"Soon...very soon Kagome."
The voice was gentle, but a steely edge belied the kindness for a hovering menace hidden below the shallow depths of the tone. A crooked smile slipped across the tanned skinned face. Long wavy black hair blew in the wind covering the lower half of his face so that only his burning eyes could be seen. The man was leaning with his back against a light post just outside of the Chikujitsu. His fire-colored eyes watched the 'happy family' walking away from him toward the city through the park. Naraku's eyes narrowed in on his beautiful prey. Kagome always did manage to surround herself with powerful friends. There were two children between her and his rival, Takarashi Sesshoumaru. One he knew to be the bastard's worthless adoptive daughter and the other was nearly in the same relationship with Kagome.
Naraku turned from the scene with only a small twinge of jealousy that heated his heart. He gave a small chuckle showing his sadistic humor in a foul, but a soft cackle. Kagome made it so pleasurable to break her. Somehow despite her guilt and past pains, happiness always seemed to fall into her lap. It was quite involuntary, Naraku knew she'd want nothing more than to torture herself with loneliness for the rest of her life. But that heart of hers wouldn't be able to take that strain. Naraku's last masterpiece was Inuyasha, but then again that was easy with Kikyo under his wing.
-And in my bed.-
Naraku laughed again, but this was light and melodic. He turned down the street deciding to take the scenic way around the park home, instead of straight through. He couldn't risk Kagome seeing him...not yet. Naraku was beautiful almost to an extreme and he knew it. The male used it to his advantage to trap those he desired. A few appreciating glances from young women and starry-eyed looks from school girls were sent his way. And Naraku returned them with a charming smile and a side tilt to his head. At the younger groups of girls he even sent a playful wink to which they all giggled and turned to speak excitedly within their own masses.
This was all very out of character, but then again he was the wolf. And currently he was hiding beneath his faux furs waiting for the chance to strike. Naraku was always out for a good fuck and sadistic sarcasm when he tore out a woman's heart. One may call him deceitful, but Naraku considered himself the average man of today's culture. This was how he was bred to be and as result how he would act. His looks and physically fit body only made it that much easier to accomplish his goals. The woman flocked to him and came willingly, usually anyways, so there were fewer cases of rape. Not that his lawyers wouldn't be able to care of any squabbles that might arise.
Kagome walked lazily through the park towards the restaurant. Shippou grabbed her hand earlier as well as Rin's before they set out. This forced the four to walk in a line with both kids in between. She could tell that Sesshoumaru had shorted and slowed his stride tremendously just to keep in step with the group, or rather it was probably more for his ward. The small hand only held on by the hold Rin had on his thumb. The little girl was talking animatedly with Shippou and Kagome could only smile at them. Deep down she knew she shouldn't really be this happy, that she didn't deserve this warmth in her soul. But to tell the complete truth, being here, soothed her chapped, broken heart.
-Go figure I would find this being in the presence of someone so...frigid.-
Kagome knew that he wasn't really that way and that was probably exaggerating right now. But still why couldn't she have this? Kagome felt confidence for once when those horrifying images didn't flash immediately across her subconscious, but that slowly died. Dark blue eyes iced over at the frozen memories flooding her mind. This time their approach was slower, but more intense. Kagome blinked away the pain and focused to calm her rapid heartbeat.
She sighed lightly. Kagome could see the effect of just little Shippou had on her. In just a year he had squirmed his way under her skin and now was working miracles from within. That flooding river of knowledge a mere few months ago would have immobilized Kagome and steal her attention completely inward as well. Kagome would lose all knowledge of where she was and really not care. It was almost like a paralyzed state of body as the mind replayed her past mistakes and experiences. But not this time...Kagome just had to think of the now and the little squeeze Shippou gave to her shaking hand.
