Disclaimer: No, I still don't own the most of the characters in this fic and I still write this for fun, not for money… The song is performed by The Calling
Chie: There has been a little jump, everyone... A month has passed since the end of our last chapter.
–nod-
Chapter 10 – Wherever you will go
"Hello. I would like to see Hisakata-sama, please."
"I'm afraid that he is working at the moment. He doesn't wish to be disturbed."
"I understand that, but could you please just ask him? It's really important."
"All right then, but he might still refuse seeing you."
"I understand that."
"Could you please tell me your name?" Rin asked casually.
"I am Shirakawa Kayade."
"Ka-chan?"
Kayade blinked. Only her parents used that nickname, so the secretary must have known her parents. And all her parents closer friends were youkai, except –
"Miyame-san?"
"Oh, please, call me Rin. It has been ages since I last saw you, sweetheart!" Rin said, rising up from behind her desk and hugging the wolf demon.
"You could barely walk way back then," she added, smiling.
Kayade smiled back, not knowing what to say.
"Oh right, I was informing Sesshoumaru-sama..." Rin walked back to her desk as Kayade waited patiently.
"Sesshoumaru-sama, you have a guest."
"Again? I don't have time for such a nuisance."
"It's Ayame-chan's daughter."
"Ayame has a daughter?"
"Sesshoumaru-sama will see you," Rin informed.
"I will?"
"Great," Kayade smiled.
"Pleased to meet you Hisakata-sama," she greeted him when she was in his office. "I am very sorry to trouble you like this but it's urgent."
"Go on."
"Kagome-chan is a very good friend of mine and she told me about your little... incident."
So there's the information leak. The miko's friend just has to be a daughter of that loudmouthed wolf. Typical. I bet the whole universe is laughing at me right now.
"But now it seems that there are... uh... some consequences."
"Consequences? What do you mean?"
"Kagome-chan is... She is carrying your pup."
Sesshoumaru stared at her for awhile, letting the words sink in.
This is all your fault! He bellowed to his inner demon.
What are you complaining about? You have mated her just once and she's already bearing you an heir! An ideal mate, she is.
You mated her, not me! I don't want to have anything to do with this whole mess!
Well too bad for you, since you already are in this whole mess.
Sesshoumaru answered with a growl.
Are you going to abandon her? his demon self asked.
Sesshoumaru froze. He had his pride. But what about the pride when the miko would give birth to a filthy hanyou?
I am not going to abandon her.
Well I'm glad to hear that.
I am going to kill her.
WHAT! his inner demon snarled. And anger half of the taiyoukais? Are you mad?
No, I'm completely sane, Sesshoumaru calmly replied. I'll kill the miko and then I will commit seppuku.
His inner demon bared his fangs and attacked his other self.
"Uh, Hisakata-sama, are you all right?" Kayade asked, eyeing the taiyoukai nervously. She had felt his youki gradually increase for a while now.
After a few minutes of fighting over the control, Sesshoumaru was able to push his demon self back and silence him.
"Everything's fine. Now, leave."
Kayade bowed and turned to leave, but instead of the closed door she faced Rin.
"Please, wait a minute, Ka-chan."
Rin walked over to her boss and eyed at him, inquiringly.
"You fought with him again, didn't you," Rin reckoned.
Sesshoumaru didn't answer.
"As I thought." Rin examined him by her gaze. "Are you planning to kill her?"
Sesshoumaru still remained quiet.
"If you're going to kill her, you have to kill me too," Rin said matter-of-factly.
"And me," Kayade added firmly from the back.
Sesshoumaru eyed at the two determined women who stood defiant before him.
"Fine."
"Are you still planning to commit seppuku?"
Sesshoumaru looked into Rin's pleading brown eyes. Cursed. Since when had this ningen had so much power over him?
Since the very beginning, the inner demon helpfully pointed out.
Sesshoumaru ignored him.
"No."
"Good," Rin said. Her eyes brightened up and she smiled.
"Come, Ka-chan."
Once the thick door between the two offices was carefully closed, Rin turned to Kayade.
"He's so damn stubborn," she said, shaking her head.
"Uh, Rin-san," Kayade said, looking a little nervous, "Don't you think he'll hear you even from there?"
