THE TIME HAS FINALLY COME! Ah- you'll see what I mean.
Enjoy this chapter- it was late, but it's literally like three to four times as long.
"Sesshoumaru!" A sweet voice interrupted his dream.
His eyes fluttered open, the sun blinding in them. The light so gleaming he found it hard to force open his eyelids to reveal sleepy golden eyes.
"Sesshoumaru!" The voice gained a humorous lilt.
He questioned why it was so hard to complete a simple mundane act such as opening his eyes. His heart sped up. There was a smiling face, so close to his own. Her eyes were bright, shining with mirth and he haplessly continued to stare into them. Her long hair fell over and brushed his shoulders. The light surrounded her as she pulled away from him. She smiled brilliantly. Her long tresses were crimped and cascaded in long, soft curls over shoulders then down her back.
"Sleepy head."
Her voice was soft, light and cheerful. Her long lashes were without mascara; her eye lids bare also, but still held that natural rosy color and her lips parted once again looking ever soft.
She smiled and turned from him, but then she suddenly halted in her tracks. An idea forming in her head as a finger touched her bottom lip. She was expecting him to follow, yet he wasn't. He felt immobilized and could only watch in wait with baited wonder.
"Come with me, please?" Her tone slightly confused.
Her eyes saddened watching him, still seated against the tree trunk. He was in a field of flowers surrounded by tall grasses and the soft chirping of nearby birds in the rafters of his leaning post. His clothes were strange, from the olden days and of the purest white. The ends of his sleeves were crimson, but his sash cinching closed the kosode was a pattern of royal blue and corn yellow. White hakama pants led down to black boots while his long hair was falling loosely all around him. The wind was at his back and his bangs swayed, caught in the lazy breeze.
"I want to show you something."
Her voice was nearly pleading, but did not waver or heighten in pitch with her need. She looked tired, weary as she stood there patiently waiting for him. Her shoulders hunched and her lips formed a frown, but it wasn't one of anger. She lifted a hand tucking a strand of hair behind her small ear; she looked away while doing it. Kagome licked her lips absently and her brow knitted.
"Please? Sesshoumaru…?"
Her face twisted as her gaze bore into his own probably as intense, he imagined, as his own could become. Blue matched gold in a dying battle and soon she backed down, looking instead at her feet. In that one instant, he felt she could see through him and whatever it was that she saw had saddened her.
There was an awkward silent moment passing between them, fluttering fleetingly. Even breathing was hard despite the fact that the wind rolled and swirled around them with a carefree ease.
He wanted to go to her and he felt his body shift forward slightly, but he was being held back. Kagome had looked hopeful for a moment leaning forward from the sparse few feet away that she stood from him. Her cerulean eyes lighted on his figure with a longing he'd never seen before.
Well perhaps he had. It was in his mother's eyes as well as his own every year on the death of his mother's anniversary. Did he never tell her enough? How much he loved her? It wasn't enough for her to stay, but then he hadn't really known the pain she bore everyday. The knowledge that the one she loved loved another in return.
Kagome's gaze that had remained glued to the ground now rose to the graying sky above her. The sun was dying shrouded by the rain clouds burying it among the darkened tones. Kagome turned from him, almost hesitantly waiting for him to, obviously, stop the retreating movement. As she walked away there was a lurch in his chest and his heart beat in a frenzied rhythm. Anxiety swelled in his mind and his eyes watched her intently. There was a force holding him back. It was his pride, this he knew. This was a chance, another twist of his path through life. Would he once again let a woman so close to his heart slip away?
Kagome slowly began to fade from his vision and Sesshoumaru struggled to reach out to her. If only his voice could be mustered, he would hail her back. The sight of her back ebbing away was causing undue apprehension. Why was this such a bad occurrence? Why was his body straining so against the invisible binds?
All he knew was that something was drawing him to her and Sesshoumau couldn't appease this yearning. The soft breeze eluded his form now as if disappointed in him. The sun had been hastily smothered and the overcast sky darkened still. Kagome was no where in sight. His hands clenched and the scenery disappeared.
Sesshoumaru awoke in the center of his bed, sweating and discombobulated. His flustered appearance was only shown by the frown on his lips and the tangles mussing his long hair. Irritated, he ran a hand down the length pulling the locks over one shoulder to smooth over the tangles. His breathing became regular and his heart calmed. The muscle almost hurt from its extreme work out session.
The clock's neon numbers blared at him openly, unflinchingly. The green luminescence reading four thirty. It was still early. He attempted to go back to sleep, but found the luxury was unfound. Sesshoumaru threw the covers off of himself and dressed hastily, but quietly. There was no need to wake Rin. He was only going to run in the nearby park if only to wear of the exertion and tension left in his body from the dream.
The dream was strange. There were the few erotic dreams, some featuring mundane actions like him watching her brush her teeth or wash dishes, and then visions where she would simply lie in his arms talking the entire time. In those last dreams, Kagome had been content with his silence, found it comforting, instead of intimidating or perhaps annoying as others would. The air was always warm and the interaction between them quiet, serene even, which never came to Sesshoumaru easily despite his calm façade.
The park, the nearest one that wouldn't be overly crowded on a Saturday morning, was the one out in front of the Chikujitsu. Normally Sesshoumaru wouldn't remember the names of small shops, but his ward would often go play in the park after school and then do her homework alongside Kohaku inside the shop. Other than that the name was just odd and seemed to stick in his mind. 'With Each Passing Day' was not the ordinary, run of the mill title one would give to a store, but the shop was for art dealings. Perhaps that gave it more creative leeway?
The birthing dawn light flickered dusting the dark sky with opalescent highlights. The sun dusting the horizon with orange and rimmed the moving clouds wit pink. Purplish grey smoldered at the edges denying the right to begin a new day, but even these gloomier hues gave way, burnt by the illuminating sun. The rise was early today, not that he minded. The park was, as he suspected, empty. He traveled through the forests and remained unseen by those few who would be out between five and five thirty in the morning. He despised going to the larger parks. Sesshoumaru would have had more room to move around and be active, but his face was well-known and the woman would stare at him like the freshest piece of meat they'd ever seen. It was appalling really and distracted him from his purpose of working out.
