REPOSTED! There are at least 1500 more words to this chapter, including a Sess/Kag small scene. I've changed my update schedule once again. It will be every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Fridays are hard for me to make and I always update on Saturday anyways. I hope I can keep up with this.
Corners upon corners have past since Kagome ceased her attempts at memorizing their path through the house. So much had changed since she'd been here last. The estate had always been reasonably capacious, but now it was just ridiculous. This was one man and not even someone like Naraku needed so much space. The room was rather hefty, more so than one would expect for what seemed to be a dining room. Kagome always ate in her kitchen, so it was strange to be at an actually long wooden table. The piece was low to the ground and one level all the way across the entire expanse. It was covered by a pale purple cloth that Kagome knew hid the natural designs carved in the wood that Naraku always disliked.
Flashback
"What's so wrong with it?"
Kagome leaned over to rest her chin on her hand. Her eyes were curious as she regarded her boyfriend, or rather ex. She had shown up at his doorway only a few minutes prior to now. Naraku had invited her in and together they sat facing each other at an antique table. In the center there were carvings creating some pattern she couldn't exactly follow. There were twists and curves just like ivy vines, but there were leaves and random flowers here or there. It looked similar to wisteria actually, but Kagome couldn't be sure. She thought this because behind some of the withering blossoms there were peapod-like shapes that were much like the fruits wisteria produced after its flower. The carvings weren't exactly carved either; they were more like designs that stood out by the stain color of the wood. There weren't blackened or anything, but the wood of these patterns was unstained and of a lighter grain that the wood lining the outside.
Kagome would pay closer attention to it, but the tantalizingly handsome face across from her was much more captivating. His eyes like that of a blood red rose promised that same mystery Kagome always found herself drawn to. Tonight however, they seemed much more wolfish than she'd ever noticed. Kagome remembered the last time he looked at her with those eyes and her thighs shuddered at the thought. It had been painful, but he held her so tenderly, almost lovingly, afterward that Kagome couldn't believe he felt nothing for her.
Naraku drew a finger lazily over the surface, "It's of a wisteria vine. It's the Chinese variation, not American or Japanese."
Kagome inwardly cheered at her own intelligence. She had been right!
"Did you know that the wisteria ensures its own survival by sucking the life from its surroundings?"
"It does?"
"Yes- the vine climbs and attaches itself to the trunks of other trees. Then ever so slowly, it constricts like a boa and takes any food that emerges. It shades or overshadows smaller plants that it would normally crush. Also it's quite heavy and can topple huge trees with its weight."
Kagome was stunned as she set down her tea carefully on the table's flat surface. The liquid was still hot and created a condensation of steam, similar to that on a mirror after a shower, around the base.
"Wow- I never knew that. My mom is starting this orchard. There's this gazebo and she planted wisteria all along the railing. We should go visit it together. The sakura blossoms are sure to bloom in a month or two."
Kagome smiled happily imagining the scene. Naraku, in his blue school uniform with the jacket hanging over one shoulder, would sniff every now and then because of his allergies. His other hand holding her with their fingers loosely intertwined as they strolled lazily. The flowers would bloom gorgeously and the grass would be green and fresh. Their shoes would clack slightly on the stone path. Naraku would, of course, wait for the moment Kagome was off guard to pull her into the neighboring trees. The orchard was on the back of the property, but it still gave a more intimate and private atmosphere, something he would know she liked. Naraku's lips would be soft and probing, nearly feminine in their smoothness. Kagome sighed he was so addicting.
Suddenly a thought shoved past the dreamy reality. Kagome shot up from her unnoticed slouch on her knees. The action was almost comical with her mouth falling open and her eyes widening.
"Oh no! The wisteria is an aggressive plant right? It won't collapse the roof of the gazebo will it!"
"It might."
"Hey wait a minute…you never told me why you hated this table!"
Naraku chuckled. His tea nearly finished and his stomach full, he set the cup down. The warmth welded into his body and soothed his irritation at the woman showing up unannounced. His thoughts were whirling in his head, not that she would ever notice. The girl always seemed to be too caught in her thoughts and naïve understanding to see anything that was real. There were so many ways to take this situation and his mind developed several along with possible consequences. Which should he take?
"It was once my grandmother's favorite table. The wood was plain then and that's why my grandfather disliked it. Simplicity was not something he admired. My grandmother was soft-hearted and gullible. She let her husband walk all over her. The table was redesigned into this- something my grandfather could appreciate, but he destroyed the natural beauty."