Kagome peered into those green eyes to find a strange wisdom and a loving understanding. Shippou knew his mother-figure was in pain and he wanted her to know that he did. He could only hope that maybe she'd share with him, give him one little piece of her soul. And to allow him a free ticket to view that personal world just for her inside her soul and maybe let him stay, stay forever. Shippou just didn't want to damage the precious balance she was in. For the past year he could see her true self awakening as she warmed up to his young influence, he'd be blind not to notice. Kagome was different a year ago, she scared him a lot. Sometimes the woman would disappear for days. Shippou always remembered hiding in Kagome's apartment hugging her pillow breathing in the scent that was only her, pleading for her to come back. It was the first time in many years that he cried himself to sleep. It had only been a month into their bond that she had several dark bouts of depression that was now labeled as the 'Inu phase.'
But as he looked up into her face, he could see it there in her eyes, but it was like the eye of the storm instead of the raging turmoil. He could sort of see himself reflected there and his okaa smiled. And for once there was no tension in her mouth or jaw, but still not even a glitch of the warmth in her eyes. Shippou laughed then. She was getting better, she was finally healing. Maybe now she would be able to move on and maybe it would be because of him, but Shippou held his breath not wishing to jinx it. The tiny hairs of the back of his neck rose and he felt like he was being watched, but he shook it off as paranoia. Or perhaps it was just Rin who had been calling his name for past twenty seconds and had put it to a beat to sing.
Rin had noticed Kagome and Shippou looking at one another when she had wanted to show her new friend the cardinal in a nearby oak. Only to find him looking up at Kagome with concern. At first she thought it was because Kagome was still hurt and had done something to herself again. But Rin saw nothing about her appearance that would indicate she was injured, in fact her face was glowing and content. So instead she kept repeating Shippou's name adding a beat by clapping her hands, since she released her father's thumb to do so. She clapped against her thighs as well and sang his name to jingle bells.
"Shippou-chan, it's almost
Christmas!" Rin said when she finally received his attention again.
"Hai! Only another two weeks!"
"Are you going to spend
it with Kagome-san?"
"Hai! We're going to get a tree next
weekend to put up in her apartment."
"Sesshoumaru-san said we
could get a real one!"
"Really? Me too, but I have to help
take it down and cleaning up the needles."
The two kids skipped off a few feet in front of the trailing adults that increased their strolling pace to a regular walk to keep up with the frolicking children. Kagome looked at the man next to her wondering what he could be thinking about. He hadn't said a word since they had left the park and noticed how tense he was the first few streets into the city. Kagome knew they were dangerous, but usually only at night. She would have asked, seeing as how nosey and curious she always was, but judging by the clenched jaw, Kagome realized her questions would not be welcome. At least at this time.
Sesshoumaru kept a close watch on Rin and made sure to keep a good grip of her hand when they crossed the Kisei Komichi. He had many enemies and he wouldn't have her in any danger again. Sesshoumaru wished, for once, that he could say never, but that was nearly impossible. 'Never' was a word one shouldn't use, and if so...then rarely. He only released her hand to allow the self-made music when he was sure the group was clear of the down-town area. Sesshoumaru also noticed Kagome's questioning glance, but when he turned towards her, she looked away quickly. Sesshoumaru frowned at the light blush on her cheeks, but then she met his eyes right on. The blue and gold clashing nearly the compliments of each other on the color wheel. Kagome blinked once before watching Shippou do a cartwheel on the sidewalk.
The woman shook her head. Now her Shippou was showing off for Rin? He'd never done it before and in fact he had actually preferred not to have the attention of others. Seeing as how it was usually only when they were picking on him. Kagome lifted her eyes and saw the sign for their restaurant. She was surprised to find it to be fashioned after an American diner. It was right on the corner, the left side of the street where Ainame and Rindou met. The sign read 'Hard Rock Café.' Least to say, Kagome was startled that not only did this man bring them to an American restaurant, but one who's diet was based off fast food?
(-.-) (0.0) (-.-) (O.o)
All in all, dinner was pleasant. Kagome had been forced into sitting next to Sesshoumaru so that Rin and Shippou could share a booth. And she was pushed even closer because of their coats that had been put on the booth next to her closest to the wall. After adding the children's stuff as well, Kagome was nearly elbow to elbow. The booths were quite large yet their winter apparel took six or eight inches of said seat. Kagome had watched the two curiously as they dumped their gloves, hats, etc. onto the seat. Then of course Kagome offered to place Sesshoumaru's coat there as well. And he bestowed the trench coat at the request. Rin and Shippou were smiling largely throughout the entire meal.
