As they walked down the halls hand in hand she looked to the small girl as she spoke.
"Did Sesshoumaru tell you to inform me of what I'm supposed to be doing?"
"Oh yeah! I almost forgot. He said you would be decorating the castle for the gathering. He said you could do whatever you want but make it look nice. He even said I could help out too." Rin said smiling
"Is it some kind of celebration?" she asked her
"Yeah it's like a big event where all the lords from the other lands are coming." She shouted excited
"Okay then. You can help me then. I'll need ideas." She told her as they entered the dining hall
Upon entering the room she saw Sesshoumaru was already there waiting. They both took their seats while they waited.
During dinner not much was said except for when Rin told Sesshoumaru about her days events.
Kagome was deep in thought about what Rin had said earlier in her room.
'He gets really sad when you're not there' she replayed in her head. 'Why would he be upset if I don't show up?' she thought as she glanced towards him. She blushed when she noticed he was looking at her. 'It's not like he likes me. I'm a human. But Rin is human and he likes her.' She sighed as she looked from Rin to Sesshoumaru who was still staring at her. 'Why is he staring at me like that? It's making me feel funny. I have to get out of here.' She finished eating and quickly excused herself as she almost ran from the room.
It was dark out but she wanted to go to the gardens to think. All though the moon wasn't at it's brightest she was still able to see quite a bit. So she walked over and sat on a rock by the large koi pond that was towards the back. She sat there thinking about the way he had looked at her. Just by replaying the images in her mind she bean to feel funny again. She sighed trying to push the thoughts to the back of her mind to think of something else.
Over the past week he had watched her become more and more like herself. She smiled and laughed more. He was glad to see that she was changing back again. It was now three days before the gathering when everyone would arrive. Knowing full and well these events last a couple of days he figured he would take a break from his work until after the event was over. It was after dinner time and Rin was already in bed. He had already decided to talk to Kagome and tell her he liked what she had done. She had finished preparations in a single week. This task normally took a few weeks but she had fastened the pace and amazed him once again. So he told himself he needed to talk to her and tell her how nice it all turned out. But he knew that he sought her out because he wanted to see her. For some reason he didn't know why he wanted to but he did and refused to admit it. So he made up the perfect excuse.
He followed her scent out to the gardens. He walked to the back where he found her sitting by the koi pond. The scene itself was ethereal. She sat there in a long pure white yukata that fanned out at the bottom. She was looking into the water unmoving as the light from the moon seemed to make her glow. Her pale skin and her deep blue eyes were so beautiful he had stopped breathing and didn't realize it until he released it.
He walked closer until he stood behind her. She hadn't noticed his presence because of her far off state of mind. He bent over so she could see him reflection in the water. He succeeded in his plan when she became startled and accidental fell in the pond. Moving with demon speed he pulled her completely out and stood her on her feet.
She looked up at him with suprise in her eyes until anger flashed on her face. He smiled to himself happily that she had her emotions back again. It scared him when she spent so much time in her room being depressed. He most of all hated her fake smiles that she gave everyone.
"What's wrong with you? Why would you scare me like that? That's mean you know! I fell into the water and now I'm soaking wet! Next time you should warn someone when your coming! It's not nice to sneak around! How would you like it if I snuck up on you?" she screamed angrily
"But you could not sneak up on me." He simply stated knowing he was getting he more worked up
"You never know, I could if I found a way to hide my scent!" she stated, "Why are you here anyway?" she asked calming down
"I did not know I needed a reason to be in my own gardens." He said
He had been acting like this with her lately. She wasn't really sure why and still wasn't used to it. She knew he enjoyed teasing her. She could see it in his eyes when he did. She was slowly getting use to it thought. And although she hated to admit it she liked it too.
He was waiting for her reply but she said nothing just started to think about something. So he snapped her back out of her daze once again. He seemed to do it a lot lately.
"I came here to tell you that your preparations were done well." He told her
'Is he thanking me? Is he complimenting my work?' she thought
"Thank you. It was a little crazy but I think it turned out nicely. I just hope your guests like it as well. Rin helped a lot too." She said
"Indeed." Was his simple reply
"Well I think I should go to bed. It's getting late and I'm tired. I still have some things to do before the guests arrive." She told him
"Very well." He said
He waited for her to leave but she didn't move. He soon realized why she hadn't moved when she spoke up.
