Sesshoumaru lowered his head and delving into his thoughts. His words had caused a lot of commotion. Naraku seemed close to squeamish when two angry women confronted him. Yura and Kagura demanded to know if it was truth, and so on. Kagome seemed to have relaxed slightly. The fact that Rin was at least partly to safety made her at ease. Sesshoumaru knew Kagome was protective of those she cared about, but also even more strongly was she towards any and all children.
His ears still rang with the words he'd heard just barely through the thin wall of the sitting room.
'The brat's escaped!'
'What? How…?'
'We don't know. The door was picked…'
Sesshoumaru swallowed and breathed slowly. His heart that had once beaten furiously was calming down and his anger was slipping away piece by clinging piece. Finally, his thoughts were completely clear. The first voice he didn't recognize, but the second had been Hakudoushi. His voice was rougher than it had been before, so it was likely that the young man had been talking to an underling of some sort. The second half of the second person's sentence was quieter, more hushed, so it was lost to Sesshoumaru.
He would leave soon and without giving anything up. Less than that was unacceptable.
Kagome glanced over at Sesshoumaru. She could tell just by looking at him that his anger was subsiding and that made her relax a little. Rin was safe it appeared for now, but who knows what would happen if Naraku were to catch her before she left the property. Most likely the little girl would be punished.
Kagome winced. She knew what that was like from experience. It wasn't pretty and Rin certainly didn't deserve such treatment. No one did, not even herself, which Kagome admitted grudgingly. What if Rin were to be punished? What could they do? Sesshoumaru wouldn't give up his company. It was his father's legacy and it would only fall to the capable hands of the Takarashi line.
Sesshoumaru looked at her and Kagome didn't look away. His eyes looked sharper and brighter. There was almost a surreal glow added to their abnormal color. The twin orbs glinted at her, but instead of frightening her, they drew her in. Kagome padded over silently to Sesshoumaru's side. She hugged close to his back and hid partly concealed by his shoulder.
Sesshoumaru snorted at Yura's blatant rage. She tried to hide it, but it was obvious to him like a Goth out in broad daylight. The clenching of her fists undoing and enclosing plus the downturn of her lips made it all stick out like a sore thumb. Kagura however seemed to have no intention of wanting him anymore. She was only after his money whereas Yura acted as if she had some sort of affection for him. It couldn't be more than attraction. She was just that type of superficial woman.
Kagome was pressed next to his side. If they needed to make a clean entrance, she would have to stick with him. The military phrase 'leave no man behind' flashed through his mind. He remembered hearing it on that English channel Rin was watching. The commercial was advertising for the army. Sesshoumaru scoffed. As if that would encourage people to run to their deaths. Still, it did apply in this case, but they were in it pretty deep. Getting past Kaijinbou would be no problem. Most likely, he'd let them go even if he was ordered to do otherwise. However Kagura and Yura were vengeful. Sesshoumaru didn't compromise with those unworthy of it and the two women fell far down under that category.
"Naraku, explain this!"
Yura practically screamed. She spit a little because the gum constantly in her mouth made her salivate more than normal.
"Yes, how do you plan to fix this?"
Kagura sneered. The woman crossed her arms across her chest and stuck her hip out placing her weight mainly on one side.
Naraku had long recovered from his shock. Sesshoumaru and Kagome looked like they were hugging. The small girl barely seen from behind his shoulder, but his arm wrapped around the back as if he wanted to fold it at his lower back. The appendage held her in loosely in place. It was almost like Sesshoumaru needed the reassurance that she was with him. Naraku's eyes darkened. They would make their escape soon. Sesshoumaru was waiting for his chance. Naraku smirked minutely, but it vanished immediately.
The male delved purposely into the argument with the women. He noticed Kaijinbou was leaving now since the screaming and yelling was apparently getting on his nerves judging by the disgruntled looks he sent back their way. He lumbered out the door, his work boots making everyone aware of his exit with every step. His scuffing heels tracked dried mud making Naraku grimace. The carpet was imported and not something you'd find at K-mart.
"Ladies, please. What is it you wish me to do?"
The two stepped back looking at Naraku strangely. The male always had a plan and followed it precisely. If one part fell through, well there was always plan b, c, or even g of which his could choose his next action appropriately. So why was he asking their opinion now? Before, he always just told them what to do or used them to get what he wanted done. What was he planning?
"We want you to ruin Takarashi." Yura spoke condescendingly.
Kagura rolled her eyes. Yura obviously was going to take advantage of Naraku's lull in aggressive dictator mode.
"Isn't that obvious?"
"Why?"
Kagome's voice was muffled against Sesshoumaru's sleeve. She shifted carefully moving to the opposite side. His arm still held her and she placed a hand on the other arm. She peered at them anxiously, but her curiosity got the better of her.
"He dumped me!" Yura whined.