Rin laughed.
"Oh no, he won't. His whole office is sound-proof... Otherwise he couldn't stand working here. We can talk freely here."
"Oh, that's a relief."
"Is Kagome-chan really pregnant?"
"Huh?" Kayade startled. "How do you know about that?"
"It's called eavesdropping," Rin replied, smirking.
"Eavesdropping? But if Hisakata-sama's office truly is sound-proof..."
"I have my ways," Rin answered. "It's a shame that Sesshoumaru-sama dislikes Kagome-nee-chan that much..."
"I know, they'd make such a cute couple." Kayade stated.
"Don't you think? Besides, Sesshoumaru-sama really needs a mate. Though he'd never admit it, I can tell he feels a little bit lonely."
Kayade nodded.
"He'll change his mind about her... Eventually."
"I only hope that does not require a brainwash," Rin replied sighing.
He stared at the mirror. The top he was wearing left his arms bare, and he wasn't used to that. He scowled.
"It looks good on you," Rin assured smiling brightly.
Sesshoumaru sighed in his mind. Just why had he let Rin do this to him again? Lately his secretary had been trying to drag him along everywhere she went. Sesshoumaru thought that maybe it had something to with his Seppuku-concerned thoughts. Maybe Rin was now trying her best to keep him busy, in order to make such self-destructive thoughts leave his head.
The top he was wearing was white. It had a high collar and a black dragon in the front. The trousers Rin had picked out for him were also black. There were many little chains decorating it.
"Now wait here, I think I saw a belt that would match so well with your top."
"Oh look at that skirt! So cute, I have to get it!"
"Eri-chan, we are not supposed to be buying clothes to ourselves now, remember?" Ayumi said.
"Yeah, we're looking clothes for Kagome-chan to wear..." Yuka reminded.
"It's okay. We can stop by in that store if you want," Kagome hurried to answer. She really couldn't care less.
After trying out several pieces of clothing, it was Yuka, who spotted her.
"Rin-chan?"
The dark-haired woman raised her head and looked around.
"Yuka-chan!" she walked over to them.
"What are you all up to?"
"We were supposed to be looking for clothes that Kagome-chan could wear..."
"Oh, any special occasion?"
Kagome blushed and Ayumi and Eri grinned.
"Yes," Yuka continued, "we were looking for clothes she could wear on her wedding night."
"I see," Rin smiled. "So the date is set then?"
"Yes... The big day is in 5 weeks", Ayumi said.
"It's been awful these past weeks. So hectic, running around, trying to get everything set," Kagome said rolling her eyes.
"Rin, what is taking you so long?" a deep male voice asked.
All five dark heads turned.
It was a handsome young man. He had blue eyes and blonde hair. He wasn't tall and was clearly younger than the females were. He had quite a pale skin. Also, he clearly wasn't Japanese.
Kagome gasped and took instinctively a step back.
"My my, Rin-san, who is he?" Eri asked, clearly checking the guy out with her gaze. "I thought you were married."
Rin laughed.
"It's nothing like that, Eri-san. He's my cousin, Ken-kun." Rin gestured him to come closer.
"Ken-kun, here's Eri-san, Ayumi-san, Yuka-chan and Kagome-nee-chan."
"Hello Ken-kun!" Eri said grinning.
"Hi there," Yuka greeted smiling.
Ayumi just smiled and nodded.
The blond-haired man nodded, letting his gaze to fly past all the three girls before finally setting on Kagome.
"Pleased to meet you, Ken-san," Kagome said, bowing deep.
Sesshoumaru had to admit that the miko maybe was cleverer than seemed.
He had not met the miko since their little incident. He could clearly smell her confusion, nervousness and...
He could smell himself on her.
He mentally groaned. Not like this! Why did his scent still linger on her? It had been nearly 8 weeks since... since...
You're one spoiled pup.
This Sesshoumaru is no pup.
Then why do you act like one? Complaining and whining when something happens that you don't like. Thinking you can get whatever you want just like that, and restlessly running from one place to another.
Sesshoumaru snorted arrogantly, not bothering to answer.
Wouldn't it be already a time for you to grow up, settle down and get yourself a mate?
So that was what you were after again.