"Can you let me go now please?" she asked quietly
Immediately he let go of her so she could go to her room. He couldn't say anything to her after he let go and he was stunned because he was holding her so closely. He shortly trailed after her wanting some sleep himself.
The Day Before...
Sesshoumaru, Rin and Kagome were eating lunch when Sumi entered the room bowing to everyone.
"Excuse me milord." She said gaining his attention
"What is it Sumi." He said in his normal voice
"Lord Kougaji and his family have arrived." She announced
At this he audibly groaned and rubbed his temples as he felt a headache coming on.
"Escort them to their rooms and have Kougaji meet me in my study. Inform him I will soon arrive and am busy at the moment." He told her and with a bow she left the room
"What's wrong Sesshoumaru?" Kagome asked concerned
"You will soon know. Meet back here in an hour." He said leaving to meet his guest
Kagome and Rin looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders before resuming their task of eating. When they finished they left the dining hall not really having a destination.
"Kagome will you read me a story?" Rin pleaded
"Sure just let me change and you can take me to the library. I've never been yet so I don't know where it is." She replied with a warm smile
"Okay! Lets go." She squealed happily as she dragged Kagome to her room
After she had changed Rin once again pulled her to the library. When they walked in they were unaware of the two others until they heard someone cough. Kagome looked up in horror when she realized just who it was.
"Oh my! I'm so sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't know and Rin wanted me too...but I didn't know and oh god I'm sorry." She said frantically as she left the room quickly.
He had entered his study and found no Kougaji waiting but he did find Machi his eldest daughter. She sat on his desk with her legs crossed and her kimono showing both legs completely. Her short brown hair that reached her jaw and her gray eyes that stared him down like he was dinner. She often did this when he saw her. She always said how she wanted him and not for a mate. She wanted him a purely sexual way. Of course he had never indulged in any of her fantasies.
He walked and took a seat behind her in his chair. Rubbing his temples in frustration as he closed his eyes. He felt her hands slide slowly up his back, over his shoulder and down his chest.
"I have missed you greatly." She whispered seductively in his ear and licked it softly
"I see you have not changed?" he replied
"And why ever would I change. Maybe I would though if I ever got what I wanted." She explained in a thoughtful but equally seductive voice
"You can't always get what you want." He stated
She moved around and straddled him easily. She slowly started to rub against his lap as she placed kisses and nibble a bit on his neck and ears. He growled at this but for some reason tilted his head back and put his hands on her hips. She took off his shirt as she continued her movements.
He didn't know why he was giving in to her. Never had he before but he couldn't stop himself. He was becoming very aroused and couldn't stop it.
She continued to undo her kimono but didn't take it off. She just opened it in the front so he could easily see her. Her hand moved down to his waist as she started to undo his pants.
That was when she came in catching them off guard. She hadn't noticed them though until Machi had coughed. When she had looked up she saw them in the compromising position and had a look of horror on her face. Her stuttering speech and apparent embarrassment caused Machi to laugh. But he didn't laugh at all. He suddenly became very angry and after she left he had pushed Machi off of him and left to find her.
Machi sat on the floor not understanding what had just happened. She was in shock until she became angry and somewhat jealous as the realization of the situation hit her. She had almost had him to.
So she left the room after fixing herself so she looked more appropriate and headed for her temporary room.
She ran to the room as the previous scene from moments ago played like a broken record in her mind. What bothered her the most was she was crying and didn't know why. What made things worse was she couldn't calm herself. She just cried in her pillow for some unknown reason.
He followed her scent to her room noticing the salty scent of tears. 'Why is she crying?' he asked himself as he opened the door and quietly shut it behind him.
There she was on her head with her face buried into her pillows as she sobbed her heart out. He watched for a few minutes before approaching her and sitting on her bead. At the movement on her bead she jerked her head from the pillows to look at the intruder.
Her puffy red eyes made it seem like she had been crying for hours. Her soaked face continued to be covered by endless tears as they still fell down her cheeks as her black hair stuck to them. Her eyes held deep sadness and what seemed to be 'betrayal' he though stunned. 'Why would she feel I betrayed her?' he asked himself. Not thinking his hand shot up and wiped the falling tear from her face as they fell.
He was shocked when they slowed and she moved and put her head in his lap. Slowly and a little unsure of himself he moved his hand down to her head and ran his fingers through her hair. After a few minutes of his comfort she sat up next to him and looked into his eyes.