Naraku glanced down running a hand along the surface once again. Kagome almost saw his face darken with what she could only explain as sad.
"Sometimes…I feel like I'm much more like my grandfather and this wisteria vine. I take everything for granted and never really know what I have until I've left it or lost it."
Naraku looked up pointedly at Kagome making her heart beat harder.
"My grandmother was loving and gentle. Her husband stripped her of those qualities and she became weak, but she never left him. I never understood it."
He looked down again, closing his eyes. He heard clothing rustle and when the cool touch of her palm hit his cheek, Naraku inwardly smiled. Kagome fell for it, she was always so simple. Regardless, he played his part and appeared startled at the contact.
Naraku peered up into her face and the look of yearning need was so concise he almost believed he felt it himself. Kagome's reaction was immediate. Her arms embraced his shoulders and geld him tight against her.
"She loved him."
Naraku smiled evilly against the cloth of her arm. Kagome smiled as well, but for a completely different reason.
End Flashback
"I'm honored you decided to join me for dinner, Sesshoumaru and you as well, Kagome."
His voice dropped a level making Kagome shy away further down the table from him. His crimson eyes glinted at his obvious effect over the girl. This didn't go unnoticed by Sesshoumaru. Naraku didn't sit at the head of the table, but around the corner and down two seats. Sesshoumaru sat two seats further down towards the middle of the table. Kagome sat directly next to him and seemed to hover as close as was appropriate without others thinking the two were involved in any sort of relationship. Sesshoumaru's eased his tense shoulders and calmed the raging torment at least so that it wasn't visible outwardly in the least. The girl appeared to pick up on his efforts and calmed as well. It was a secret method sent between them. They were allies and could only trust each other in this ragtag group.
"May I introduce our dining companions."
At this, two doors on opposite sides of the room opened. Behind them two entered judging by the sound of feet. This caused Kagome to tense once again at having a potentially dangerous identity at her back, especially since they were anonymous to her, but she didn't have the courage to turn. The first one in had light steps and quickly walked to the end of the table. The second padded heavily scuffing the backs of his heels with a lazy, deep stride. Three from the other side walked in facing her.
Naraku started from the right who was the man with the heavy step.
"Kaijinbou, Hakudoushi, Kagura, Yura and finally Kanna. I'm certain you remember a few of them Sesshoumaru."
Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed on the two girls standing across from him. Yura was chewing her gum loudly cracking it every now and then before stretching it out of her mouth between her forefinger and thumb. Sesshoumaru hated it, she knew it because when she made eye contact with him, she smirked. She shifted weight onto one side and stuck out her hip. Her head tilted to the side and her eyes lidded. Sesshoumaru loosened his facial expression losing all expression and pulled the lid tighter on his control. She straightened in displeasure. Her dress was as tight as ever and bright red.
Kagura leaned against the wall, arms crossed. Her irritation was plain and unrestrained on her features. She didn't want to be here. Her preference would most likely be a high rate club where she would dance with one girlfriend or another stone drunk or delightfully tipsy. Kagura wasn't relaxed or cheerful unless she was buzzed.
Kagome swallowed stiffly. Sesshoumaru obviously knew the two girls and wasn't pleased at all to see them. He was even more emotionless than he was while working, which was where Kagome thought she'd seen the plainest expression he had. Were they past love interests? Kagome felt her stomach clench and she felt stupid for it. This would be hard, but she had to remain calm. She placed her hands in her lap and tried to sit still.
Sesshoumaru's eyes slid over to Kagome roving quickly over her form. It was an appreciating glance too. It was somehow comforting seeing the plain white yukata and cream obi. It was an older, more traditional style, but it suited the woman. Yes- Kagome was a woman indeed and was it with pride that she kneeled by his side? Kagome wasn't hard on the eyes and intelligent compared to the others he'd dated. They were prettier, in a more erotic way, but nails were sharper than they were. However she was a piece a work, one not easily handled.
"Please, everyone, sit down."
The table became crowded and most of the occupants were enemies, or possible enemies. Kagome didn't know them all, or really any besides Sesshoumaru and Naraku. The woman that led them here, now known as Kanna, Kagome thought looked familiar. When she'd barged into Sesshoumaru's office that day before Christmas, wasn't she waiting patiently outside the door for the meeting to finish? Kagome blushed slightly, wishing she'd down that as well.
