OOC Warning: Due the evil plans of his, Sesshoumaru will not quite be himself from now on.. Well, he IS himself, but to make Kagome fall for him he plays the role of prince charming himself... XD So prepare for Sesshy-OOC:ness and anything cute and romantic stuff. XD
Chapter thirteen – No matter what
It is lunch time. I leave from the office I work at after informing my boss that I am going to have lunch. I see a nice-looking restaurant nearby so I step in. I have never been in this restaurant. I choose a table near the window and settle myself there. It doesn't take long, before a blonde waitress comes over and asks what I would like to have. I decide to order a cup of coffee and a big sandwich, for I had quite late breakfast and am not that hungry yet. The waitress smiles and nods. She goes to pass on my order. I sit back in my chair and wait.
The little bell on the door rings and I raise my gaze. It's a silver-haired man, who's dressed in a fine suit and all, carrying a bouquet of red roses with him. I wonder what he's up to. He can't be any deliver-guy, my gosh is that Armani he's wearing? Pretty handsome he's too.
The waitress comes, with my order. She stops as she sees the newcomer.
"Hisakata-sama! What are you doing here?"
Ah, so she knows him. That explains.
"Good day to you, Shirakawa-san," he answers politely. "May I speak to Higurashi-san?"
The waitress walks over to my table, flashes me a quick smile and then goes back to stare at the man. I don't really get what is happening. They obviously know each other, but why does the waitress look so puzzled? Well, no matter to me. I take my sandwich and start my lunch.
"Uh, which Higurashi-san?" I hear the waitress ask.
"Kagome, of course."
"Uh, right... Please wait here."
I hear her heels clicking on the wooden floor as she walks out of the room. I side glance at the man. He's still standing there holding the flowers, looking very calm. I sip my coffee.
The blond waitress come back, followed by a small young woman dressed in a white blouse and black short skirt and a pale green apron.
"Sesshoumaru-sama!" she blurts out looking amazed. "What are you up to?"
The man grabs her hands and bows his head.
"Higurashi-san, I want to offer you my sincere apology for all the trouble I've ever caused to you."
The black-haired waitress blinks.
The man hands the roses over to her, then bows one more time and leaves.
I wonder what that all was about as I take a final sip of my coffee. I gesture for a bill and the blond waitress rushed over to give it to me.
"Uh.. Did that.. just...happen?" the seemingly puzzled blond-haired waitress wondered out loud.
"I suppose so," the other waitress answered clutching the bunch of roses in her arms.
I pay for my lunch and head back to the office.
"He's out of his mind," Kayade declared.
"Don't know what's got into him! I mean, this time, he was – "
"This time he was what?" Kayade asked.
"Uh, nothing..." Kagome blushed and buried her face into the roses.
This time his eyes had not been flashing crimson.
"You know, I think he seriously is going to make Kagome his mate," Kayade declared.
"Oh, what now?"
"He showed up at work just to apologise and gave a bouquet of roses to Kagome."
"Sesshoumaru bringing roses and apologising?"
From the background Kayade could hear her father's voice yelling in surprise something like "What, he's not gay?"
Then she had hard time trying not to giggle as hearing how her mother went on about what the hell had Kouga meant by that and how her dad was laughing his ass off and telling he was just joking around.
Kayade sighed. A normal family, my ass...
The doorbell rang.
"Good afternoon, milady," he bowed his head.
"Sesshoumaru-sama. What are you doing here?"
"I came to invite you to dinner with me – you like Italian food, right?"
"Yes, I love Italian food... But why would I come with you? Isn't this like a date or something?"
"No. This is a part of my apology, so please allow me to treat you just one dinner - I know it's not much of an apology, but – "
"All right, all right, fine, I'll come," Kagome huffed. She wasn't thrilled about the idea of Sesshoumaru and her alone on a dinner, in fact she was a tad bit scared – the guy was dangerous. This was definitely not the way he usually acted, he was up to something. Treating her a dinner out of remorse? Ha, like that would ever happen! Hell must have frozen over or something.
'You're planning something, Sesshoumaru, most probably something I'm involved with... But what is it?' Kagome asked herself.
But still, Italian food was her favourite. She wouldn't reject an offer for a free meal – even if the guy who paid was a cold, personality disordered demon.
