Disclaimer: ... You ought to know by now that I don't write this story to get moneyz and that I know that I don't own the characters. Chapter title stolen from a song performed by Josh Groban
Chie: The OOC-warning is still on.
And yes, Kagome WILL get her memories back, eventually. And her mother/Souta/grandpa hasn't said anything about her time-travelling hobby because the seal affects them too. It was a very complicated spell and it needed several mikos to do it, but it kind of affected in the way that the moment Kagome's family saw her with her memories sealed, the spell "stretched out" to make them forget about the all too. Naturally, they will get their memories back, once the seal is broken...
Chapter Fourteen – To where you are
"You know, I think he's watching you."
"What?"
"Yeah! Every time I glance at him, his eyes are on you."
"Oh why me?"
"Don't be so negative. He's kinda cute and extremely nice! Why not give him a try?"
"You can't be serious."
"Or is this about Hisakata-sama?"
"Huh?"
"You fancy him, don't you?"
"I do not!"
"Then why don't you at least try to go out with Takeo-chan? He surely is better for you than Hisakata-sama."
Kagome laughed sarcastically.
"What?" Kayade asked.
"Never mind," Kagome replied and marched off.
"Good morning, Kagome-chan!"
"Good morning, Takeo-san."
"You know, Kagome-chan, you have no need to be that formal towards me. You know, I already feel like I would know you very well."
"Oh do you now," Kagome replied barely masking her sarcastic tone.
"Yes." he smiled.
Kagome smiled.
"Fine, let's do it your way then, Takeo-kun."
"Thank you, sweetheart."
Kagome froze.
"Is something wrong?" Kayade asked.
"No... Everything's... fine."
"Good then!" Kayade flashed a smile.
The corner of Kagome's mouth twitched.
"Why me..." she muttered quietly.
"Huh, did you say something?"
"Nothing, Takeo-kun, nothing.."
"Kagome-chan!"
"Okay, Takeo-kun, please, could I have a word in private with you?"
"Sure sweetheart, anything for you baby."
Kayade giggled.
Kagome cast one glance at her friend and then grabbed Takeo's hand and dragged him to the backyard.
Once they were out, Kagome turned to face him and bowed down.
"I apologize for treating you so harshly."
"You have no need to apologize, sweetheart."
"Okay, enough with that!" she snapped. "Mind telling me what is the meaning of this?"
"Meaning of what, Kagome-chan?"
"You know perfectly well what I'm talking about, demon."
"Don't you demon me, human."
They glared at each other.
Kagome smirked.
"As I thought. The whole sweetheart-thing is just an act."
He didn't reply.
"I would have never guessed that you'd have such acting skills. I'm almost impressed. But that's beside the point. Tell me, what are you up to, Hisakata-sama?"
"This Sesshoumaru is up to nothing."
"I might be just a human, but I'm not stupid."
"Well, that's news to me."
"You..." Kagome took a deep breath to calm herself.
"Nevermind," she hissed. "I don't even want to know."
She marched back in.
Takeo came back to the staff room and sat down beside Kayade.
"So, what did you talk about?" she inquired.
"It seems like Kagome-chan is suspecting that I'm trying something."
"Well, are you?"
"Maybe..."
Kayade smirked.
"Well, don't give up too easily, Takeo-chan. If you ask me, Kagome-chan really needs a man in her life – one that is good enough for her, of course."
"I just don't get him!" Kagome announced as she marched in.
"Ka-Kagome-nee-chan? What a surprise." Rin got up to greet her. "What is it now?"
"Takeo-kun... Or Hisakata-sama if you prefer. Now when he has showed up in the restaurant I can't deny that the workdays wouldn't have become more lively but..."
Rin bit her lip.
"Please sit, Kagome-nee-chan," she requested while taking a seat herself.
"Thank you," Kagome flashed a quick smile as she settled herself on the chair in front of Rin's desk.
"Anyway as I was saying... He's driving me crazy."
"Awww... I'm sorry."
"Huh?" Kagome shot Rin with a puzzled look. "You don't have to apologize, Rin-chan, it's not like you had anything to do with it."
"Well... Actually.." Rin flashed an apologetic smile.
Kagome raised her eyebrow.
"What do you mean 'actually'?"
