesshoumaru-being Sesshoumaru- refuses and tells her to do it herself. The farther the series progresses, sometimes you see her thinking about him, in other words you can sometimes make a connection between the two. However, because I don't really like her, she's my female villain of choice next to Kikyo (who really just needs to die already).
Thanks to: SessRin2003, Ashes of the Star Phoenix, Maggy d, CometsChaos, friendlyreader, anhimals, Naoko2, Wakadori
Ramen (Luv ya' long time fr helping me with my pathetic grammar), Serryn, aishiteru-inu (I know what you mean and I apologize but I just had to throw some more angst in, if its any
consolation it won't happen again), Sayori-chan, Haruya (hope this is long enough for you *smiles*), ManonLeChat, Fantasy Cat,
drake220, Countissa, Kitten, Nikkler, Mitsuki-kun (I agree with you about the language thing, sorry if I offended), Peanut Gallery-
Alaska's Own, Rin-chan, Skiddy16, Gate Keeper of Darkness, IceSugarHigh, Jade, Tsume Yamagata, Samurai Princess 1868,
Nicole, Writing-Angell8, Optimistic/Pessimistic person, Sorrowful Memory, g27, Ari Kitten, Kawaii-Inu-Inutaishou, Mari, LuneTigre,
Tigeris, and last but certainly not least Chibi Kirara
Thread Bound
Chapter Seven
The Nostalgia Afterwards
"Ah, my back, my hip, my aching joints," complained Father Time.
"Now, now, dear," replied his wife, Mother Nature. "Don't be complaining. You just have to watch and record but I…I actually have things to do," she said as she sighed.
"Alright, perhaps it isn't so bad but—" he pulled at his long beard, "it's still so hard to get everything down, especially since you enjoy focusing on such stubborn individuals."
"I can't help myself, love. They are so very interesting. Besides, didn't we make a promise to that girl to change things the second time around? I think the situation is progressing quite well."
"Really? Well, even I must admit that the Peacock fellow might be changing a bit, but that puppet really needs to learn some manners. Denial is so irritating."
"I know honey, but look at the bright side: the fallen apple just may grow into a plant and have the family and happiness that his brother has. Not only that, but the mother just might teach her child the value of life."
"But what about poor Mister Widow? Any hope for him?"
"Maybe in the end he learned not to trust his wife. She lived up to her name after all. You know black widows are untrustworthy. Who knows, perhaps she'll pay for what she's done," she chuckled secretively.
"My dear, you sound absolutely evil when you laugh like that," said Father Time.
"I can't help it. It would seem that Fate, our little girl, is swiftly growing into a woman, a fine lady with a way to fulfill our vows."
"Eh, do tell, do tell."
"Not now dear, some things take time, so you'll have to be patient. The little dove must recognize what's in her heart. The girl must show the puppet how to accept his new self, because only then will he become real, and free of the strings binding him."
"In other words…"
"In other words, all the different incarnations must learn how to live again. To love the one who was lost so long ago. You know of what I speak of, Father Time."
"Oh yes I do…I do indeed."
They shared a smile and went back to their respective duties.
* * * * * * * * * *
*Flashback*
He always liked to build things. That was his favorite pastime even before his mother died. He frowned, golden eyes concentrated at the blue block in his hand. His castle was almost complete with the exception of that one mismatched block, and he pursed his five-year old lips in irritation. A knock sounded on his door and he knew that it was his father because no else liked to be around him. They were all afraid. He heard the whispers.
"Albino."
"Freak."
"Retard."
"Akuma no kodomo."
"Demon spawn."
"Youkai."
He actually liked the last name given to him, and it fit rather well after the tantrum he had thrown when that woman, who dared to call herself his mother, told him that she was pregnant.
"Aren't you happy Sesshoumaru?" she had asked, petting his head without his permission. No one was ever supposed to do that. He hated being touched. So he had turned impassive eyes up at her, opened his mouth, and bit her as hard as he could as his unusually sharp canines tore into her skin. He had heard the lock turn before the door opened, and he had remembered the feel of his father as he ripped him away from that woman and slapped him hard across his face.
That had been some months ago, and he has been since locked in his room everyday, except for mealtime and when that doctor comes every week, trying to figure out what is wrong with the pale, inexpressive boy who had to be pulled out of school for his temper tantrums and unpredictability. Sending a fellow student to the hospital with a severe puncture wound from a pencil hadn't helped, and he had been labeled as being autistic.
"I have someone who wants to meet you," his father said with a smile.
Sesshoumaru could smell his nervousness, almost as keenly as a dog could, and kept his back turned.
His father knelt next to him and took the block out of the boy's hand and placed it on the floor, much to his annoyance.
"Don't you want to see your new baby brother Inu-yasha?"