The two women now seated across from Sesshoumaru and Kagome noticed the glance, even though Kagome was sadly oblivious. Sesshoumaru was skilled, but not invincible. His eyes had lightened and his lips loosened a little becoming fuller in a more relaxed state. The man could control his expressions rather well, but his eyes gave him away every time, as long as you knew what to look for.
Yura had bowed her head immediately as her plate was just placed down. The impression was giving grace silently to herself, but it was just a farce. She'd promised the bastard wouldn't get to her; he wouldn't win this time, but jealously was burning inside her. Sure, Yura could hide it, she was good at that, but it was like her blood was boiling. It hurt too. Yura had been with many people, guys and girls, especially in her experimental years. None could compare to Sesshoumaru Takarashi and she did everything she thought he'd wanted. Still, it wasn't enough. Now this plain girl stole his heart so easily? It wasn't fair.
Kagura's eyes simply lidded and her mouth dropped open in a stupid scowl. She lifted an eyebrow briefly before looking away. What did she care who he boned? As long as he was ruined, his love life was no concern of hers anymore. She'd only wanted a hand in his money; he wasn't worth anything else to her. This was clearly out of her reach, so…oh well. Besides, Kagura had her eyes on someone else. He was only a simple policeman, but what he didn't even know yet was that he was soon to come into a huge inheritance from his late father.
The meal was now served. The first plate was anti-pasta. In a certain arrangement there was pasta shells, thinly sliced salami, a slice of provolone cheese twisted into a 3-dimensional triangle-like shape, green and black olives cut in half. These ingredients were centered on the plate and surrounding them was a splice of chopped red pepper. The plate rose for the outermost edge on which parsley was sprinkled only for an extra bit of class. Basil leaves rested on top. Red wine vinegar danced around and loosely conjoined with extra-olive oil covering the center dish. It looked kind of gross.
Kagome never really like anti-pasta and she tried not to cringe away from it. It wasn't like a salad. The mixings didn't…well mix. They just sat there on the plate and there really was no interaction between one and another. Everyone else was digging in, so she did too albeit much less ambitiously.
The meal went quickly enough. The first course, somewhat of an appetizer was one of seven courses. The second was a rather delicious broiled tuna basted in a simple lemon sauce. This was followed by chicken filled with mushrooms and glazed with thin gravy. The next one was salmon then filet mignon.
Between the chicken and the salmon conversation that had been practically nonexistent before then, was being thrown back and forth becoming one problem after another. Kagura accidentally elbowed her neighbor, Yura, and sent the girl's glass of tropical cooler tumbling across the white tablecloth. Yura had jumped back onto her raised knees with a screech. She grabbed the linen napkin from her lap fervently dabbing and 'lifting away!' the stain from the middle of her dress. Kagura was snickering from her hand. Yura slapped her, which sent both quarreling females to their feet.
Naraku was soon up and down by their sides. He placed a hand on each of their waists. He guided Kagura over next to Kagome, which made her very nervous since she didn't know her connection to Sesshoumaru. Yura was placed two seats down closer to Naraku as servants came to clean up the table. All plates were lifted and a new spread was laid out, this one a dark green.
The next few insinuations were only verbal.
"So, Sesshou-chan…where did you pick this one up?"
Yura batted her eyelashes at him from across the table. Her fuchsia eyes flickered over to Kagome with such quickness that Kagome leaned back unsure. Sesshoumaru's throat tightened at the pet name. She always called him that despite his warnings not to. His eyes darkened considerably. His ward was never forgotten in his mind and now his rage was only building. He should not be here eating, but getting straight to business as Sesshoumaru would normally demand. However, this could not be the case for such an unusual situation. His power and money would be of little asset; he was outnumbered.
"She doesn't look like much. She's barely more than a child." She went on laughingly.
Her smile, which was probably meant to be charismatic or seductive, was tainted by the fleck of barley sticking out brightly against the backdrop of her whitened teeth. It was right in the front. She gave a look at Kagura who was looking at the wall away from her with a tight, close-lipped smile on her face. Her shoulders were shaking slightly giving herself away. Yura remained oblivious of course and kept on smiling. Kagome simply blushed in embarrassment and avoided eye contact. Sesshoumaru didn't even look away from the wine glass in his hand as he replied.
"She works for the Hamasaki Corporation in development and regulatory affairs." He said calmly.
