Chapter eighteen – Further away
"Shizuki. Why are you here?"
"I came to see you," the female inu youkai answered.
"Why?"
"Have you forgotten, dear Sesshoumaru?"
"Forgotten what?"
"Forgotten the agreement of our fathers."
"No, I haven't forgotten that."
"Then why do you question my being here?" Shizuki inquired, her head tilted to left.
"Our fathers are long since deceased. Why would we care about their agreement now?"
"So you wish to disgrace the memory of your father? You want me to dishonour my late father's wish?"
Damn that clever bitch, Sesshoumaru thought. After that I cannot disagree...
"So you want that we abide into the will of our fathers?"
"Naturally. It can't be that bad fate, can it," Shizuki said with a ghost of a smirk on her lips.
He was sitting on a high chair and staring at the drink in the long glass before him. It hurt him so deep that the pain was also physical...
"Another one," the dark-haired woman sitting on his left side next to the counter called.
His thoughts returned to the event that had taken place earlier on the afternoon...
"Kagome! Well this is a pleasant surprise indeed! Please, come in, come in."
"No, I don't think I will." she flashed a sad smile. "I came to apologize."
"About this?" he asked, pointing the bruise on his cheek. "It's nothing, you don't have to – "
"I apologize," she cut in, "for everything. I've been so cruel to you when you always were so good to me. I understand very well why you would hate me.."
"I could never hate you, Kagome."
"I don't deserve you," she said softly. "That's why I believe this is for the best."
He stared at her outstretched hand. There was something gleaming on her palm. He picked it up. It was a ring – an engagement ring.
"I hope you will find happiness, Hojo-kun," she said, flashing that sad smile for the last time before turning around and walking away.
And all he could do was to watch her back as she once again walked away from him.
The glass was now empty; he had drunk its contents as he had been lost in his memory.
"Another one," he said to the bartender behind the counter and sighed.
Kagome, you can say that you don't deserve me, that this is for the best but you just don't see, do you? You're the only one I want...
He watched the golden ring in his hands as he turned it over. It felt so cool against his palm...
"That's a beautiful ring," a female voice stated.
Hojo turned his head and saw that the woman who had been sitting next to him and was now watching him. She had raven black hair up in a bun, dark brown eyes and ruby lips.
"Thank you," he replied hoarsely.
"That's for a woman, isn't it?"
"It was."
"What happened?"
"She returned it today before walking away from me."
"I'm sorry to hear that... You must feel horrible."
"You have no idea," Hojo sighed.
The woman chuckled darkly.
"In fact I do. I know how it feels like. To love someone for many years. And then realise that he can't ever return that love to you. That someone else has got his heart..."
She was now staring into the distance.
"I'm sorry," Hojo said quietly. "I guess we're the same then."
"Yeah, I suppose so."
"I'm Hojo," he introduced himself.
"Yameko Kagura," the woman replied, with a tiny smile.
"Who is she, Myoga-jii-san?"
"She is Tadachi Shizuki. Dog demon as Sesshoumaru-sama. Her father was close friends with Sesshoumaru-sama's father. And when both Sesshoumaru-sama and Shizuki-sama were small, their fathers agreed on a mating deal."
"What? She's Sesshoumaru-sama's betrothed then?"
"Yes, that is correct."
"But... Is there any way out of it?"
"My, Rin-san, I thought that you wanted a mate for Sesshoumaru-sama."
"Yes, but this isn't what I had in my mind... What about Kagome-nee-chan?"
"I'm afraid he has to forget Kagome-sama."
"But... But –!"
"No buts, Rin-san, there are anything we can do about it."
"But that deal's ancient for heaven's sake, things have certainly changed a lot since then. What's the point in keeping it now?"
"To honour their fathers' memory, Rin-san."
"Screw the honour," Rin muttered heatedly.
"Rin!" the shocked old flea-demon scolded.
"Sesshoumaru-sama doesn't love Shizuki-san!"
"Now, Rin-san – "
"How could he take her as his mate when he doesn't love her!"
"Rin-san – "
"He shouldn't be doing this to Kagome-nee-chan – "
"Rin-san!"
The woman fell silent.
"I understand how you feel, Rin-san... But this is Sesshoumaru-sama's decision. We should not interfere."
"I know that, Myoga-jii-san, I know.." the little woman grumbled. "But he always makes the wrong decisions... That old git."
"Kayade-chan, what a surprise to see you here."
The blond-haired girl turned her head and smiled as she saw who it was.
"Oh, nice to see you again, Hitachi-san."
"Hey... You have some time right now? Care to come with me for a cup of coffee?"
"Uhhh.. Sure," Kayade flashed a smile. "I know a good coffeehouse here nearby."
Once they both had a cup of coffee on the table before them, Hitachi sighed.
"You know, there's actually something I wish to discuss with you."
"Oh there is? What is it then, Hitachi-san?"
"It's about Sesshoumaru."
"Hisakata-sama? What about him?"
"I've heard that he's working at the same restaurant with you and Kagome-chan, is that correct?"
"Yeahh.. We have him there. 'Takeo-chan'." Kayade rolled her eyes.
"So... How does he act near her?"
"Well.. He's very polite and considerate. When I didn't yet know that it was him I thought it was rather sweet. And then I caught them making out in the staff room."
Hitachi frowned.
"What is it, Hitachi-san? You don't like the idea of Kagome-chan and Hisakata-sama hooking up?"
"I like that idea, yes, but I highly doubt Sesshoumaru's motives in this."
"What do you mean?"