Kagome and Sesshoumaru had spoken some during the meal, but the conversation really fell into place when Kagome brought up her opinion and observations of the epidemic she was to classify. The group had went back to Sesshoumaru's apartment for ice cream or dessert. Kaede and Rin had made some cookies and a few small tarts that were actually quite good. The foursome had just entered the apartment building and Kagome was amazed at the classy style. It was almost retro in its black and white color scheme, but it was conservative in the straight lines, etc. of the interior design. The layout combined the two styles and co-existed them without clashing. It was magnificent, Kagome couldn't take her eyes off it, but had to when the elevator doors shut. And of course, Rin and Shippou hit every button so they made short pit-stops at all floors until they finally reached the penthouse.
Sesshoumaru had entered the kitchen followed by Kagome. Sesshoumaru pulled the tarts out of the fridge and the cookies from the cabinet while he directed Kagome to the dishes. Rin had pulled Shippou along behind her to show him her room. Kagome put two cookies on a plate as well as two small pieces of tart, one strawberry and the other blueberry. Then placed them on the small, one foot by six inch, tray along with two glasses of milk. Then she just had to follow the laughter.
Kagome walked into the room to only see feet in the air above the edge of the bed. Upon walking closer she saw the two laid out on the floor coloring. They were both giggling so much that she looked at what it is exactly they were doodling. It was then that she was stunned at how much talent Rin had at art compared to Shippou who was more for facts and quotes. Where Shippou was math, Rin was English, and Kagome blushed at this observation of the little girl's drawing. It was a pencil sketch of her and Sesshoumaru sitting on the park bench, but they were holding hands. It did lack skill seeing as how she was only seven, but the representation was very accurate. Kagome could even see a small blush to her features in the picture and laughed.
-Sesshoumaru and I?-
Two heads turned towards her and Rin hid the drawing holding it across her chest. She looked guilty, but Kagome only smiled. Except this one was a little saddened. Kagome set the tray onto the bed and gathered the two onto her lap. Kagome guided a head to rest on either shoulder and simply held them like that. It was obvious that Rin wanted a mother and no doubt Shippou wanted one, a real one completely attached, as well as a father. Kagome was saddened that Shippou wouldn't get a father anytime soon, especially not Sesshoumaru, and that she couldn't be Rin's mother.
After all, Sesshoumaru was too far out of her reach even if she did see him that way. Of course Kagome couldn't deny the physical reaction of her body, but what woman could resist Takarashi Sesshoumaru? That is also how Kagome knew that the man could have anyone he wanted, so he wouldn't settle for her. He'd be lowering his standards and Kagome couldn't even imagine the two of them together. She needed someone who would talk to her, that was how she connected to people. Yes she would observe from afar and gauge their personality, but to be involved with someone she needed communication. And that wasn't Sesshoumaru.
Kagome held them close resting her chin on Shippou's head as she looked down at the discarded picture in front of her. Rin was hugging her tightly, gripping the fabric of her shirt once again. Shippou held onto Rin's hand that was wrapped around Kagome's neck and Kagome's hand that rested at his side. He could hear Rin's soft sniffles and smiled. He was glad Kagome was his mother and crossed his fingers praying that she could be Rin's as well. Though he knew the plausibility of that happening were very slim seeing as how Kagome still wasn't over Inuyasha. It was funny that Kagome would go from dating one brother to meeting the next and end up running into each other all over the place. She had mentioned it to Shippou that she had seen Sesshoumaru at the hospital. That was after Kagome told him about the wrestling matches. Maybe the Kami-sama was already setting them up just like Shippou and Rin planned on doing? Shippou hoped so, they would need all the help they could get to set these two up. Then Rin and he could have a real family.