Sesshoumaru circled, pushing himself faster with each lap. His long hair was in a pony tail, the long strands pushed over his shoulder with his movement. Sesshoumaru was wearing shorts despite the early chill of the spring morning. His tee shirt was loose at his waist, but still tight against his muscular shoulders. His feet deftly avoided protruding tree roots, vines, low branches, and the occasional litter on the unmarked path. Each time the way he took was varied. The route would soon blossom into boring otherwise. Sesshoumaru held the unspoken requirement that if certain things fell into too much of a routine, he abandoned them. His nightly and morning arrangements with Rin were the exception. Even his work schedule was erratic, overly abusive on blending into his sleep patterns.
Sesshoumaru's thoughts were burdened as he recklessly plowed through the foliage blind at his progress, but continuing on, forever on. The dream had left him senselessly thinking of the woman who played a main character along with himself. Her smiling face with the careless air that could only be compared to that of a child and then how it withered, wilted by his unresponsive behavior in reaction to her simple request. What had she wanted to show him? If she had but held out her hand, there was no doubt that Sesshoumaru would have been able to close the distance.
His reaction was strange as well. To be so effected by her expression alone and the mere sight of her back as she walked from him. It wasn't just a dream either because the effects lasted still now, at least an hour after the conclusion of the reverie. As if to quote him and also prove his statement, the watch on his left wrist beeped. Six o'clock- that's the face spoke out to him. Sesshoumaru veered to the right. It was time to return to his apartment. Rin would be waking soon. Her festival started at eleven, but she was setting up the final preparations for her booth and had to be there early.
She hadn't said what it was that her group had chosen to do. Apparently, a group of six or seven kids, all from different or rather random classes, were stuck together to put on this booth. Actually, the students could pick their groups as long as they were productive and the teachers did have the final say. These children were gifted; there was no point in keeping them from their friends. Usually during projects, the students who got along and were friends achieved higher potentials for successful projects. There were the slight few who played around too much when together, but there weren't many, not in this school.
For the booth, the budget was strict and no outside finances were allowed to be 'donated' to one individual group. Parents could donate to the festival's funds, but the festival's committee didn't want unfairness and allow one group to have more resources then another. However, the approach for the project was left open as long as it was approved by the counseling teacher and was suitably appropriate for all ages to view. In her group, luckily she had said giggling, were Shippou and Kohaku as well as one friend from her English literature class. Sesshoumaru was to drop her off, but couldn't see the booth until it opened. She smiled saying 'it's a secret!'
He would respect her wishes.
…At the Festival…
"God Kagome you almost made us late…again!" Sango said, clearly irritated and just a tad sarcastic.
"Oh come on, I'm not…that…bad…"
Kagome sighed guiltily. Sango snorted at her comment. Kagome had overslept and couldn't leave without her shower. Sango had to agree that when she'd knocked on Kagome's door, all ready to go, and found the woman guzzling down her coffee she was a little surprised. Not the fact that Kagome was late again, but by how tired she seemed.
"I was up late last night."
"Working again?"
"Yeah- something about the results is just bugging me."
"But at least there's a chance for a cure, right?"
Kagome brightened considerably, her determination sparking life back into her tired form again.
"Yes…"
She didn't finish, but Sango knew what she would have said if there weren't so many people circling the park. At least Shi wouldn't have died for nothing. Her spirit will be able to rest in peace knowing she saved, possibly, thousands of other children's lives.
"Oh good! We haven't missed Inutaisho-sama's speech."
Sango stood on her toes. She was 5'9 and still couldn't see very well around all the heads. They were at the back, but at least they would still be able to hear. Kagome frowned glancing from side then to the other before voicing her confusion.
"What?"
Sango glanced over at her curiously then sighed exasperatedly running a hair through her bangs.
"Takarashi Inutaisho- you have heard of him haven't you? I mean you've been around both his sons enough that I think you should."
Kagome rolled her eyes. Who didn't know the great Takarashi-sama? The same man who changed the medical trade with his inventive ideas in machinery and drug development. The one who practically revolutionized the industry! Also, she had dated one of his sons and was sort of a companion to the other in some relationship she dared not to define. Kagome smiled. She lived to torment the man with her annoyances.
Sango stared uneasily at the smile blossoming on Kagome's lips. That meant trouble for whoever it was for. Sango hoped it wasn't her for once because it was always hers. Kagome seemed to be in a better mood though as the two cups of coffee worked their magic. Kagome was luckier than Sango though, she was short enough that if she ducked a little she could see through a small peep hole to the stage. That is if the guy with short black hair would stop moving his head around trying to find the better place to stand.
The crowd cheered as the droning on the Seikio School's president quit his droning words and Inutaisho was presented. The man stood with a grace that Kagome recognized as a quality in Sesshoumaru. Too bad Inuyasha didn't inherit that as well, he'd be a lot better off. Inutaisho was wearing a cream colored polo that had a blue collar and a blue ring on the bottom edge of his sleeves. There was a blue stitching on the left breast of his shirt. Kagome couldn't read it from here even with her 15/20 vision, but most likely it said 'Taka Tech.'
"Good afternoon. I greet you as a fellow observer of this annual event and as far as I have seen, this year's production is one of the very best. Enjoy the festivities and be proud of the participants involved for their effort, along with that of the staff, has made this a tremendous success once again. Thank you."
Inutaisho stepped back into his seat shaking hands with the president. Kagome was in awe. She'd heard him speak on the news, but when in person the effect was so much more. Inutaisho's voice was smooth, steady, but rougher than Sesshoumaru's and obviously older. Inutaisho's voice was dramatic reaching lower tones where Sesshoumaru's was even and distant in its emotional content. Inutaisho's voice could give away his feelings if he let it; this was much more a quality that Inuyasha possessed.
The president stood at the podium once again and lifted his arms up from his sides.
"May the Annual Spring Festival commence!"
There was a round of applause and a few cheers from excited younger siblings of the students who attended Seikio. A few of said students tried to shush their underlings by covering their mouths or holding them tighter in their arms, but the acts were useless. The cheers could not be subsided only muffled. The surrounding adults chuckled at the embarrassment on those few students' faces.
Sango stepped back and regarded Kagome for a minute.
"Hey, do you know where Shippou's booth is supposed to be?"
"No, he wouldn't even say what he was going to do. He said it was secret and that I couldn't know."
"Kohaku said the same thing." Sango sighed quietly. "How about we just look around?"