Sesshoumaru gave his sire a disgusted look before he glanced at the creature his father held.
His first thought was that his brother was the ugliest thing he'd ever seen. The second was that he hated him.
"Isn't he wonderful?"
Wonderful—Sesshoumaru wasn't used to hearing such a word come forth from father's mouth. What was so wonderful about a wrinkled little beast that just sat there, feeding off of others?
"I don't think I can let you hold him just yet, but I'm sure you'll grow to love him as much as your mother and I do."
Sesshoumaru could feel his face growing darker with anger with every doting word that came from his father's mouth. He was angry because he couldn't pinpoint why he was so mad.
He fixed baleful eyes on the baby and said quite audibly, "I hate you, Inu-yasha," before snatching his block from the floor and turning back to his castle.
His father left as quietly as he could—expression troubled—taking that thing with him. Something itched behind his eyes, but it went away just as quickly as it came. He found a niche for that last block and stuck it onto his castle, sitting back to admire his work. He would have been happy to look at what three days of thinking and working had accomplished, and by one so young too. But that blue block was mocked him because it didn't fit in. His young mind mulled over it before coming to a conclusion. He rose and began to systematically destroy the castle with his fists and voice.
*End Flashback*
Golden eyes blinked open in the bright light of morning. Sesshoumaru was surprised that he felt tired even now. Didn't I just get plenty of rest at the hospital? Not only that, but I'm having childhood dreams? His brain was muddled with sleep and he had to take a few minutes gather his thoughts.
Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? Those were the questions that he asked every morning ever since he woke up and found himself in the hospital. He found it easier to go through the day when he had assured himself of his existence, and his worth.
First, who am I?
"Sesshoumaru Toyotomi," he answered aloud.
What happened?
"I finally freed myself from the clutches of the hospital and came here with that girl."
When did it happen?
"Early afternoon."
Where am I?
He looked up at the arched ceiling of his living room before he guided his eyes around to the expensive antiques that adorned his surroundings. "Home." He hated the way that word echoed in this place, making the organ in his chest—which he had believed to be dead—twitch.
Why am I here?
A frown graced his face. Why was he asleep in his own living room when he had a perfectly comfortable bed upstairs? A sound reached his ears, bringing back shameful memories of the night before, and he swore loudly. Images of him doing things with that disgusting woman before relocating himself to the couch downstairs were whipping through his mind, stinging his senses. He had wanted, no, needed to get as far away from her and the shame she invoked in him as possible.
God, what was I thinking? Sesshoumaru berated himself as he ducked his head beneath the covers, which he vaguely even remembered getting from the linen closet on his way downstairs. Why did I do anything with the woman I hate for some woman child I barely know? Am I that desperate? He snorted at the unusual display of idiocy on his part which concerned Kagura. Guess that answers the "How?" question, doesn't it?
Sesshoumaru felt very hot suddenly, and he shoved the covers off in irritation. Entanglement in these sheets brought back unwanted images of entanglement in her arms, her nails stinging into his back—an irritating habit that she put into practice whenever she was worked up. He even lacked the energy to get up to change the settings on the air conditioning system, and he noticed for the first time that he was covered in a fine sheen of sweat from the humidity in his house. He also realized that he hadn't bothered with clothes either.
Footsteps sounded on the carpet that covered his hardwood stairs, and he opted to keep staring at the ceiling until she spoke in an appreciative tone.
"My, my, honey. Is this a gift for me? I was about to be offended because I woke up to find you gone, but this makes up for it."
Sesshoumaru, fixing a glare on her and trying to ignore the way those derisive eyes went roving about his skin, said in an irritated voice, "If you're done raping me with your eyes, I'd appreciate it if we could talk about signing those papers even though we both know that you have no intention of doing any such thing."
"I said 'maybe', honey, and I actually was considering it, but now—" Kagura fanned herself, as if she were the frailest thing in the world, "my poor heart has taken such a terrible blow…and after such a wonderful night, too. I think I'll wait a bit longer for you to cool your head." She smiled, and Sesshoumaru's hatred for her increased tenfold.
The silver-haired male hated those lips that seemingly laughed at nothing but him, as if he were a toy placed on this earth just for her amusement. He hated the physical beauty that had first attracted him to her, and now made her the ugliest person he'd ever seen because only he knew what she was really like inside. Most of all he hated the vulnerable way he felt because she was impeccably dressed right now while he only had his bare skin and the knowledge that she at least wouldn't make fun of his body. Or was it that she simply chose not to?
Sesshoumaru knew that she was never to know why he tried to kill himself after last night. She would never know to know what extent she had played in his decision to just end it all. And even deeper down, she was never to find out about Rin; sweet, innocent Rin, who would most definitely be torn to shreds by the jealous demoness before him. I wonder what she would say if she knew that I was making her into my best-kept secret.