Sesshoumaru watched silently from the doorway, watching the would-be-touching moment. His golden gaze touched the surface of Rin's drawing noting the scene on its fibers. He stepped stiffly from the room and back into the living room. He heard a crash a few minutes later followed by the snickers of the two adolescents. His questions were answered when Kagome stepped from the hallway with a milk-soaked blouse. Sesshoumaru watched Rin scamper into the kitchen then run back out with a roll of paper towels.
"Rin has everything under control!" She yelled over her shoulder before disappearing.
Kagome lifted the wet clothing off of herself and looked at him.
"You wouldn't have a shirt I could borrow do you? I'll make sure to wash and return..."
Kagome's sentence trailed off when he turned his back on her. Sesshoumaru came back a few minutes later with a pale sea green long sleeve cotton shirt in his hand. He handed it to her and pointed over her shoulder.
"The bathroom's that way."
Kagome turned her head following his line of sight to the door and nodded her thanks. She then jogged into the room and shut the door without locking it. She knew from Sesshoumaru's personality that he wouldn't enter a closed door, if he knew there was occupancy, without knocking. Inuyasha wouldn't, but Sesshoumaru had more decency than that. One thing Kagome was thankful for. Kagome paused the wet shirt gripped in her hand.
-Did I just compare them? Maybe...I am getting over Inu...-
The shirt fell into the sink with a damp plop and Kagome lightly rinsed the liquid that ran through the material off her skin. Kagome used the lightly scented soap in the bathroom, which would probably be called a powder room since there wasn't a shower. Kagome dried herself absently. There was still that ache in her chest, but it was lightening to the point where she could actually live with it. Kagome slipped the green button down shirt on her shoulders noting how much larger it was the her form. And instantly she felt stupid.
-Of course it's a man's shirt! It isn't like he has a women's wardrobe. The only things he might have are from women who...stay the night...-
Kagome blushed, but still buttoned the shirt. She left the first top button open as well as the last two leaving only three buttoned. The tails hung down to mid-thigh giving her kind of a 'scrub' look, but it wasn't like she was going anywhere. Also Kagome didn't really care if people gave her odd looks, it wasn't like their opinions mattered. Kagome smoothed down the front before rinsing out her shirt. The she hung it on an empty towel rack, after making sure most the water was squeezed out.
Kagome yawned covering her mouth as she opened the door. She settled onto the comfortable couch resting both arms onto the armrest of the sofa. Her body stretched out over the expanse, but her legs tucked under her to leave about half left for someone to sit down. Blue eyes closed and before she knew it, sleep had claimed her.
Sesshoumaru had just finished checking his latest e-mails when he entered his living room to find the woman asleep on the couch. His shirt was huge on her and Kagome looked as if she was swimming in it. Her frame was nearly half the size of his, in width of the shoulders as well as height.
-She's so small...-
Her face was content and relaxed. It was then that he realized how strained her features really were during the day, you'd never realize it until you saw her sleeping. It was then that he noticed he was the only one awake. Upon entering Rin's room, he saw Rin curled on her bed near the edge where Shippou was on the floor. Sesshoumaru decided to just let them stay, it was less effort then to wake the two guests up. He'd also have to deal with a sleepy, grouchy Rin. Sesshoumaru tucked Rin into her usual side of the double bed pulling the covers to her chin. It seems once again she would go without brushing her teeth. Sesshoumaru then picked up the lightly snoring boy and laid him on the other side, keeping a comfortable distance. But it wasn't like it mattered at their age.
Then stretched his weary shoulders and rolled his neck as he switched on the night light and closed the door. After covering the slumbering woman on his couch he got himself ready for bed. Sesshoumaru fell asleep in a matter of moments after his head hit the pillow. It was unusual only because his mind would be so clouded with busy thoughts that he wouldn't be able to sleep. Sometimes he'd even have to get up and write an email when he remembered some detail he'd forgotten. He was relaxed tonight and had a reasonably enjoyable afternoon...even with their unexpected lodgers.
Trying to keep up...just gotta keep on truckin and have a stupendous frickin day.