In theory she could already be seen as our mate. Hence she's carrying our pup.
She will never be my mate!
Never say never.
Sesshoumaru sniffed the air. Yes. The scent was faint, but it was still there. The miko was waiting for his pup. What a mess he was in, indeed!
Kagome only could stare at him, horrified. She had not met him since well, that night, and now all the feelings hit her fully. Would he even remember? After drinking such an amount of alcohol? Not likely.
So great. You slept with him and he does not even know.
She felt his eyes on her. The cold stare made her blush.
It was rather disturbing, standing so close to him. And especially when he was clothed the way he was. The white top left his arms bare... In a flash she saw those bared arms wrapped around her body.
Kagome shook her head violently.
Coming to think of it, why was Sesshoumaru dressed like that anyway? It wasn't that she was complaining, since the clothing really looked good on him but...
Kagome shook her head again.
Hold your horses, girl, and watch what you're thinking.
"Rin-chan," Kagome asked, "I'd like to talk to you... in private, could you maybe..."
"Sure," the elder woman answered smiling.
Rin and Kagome walked out of the little store, leaving Sesshoumaru to deal with Kagome's friends.
"So what is it?" Kagome asked.
"What's what?" Rin replied with a question.
"That Ken-kun charade... And those clothes? Why is Sesshoumaru-sama dressed like that?"
"I just thought he might soon need that kind of clothes."
Kagome raised her eyebrow.
"Oh yeah?"
"Okay, okay, I'll tell the truth..." Rin's smile faded.
"You know, for some time Sesshoumaru-sama has been feeling depressed.."
"Oh?"
"He didn't feel like going to work at all, just stayed at home, doing nothing for ten days..."
"Oh my."
"And then he told me that..." Rin sniffed and Kagome noticed that her eyes were filled with tears.
"He... he told me that he'd commit a suicide."
Kagome gasped.
"No! Why would he? I mean, he seems to be doing really well and..."
"I know, he's rich and successful and handsome and everything. I managed to persuade him not to kill himself and since then I've been dragging him around, so I can watch after him. And maybe he'll forget such gloomy thoughts if he has something to do.
Kagome nodded.
"Wow, I had no idea. You're doing the right thing, Rin-chan. Could there be any way I could help him?"
"Just try your best to understand him. He's a bit unstable at the moment. Be comforting and forgiving."
Kagome nodded again.
"I'll do that."
The moment he had been left alone with the three strange girls they started a non-stop blabber.
"Wow, Ken-kun, where are you from?"
"So cute, you look just like a foreigner, Ken-chan!"
"How old are you, Ken-kun?"
"I'm from Denmark, my father is Japanese and my mother is Dane. I'm nineteen," Sesshoumaru answered calmly, ignoring the insulting "Ken-chan". Rin would soon get back with the miko, and hopefully save him.
"Soooo..." Eri said, eyeing Ken-kun, a smile on her face and her head a little askew. "Are you seeing someone, Ken-chan?"
Sesshoumaru startled at the bold question.
"Not really."
"Not really? So you have someone you like?"
Yes.
No, I have not!
"No, I don't."
The smile on Eri's face widened.
"You know Ken-chan, you're veery cute..."
"Here she goes again," Ayumi whispered to Yuka behind Eri's back.
"I thought she was seeing that cop," Yuka frowned.
"They broke up a few days ago."
"Thank you.." Sesshoumaru said, watching the dark-haired woman. She was an extremely bold! Were all women like this nowadays?
Eri leaned closer to him, a mischievous smile on her lips and her eyes locked with his.
"Would you mind to date a woman who's older than you are?"
Luckily it was on that moment when Rin and the miko got back.
"Eri!" Kagome gasped at the sight that met her. "What are you doing?"
"Nothing," she answered innocently.
Kagome hurried over to the two and pushed the woman away from him.
"I'm terribly sorry for her being so rude, Ken-san," Kagome said bowing, her cheeks burning red.
Just leave the girls with him for five minutes...
Sesshoumaru shook his head.
"It is fine."
Maybe there indeed were worse choices than the miko.
Don't you owe her an apology? the inner demon pointed out.
Apology? Never. This Sesshoumaru does not –
Yeah yeah, got it. Well, at least you should thank her for saving you from that disgustingly rude woman.