Kagome looked over at him, her brow knitting slightly. He made it seem so important. She soon realized that Yura had to be an ex-girlfriend, one that was obviously still bitter. Did that have something to do with why she was here? Well, anyway, she wasn't with Sesshoumaru at all, or at least like that. Not as of yet, if at all. The man was addicting though, if not infuriating too.
The woman certainly didn't know this though, so for effect, Kagome laid a soft hand on Sesshoumaru's arm. He turned to look down at her slowly, a curiosity highlighting the gold of his eyes to a honey hue. When their eyes met, she gave him a shy smile and her eyes sparkled just right. His head dipped a little and a lock of hair fell over his shoulder. Kagome had meant this only to infuriate the woman across the table, acting childish again, but she was being absorbed.
The twin suns swallowing her whole and mesmerizing her to motionlessness. A cough from Kaijinbou alerted them back to the world though. Kagome looked around and felt as she was surfacing from the bottom of a warm bath. The memory of the still waves washing over her fresh in her mind and the heat still sticking to her skin, she felt cleansed. In her mind Kagome laughed at the stupidity of it all. Why did he affect her so? She sighed quietly and bowed her head down. To everyone else, she looked disappointed at being interrupted. Sesshoumaru laid a hand over hers, which she no doubt forgot was still on his arm. He gave her hand a squeeze and took his time returning it to her lap. Yura was now very red in the face.
There was a tense moment that was thankfully broken by the next course being brought out. It was a fabulous fruit salad delivered in individual ceramic bowls. Pineapples, cherries, melon, banana, blue berries, grapes, raspberries, strawberries, and Kagome's favorite- blackberries. She looked up surprised. This was one of her favorite things to eat! Kagome caught Naraku's eye. He was leaning on his elbow staring right at her. There was an unfamiliar softness to his eyes. Kagome looked away. He always made this for her because he knew how much she loved the diversity of flavors all in one dish. How many times had she sat on a stool in his parents' kitchen watching while he prepared this for her? His parents were never home because it was the lull right after school and before his siblings got home from sports. Kagome choked down the remembrance because it was such an afternoon where she gave away the most sacred part of herself.
Finally, the last course was three plates of cheese, varying from strength of taste, were brought out along with some wine of choice. Bread was also offered as well as expensive crackers. The things had so much fiber in them they tasted like cardboard or the better ones were similar to tree bark, but they went fast. Kagome wasn't a big drinker and while in this type of company she wasn't comfortable drinking. She settled for some orange pekoe tea while Sesshoumaru had a tangy red wine to wash everything down and clear his palette for the cheese. Kagome really was too much of a college student. Her mother, once upon a time, had made excellent healthy repasts. Kagome, however, was long since used to gorging on and living off of ramen and sushi. Not exactly the most healthy of sustenance, but she was always low on cash. The courses were small, but filling and rich in taste. It was a lot in one sitting.
Now they moved into a sitting room. There were couches all focused around the fire place which wasn't currently burning. Sesshoumaru stood behind a wine colored love seat on which Kagome had decided to sit. Her tea rested on the small table beside her. Her shoulders were hunched and she kept tugging on the sleeves of her kimono. She felt underdressed, he realized. To quell her nervousness, Sesshoumaru circled around the seat. Kagome was as close as possible to the armrest. This was the closest she could possibly be to him and still be on the couch. Kagome was weakening.
She had probably just gotten over her past and now she was being forced to interact with the painful cause of it. He also knew that all of it wasn't so bad and that was why she was breaking. Kagome needed someone to lead her in the right direction and so Sesshoumaru, on a rare whim, placed himself elegantly next to her on the loveseat. He was about a foot away, but still on the same cushion. He was coaxing her away from the very edge from which she was perched. Slowly and surely Kagome smiled, composed with his closeness once again. She scooted until they were a few inches apart. Her long sleeves brushed his thigh, but other than that they weren't touching.
The crowd filled the room with Kaijinbou sitting in the window seat. The window was dark and reflected the scenery of the room, except for the leaves of the bush that grew up against it outside the glass. The two girls each took a different sofa and Naraku lounged in the singular, high-backed chair. It was wooden, but padded and had a cream and brown upholstery covering it. His back faced them and showed his overconfidence greatly.
I hoped this was much more direct, less description. I think it hinders the plot, so I'm working on it, but I don't want to lose the image. How was it? Not too bad, right?
Much appreciation goes out to LtSonya for her wonderful opinions and suggestions. She's the one responsible for me going back and adding the dinner details and interactions. She was right- describing the courses just wasn't enough.