The two were about to mingle into the flowing crowd of people that had casually dispersed. The air was much clearer and cooler, so many people crowded in one place made it hotter because of body heat. Kagome walked alongside Sango that is before she heard a surprised yelp and noticed Sango was no longer with her. Kagome glanced back and was instantly amused.
Miroku held Sango with a hand on her waist. As he finished the soft lip-to-lip kiss he roved his lips over hers gently, temptingly. Sango would have responded to if not for someone clearing their throat. Sango blushed looking at the silly grin on Kagome's face. Her friend laughed and walked away.
"I'll leave you to it for a moment. Catch up to me later though, okay?" Kagome said with laughter in her voice.
Sango mumbled 'sure,' but her attention was brought back to Miroku when he slid his hand into hers. They strolled along speaking in quiet tones. Kagome glanced back at them smiling. They were so cute together. Sango's shyness countered Miroku's bold nature balancing it.
Kagome didn't walk far before she felt a tap on her shoulder. Arms slid around her waist lifting her into the air. Kagome released an 'eep' and struggled a little. The man behind her giggled causing Kagome to still her movements, she knew that laugh. Blue eyes gazed curiously over her shoulder and spotted Bankotsu. Well, she smiled, that settled the guess on who was holding her.
"Jak, let me down please."
He did and Kagome laughed at the disappointment on his face.
"Ne Kagome-chan, I just wanted to give you a hug." Jakotsu pouted.
Kagome took the bait pulling his arms back around her. He smelled like 'Boss' for women, one of Kagome's favorite perfumes. She remembered when Jakotsu had caught her wrist one day at work, bringing it to his nose, and demanded to know what it was. It was funny to then smell him wearing it. Jakotsu being very much a guy and the perfume made for woman. Kagome giggled into his shoulder.
Kagome bowed to Bankotsu once free of Jak's embrace.
"Konnichi'wa Kagome-san."
Kagome nodded as he bowed in return. She was always amazed at his manners, very much like Sesshoumaru. She wasn't surprised to find out that Bankotsu reported directly to Sesshoumaru.
"Are you two enjoying yourselves so far?"
"Yes Kagome-san. Thank you for inviting us." Bankotsu replied.
"Well I thought it would be fun and I haven't been able to spend a lot of time with my favorite co-worker."
Kagome swatted Jak's arm and he faked harm with a yelp. Bankotsu shook his head running a hand through his bangs ruffling them back, but they flowed forward again after a few seconds. Kagome was about to ask them to join her when Bankotsu's name was called. He looked across the way to see Inutaisho waving him over. Jakotsu smiled and followed after Bankotsu. Kagome righted her saddle bag. It was one of those bags whose strap crossed over your chest diagonally, but rested against your back like a backpack. Jakotsu had squished it during his hugging session.
"Bai bai Kagome-chan. I'll talk to you later on?"
"Sure, Jakotsu-kun."
He smiled charmingly when he met Bankotsu's gaze. Kagome's heart swelled when she noticed that even though Ban didn't smile back, there was a light in his eyes that wasn't there before. Kagome sighed to herself. Ban was quite similar to the Beast at times and Jak would just love to play Belle.
Kagome glanced around at the different booths and all she saw were couples grouped around in two's or four's. Happy smiles on their faces, laughing as they walked. Her smile waned as she stuffed her hands into her pockets.
The booths were actually fantastic and soon Kagome was absorbed in one of the tech-y ones. The groups of boys had created three different ways to grow the same type of bacteria and had recorded the differences of each. Things like the growth rate, size of the cells, rate of expansion, etc. The next setup was the robotics club. They had several models set up that they had created over the course of the year as well as their newest model, which was still in its development stage. This latest robot's task was to track movement by body heat. There were sensors all over his outside frame uncovered so that the passersby could see what the robot was made of. It was a lot simpler than Kagome would have imagined.
The air was humid, but not too hot. It was probably going to rain later on; Kagome was wishing she'd brought her umbrella. Most likely she'd have to run in the rain from the train station to her apartment. It wasn't that far, but it was a good two blocks in the pouring rain. The park was open in some parts and rather large. It wasn't exactly a park, more like the back lot of the Seikio Prep's property. It was used for such events as well as sporting events.
The scent of pine needles, soil, and freshly cut grass filtered into her nose. Kagome smiled closing her eyes and raised her face to the clouds above her. She must have wandered farther down. The booths were sort of in an 'S' curve and Kagome had continued on straight where the trees were more thickly planted. Kagome swerved to the right. She could just circle around and go from the end to the middle instead. The sun cast dappled shadows on the ground. Kagome's feet crunched on the occasional pine cone or stick.
The heat seemed to be increasing. Kagome was glad she did decide not to wear pants. Her first outfit had been a pair of black dress slacks with a purple cotton button down shirt, but then she felt too much like a mom and changed. Kagome had finally chosen, after some debating, a pair of medium colored tan floods. They were cargo and Kagome had used the ties at the end of the pant legs, normally left hanging down, to turn the floods into Capri's. The legs bagged over the ties a little, but remained just below her knees. She wore a copper brown colored tank top that had a v-neck, but the neck didn't reveal too much cleavage. Over top was a white button down dress shirt with three-quarter sleeves. The shirt had thin brown stripes and slightly thicker pale lime green ones spread through out the fabric, spaced unevenly, but still forming an overall symmetric pattern.
Kagome caught sight of the next few set of booths and quickened her pace. Her puma sneakers, teal, light grey, and white, treaded up the sloping incline faithfully. Kagome stopped at the edge of the woods and glanced to her right. There a huge makeshift stage was set up. The majority of the stage was closed off by large dark blue crushed velvet curtains. There were many seats in front waiting for a full audience to fill their gaps. A few kids were sitting there, but they were all wearing the same black tee shirt. Kagome couldn't quite catch what the front said, but they were running around preparing the lighting and such. Most likely they were the tech crews working behind the scenes for whatever show was going to commence.
A noise behind her alerted Kagome of someone else's presence. Sapphire orbs peered over her shoulder. Kagome tilted her head turning all the way around. She smiled, laughing behind her hand in an attempt to stifle the sound. There was the almighty Sesshoumaru dozing under the shading canopy of a tree. He had pulled a chair out from under the sun probably from the set she'd been just looking at. One foot was stretched out and the other was bent at the knee so that it was leaning over his ankle. One hand was in his lap and the other fell towards the ground. Sesshoumaru wasn't slouching in his seat, but his head was tilted forward slightly adding more shadow to his features. He looked peaceful, except of course for that frown on his face.