She wanted to tell someone. She always did because someone gave her sympathy and it was attention that she needed. Yura didn't exactly have parents or at least sober ones. The only attention she received was the daily beating or during meals in front of the television and she wasn't even allowed to talk. When Yura met Sesshoumaru, she was amazed. He was graceful and intelligent. His wasn't the most talkative, but he was attentive and she liked to talk, especially if someone would actually listen. Most guys would pretend to be while staring at her chest. Or her thighs because they spread a little wider than they probably should be, but it was just the way she was comfortable sitting. Actually most guys weren't like Sesshoumaru. He wasn't kind more like indifferent, but Yura was a person to him, a woman. He was great in bed too if that wasn't enough to keep her hooked. Sesshoumaru was different from everyone else in the world; there was no one else like him anywhere.
"You wanted my money just like Kagura."
Kagura nodded at this affirming the comment. She didn't seemed phased or even try to deny it. Kagome frowned at this. Kagura so bluntly admitted this that Kagome was shocked and a little ashamed. The human race was surely deteriorating in front of her very eyes. They were so superficial and greedy that it saddened Kagome to know so many people who were just like Kagura. She'd never met any of them personally because her family was on the poorer side of comfortable living.
"He sent me to jail on child abuse charges." Her voice was angry.
"It was deserved."
"No it wasn't. I only ever hit her on the cheek twice and it was to stop her crying. I spanked her…but that was for discipline."
"My ward does not require such methods."
"Sure when you're around…she'll do anything so that you won't throw her back to the streets."
Sesshoumaru didn't respond. It could be true. Rin was very complacent and he was aware that one of the only fears she held inside her cheerful heart was that he would abandon her like everyone else. He wouldn't ever do that. He refused. No child should bare such agonies like loneliness and the hopelessness that comes with feeling unwanted.
"Not uh!"
Kagome blurted suddenly as if she'd just woken up to the conversation.
"Rin is an angel even when he's," She jabbed her thumb up in Sesshoumaru's direction, "not around! She just didn't like you."
Kagura glanced from Kagome to Sesshoumaru. She shrugged. The brat was just that. At the time she was only an obstacle in the way. Kagura had hoped that Rin would get along her like cream and sugar to the bitter twist of coffee that was Sesshoumaru. She settled in as a nanny. It wasn't hard to figure out her true intentions and Rin was rather smart for such a little tart. Rin apparently didn't find her suitable for her adopted father after a few months and began stating so aloud. Kagura couldn't have this so she spanked the girl. It was Sesshoumaru's decision not hers. Rin should've gone along with it, but the girl was difficult and Sesshoumaru just had to come home early one day.
Yura, who remained silent until now, reacted much the opposite of Kagura. Her face lost its arrogant appearance and her voice turned desperate.
"No! Maybe at first, but I really loved you, Sess-chan!"
Sesshoumaru stiffened. He never got used to hearing that. Yura almost sounded serious and truthful. Not that it mattered any. There were never any feelings on his part, this was one-sided. Sesshoumaru looked her straight in the eyes. The fuchsia color was sad and speckles of blue touched the outer ring of her irises.
"You treated me right, Sess-chan. I wasn't a pair of boobs and a pussy with thighs to match. I was a person."
Yura's voice was thick with emotion he'd never seen from her. It pulled at him a little. Right now, she reminded Sesshoumaru too much like his mother. Inutaisho never gave her the love she needed, craved even. His mother was enamored with him, perhaps unhealthily so because Inutaisho was much too focused on his budding company to notice her. Even though it was because of her that Inutaisho was given a partner to back the other half necessary to step into the medical industry. The marriage was more like an arrangement. Marry the daughter and start your dreams. It wasn't such a bad deal, but his mother suffered for it. Yura, with her pleading eyes and trembling mouth resembled the way Sesshoumaru remembered his mother best. The desperation, sadness, and yearning were all too similar.
Sesshoumaru gulped, feeling like a child again. There was a strong squeeze of his arm. Bright blue eyes shined up at him. There was a trust resting in those depths and stirring warmth. Kagome's cheek leaned over to rest on his bicep.
A sob was released in the room as Yura watched them she shook. A quivering hand rose to cover her mouth and her eyes shut tight. She turned her face away from them before walking hurriedly from the room. Her heels clicked as she walked. She never removed them when she came in like she normally would. She had wanted to look her best for Sesshoumaru, but it was all in vain now. The door of the room closed loudly sending a chilled wave of air across the room. Yura didn't look back and she didn't come back.
Sesshoumaru barely noticed. Kagome had melded her soft, plaint body right up against him. He was finding it hard to function. Sesshoumaru frowned. This was new. Women usually never affected him so headily, but then again Kagome wasn't just anyone. This had been proved true on several occasions.
Suddenly, a trill sounded in the room. Naraku looked down at his belt and unclipped the cell phone hooked there. He flipped open the lid and answered.
"Moshi moshi."