The look in her eyes was unreadable. He had never seen this emotion before so he was unable to name it. He was unsure of what to do when she put her hand on his cheek. His body naturally reacted after a few seconds and he leaned into it and turned his head kissing her palm gently. Looking back to her he used his hand to wipe away the remaining tears but didn't remove his hand. He cupped her cheek as his thumb rubbed her cheek. She closed her eyes from his touch and her lips parted but made no noise.
He looked down to her small plump pink lips as his thumbs moved over them as well. He began to wonder if they were soft and warm. He wondered how she tasted. Before he knew it he was kissing her and the feeling of his lips against her soft warm lips made him go crazy.
At first she had been suprised and somewhat stunned. Her eyes shot open but then she relaxed closing them again as she began to kiss him back. Her stomach had the funny feeling again and she started to become light headed. She was enjoying herself as they sweetly kissed.
He licked her lips and nibbled a bit asking for permission. She granted it to him and opened her mouth, which was taken over by his tongue. He didn't want to stop. She tasted so good and he was quickly becoming addicted. With her scent surrounding him and the taste of her in his mouth he was quickly losing himself. He wanted to take her right then and never let her go.
A knock at the door made them jerk back quickly. They both put space in between them by moving to one side of the bed.
"Yes?" Kagome called
"Lord Sesshoumaru?" Sumi called
"Yes." He replied
"Lord Haki and his family are here." She informed
"Show them to their rooms." Was his only order
"As you wish milord" she said walking off
He stood up and looked to Kagome. She was staring at the ground that seemed to fascinate her. She couldn't look at him because of what had happened.
"I will see you tonight for dinner. Rin will come for you." He told her leaving quickly
She didn't have time to respond to his 'order'. So she would remember it and talk with him over dinner. That's when she remembered she was mad at him. He thinks that a kiss would make her forget. He was going to get a piece if her mind. She looked out the window seeing it was getting late. How long had she been crying anyway. It seemed almost dinner time.
She left her room after grabbing a new outfit and went to find Rin. They would both have a bath before dinner.
She had been sitting by his side for the past month. Kaede had told her it would take a while for him to heal but that he would live. Kaede had been amazed that he had walked that far in such a state of illness. But she knew it was because he had a strong will. She was extremely happy even though he had yet to awaken. She had a feeling he would soon.
Miroku had spent a lot of time by her side as well. He would worry about her and try to care for her. In the beginning she didn't eat a lot but now that he was getting better she would. So he would bring her food to make sure she ate as well as some for her brother.
Kaede had been kind of happy for them finding her brother. It took their minds off Kagome for a while to give them some relief from their grieving. They deserved that much anyway. She worried for Shippou though because he was taking it the hardest it seemed. He didn't seem the same happy fox child he once was. This of course upset her so she would try and get him to play with the other village kids. But most of the time he would refuse and mope around all day. 'A kid shouldn't be moping around.' She sighed to herself sadly. She would often wonder where her sister and Inuyasha were though. She wouldn't see them around the village much and when she did it was only for a few moments. Neither of them ever visited or talked with anybody. They came and got what they needed and left. She thought they had built a home somewhere outside the village. Probably for privacy.
Kagome and Rin were on their way to the dining hall when Sumi found them.
"Hello Kagome, Rin." She greeted smiling warmly at the two
"Hi!" Rin replied
"Hello Sumi." Kagome tried to smile
Sumi could feel her nervousness. She wondered why the girl would be so nervous. So she did the only thing she could do in the situation.
"Do not worry Kagome. By dinners end you will not only have many new friends but maybe suitors as well." She said slyly as she winked at her
She giggled when she saw the light blush that crept to her cheeks. She found her shyness amusing. Sumi always knew had to make her blush. She turned around and escorted them the rest of the way. Before they entered they were to be announced. Which Kagome hadn't known until just now. This made her blush a little more to think all eyes would be on her.
"Lady Kagome and Lady Rin are now here to join the feast." Sumi said really loud
She moved to the side to make room for the two girls to enter the room. Each one bowed before walking to take their seat. Sitting down quietly she looked to Rin smiling as servants brought out the food.
"So Lady Kagome. How long have you been here?" a man from across the table
The man was dressed in leather armor that hung over his pale green haori. His brown hair was short and spiky. He had silver eyes that seemed to penetrate her very soul. He looked to be early thirties, which made her curious to his real age. She could feel his demon aura. He was strong but not as strong as Sesshoumaru. In fact not a single person in this room except herself was as strong as him.