Damn. His demon self had a point. He should thank her.
Damn the honour.
Rin eyed at the two and then dragged Kagome's friends with her to the other side of the shop.
"You don't believe how cute dress I just saw over here –"
Kagome and Sesshoumaru were left alone, the miko staring at the floor feeling very nervous to be alone with him, and the taiyoukai still fighting with himself.
"Thank you," he blurted out suddenly.
Kagome startled and raised her gaze into his eyes, then blushed at the stare he was giving to her, her gaze flying back to watch the floor.
"No... I'm the one to blame, leaving you alone with her. I only did what I had to. You don't have to thank me, Sesshoumaru-sama." the miko bowed down.
Sesshoumaru eyed her, surprised. What answer he had been waiting for, he had not expected this kind of a reaction from her.
Kagome turned around and walked away from him.
"Girls! We should get going already."
A few moments later, Rin came back to him, holding a black leather belt.
"Here it is! Now go to put it on."
Sesshoumaru took the item from his secretary, suddenly feeling older than ever.
It had lasted for only an hour or so, but she was already yearning to get out of there. It couldn't be a good sign, not at all. After all, she was supposed to get married to this guy. If she could not bear his company for one dinner in a fancy but a bit crowded restaurant where they served delicious food, how could she survive growing old with him..?
Uhh, she did not want to think about it.
She smiled to Hojo and let him hold her hand as she talked with him.
"I'm sorry but we're full."
"You heard him, dear. Let's go and find another restaurant."
"But I want to eat in this one!"
"Darling, don't you think you're acting a bit childish..? ... I'm sorry for her, really, we'll not trouble you anymore. Come on, honey, let's go."
"Hey! There's Kagome-nee-chan!"
Kagome turned her head as she heard her name and saw a familiar figure, smiling and waving at her.
"See! There's room in their table."
"But darling, it wouldn't be appropriate to just crash in..."
Hojo was now also listening to the conversation the couple was having in front of the waiter, who was gradually getting more and more annoyed.
"Are they friends of yours?" he asked from Kagome.
"Yeah..."
"Please, it is no trouble, just join us," Hojo then said to them.
Whaaaat? Kagome squeaked in her mind.
The waiter left to get extra chairs. As Rin walked towards their table with the tall blond-haired man, Kagome spotted that they were not out by just the two of them.
Oh no.
"Hello, Kagome-nee-chan."
"Hello Rin-chan."
"Is this the Hojo-kun I've heard about?" Rin grinned.
Kagome blushed.
"Yes... Here's Hojo, my fiancé."
"Glad to meet you! I'm Miyame Rin and here's my husband Miyame Hitachi. Oh, and my cousin Ken-kun."
"Please, sit down," Hojo welcomed them, smiling.
Kagome watched horror-struck at the final seat that was free after Rin and her husband had seated themselves.
Sesshoumaru would be sitting right next to her.
The taiyoukai just couldn't believe it. Just what were the odds..?
The waiter came to take their orders. Kagome tried to casually eat her dinner, trying not to think about the position she was in.
Sesshoumaru was fighting against his inner youkai. Her scent filled his nostrils and the inner youkai was overjoyed of having her so close to him that it constantly wanted to take over.
Hitachi eyed worryingly at the other taiyoukai, feeling how unstable his youki was. This had not been a good idea. What had Rin been thinking anyway?
The said Rin was cheerfully talking with Hojo, the only one at the table who had no clue about the truth behind "cousin Ken-kun" and his little adventure with Kagome.
Though, if Hojo had peeked what was happening under table he might have been shocked. Sesshoumaru's left hand was inches from Kagome's skirt-cover thigh when his right hand was desperately trying to pull back the wandering limb.
Meanwhile, Kagome was fighting with herself too, trying her best to block out the mental images, some of those were dream-scenes, some memories of the night when...
She nearly choked out the piece of bread she was eating.
"Kagome, my love, are you all right?"
"Yes, I'm fine," Kagome lied, faking a smile for Hojo.
"So the wedding's in five weeks?" Rin asked.
"Yes, that's true," Hojo replied smiling.
"I remember how that was," Hitachi joined in the conversation. "Hectic."