Kagome walked over slowly, her smile growing with each step. She leaned over studying his sleeping face. The cloud over his mind was light; Kagome didn't see him as a heavy sleeper anyways. She placed a hand on his shoulder softly, the cotton fabric warm against her palm. His shirt was a medium charcoal grey collared button down. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows in the heat and a black suit jacket was thrown over the back of his chair. His khaki pants were wrinkled slightly at his knees. Kagome felt seriously underdressed next to him. That is until she looked down.
He wore white sneakers with red and silver highlighting every now and then. Kagome stared down at them humorously. She'd never imagined the stoic male to wear tennis shoes. They looked funny somehow, out of place maybe. They also made his feet look bigger. Kagome shrugged. Maybe somewhere deep inside of himself Sesshoumaru really was a normal person. Kagome laughed at this, she'd never know for sure though would she?
His head shifted and righted itself back upwards. Kagome dropped her hand and stepped back a little ways not wanting to give him the wrong idea. All she needed was the arrogant male thinking that Kagome was invading his personal space or something.
His bangs fell away from his face as his golden eyes opened. Sesshoumaru blinked then closed his eyes and opened them again. His vision cleared and there was Kagome standing away from him. Sesshoumaru's frown deepened. He blinked again. Sesshoumaru reached out and snatched Kagome's wrist tugging her closer. In the process he had stood up, now towering over her. Kagome's eyes widened surprised, and any squeal she might have voice died in her throat at the look in his eyes. The sheer intensity was making her knees quiver beneath her weight. Was that concern written so openly in his eyes?
Before Kagome could decide, he closed his eyes again and breathed deeply. He ran his thumb over the thin veins on the inside of her wrist. When he looked at her again, the passiveness had returned. Kagome watched him quizzically. Why did he always do that? Shutting off everyone from his true self, what was he afraid of? Or was it really that he felt no one was worthy to know all of his secrets? Rin did though, right?
Kagome smiled, "Good afternoon Sesshoumaru. Did have a good nap?"
He grunted sending a burning glare towards the sun as if willing it to go away. It really was getting muggy out. Kagome smiled and slipped her hand down into his giving it a squeeze. He raised an eyebrow at her and Kagome shook her head from side to side.
"So um…what's with the shoes?" She couldn't resist asking.
Sesshoumaru watched the smile slide across her face and wanted to sigh. He also wanted to just walk away and leave her, so he did the latter. Kagome gaped when he just turned and walked back up the path. He seemed to be heading towards one of the three booths serving as concession stands. These would be for the F.C.S club, bakers club, and cookers anonymous. The last sounded too much like a self-help program with group therapy nights.
Kagome had to hold in her laughter at the last one. After all she'd heard of 'Alcoholics Anonymous,' but this was plum ridiculous. As if it was a bad thing to cook. At least that was until she realized all the club's participants were male, then it sort of made sense. Men seemed not to like to admit that they could cook and these kids were excellent. Kagome had had a piece of soufflé on her first route down only because it smelled delicious and was hot out of the oven. The oven had been set up a little ways apart from the booth surrounded by metal tables on wheels. Some of the boys were cooking, showing the watchers how they did things through demonstrating. A few moms were even getting tips for deserts and more interesting entrees.
"Sesshoumaru!"
His eyes widened, flitting to her, but immediately flashed back as it was his turn to order. Kagome jogged over pulling her wallet from her back pocket. She slid beside him leaning on the counter.
"Coffee…please."
He added the 'please' only because it was a little girl no more than nine serving him. No need to be rude or icy to such a small child. Sesshoumaru attempted not to grimace when Kagome moved beside him.
"Two, please!" She said with a smile.
Kagome pulled the two dollars from her wallet intent on paying for her coffee when his fingers fell on the back of her palm. Kagome jerked back her chin lifting so that it was even with the upper part of his bicep. Her eyes were bright and questioning. When he said nothing, she glanced from the girl at the cash register and back to Sesshoumaru.
Sesshoumaru handed the girl a five dollar bill and she smiled a gap toothed smile in return. The missing tooth was on the side, not from her front teeth like Rin's. Her tooth was growing in also.
Sesshoumaru picked up both cups from the counter and stepped away to allow the next customer to stand up at the counter. He proffered the drink to the woman who had followed him back. Kagome took the coffee handed to her and after a small sip smiled at Sesshoumaru.
"Thank you, but you know I could have paid for my own coffee."
Sesshoumaru glared at her. Then he sniffed disdainfully looking away from her.
"I believe I can afford it."
Then he walked away back up the path towards the beginning of the booths. Kagome, careful of her coffee, walked up next to him again. He glanced over at her and she just smiled.
"Mind some company?"
"Yes." He sipped from his drink, slowly since it was hot.
Kagome scowled. His meaning was clear that he wanted her to go away, but there was sarcastic humor in his voice. That was basically as close to joking as Sesshoumaru got. Kagome gulped some of her coffee before coughing a little.
"That's really hot!"
Kagome heard herself and the idiocy in the sentence. She sighed not even wanting to look at the smirk that would no doubt be adorning his lips at her expense. She jabbed him in the elbow with her own and Sesshoumaru scowled at her. Good thing his coffee was in his left hand. At least the mocking smirk had disappeared.
Their pace was leisurely. She took two steps for every one of his. The breeze was still nonexistent. Kagome's hair was in one French braid trailing down her back. Sesshoumaru's hair was loose and Kagome looked at him with pity. His hair was so thick; it had to be unbearable right now.
"Hey Sesshoumaru?"
His head tipped a little in her direction, but his attention remained focused on the artist's booth they were at. One of the students was doing portraits for those attending. The girl's skill was commendable. Another girl was standing at her back replenishing the artist's stock of charcoal pieces.
"Lucy, you're so good at art and math! It's really awesome." The beginning sentence was spoken to the artist, now known as Lucy, where as the second was to the one being drawn.