"It was me who persuaded Higurashi-san to give Sesshoumaru-sama that job. I'm sorry," Rin hurried to say as she saw Kagome's expression. "It was just that he came to ask me for a job where he could see you as much as possible," she shrugged. "And I had heard from Ka-chan that Higurashi-san was looking for a new staff-member... I'm sorry."
"It's okay. I don't blame you, really," Kagome smiled meekly. "It's just... He's driving me crazy. I'm getting paranoid. I'm sure he is up to something, he has to be. The way he has behaved recently is just so... so not like him, you know what I mean?"
"Uhh, I really haven't spotted any difference."
"Is it just me then? Am I finally starting to imagine things?"
"Ehh, I don't think that's it either."
"Or is it just me... Is he acting all weird just around me? Is he doing this on purpose? Trying to confuse me and make me paranoid? Because if that is the goal, he's doing a very good job at it."
"What is he doing then?"
"He is being NICE! And he's calling me Kagome-chan OR sweetheart, imagine that!"
".. You're kidding me, right?"
"I wish I were," Kagome muttered to herself.
Rin shook her head. "What's gotten into him?"
"And here I thought you could tell that to me!"
They both sighed at the same time.
"Oh, and he even doesn't seem to mind when Kayade-chan calls him 'Takeo-chan'..."
The door opened.
"WHERE THE HELL IS HE!"
"Good afternoon to you too, Takane-san," Rin replied wearily.
"There's nothing good in this! He's been away for a week AGAIN! Damn that man, he's totally hopeless..."
"I'm afraid I have to disagree with that, Takane-san. I doubt that a 'totally hopeless' person would have been able to build up Soraji corp. out of nothing."
"Well, yes... But that's not the point!"
Rin smiled calmly. Inwards she was sighing heavily and rolling her eyes. How had such a man ended up being the vice-president? Surely he was talented and very good at organisation, but.. But!
"Oh. I believe you two haven't met yet."
It was then when the tall dark-haired man noticed there was someone else in the room too. He looked down at the black-haired, blinking woman who was sitting on the comfortable chair.
"Here's Takane Seyo who is the vice-president of the Soraji corp."
Kagome quickly got up so she could bow down.
"Pleasure to meet you, Takane-san."
"And she's Higurashi Kagome who is Sesshoumaru-sama's girlfriend."
"What?" Takane-san gasped and looked Kagome with a new interest.
"What?" Kagome hissed and turned to glare Rin.
Rin winked at her and grinned.
"My my... Is that so, indeed?" Takane-san wondered out loud as he was examining Kagome with his calculating gaze.
Was it fate, fortune – or misfortune – or a sheer coincidence, nobody knew. But the fact was that exactly on that moment Hisakata Sesshoumaru walked in the room being dressed up in impeccable clothes and well, being so himself as just he just could be.
"Hisakata-san!" Takane-san shouted at the sight of him. For a blink of an eye Rin thought she saw a teardrop of joy in the corner of his eye.
Kagome's head turned very swiftly as she heard his name being called and gawked at the demon.
"Well well... What kind of meeting is this?" he asked lazily, one silver eyebrow raised.
"My, Hisakata-san, Miyame-san just told me about this charming young woman..."
Sesshoumaru looked at the miko, who had just completely frozen up and had no idea whether she should just run or... Kagome hoped that the ground would just swallow her then and there.
"Why haven't you told me that you have a girlfriend?"
'Well well Rin, just what have you told him?' Sesshoumaru thought to himself.
At Takane-san's words Kagome's cheeks had flushed scarlet.
Sesshoumaru calmly walked over to Kagome and pulled the thoroughly confused and stunned little woman into his arms. Then he directed his gaze into Takane.
"That is because we haven't been going out for so long yet..." then he turned his head to look at Kagome. "But I must say I've missed you, darling." He bent down to place a quick soft kiss on her forehead.
This action caused Takane to chuckle knowingly, Rin to squeal excitedly and Kagome to – if just possible – blush even redder.
Sesshoumaru didn't even seem to notice.
"Well then, darling, let's go."
The two walked into Sesshoumaru's office.
The moment the door closed behind them, Kagome struggled out of Sesshoumaru's arms.
"What was that?"
"What was what?"
"The whole 'missed you darling' – act?"
"What do you think it was?" Sesshoumaru quirked his eyebrow. "I reckon that that means I missed you."
Kagome blinked.
"Okay..? What are you up to now?"
"What makes you to think that I would be up to something now or ever?" he asked raising his eyebrow again.