"Indeed!" Hojo laughed.
Their orders came and Sesshoumaru picked up his drink. That meant – as he realised a few moments too late – that his right hand wasn't anymore holding back his left hand. He cursed heavily in his mind.
Kagome nearly choke on her drink this time, as she felt his determined hand settle on her thigh.
This time, luckily, the others did not notice for they were in so deep conversation.
It was a sudden move that first made her feel a bit uncomfortable.
But as the seconds passed it didn't feel so bad after all. She felt a blush ride on her cheeks. Kagome side-glanced at the silver-haired man. He was drinking his wine, as if nothing would be happening.
It didn't feel that bad.
Whatever, Sesshoumaru thought, I'll just leave it there. If she was not complaining why would he bother to move his hand? Besides, watching her blushing was a rather amusing sight. He mentally chuckled at the thought of what would her fiancé do if he ever found out.
Are you finally lowering yourself to see things from my point of view?
Oh, shut up. I just thought I'd –
His demon self stiffened.
What now?
Use your nose.
The miko's scent still filled his senses, but now it had a different tint. Same tint he had noticed that morning.
She's heating up.
No! You're so not going to –
Let me take control! She needs me, can't you tell!
Settle down you horny bastard! Remember where we are. Remember who she is!
She's our mate!
The hell she is, she's the damn miko and you're not mating with her again.
Let me go –
Never..!
"Se- Ken-kun, doesn't the food please you?" Hitachi asked quickly. He had sensed Sesshoumaru's youki growing even more unstable as before. Just what was with him?
"No, the food is great."
The rest of the dinner went peacefully. Rin, Hitachi and Hojo talking with each other about everything possible, while Kagome and Sesshoumaru ate in quiet. She concentrating on her food and locking her confused emotions deep into her heart. He concentrating on his food and locking his inner demon deep into himself.
Though, his hand never left its place.
"You're not being serious!"
"It would be something different.."
"Indeed. I'm not going to do this."
"Oh, come on. It could be fun... Stress-relieving", Rin grinned.
"Still I do not –"
"Come on, don't be so boring, Sesshoumaru-sama! Besides, what could happen? You'd naturally wear a sealing spell, as always!"
"Hmm."
"Really? When?"
"Next Friday.. Been planning it whole week! It'll be so fun!"
"Are you going to get – uh – entertainer there?"
Yuka giggled.
"We had that in mind, yes..."
Rin wasn't a cruel person. She had only grown up in a questionable environment. She had learned to use any means possible to get what she wanted... And what she wanted was nothing but the best for his beloved Sesshoumaru-sama. And she had decided that to be the best for Kagome-nee-chan too.
"Oh... I know just the right guy for you..." she said, smiling widely.
The night had truly been so much fun! Kagome had to admit she had been a little scared of the idea of letting Yuka, Eri and Ayumi throw her a bachelor party, but they all had had a great time together. First they had been in movies, then went to a dinner and after that they had been partying on one very cool club.
And now they were all tired and happy, sitting in Eri's living room splattered around on sofa and chairs.
"Have you had fun, Kagome-chan?"
"Yes I have, Yuka-chan!" Kagome answered. "This has been the best night ever, thank you, girls."
"Oh but Kagome-chan, the night is still young!" Eri giggled.
"Huh?"
"We still have one surprise for you!" Ayumi said.
"Come in, hun!" Eri called.
The man stopped in the doorway.
He was typical Japanese with tanned skin, short black hair and dark eyes. He was well built and wore only a tight leather pants.
He was a hottie.
That was what Yuka, Eri and Ayumi saw.
But Kagome saw something else.
She saw Sesshoumaru.
Kagome paled then blushed and paled again.
Why him? She wanted to know, why it always was him, no matter where she went, why.. why him..?
Sesshoumaru growled out his refusal in his mind.
Not her. Anyone but her. Had Rin been planning this from the beginning? Oh, she was so going to pay...
They stood there, staring at each other, both petrified, both paled, both wanting to be in some other place.
Somewhere else, where would be no damn mikos.
Somewhere else, where would be no seducing ice princes.
And then their thoughts were broken as Kagome's friends started to rhythmically clap their hands together, chanting:
"Lapdance, lapdance, lapdance..."