"Wait, before we go, take this and open it," Sesshoumaru said offering her a white cardboard box that was tied up with a red silk ribbon.
"And what's this then?" she inquired, eyeing at the box suspiciously.
"Just a little something that I thought you'd like."
Kagome huffed again and took the present from his hands. She left him standing there and walked into her bedroom, carrying the box. She put it down on her bed and stared at it.
What was this all about? Now he was bribing her with gifts too, eh?
Kagome carefully opened the box.
There was a piece of clothing inside. She took it out to examine it. It was an elegant dress made of lavender silk. The model was one of a classic evening gown.
Kagome could only stare. She had never had any garment so beautiful. Gosh, just how much had this thing cost anyway? "Just a little something" – yeah right!
She started to dress herself.
Sessoumaru watched as the miko stepped out of her room, wearing the dress he had bought her. He nodded. The girl was quite pretty for a human. Sure she wasn't as attractive as some females he had seen, but his inner demon could have chosen an uglier wench too.
"Good," he said eyeing at her. "Now, shall we go?"
Kagome nodded mutely and followed him out of her apartment.
They walked down the stairs and then out of the front door. He opened the door of the awaiting taxi and she nodded in thanks, stepping inside of the car.
Once they were in he held out a clean white silk scarf.
"Cover your eyes."
Kagome didn't really get why she should be doing that, but found better not to argue. She let him tie the scarf around her head.
She couldn't really tell where they were going – nor how much time had passed. And then the car stopped and he helped her out. They walked up some stairs and then they were inside. He helped her into the soft seat.
"Now, you can take off the scarf."
She took it off and for awhile blinked at the sudden brightness.
It wasn't a restaurant.
"Just where are we?"
"In my private plane."
"You know, this is called kidnapping for Kami's sake... I've had enough of you. Let me out."
"I'm afraid that is no longer possible," he stated calmly as the pilot was starting the engine.
"Let me go! Now!"
"No."
Kagome glared at him furiously. He wore the blank mask on his face again.
She should have known something like this would happen...
"So treating the dinner was just a catch?"
"No. We are still on our way."
"On our way to where?"
"To the restaurant."
"Wha – hey, you mind explaining me the whole thing right now!"
Sesshoumaru sighed.
"We are going to have a dinner of Italian food in a restaurant..."
"Yes?"
"... In Milan."
"... WHAT?"
"I said, we are going to have a dinner of Italian food in a restaurant, in Milan."
"Milan? Like the Milan in ITALY?"
"That is correct."
Kagome looked at him, stunned.
"You mind closing your mouth, you look rather stupid when you let it hang open like that."
Just how had she got herself into this?
"Surprise!" the four young women yelled and formed quickly a group hug.
Kagome stared at them.
"WOAH! What's THAT?" Ayumi asked, gawking at the evening gown Kagome was still wearing.
"Seems like you have some explaining to do," Kayade grinned.
"Come on girls, let's get inside," Rin hurried.
The women packed in Kagome's living room.
"What are you all guys doing here?"
"We came to cheer you up. We thought you must feel lonely, you know... After Hojo breaking up with you and all." Yuka said.
"Eri would've come too but.. She was busy with.. ehh, stuff." Ayumi exchanged a glance with Yuka. They both knew the exact reason why Eri didn't attend, she had got a bad conscience of her sudden burst of jealousy and for that reason had made up an excuse not wanting to face Kagome.
"And we brought a movie and some snacks!" Kayade informed, showing off the plastic bag.
"Aww, so sweet of you guys," Kagome hid a yawn. "Sorry, I'm exhausted..."
"Yeah, clearly," Rin said eyeing upon her, "would you mind telling us where did you get that outfit? It looks gorgeous on you."
Kagome blushed. "Oh that...This dress was given to me earlier this afternoon..."
"Ohh, a gift! From whom?"
Kagome blushed even more.
"So you found a new guy, ehh?" Yuka asked, winking.
"Ehhehehe, guess so.." Kagome glanced at Kayade and Rin. "A guy called Hisakata Sesshoumaru gave it to me."
Their jaws dropped. Yuka was giggling, but Ayumi was frowning.