"Argh! Do you have to answer my questions with questions? Do you have to be so – "
"Annoying? Yes, I'm afraid that I do. Learn to deal with it."
"Why should I?"
"I don't care whether you really do learn it or not. It'll just be easier for you if you do. But no one can ever tell what you stupid humans decide to do..."
Kagome fought very hard to keep herself calm. Unfortunately she was badly shaken by his next comment.
"Oh, and you will come over to my apartment tonight."
"What?"
"I said that we have a date, my darling. Seven o'clock. Don't be late."
Kagome just stared at him. Honestly, that guy... But, what could she really say to that?
"Off you go then, I have work to do," he said, dismissing her.
She seriously thought about not going. Why should she be going over to his place? "He told me to" – was not enough of a reason. But like nearly always in the end, the curiosity won. And thus Kagome found herself behind his door, ten minutes to seven. She seriously wondered though what had gotten into her. But more than that she wanted to find out what had got into him and so –
"Good evening. Come in."
Kagome looked at the silver-haired youkai who had just opened the door. She hadn't yet even knocked – but well, he was a demon after all... She stepped in.
He was casually dressed in blue jeans and a white sweater. Kagome actually had to hold back her breath, he looked gorgeous.
Kagome followed him into the dining-room. The table was set for two. The dinner itself looked magnificent, two long white candles were lit and everything in the scene was just perfect. Everything was perfect but..
'Everything but me,' Kagome thought bitterly. 'I don't belong here, why did I even come? What does he want of me?'
"Sit down," Sesshoumaru said.
Kagome did as he told for it had sounded more of a command than a suggestion. She sighed.
"Is something wrong?" he asked, frowning.
"No, everything's fine."
"Human, do not underestimate this Sesshoumaru. I can tell that you are lying."
"Well maybe, demon, the fact that I'm lying means that whatever it is that bothers me is nothing for you to worry about."
"Do not 'demon' me, human."
"Then don't 'human' me, demon."
They glared at each other for awhile 'til Kagome turned her gaze to her yet empty plate.
"And this Sesshoumaru was not worrying," she heard him mutter sulkily in a low tone.
'Certainly you weren't,' Kagome thought to herself, 'I mean, why you even bothered to ask? Clearly you don't care.'
"Help yourself," he requested smiling slightly.
Kagome raised her eyebrow. What was it, few minutes ago he had been glaring her and now he was smiling and friendly making requests instead of bossing her around. Kagome didn't voice aloud her suspicions and confusion but really helped herself.
It tasted heavenly. Far better than anything she had tasted in the restaurants.
"My gosh, this is delicious!"
"But of course. After all I made it."
Most of the dinner went in silence but Sesshoumaru – unlike Kagome – didn't seem to consider it awkward.
That guy... Kagome couldn't understand him at all. Sometimes he was so arrogant that she just couldn't stand being near him – his ego would have crushed her very quickly anyway - and then again sometimes... Sometimes he seemed to be almost humane. Unfortunately the last happened very rarely. But, that proved something.
"You know I'm curious," Kagome said breaking the silence. "Why do you keep up this facade?"
Sesshoumaru quirked his eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
"This all act of ice-cold mighty demon lord who despises everyone and has no heart."
Sesshoumaru just stared at her.
"I know that no one can be that bad," Kagome smiled.
"I had a date with him again last evening." Kagome mumbled.
"What? What did you do then?" Rin asked excitedly.
"He had made us a dinner. There were candles and all. Had it not been him sitting at the table, the mood would've been very romantic."
"What did he do?"
"Oh, nothing. He was kind of confusing... First glaring me and after that again smiling and being polite and so all of sudden."
"Did you have fun?"
"Well, I had more fun I thought I would have." Kagome frowned. "The food was truly delicious. And after the dinner we watched a movie."
"Ohh?" Sesshoumaru watching a movie? Rin suppressed a giggle. "Which movie was it?"
"'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' or something like that..."
"Oh my... really?"
"Yeah. The movie was great though I can't imagine why he chose such a film."
"Me neither," Rin replied and shook her head.
"Why is he being like that?" Kagome asked a hint of desperation in her voice.
"Being like what?" Rin asked confused.
"You know... the 'I'm a heartless ice prince and better than you all' – act..."
"So you see through it as well?" Rin asked, smiling.