Another student, a male, was using spray paint to create abstract and illusory details of the surrounding festivities. One, already completed, was of the crowd passing by, but it seemed as if everyone was actually in movement. The image was blurred almost like if you'd take a picture of something in active motion. Each person's expression was different and it was surprisingly detailed. Now though he was working on the woods that Kagome and he had just left behind. The woods were in one corner. The stage was in view in the center background. There were hands sweeping from the sky and a man's face in profile at the center with his mouth open wide. Strings erupted from the sky, their lines sweeping down and slack like the face was of a puppet come to life. The woods were blurred as well all the details on the edges of the paper making the focal point the face.
"Don't you want to tie back your hair?"
Sesshoumaru refocused his attention on her and shook his head in a negative answer.
"Isn't it hot?"
How he hated admitting that he made a mistake. He was human, but forgetfulness was out of character.
"I forgot a tie."
Kagome seemed shocked, but she smiled almost matching his expression of mockery and sent it back to him as Sesshoumaru had done to her plenty over the course of their stroll.
"How very unlike you…would you like to borrow one of mine?"
Sesshoumaru frowned; she caught it and glowered at him in return. Kagome put her hands on her hips, or one since her coffee was in the other, and faced him.
"What? It isn't infectious or anything." She replied with a pout.
Sesshoumaru regarded her carefully; the idiot woman only smiled back before copying his move and raised an eyebrow. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes as he took her coffee cup. She widened her eyes and attempted to move her cup out of his reach, but reacted too slowly. His hand covered hers and she stiffened.
"What are you doing?"
Kagome asked suspiciously. Was he going to dump it on her or something? She would think him more honorable than that, but you could never know with Sesshoumaru. There was a trickster side to him that tended to play unfair if not plain outright nasty. Like the time when he shot a rubber band at her, sure she had been talking nonsense amazingly fast, very loudly, and all just to annoy him, but still! Kagome had a bruise on her wrist for days. It had been close range and she did bruise easily.
"If you prefer, you can dig through your bag with one hand instead of two." He said calmly.
Kagome gasped, and then looked away with a blush. A tendril of hair falling loose from her braid swept in framing one side of her now rosy face. The lock curled at the end, the part that was encased in the braid, which happened to bend just below her chin. Kagome surrendered her cup to Sesshoumaru and shifted her bag to one side. She unzipped the smallest pocket rummaging around while an impatient Sesshoumaru stood next to her. His ungodly long hair was heating his frame unnecessarily. At her triumphant cry he watched as her dainty fingers withdrew with a black tie captive between the digits.
The coffee exchanged hands clumsily, most of which was on Kagome's part. Her hands were quite a bit smaller than her male counterpart. Kagome then watched as he sidled his hands under the long locks and fluffed them back. The strands were heavy in the heat. Kagome thought Sesshoumaru was just going to tie his hair into a low pony tail at the base of his neck, but he obviously had other plans.
Sesshoumaru ran a hand through the center part of his hair drawing it back making the clean break disappear. With a few passes of his hand, running his fingers through, he deftly tied his hair back. The pony tail was neither high nor low, but rested at the center of his head and was slightly loose with the weight of his hair. His bangs settled back into place looking more feathery and light then they had before. He sighed and stretched his neck rolling his head from side to side.
Sesshoumaru offered Kagome a small smile in thanks, but Kagome really didn't notice it. She was fully focused on the relief swimming in his eyes turning the stony gold hue to a warmer honey. The orbs swirled and soon reverted back to their normal shade. Kagome nodded with a smile of her own. The two were about to continue walking when a voice called out to them. It was Inuyasha. Kagome made a strange face, her eyebrows knitted and her mouth was in a half scowl, her eyes incredulous.
"Inuyasha? What are you doing here?" She said trying not to sound rude.
"What? You don't want to see me now? What a friend you are!" He crossed his arms over his chest angrily.
Kagome shifted uneasily. She'd forgotten his quick temper, so used to being around Sesshoumaru, and also how he easily jumped to conclusions, usually the wrong ones. Kagome raised her hands between them stretching her arms out with the intent to settle his ruffled feathers.
"No it isn't that at all Inuyasha! I was just wondering why you were here. The last time I checked you didn't have any children…?"
The last sentence turned into a question. It could happen. Inuyasha could have adopted. He was wild and rough around the edges, but the love of a child could smooth him over nicely. Plus he could have adopted like Sesshoumaru. Kagome was sure he didn't have one with Kikyo because they weren't even married yet and Inuyasha had more morals than to sire a child to an unattached woman. Kagome smiled at his reaction though.
First he looked aghast, almost terrified. Then he looked over at Kikyo, his eyes roving over the contours of her face. The amber mellowed into a warm yellow making Kikyo blush ironically because they was no doubt that the two had, had sex together before. Perhaps the prospect of having children made it more intimate because the action became something more than physical. The two would be building their love and creating life, a baby with a piece of each of their souls within its tiny beating heart. At Kikyo's blush, Inuyasha's cheeks tinted as well and he looked away gruffly before answering Kagome's question.
"No- wench."
Instantly afterwards his eyes widened no doubt expecting Kagome to blow up. He watched her quietly slowing backing away, at least until he saw her smile.
"Inuyasha, this isn't the place for such nonsense."
Inuyasha and Kikyo regarded her strangely. Kikyo was incredulous. Was this the woman who was known her passionate anger? Even Sesshoumaru was impressed by her show of maturity. This occasion wasn't formal, but still not the place for a childish argument over being called names, even if they were rude. Kagome's son, well basically her son, was going to school here and it would not do for her to embarrass him for causing a scene. She did that so often everywhere else, might as well let him keep face among his classmates.
No one said anything for a little while before Sesshoumaru offered Kagome his arm with a barely seen smirk. As they walked away, Kagome sent a glare over her shoulder. Inuyasha withered at first then tried to cover it up by spreading his feet supposedly in a 'macho' stance. Kagome didn't look back after that. She would get the jerk back.
"So Sesshoumaru, do you know where Rin and Shippou's booth is?"
"We just left it."
"What? We did? Where?"
She began to look around furiously for the red headed boy she'd come to know so well. Sesshoumaru rubbed one side of his temple lightly as his arm was still being used. The girl was hanging on his arm, but at least now he was sure she wouldn't trip or something clumsy like that. He was already nervous eyeing the half full coffee cup unfinished in her hand. He had thrown his out soon after Kagome had taken his arm. He wasn't normally a fast consumer of coffee, but what did it matter.
"The stage…they're putting on a play."