His eyes drifted shut briefly as he imagined the phases she would go through if she ever found out. First would come anger, or would she grace him with that smile that tried to reciprocate itself on his face every time she used it? Would she fiddle with her hair in nervousness of hug him in joy? And if she did that, then…what then would happen? He frowned, unsure of where his mind was going, wondering why thoughts of that dense, obviously poor, happy girl should act as such a strong bulwark against Kagura's presence.
"What's with the silly look on your face, coward? Did you escape to Lala Land while I was talking? " (AN: I like to go there too, it's a happy wonderful place for when I'm bored).
"Forgive me, did you say something important? I was wondering where all the hot air came from." Sesshoumaru said it sweetly with a charming little smile.
Kagura's red lips compressed into a thin, hard line and her perfect nostrils flared in anger. He thought of how Rin would react to the picture his wife made and imagined how humorous she would find it. A smile touched his lips briefly and that was enough for Kagura.
"Don't," she hissed, "expect anything from me until you apologize."
"Apologize." He quirked an eyebrow at her arrogance. "What should I apologize for? Imitating my teacher? You taught me about the game of life, remember? Don't tell me you hate getting as good as you give?" He swung his legs down and stood up to his proud six foot six height, ignoring everything but her. She squirmed slightly beneath the intensity of his gaze and he casually ran his hand through his waist length hair.
"Do you hate me, Kagura?"
"Yes."
"Then free yourself of me."
They held each other's eyes before she shook her head slowly, brushing past him.
"Don't run away, dear wife," he said quietly, gently.
Kagura's stance stiffened, and he knew that she'd taken it the wrong way. "Don't get smart with me, Sesshoumaru," she snapped out before she exited the house, slamming the door behind her.
What is it with women and slamming doors around me? Sesshoumaru asked himself with a heavy sigh. Still, it was a relief to have her gone because he could detect the sound of worn sneakers slapping against the pavement on their way to the house. He stretched and then gathered up the sheet, tying it around his midriff because, as much as he liked to shock Rin, he didn't want her having a coronary from seeing something she wasn't ready for yet.
Glancing at the clock, he noted that it was five after 10 and a wicked smile curved his lips. He lay back down on the couch and pretended to sleep as he listened to her turn the key in the door.
Rin entered quietly, paused, and, most likely looking around, was surprised to find him on the couch, asleep to all appearances. He waited until her footfalls moved across the floor, stopping directly next to him. He had slung an arm over his face as if to ward off the sunlight streaming into his house while, in truth, it was to partly hide his face from her.
"Well now," Rin started in a low voice because she obviously thought he was still asleep, "I certainly didn't expect to find you here, Sessh-san. Were you so tired that you fell asleep on the couch?"
He forced himself not to react when she brushed concerned hands over his hair. What did I tell her about molesting sleeping, suicidal people? he thought without the slightest bit of anger. He quite enjoyed her touch, in fact, and wondered briefly if she would consent to comb the silver mane.
"I'll just leave you alone for now, since you're so tired," she moved away, withdrawing the warmth of her hands.
He stirred, sitting up and stretching as if he hadn't been awake the whole time. Hearing a yelp of surprise, Sesshoumaru turned to the clock then looked at Rin with his most aggravated look on his face.
"I thought I told you to be here at 10."
"Sorry," Rin replied, her chin raised up cutely and her face brave, as if she were about to be executed. "My clock was off, I guess, Sesshoumaru."
Sesshoumaru stood up, towering over her petite figure, and placed a large hand on her shoulder, the other hand drifting down to the knot keeping his sheet in place and effectively drawing her eyes after it. They widened to the side of saucers when she saw its resting place.
"Shall I show you how I punish tardiness, Rin?" he purred, his hand beginning to undo the knot leisurely. Chocolate eye's shifted back to his quickly and fine eyebrows quirked into a frown before she set her delicate hands against his chest and shoved him back with every ounce of strength she possessed.
He stumbled back a bit and began to chuckle, letting her know immediately that he'd been having yet another joke at her expense.
"You…you hentai," she spluttered angrily, fists clenched and face red.
"Oh, you don't want to know what's under the sheet, Ms. Hattori," he asked sweetly.
"No. No and no and no again."
"Ah, the joys of being around a young girl." He smiled suggestively, and she lobbed a pillow at his head.
"I refuse to work with you parading around half naked like some kind of Greek statue."
"No, I believe the Greek statues pose like this—" he swiftly untied the sheet and she cried out, covering her face with her eyes before giving him her back.
He chuckled again as he held the sheet in place. Really, the girl should know that he wasn't about to go that far with her just yet, but he did find her reaction to be most entertaining. He needed this after dealing with Kagura. He needed the laughter and the rainbow of emotions she gave off whenever she was around him.