His voice smooth and even once again. In the break from Kagome's previous confrontation, Naraku had recovered his composure and now Sesshoumaru was losing his again, but in a very dissimilar way. One that was not altogether unpleasant. Kagome could be so distracting at times. Like the rare time she drove with him in his car. It had been raining and she caught him walking out of the hospital. After a few minutes of begging and persuading with promises he had yet to cash in on, he'd given her a lift. When he was driving, she changed the station on his stereo to a pop station and began dancing to it. His eyes had veered over numerous times and he had to make a quick stop when the light changed from yellow to red right in front on him. After that, Kagome was banned from the radio stuck with certain cds.
Naraku's heart beat sped up with every word the voice spoke on his phone. He turned his back to hide his pleased grin. The stock for Takarashi Technologies had gone through. As of now, he was even with Sesshoumaru, forty to forty. The last ten, well Toutousai hadn't given in much to his annoyance. However, that meant that Kikyo would be forced to come through and get Inuyasha to hand over his stock. Then he could buy the company out. This was ultimately what he wanted and he sighed quietly. His vision would soon be completed. However, he was very aware of his guests standing to his back. All this chaos in his home was rattling his nerves. At first, he had enjoyed it, but the constant crying and yelling was wearing on his ears. An aching pressure had steadily grown since the focus was pushed away from him to Kagura and Yura. His emotional outbursts earlier, quite out of character for him to react so, made Naraku weary. The late hour was beginning to toll on his body. He would become violent soon as he always did his patience began to thin. This was a side of himself no one, but Kagome and Kikyo at times had witnessed.
Sesshoumaru watched Naraku slipped his phone back into his carrier at his waist. Then he walked over with a much heavier stride than he was used to. The man's steps were usually quick and light. This was like an undertone to the image Naraku portrayed for everyone to see. He was always on guard and ready for the next course of action, much like Sesshoumaru in fact. Naraku was showing weakness was a rarity in itself, but his confidence was still brooding around his being like no tomorrow. Sesshoumaru was obviously a strong rival and Naraku showed a weakness he hid so carefully with ease now. Why the change? Was it the phone call?
Naraku pull a thin rope in the corner of the room. He turned and gave a charming smile. His hands fell into his pockets and his gate slowed more. An overall sense of calm and pleasure swelled over his appearance. His butler opened the door at the back of the room; the one Kaijinbou had left from.
"I regret to inform you that this interlude has come to a close. It is becoming late and Sesshoumaru; you have work tomorrow early, do you not?"
Naraku tilted his head to one side. Kagura raised one eyebrow and gave the man a queer look. With a sigh and yet another shrug she left the room.
"Miss, I'll lead you out if you'll wait just a moment…" The butler began.
The woman kept walking past the butler and waving a hand at this statement.
"I know the way well enough."
With that she disappeared.
Kagome eyed Naraku suspiciously.
"Let me get this straight. You're just going to let us leave?"
"Of course, you could have left at any time. Miss Higurashi, you were a lovely guest to have. Return whenever you wish."
His eyes had morphed from hi fake façade to a lustful tint proving his offer to be true. He would have her should Kagome ever come back. Kagome stuttered though. He'd kept her locked up for a days and said that she could have left whenever she wanted?
-Pah! Liar…-
Sesshoumaru didn't wait a moment longer for there was no reason. His ward needed to be found before he could rest with any sort of peace this night. Naraku was right on one thing. The night was waning and Sesshoumaru still had much to do. The butler led them to the entrance where Sesshoumaru was given his coat. Kagome was handed a paper bag with handles that was a shopping bag from some store she'd never heard of. Inside she found her clothes.
"They've been washed. Your shoes are present as well."
Kagome was astonished if not a bit overwhelmed. She slipped her shoes on hastily all too ready to get the hell out of there. The slippers she left by the door with a small smile to the butler. She bowed despite herself. The butler waved them out the door and Kagome tugged Sesshoumaru hard towards the car. She gripped onto him tightly as if letting go would make her wake up from such a weird dream. It was strange, but she was free and still okay. Kagome kept her promises, well most anyways. A sense of strength and accomplishment welled in her breast. Kagome smiled and when the car past the front gate of the estate, she laughed. She put the window down in Sesshoumaru's car and stuck her head out. Kagome let out a long 'whoo hoo' and laughed again.
Unbeknownst of the excited female, she was distracting the driver once again. This time it was with a healthy view of an all too firm buttocks. Kagome was too elated to care, even if she did know. Naraku hadn't gotten the best of her! She beaten her past and the fulfillment was more than she ever expected it to be. Naraku was still attractive, but that was only her body. As Kagome righted herself in her seat, her eyes flickered over to Sesshoumaru. A small smile bestowed upon her lips. Naraku could have some effect on her body, but then so could anyone with so much a handsome face and a good body. Her heart was the other side of the coin that was no longer within Naraku's grasp.
…Um…not so sure about this chapter, especially the last page. Purses lips Eh- oh well. Expect some small changes here and there. But! I have finally finished this scene! dances like a fool Review for me! I'm really starving …