"Hey, how did you know? Shippou wouldn't even tell me!"
"Rin withheld the information from me as well. I caught sight of Kohaku during their setup from a distance."
Kagome glanced over at him.
"…withheld…what splendid grammar…" She mumbled darkly.
Sesshoumaru always used proper grammar, some words she didn't know the meaning of. How he could use them in common conversation, nonetheless remember their definitions were beyond her. Kagome was never very good at English. It was strange and Kagome still wasn't used to such excellent uses of vocabulary.
"Mumbling is disgraceful. State clearly what you want to say."
Her head shot up, another piece of hair falling out of her braid and flipping over her choppy bangs. She whipped a hand up, sliding it behind her ear.
"…ass…" She said lowly.
He raised an eyebrow at her.
"You know what I said."
Their short little tizzy, one of many so far in the afternoon, was interrupted thankfully before it got too out of hand.
"Ah- Sesshoumaru, I'm glad you made it."
Kagome swallowed hard. In front of her was a smiling Inutaisho addressing his son warmly. Kagome almost had the urge to elbow Sesshoumaru in the gut because he wouldn't even give his own father a smile, only a stiff greeting. Sesshoumaru was adeptly literate, why withhold his great knowledge and refuse to speak, but short, direct sentences? Would she ever know why? Would she ever understand this ice pick masquerading around as a human?
"Konnichi'wa."
Inutaisho's golden eyes, bright in the sunlight reflecting like glassy water, progressed onto Kagome's form. She was dastardly short next to the towering Sesshoumaru who was larger than her in all dimensions- width, height, and weight. Kagome decided she must look bizarre standing beside him, but Inutaisho only gave her a roguish grin similar to Inuyasha's or rather Inuyasha's was to Inutaisho's. Inutaisho was born first after all.
"Well now who is this beautiful young lady?"
Kagome blushed attempting to shove her nervousness down her throat so she could breathe. Incongruously, she clung to Sesshoumaru's arm tighter hoping to steady herself. Inutaisho caught this and so did the one she held on to. The sight of such a high ranking individual in Japanese society was speaking to her! Kagome tilted her head to the side, her bangs brushing Sesshoumaru's sleeve. Why didn't she ever have this problem with Sesshoumaru? She never really thought of him that way. When she met him, she had no idea he was the president of this huge company, she didn't even know that Inutaisho had retired. It was all over the headlines of every newspaper, but well…she only read the comics and did the crossword puzzle truthfully. Besides, Sesshoumaru's personality upset all of his other qualities making that Kagome's focus.
"This is Higurashi Kagome."
Inutaisho's eyes flashed for a second making Sesshoumaru grow wary of him. Inutaisho pulled the cup of coffee, now cold, from her hand before placing a kiss on the back. Kagome blushed again at his charm, Miroku would be envious. There was just something about Inutaisho, it was like his aura was clean. Normally this would have unsettled Kagome, being touched so intimately by someone she barely knew, famous or not, but this time she didn't mind. He seemed honorable and kind, meaning no harm. He disarmed you naturally making you let your guard down, maybe that was why his business dealings were always successful.
"Miss Higurashi it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance."
Kagome chanced a look over at Sesshoumaru. His shoulders were stiff and his eyes narrower than before. Kagome surprised herself because she automatically knew that he was uncomfortable with how this situation was panning out. Tentatively she withdrew her hand so as to not be rude and stepped a courteous distance away from him, but smiled all the same.
"Sir, if you don't mind me asking, but you seem to know me." Kagome said politely in a respectful tone.
"Ah, you noticed that? A good friend of mine, Hamasaki Hisoro, has spoken of your efforts with the epidemic that they're calling Akuchi."
"Oh…well I'm only doing what I can." Kagome smiled, but her eyes had darkened slightly.
Inutaisho smiled at the woman in front of him. She was polite and humble, but there was a fire burning in her eyes not unlike that of his first wife. Though her eyes were more icy and intriguing where this girl was burning and inviting. They're both enigmatic for sure. He wondered why her eyes had become slightly duller at the mention of the epidemic. Perhaps she was as deeply affected as Hisoro had claimed. It was certainly interesting to see one of her generation so caring for others, but he could not describe the heartache the little thing would receive over the upcoming years in the profession she was pursuing.
"So Sesshoumaru are you this intelligent woman's escort?" His eyes twinkled.
Sesshoumaru hesitated, the action unlike him and was noticed all around the small circle of three. Sesshoumaru seemed to be thinking the question over as if tasting it on his tongue seeing how it would sound.
"No, I am not. Kagome has a…"
Kagome caught on and finished his sentence before he could get there.
"I am soon to be adopting one of the students attending here, his name is Shippou."
Inutaisho's quirked his head to the side a secret smiling sliding leisurely across his lips. His teeth didn't show this time and it made the grin a little more mischievous. He smoothed a hand over the length of his long pony tail, the knot resting on the crown of his head. His crab-like bangs sat airily over his forehead even in the moist air. Some were long enough to fit into his pony tail, but most were slipping out of the band still clinging onto the hairs beside them and not falling fully into his face.
"Ah yes, I do believe I've met him once."
"You have?" Kagome's smile widened as she wondered why Shippou didn't tell her.
Inutaisho nodded. His head turned in one direction and caught sight of Inuyasha. His eyes thinned and his jaw set.
"There he is." He said darkly, almost with a tinge of anger.
"Did he try to escape you?" Kagome asked amusedly.
Inutaisho looked over at her astonished. Did she know his other son as well? How did he never meet or even hear of her before now?
"In fact he did, but I must remedy this. Please excuse me."
Inutaisho strutted off honing in on his son's location. He was too busy staring at Kikyo to notice his approach from behind. Kikyo did however and smiled, but it was too late for Inuyasha. Inutaisho's sizeable hand fell on his shoulder and soon the younger son was ushered off probably being scolded all the way. Kikyo waved with sympathy almost appearing in her eyes for her fiancée. She left for shade beneath a nearby booth interrogating the kids whose project it was civilly.
Kagome wanted to know what was between Inutaisho and Sesshoumaru, but kept her mouth shut for once. Voicing her thoughts usually got her into trouble especially when it came to Sesshoumaru. He was a closed book, one you didn't want to open without permission even if you could because the pages would bless your fingers with paper cuts. Still, the prospect of entering the guarded walls, all padlocked and secure was more than tempting. These questions filling her mind were for another time. Maybe they could play twenty questions or something because he had to have at least a few questions about her. If he didn't, oh well, he could ask about her favorite color, food, etc. He'd deal.