Gentle hands were placed on each of her shoulders after securing the sheet once again, and Sesshoumaru leaned in to smell the clean fragrance of Rin's hair, making sure to keep his body from touching hers completely.
"It's alright, Rin. It's all part of the game that you agreed to play yesterday. But you can play it your way from now on, not my way, with the sarcasm and the raunchy humor. That makes it more fun when people play differently."
"And is this part of the game as well, Sessh?" she whispered.
He thought about how confused he was about the comfort he found in Rin, the way he enjoyed her presence, her smile. He inhaled deeply, her scent. Everything about her screamed "Home!" he thought, and still he answered, "Yes, it's all just a game."
She trembled slightly under his hands before moving away from him.
"I see…well, I guess it's time to work. You should take a shower and maybe a nap, since you're so tired. Don't worry about me."
He waited for her to meet his eyes before he gave up and made his way upstairs. He did need a shower to wash the smell of Kagura off. Perhaps he could get some writing done as well.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Darn, stupid, idiot man," Rin muttered the various insults, and all were directed towards the person running the water upstairs at the moment.
Her anger lent her strength, and she wound up finishing the living room in no time. I will not cry…I will not cry… she mentally repeated the words to herself as if they were some kind of mantra against the pain she felt.
In all honesty though, part of her anger was aimed at herself. Why is it that when I think he'll say or do something nice, he does the opposite? Any why am I so attached to a complete stranger who's rude and mean and cold and…and— she stopped polishing the massive mahogany table and sat down in one of the chairs, scooping up the pillow she'd thrown at Sesshoumaru from the floor and hugging it to her to chest. Stubborn, bull-headed jerk, and stupid me for having a crush on him. I'm so obsessed with him that I committed his face to memory and drew it. What's wrong with me?
She closed her eyes and allowed her mind to drift. A brief memory floated up from the bubbling pool of thoughts that had come about because of her close proximity to her new client.
*Flashback*
"Mommy, mommy, look I found a puppy. He's really hurt. Can I keep him and help him to get better?"
Rin had always loved her mother's beautiful face, but the slight frown on her visage as she examined the dog worried her.
"Will he be alright? We can fix it, right mommy?"
Her mother had given her a smile, concealing the worry on her face as she examined the puppy's body, finding the broken ribs on the white dog's side.
"Sure we can honey. I know we can."
*End Flashback*
"Mommy…" Rin whispered the word quietly, blinking back the automatic tears. She knew now that her mother had wanted to try her best to help the poor dog even though she knew it was too late. The puppy died in the night from a punctured lung and she remembered crying so much the next day that she hadn't been able to go to school.
Is that why I care about him so much? Do I pity him like some kind lost animal, like that puppy?
The turning of the front doorknob caught her attention, snapping her out of her nostalgic ruminations. She stood up and turned to face whoever came through the door.
The exquisite woman who entered took her aback.
Long lashes, long legs, well endowed, stylish, and as beautiful as a fine porcelain doll, she thought nervously. Red-hazel eyes came up to meet hers and she flushed in embarrassment. She felt like a pigeon next to a jay in this woman's presence, with her drab cover-all and messy bun in stark contrast to the stylish black suite and fantastic French roll that the woman sported.
"Um…hello," Rin whispered, feeling thoroughly intimidated, out of her depth as it were.
The woman fixed unnerving eyes on her and those red lips curved into a smile that made her feel worthless and uncomfortable.
"Are you a friend of Mr. Toyotomi's?" Rin asked, wishing that she could talk just a little bit louder.
The woman seemed to ignore the question, opting to look her up and down with eyes that obviously didn't miss much.
She nodded her head as if satisfied that Rin was indeed inferior to her before saying, "I don't think he's so desperate that he'll come to you. It must be someone else that has caught his eye."
Rin bristled inwardly at the casual insult but kept her voice calm, "Excuse me, miss, but may I ask what your business is here?"
"First, I would know who you are, girl."
"I'm just here to clean."
"Oh. Well if you must know, I spent the night with your employer and I came back to fetch my purse." She looked over to the table next to the door where a purse, that had gone unnoticed by the younger woman, lay.
"You spent the night with…with Mr. Toyotomi?"
"But of course. We had so much fun doing things you probably know nothing of."
She felt as if the air had been sucked out of the room and the world had just begun to spin before a deep voice from the top of the stairs asked coldly, "What else do you want form me, Kagura?"
* * * * * * * * * *
Oh no, oh no. What shall we do? Will the truth come out that Sesshy has a wife? What will happen to poor Rin? I'll see you all next week for the next exciting episode of…"THREAD BOUND" doo doo DOOOOOOOO!!! Oh, and please review 'cause I luv ya' ^_^