"Hisakata.. " her eyes widened. "Oh my gosh! Not the Hisakata who's the chief manager of the Soraji corp.?"
"The guy whose art exhibition I organised?" Yuka asked
"Rin-san's boss Hisakata?" Kayade gasped.
Rin just stared at her, her mouth still hanging open.
"Uhh, yeah, that's the guy," Kagome replied feeling a tad bit uneasy.
"Oh my gosh!"
"So, did you guys have a date or something?" Ayumi inquired, smiling.
Kagome's face was flushed even redder.
"No! No! It was a mere dinner..." her voice trailed off.
"Just a dinner, huh?" Kayade asked mischievously, one eyebrow raised.
Kagome stared at the floor.
"Just one dinner of Italian food – in Milan."
The other four women shrieked at the same time.
"Milan?"
"He took you out to ITALY?"
"My gosh!"
"No wonder you look so exhausted."
And Kagome found herself once more to be hugged from many directions at the same time.
"We want to hear all the details," Yuka breathed out.
"Indeed we do, the dirty ones especially," Kayade winked.
"Kayade!" Kagome blushed slightly. "It was not like that it was just a dinner. Well.. The restaurant was unlike any I have ever been in before. The food was heavenly and the mood was just incredible. But Gosh I was just so confused!"
"Why?"
"Well, no matter how fine it all was, it still was Hisakata-sama who was sitting on the opposite side of the table and I just felt a bit disturbed. Like I didn't belong there. I really didn't know what to think, I mean.. Why was he treating me a dinner at all?"
Kagome glanced in secret at Rin and Kayade.
She allowed the feelings and thoughts she had had earlier that evening pool over her mind once more. If it had been his demon side, Kagome would have fully understood that his intention would be winning her back. Wait, she never had agreed to anything, right? She had NOT fallen for him, right? So, he wouldn't be winning her back but winning her over. But it wasn't his inner demon. So, what the heck was he up to?
It couldn't be...
If Sesshoumaru had finally agreed with his inner demon...? If Sesshoumaru too wanted her to be his mate?
Kagome felt her cheeks flush.
"Are you all right?" Ayumi ask worriedly.
"Yes, everything's fine. Just fine."
"So, was he nice and sweet? Considerate? A perfect gentleman?" Ayumi asked.
Kayade bit her lip not to laugh.
Rin chuckled quietly and Yuka raised her eyebrow.
Kagome was taken aback of the question.
Sesshoumaru nice and sweet? Yeah right. The day that would happen would mean that the end was drawing near. Considerate? Hell no... But..
"Oh... He was a gentleman."
Kayade nearly fell on the floor.
"Well, enough of me already," Kagome said, waving her hand.
"Oh, no, not yet enough," Yuka smiled.
"I'm sorry to bring this up but I really need to know," Ayumi said.
"Huh? Go on.."
"Narita Ken.. Were you really… seeing him?"
Kagome startled.
"No, no.. It wasn't.. I wasn't.. Gosh you thought so too?"
"Well it was all over the papers."
"... And the manager said in the interview that you were getting engaged.."
Rin coughed silently at this point.
"Oh, did she, now?" Kagome said dryly and looked at the suddenly scarlet-faced secretary. "I don't know where she got that idea... But well, I can assure you that Narita Ken was nothing but an old friend of mine."
"Did you kiss? Like was said in the article?"
"Well.." Kagome blushed. "Yes."
Yuka and Ayumi stared at her bewildered.
"But it was only to save him from all the pushy fangirls!"
"Ahh..."
"Okay..."
"So uh... how're you all doing?"
Much chatting, many ice cream portions, one movie, uncountable amount of hugs and several glasses of soda later Kagome was lying on her sofa, her cat Shue curled up in her lap. She had changed her clothes and was now petting her cat, feeling thoroughly exhausted. She waited for the water to boil so she could have a cup of camomile tea before going to bed. She couldn't remember when she last had felt herself so tired but luckily tomorrow was Sunday. No work... Maybe she'd just spend the whole day in bed..