"We should go see when Shippou and Rin's play thing is going to start."
"Play thing?"
"Shut up." She walked away letting go of his arm, "You coming or not?"
He smirked and Kagome wanted to smack him, but refrained for fear of the consequences to her health. When he focused his attention forward again and not directly on her, at least that she could be aware of, she took hold of his arm again. This time it hung down at his side and Kagome slipped her arm underneath, wrapping around his elbow to rest her hand on his bicep.
…….
"It's starting at 3 o'clock?" Kagome asked to be sure.
"Yep!"
"Okay, thank you!"
"No problem."
The stage hand popped back up the steps and behind the curtain. Kagome walked back over to Sesshoumaru, once more lounging under the tree she'd first discovered him snoozing under. His chair though had been dragged back to the rest of the herd.
He swiveled away from her and strolled into the woods. Kagome rolled her ocean orbs in his direction before chasing after him, not really asking why she kept following him around only knowing that she didn't want to wait by herself. Sesshoumaru was a subtle source of entertainment and even…dare she say companionship? Gasp!
Kagome nearly slammed into him. He'd stopped short and swift in a nearby clearing. The clearing was enclosed though and she realized it was significantly cooler. Kagome smiled releasing a deep breath. She lifted her arms up away from her body and spun in a circle.
"It is two thirty now and it starts at three."
He nodded.
"I heard." He replied with a smirk.
Kagome scowled at the implied meaning.
"Hey! I am not that loud!"
"Hm. I beg to differ."
"Yeah, you'll beg alright." Kagome grouched lowly.
His raised an eyebrow at her or at least he would have if Kagome hadn't marched over, already knowing what he was going to do, reached up and put her finger over his left eyebrow, the one he always raised.
"Will you knock that off! I can't stand it…when you do that."
Her sentence had begun angry and irritated, but was smothered by the darkening golden hued swirls of his eyes. It was then that Kagome realized just how close she was. To actually reach his eyebrows, to reach past his shoulders, Kagome had to stand on the tips of her toes leaning against his chest for support. Her elbows were on either side of his neck and their eyes were nearly even, Kagome's still just below. Kagome stiffened, but soon lost her balance. She shifted to one side. Before she could right herself his left arm planted itself around her waist. Kagome might have smiled in thanks had he not effectively blocked off any means of escape and right now Kagome was beginning to notice the heat of his body that wasn't just a result of the humid weather.
The air had moistened over the day soon becoming pregnant and clammy on Kagome's bare skin. She was a little damp all over, but felt it most on the back of her neck and the backs of her knees. The air was hot in her mouth when she breathed and tasted misty. The bugs were out to her annoyance, worse in the woods, but as of now she wasn't exactly in the position to notice the gnats swarming loosely collected around their joined bodies.
Kagome felt the tension building in her body. Her eyes were wide and no doubt her mouth was open trying to get air past her drying throat. Sesshoumaru was probably laughing at how easily he could affect her. Kagome's mind determined. She'd show him. She had the same hold over him; she could affect him just as effortlessly.
Kagome pressed onward further lifting herself the tiniest bit higher and touched her bottom lip to his upper. Her eyes lidded and Kagome watched in triumph when Sesshoumaru breathed in quicker than usual pulling her closer. Her mouth opened to let loose her pink tongue to wet her lips, and then she would kiss him or would have. That was the plan until it was train wrecked by Sesshoumaru. His tongue leapt out to meet hers following the path she led across her bottom lip. He then drew the tip of his tongue under the end of her tongue in a quick flit. Kagome took the bait and boldly prodded the corner of his mouth with her tongue. Sesshoumaru opened readily enough and shyly Kagome entered, her own hot mouth opening to his. Sesshoumaru waited for her, patient as he was and not in the mood to rush things. It would be unbearable if it got any hotter.
Kagome felt his fingers slid along the waist of her pants, his thumbs finding their way underneath her shirt rubbed the bared skin. Kagome could take a hint and delved her tongue deep into his mouth catching him slightly off guard. Kagome turned her tongue sideways and slid underneath his tongue tasting him. The essence of Sesshoumaru was unlike that of the few others she'd had. He was salty, as was normal, but his breath tasted still of mint from his toothpaste. It was an artificial taste, but Kagome didn't care.
The menthol made her tongue tingle. Then she realized that was more from the 'Dentyne Arctic Ice' gum she'd stuck in her mouth after finishing off her coffee. The gum was hiding on the side of her mouth and Sesshoumaru soon found it. Sesshoumaru pulled back after a few seconds. She was panting obviously not used to the concepts of French kissing. Sesshoumaru, however, was a veteran in this territory and no doubt many others as well.
He smirked, liking the experience he had over her, but what Kagome didn't have in experience she made up for with her…creative imagination. It would be interesting, however this turned out. If she was just another fling, so be it, but even after just ending the kiss he wanted to continue it. Sesshoumaru wanted to kiss her breathless again, which was a first. Usually he didn't care much for 'making out' finding it sloppy and not even that effective for him. Sesshoumaru didn't really see the point in it.
Kagome tried in vain to catch her breath. She rested her forehead against his cheek and brought a hand to cup his other. His was smirking; Kagome could feel in the way his muscles were tensed on one side. Kagome ran her tongue over the roof of her mouth wanting to feel the delicious sensation again, that tightness in her body, yet the free-flowing release of her mind into a loose, hazy existence. With Naraku it was always harder, forceful with need, not so much soft and tempting to continue. Inuyasha's kisses were more tongue and Sesshoumaru used more lip, Kagome decided she liked that. It was cleaner too. Inuyasha always left her mouth wet and Kagome was a little embarrassed having to wipe above and below her mouth afterwards.
Kagome frowned and pulled back from him. He kissed her chastely once more and lowered her back onto the flats of her feet. Sesshoumaru turned then glanced over his shoulder at her quickly. He began to walk back out of the woods. Kagome glanced at her watched and her face transformed into one of shock. When had twenty minutes past? Where did the time go? She smiled lazily. Kagome wouldn't mind losing herself like that again. Then she stiffened and scowled.
"Sesshoumaru!"