"A little over a month. I am sorry milord, I didn't catch your name." She said smoothly
This gained a smile from him. And what a nice smile he had at that. "Lord Kougaji of the Southern Lands." He replied
"It is nice to meet you Lord Kougaji." She said slightly bowing her head
"Allow me to introduce my family." He said "My wife Koharu" he said pointing to the silver haired woman with the blue eyes. "My eldest daughter Machi" he pointed to the girl from earlier had eyes filled with sin, "My second daughter Toma" he directed to a girl with long silver hair and silver eyes, which held wisdom. "And my youngest daughter Yuka." He finally pointed to the girl with silvery brown hair with blue gray eyes that showed trouble in her soul.
"It is a pleasure to meet you." She said again
"And please allow me to introduce you to my family." A blue haired man said to her
"I am sorry milord I was not properly introduced to you either." She said calmly with a smile
"Lord Haki of the Eastern Lands" he answered her
"Nice to meet your acquaintance milord." She spoke regally
"My sons Toro, Kino and Hiso." He said pointing to the three boys next to him.
They all looked the same. Like they were all twins. The only way to tell them apart is by their eyes. Toro's eyes were the same gray as his fathers that held a more sophisticated look. Kino had dark green eyes that were full a mischief. Hiso's eyes were a pale green that held innocence that showed his shyness.
"A pleasure I'm sure." Was her simple statement
With the introductions completed they finished their meal as they chatted away. Kagome kept felling sets of eye on her. Not the normal pair either. She could feel when Sesshoumaru stared at her but that wasn't the feeling she was getting now. She slowly looked around the table as her eye came to lay upon Toro, Prince of the Eastern Lands. He was staring at her with something she couldn't read. So just smiled and turned away from him.
Looking out the window she noted how late it was and figured she should get Rin to bed. She looked to the small child to see her eyes trying to stay open as she yawned.
"Please excuse me while I take Rin to bed." She said as she rose and bowed before leaving with Rin in her arms.
He had smelt her nervousness right before she left with Rin. He didn't know why she would be nervous enough to leave. He would find out later though. For now he had company that he must entertain. He was just waiting for Goru to arrive. Which he had been thinking would probably be early tomorrow morning. Pushing all thoughts from his mind he noticed the only ones left were the Lord Kougaji and Haki and Lady Koharu. He would admit he like the three Lords and their wives. They only annoyed him sometimes.
She had finally fallen asleep after a story. She had told her the one about Cinderella only to have her fall asleep a few minutes into it. She smiled at the small form as she tucked her in and kissed her gently on her forehead before leaving the room.
She walked to the gardens to think some more. For the past few weeks she been coming here to think. It's peaceful atmosphere calmed her heart and soul every time she was out there. She took here normal seat on the rock by the koi pond as she gazed upon the star filled sky. She was once again lost in her own thoughts unaware of her surroundings.
He had found her sitting by the pond staring at the sky. Without her knowing he stood there gazing to the night sky as well. He soon became tired of her silence and thought to snap her from her thoughts.
"I see you enjoy the stars." He spoke calmly as she jumped from the sound of his voice
She turned around to look into gray eyes she had met only hours ago. She wondered why he would be here though. It made her uneasy as well because the way he had looked at her through dinner.
"You left quickly during dinner. Did something upset you?" he asked with something hovering in his eyes
"I had to get Rin to bed. She gets tired like any human." She said trying to make him leave
"Ahh, so I see. Then why would you not be in bed now. You are human are you not?" he asked staring at her
"I am but I am also an adult." She was getting nervous by the way he looked at her
She needed to get away and fast. Something in her gut told her she was in danger. She didn't know how she would get away but she sure wouldn't give up so easily. So she stood letting him know she was going to leave. She became frightened when he moved near her until they were a foot apart.
"I should sleep now. Tomorrow is going to be a long day."
"Allow me to escort you then." Was his simple reply
"No, that's alright I can get there on my own." She responded hastily as she quickly walked away
He watched as she left the gardens and entered the abode once more. Headed on her way to bed made him become tired as well. So he followed suit behind the young woman as he headed to sleep as well.
"Tomorrow Lady Kagome, Tomorrow." He whispered