"Not exactly, but I can tell it's not who he truly is. All he replied when I asked him about it was 'Hmph.'..."
Rin giggled.
"I do not know why. He has never told me and I have not dared to ask. But I believe it's his way of protecting himself. Of what, I do not know."
"Hmm, yeah.."
"Oh, look the time. I'm truly sorry, Kagome-nee-chan, but I really have to go now."
"It's all right, I took a lot of your time, sorry."
"Don't apologize, I'm glad you called."
"Bye then, Rin-chan."
"Bye."
"Damn that was one long phone call," he chuckled.
"Oh shush, Hitachi," Rin said.
"So, what did you and Kagome-san talk about?"
"Sesshoumaru-sama. They had a date last night."
"They did?"
"Yeah... I'm happy he's doing this. I believe Kagome-nee-chan is able to get through his barriers – What is it, sweetheart?" Rin had suddenly nodded her husband's darkened expression.
"Nothing," he replied hastily and smiled.
"You know... A week ago when we were visiting Kagome, I happened to notice something in the space between the wall and the bookshelf she had... It was her diary."
"What did you do?"
"I took it with me."
"Rin!"
"But...! It would be terrible if she'd have the diary to herself. You know, I didn't read it, but I still had a little peek in it. First word that caught my eye was 'Inuyasha'. Do you understand what it would mean to her, Hitachi, had she read the book... Better that one of us has it. I can hand it back to her. If the seal will ever break that is."
Hitachi nodded.
"Well.. I'll be off now. I'll be back later."
"All right. Say hi to your friends for me."
"I will."
Sesshoumaru opened the door.
"Hitachi. Come in."
He didn't seem to be surprised to find the cat demon behind his door. Though, he hardly ever seemed to be surprised.
Hitachi stepped in and followed the dog demon into his living room.
"What is it that you wish to discuss," Sesshoumaru calmly asked after they had seated themselves.
"I want to talk to you about your current behaviour."
"My current behaviour?" Sesshoumaru asked raising his silver eyebrow.
"Yes. I think it's rather cruel to play around like that."
"I do not know what you are talking about, Hitachi."
"Oh, but I believe that you do know, Sesshoumaru-sama."
"Explain."
"The miko, Sesshoumaru-sama. I'm talking about Kagome-san and I have to say I don't approve of what you are doing with her."
"Since when have I needed your permission to court someone?"
"If it would be just about courting I wouldn't mind – besides, would you truly wish to take her as your mate you'd need my approval too... But that's not the point. What I dislike is the fact that you're only playing with her."
A sly smile rose to Sesshoumaru's lips.
"I don't know what you're planning, nor why, but that I know: Whatever it is, she will suffer from it. Can't you really feel anything with that icy heart of yours? That girl has suffered enough."
Sesshoumaru didn't reply.
"Just know this, Lord of the Western lands, the moment you even think of going too far, I shall stop you. And I can assure you that Rin and Kouga will be standing by my side then."
"I acknowledge your warning, Lord of the southern lands." Sesshoumaru replied then calmly, inclining his head. "Was that all?"
Hitachi eyed at him.
"Yes, that was all."
The blond-haired cat demon got up and bowed his head. Then he walked away.
"Sesshoumaru-sama."
"What is it, Rin?"
"I.. I have something..."
"Yes?"
"Here."
From her purse she took out a notebook which covers where blue of their colour. Without a word she set her hand forward offering the notebook to him.
The taiyoukai took it. Sesshoumaru stared at the notebook.
"I thought you should have it."
The demon lord gazed at the woman in front of him and then he turned once again to look at the book he was holding.
"And what is this?"
"This.. This is a diary," Rin replied and turned to leave.
Sesshoumaru frowned and opened the notebook. On the first white page was written on blue gel-pen the words: "This diary belongs to Higurashi Kagome"
Sesshoumaru raised his head and looked straight into Rin's eyes.
"Why?"
"It must not be at her own hands. It's from the time before her memories got sealed. That is her true self speaking in that book."
"But why are you giving it to me?" Sesshoumaru asked.
"Because I know you need it more than I do." Rin flashed a little smile and nodded politely. With a swish of raven black hair she had turned around and walked away.
Sesshoumaru watched her disappearing form and then glanced again the notebook that was still clutched in his hands.
He had no idea why he did it - but supposedly it did not matter why.
He sat down on the sofa, opened the little book and started to read.