He stopped and raised both eyebrows at her this time making the scowl deepen.
"You stole my gum!"
As if to prove her point he shifted the piece in his mouth and started chewing it. He smirked and popped it once giving her the silent challenge to 'come and get it.' Kagome let loose a growl, or something akin.
"Sesshoumaru…give it back! Get your own piece you thief!"
As she jogged up to him Kagome thought he wasn't going to answer, so she was shocked when he did.
"You didn't protest when this Sesshoumaru took it in the first place."
Kagome blushed, "I-I was distracted you cheater!"
"A cheater and a thief in so short a time…you opened your mouth to me willingly. When I claimed it you gave no care to it. It's mine now."
Kagome rolled her eyes at his arrogance only after the blush from the meaning of his words. Kagome had just kissed Takarashi Sesshoumaru! Kagome scowled turning sideways. She really needed to knock the guy off his high horse, not that she wouldn't be there to catch him when he fell of course. Kagome grinned, forgetting her lost gum and drew a new piece from her back pocket. She stuck out her tongue at him. Kagome blushed when she noticed that his eyes had followed the movement with the precision of a predator, his eyes darkening again. Kagome shook her head clearing all the thoughts that would lead back to her adventure in the woods with the silver-haired male at her side.
"The play's going to start soon. We can't miss it!"
Kagome pulled him along, but he tugged her backwards into his chest.
"There's no rush. Your watch is fast by five minutes. There's still fifteen minutes."
She glared at him or rather the 'I'm better than you' haughtiness in his tone.
"Whatever…" She mumbled.
"Mumbling again I see…"
She would have smacked him that time had he not stolen her hand just like he did with her gum, sneakily. His palm slipped over the back of her hand between them and entwined their fingers limply. Kagome resigned herself. She'd walked right into this one and somehow she felt that escape wasn't as easy at it seemed. For whatever Sesshoumaru wanted, he got, and right now that was her as it would seem anyway. Not that she was complaining either; she trapped him just about as much as he did to her. Kagome had started it after all, so it was her own fault really.
…Fifteen Minutes Have Passed…
The bickering of smart comebacks has continued, well never stopping. One reason because Kagome wanted to sit near the front and Sesshoumaru to the back. He didn't like to draw attention; ironically because it didn't matter where he sat he would have it. Whether it be because of his silver blonde hair, handsome features, or the fact that even when sitting he towered over everyone. Only Inutaisho could make a run with the man's height, but Inutaisho's height was more in his legs where his son was more evenly balanced in both halves of his body.
In the end, Kagome won. They were both equally stubborn, but she had one card even Sesshoumaru wouldn't play. She had wanted to walk away and sit where she pleased, but his grip on her hand only tightened when she tried to move. He was doing it to annoy her, but the show was starting and Kagome didn't want to miss any of it over him. The anxiety burst forth in her veins and tears burned behind her eyes. Sesshoumaru had only sighed and rolled his eyes, folding for this round.
The crowd was chatting and conversing among themselves. The curtain whooshed aside as Kagome sat down. They were lucky. There were two seats left in the second row to the front. Most people attending were families so they were the odd seat between two sets of families. The audience quieted when the person stepped out. Kagome's jaw dropped and it slowly spread into a large smile. She tried her hardest to stop her laughter feeling much like a girl with the church giggles. The woman next to her looked over. She leaned over, her short hair falling away from her shoulder between Kagome and her.
"Is he yours?"
Kagome thought of what to say. A long explanation was daunting especially under these circumstances. So she stuck to simplicity for it wasn't exactly a lie. It would come true, once she got over her procrastination and got down to do it.
"Yes." She smiled.
The woman returned the smile and righted herself in her seat. Sesshoumaru squeezed her hand making Kagome look over at him. His eyes were questioning, but Kagome only shrugged and smiled again. She focused her attention as best she could on the play and not the becoming male to her left.
"Welcome Ladies and Gents."
Shippou spoke in a Scottish accent. It sounded strange, but right. Shippou could be Irish with his red hair and bright green eyes. Kagome actually didn't know. He wasn't Japanese, couldn't be without dying his hair or was born naturally awkward like Sesshoumaru with his hair or Kagome with her eyes.
"The tale you're to hear this young evening is one born from the depths of the psyche of a child, one too young to understand the truths this world contains."
His clothes were funny. The pants, or what looked like pants, were similar to knickers stopping at his knees and khaki colored. Shippou wore a white flowing blouse, much like a pirate, whose cuffs were tight against his wrists, but the fabric flopped over covering some parts of his hands. Over top was a dark, worn maroon vest with an 'E' embroidered on the right breast pocket. At the 'v' of his vest's collar was a frilly white something or other. He looked a British noble who was put through a lawn mower with all the tears and dirt on his costume. His shins were covered by white stockings, torn in some places and slightly stained at the middle of the calves. Shippou's shoes looked like loafers, but with a heel and rounded toe, more like a boot. There were a large silver buckle, they weren't tied, and the toes of the shoes were scuffed. His hair was wild as usual, but in low pony tail contained by a black ribbon.
"It all begins in a rural village on the lowland plains of the Irish moors. The seas crashing into the high cliffs can be heard from across the meadow. It is 1846 and famine has wrought the area dry. Many have fled across the sea or over to yonder countries in search of food. Most though, cannot afford to leave and must depend on the tremulous sea."
The curtains opens and Shippou joins the rest of the actors on stage. The introduction was historical and tedious, but his accent made it interesting because Kagome just wanted to hear his voice like that. However all was not as it seems for a brilliant young mind had written the play and the work was more of a satirical perspective focusing not on the famine, but instead the lives of the children living through it.
…Ok! Vote for if you want to actually hear the play or have just a basic summary that focuses more on those watching it. So do you want to center on the play with some of Kag/Sessh/etc. reactions or focus on the audience with basic ideas of the play? I can either way, let me know.
Review Responses:
Clavira89: How do I know about the different Japanese gardens? Well…blush I once did a research paper on them. You know the different types, plants put in, their point of existing, etc.
FullBlueMoon: You're so sweet, awesome energy too! I put this up quick as I could just for you.
Kiken-Ryuko: Yeah…um…I know nothing of the business world either; just go with me on this 'repossession' thing. I have absolutely no clue if it's possible. The only 'repossession' I know of is when the bank does it to your house or car. …