She was lying on her back in the field full of wild-flowers. Smiling to herself she watched the white clouds drift onward on the sweet blue sky. There was nothing worrying her at that moment. Inuyasha had gone to see Totosai about Tetsusaiga, Sango and Miroku were elsewhere, also keeping an eye on Shippo.. She was grateful to her friends. They had seen her desire to have a little break, some time for just herself. And that was why she had ended up on this field full of beautiful flowers, their mild scents were caressing her senses and she felt, finally for a long time, that it was easy for her to smile. She should write about this later into her diary..
"Look, Sesshoumaru-sama! Rin sees pretty flowers!"
The voice was bright and it obviously belonged to a child. Why would Sesshoumaru be with a child?
Kagome slightly raised her head. On the edge of the woods, where the field of flowers began, were standing two figures. One was that of an adult demon, his silver hair whirling around him in the soft wind. The other was a small smiling human girl with black hair.
The girl giggled and ran to pick up some wildflowers. Kagome watched them from her hiding place among the long white lilies. The girl twirled happily around on the field, holding flowers in her hands. The demon lord stood on the edge of the field, keeping a close eye on the girl. He was smiling.
'Shit, shit, shit!' Kagome cried in her mind as she was hastily dressing herself. She wouldn't even have time for breakfast.
Why hadn't the alarm-clock woken her up? Well, it was too late to cry over it now... She should have been at her workplace an hour and half ago!
'Shit!' she cursed once again and pulled the hairbrush through her locks with rushing motions.
'Maybe Shaere will allow me to use the kitchen and the food supplies to make myself a sandwich since I skipped breakfast... Oh no, Shaere-san! She'll be furious! I'll get scolded of leaving her and Kayade-chan in trouble. It'll be a disaster, oh no...'
Kagome swiftly pulled shoes on and grabbed her coat from the rack. After casting a final glance at her fattish cat which was peacefully sleeping on her sofa Kagome muttered jealously "bastard" under her breath and left to work.
Kagome gulped and then gathered herself. She opened the door of the restaurant and stepped in.
Instead of a stressed yell of "Where the hell have you been, lazy girl!" she was greeted by Kayade's bright "Good morning, Kagome-chan!"
"Ehh.. Good morning. Sorry for being so late but – "
"It's okay, Takeo-chan covered for you."
"Takeo...chan...?"
Kayade giggled.
"Go already and change, you'll be behind the counter today!"
"I.. uhh.. okay.."
Kagome walked into the staff room. There she changed her jeans into her waitress' dress, tied her hair up on a high ponytail and spent a few criticizing seconds looking in to the mirror.
That had to do.
Kagome knocked on the kitchen door.
"Come in, dear."
Kagome opened the door and stepped into the kitchen.
"I'm so sorry for being this late," she said, bowing deep. "I overslept and – "
"It's fine, dear," Shaere-san cut in smiling. "Here, we have a new employee who just started this morning. Tsugiyama Takeo-kun, here is my niece Higurashi Kagome-chan."
She spotted the guy for the first time.
"A pleasure to meet you, Kagome-chan," he smiled and bowed.
Kagome's jaw dropped. She could but stare at the man standing in front of her.
"Uhh.. Hi there, Takeo-san." Kagome flashed an uncertain, nervous smile after a while of staring.
He just smiled back.
Kagome swallowed.
"Uh, so, I suppose I have to go to work now... bye."
The stunned small woman turned and left the kitchen.
She found Kayade, leaning against the counter, looking bored. There weren't so many customers, so there were not so much for her to do at the moment.
"Isn't he a great guy, that Takeo-chan?" Kayade asked as Kagome walked over to her.
"A great guy indeed," Kagome replied with a frown.
"So why did you come this late?" the blond girl inquired, curious.
"I overslept. Didn't wake up as the alarm-clock rang."
"Hehe, I see." Kayade flashed a smile. "Oh, that table needs cleaning..." the other waitress walked over to do her job.
Kagome was still a little sleepy. She decided that she was starting to imagine things. There wasn't any other explanation. That was the only option. Right.
Her thoughts wandered to the dream she had seen last night. Sesshoumaru. And a little girl. A girl whom she had seen before, in the painting Sesshoumaru had made, that had been up in his exhibition. That day when she had met Rin-chan for the first time. Funny really, the coincidence.
The girl in the dream had also been called Rin.
'Coincidence. Can I really believe in coincidences anymore? This all starts to look like some sick conspiracy of fate,' she thought to herself sarcastically.