"It's not really like him to be courting someone – yet alone a human – like that."
"But if he's in love.."
"Kayade-chan, you're young. You don't know Sesshoumaru as well as I do. The day he falls in love... Hell must be frozen over."
"But then why - ?"
"I don't know, and that's why I'm kind of nervous. I fear that in the end Kagome-chan will be hurt. And she has already suffered so much."
"But you haven't seen the way they kiss, Hitachi-san! He can't be lying about that, can he!"
"I don't know, Kayade-chan, but I warn you: There is nothing Sesshoumaru can't do. And the worst thing is that he knows that. I want you to keep a close eye on them. Especially on him. And if it seems that she'd get hurt..."
"Yes?"
"Then give me a call," Hitachi said in a low tone. "And I'll make him regret that he ever decided to play with her."
They were having a dinner in a fancy restaurant. He really didn't want to be there though.
I'd rather be anywhere with that human wench than here, he thought gloomily.
'My my, did I just hear that right?'
'Hmph.'
'You agree with me then, finally?'
'I didn't say that.'
'Hmmh... Because you couldn't possibly take Kagome as your mate?'
'Yes.'
'Because she's not beautiful enough?'
'Yes.'
'And human?'
'Yes.'
'And rash?'
'Yes.'
'And weak?'
'Yes.'
'And she has temper?'
'Yes.'
'Interesting,' the inner demon then said.
'What is your point,' Sesshoumaru questioned.
'So your ideal mate would be a beautiful, calm, elegant and strong demon, is that right?'
'That is correct.'
'And here you are, sitting on a date with a beautiful, calm, elegant and strong demon, wishing that you could be with a rash, weak, temperamental and ugly human also known as Kagome...'
'I still don't see what you are hinting at.'
'I'm hinting at that Shizuki is all that you could wish for from a mate and yet you prefer my choice.'
'I didn't mean it like that.'
'Then how did you mean it?'
'...'
'That's what I thought.'
'Shut up already you nuisance,' Sesshoumaru snarled.
'Oh, getting grumpy now, are you? I suppose that means I hit the point.'
'Hmph, you wish...'
The inner demon chuckled.
'Wouldn't it be easier to just admit it already?'
'Admit what?'
'That the silly little plan of yours isn't working the way it should.'
'Hmph.'
'You know, pride comes down before the fall.'
'You're meaning?'
'It's rather low to try to make someone to fall for you just because you think so highly of yourself that you can't handle the fact that someone might not fall in love with you the second she sees you.'
'I do not think too highly of myself.'
The inner demon burst into laughter.
'Buddy, that was the best joke from you… like ever... You're truly out of it, huh?' he wiped away tears of laughter before he continued.
'But it's good that the plan's not working.'
'What do you mean it's not working,' Sesshoumaru retorted.
'Well, she's falling for you a bit by bit that's true... But it's not all.'
'What do you mean?'
'The plan backfired, my dear other self.'
'Hmmmh?'
'You're falling for her.'
'I'm NOT falling for her.'
'So it would seem to you,' the inner demon chuckled for the final time, before vanishing again.
"Sesshoumaru? You've been quiet for so long now. Are you all right?"
Sesshoumaru gazed at her and found that Shizuki's delicate eyebrow was raised and she was eyeing at him.
"I'm fine," he said, concentrating on the dinner.
It was the time of relaxation. He was sitting in his living room, a cup of tea in a nearby table, the fire-cat purring on his lap and the miko's diary in his hands. It had already become a sort of routine to him to be sitting on the sofa enjoying the peaceful atmosphere – Sesshoumaru was one to appreciate peace and quiet.
"He left again tonight. Kikyo's soul stealers appeared near our camp and Inuyasha vanished soon after... Oh, earlier today we crossed paths with Kouga-kun again. He was so sweet– even brought me flowers.. But he just doesn't get it. I like him, I won't deny that, but I don't like him the way he'd like. It's kinda flattering yet creepy to hear him going on and on about "Kagome, you're my woman.". I mean, he's nothing more than a friend to me...
Hmm, it was tiresome, they started to fight again. Inuyasha and Kouga-kun I mean... It's confusing. You know, most of the time I feel like Inuyasha tries his best to ignore me. But each time Kouga-kun appears he becomes, well, sorta possessive. Therefore I suppose there's still hope. That maybe... He could someday tell me that he loves me...
Ummh, I guess I'm daydreaming again. Sigh!
No, I don't want to think about that, because I might start crying again and I can't do that. I have to be strong. For the others... Nobody has heard of Naraku for some time now and we are all full of anxiety, anticipation and nervousness. I can feel it. So I can't let it show. I have to continue being my cheery self, for others' sake.. If I fall apart... what would they do?"
"Welcome! How can I serve you?"
"I'd like to have a cup of coffee, please."
"All right, right away!" The waitress flashed a pretty smile and walked over to get the order.
"Here you go," she said, placing the cup on the table before the customer.
"Thank you... Is everything all right, miss waitress?" the customer asked when she spotted the waitress' grimace.
"Yeah, I'm all right," she answered with a weak smile.
"Are you sure? You look like you'd be feeling a bit ill."
"I just don't quite bear the stench of coffee right now," the waitress explained and smiled yet again. "But you enjoy your cup of coffee!" she bowed and walked away.
"What was that about?" Sesshoumaru asked one eyebrow raised when Kagome returned to his side behind the counter.
"Dunno... Just don't make me to go anywhere near a coffee pot for awhile, will ya?"
"Hmmh?"
"I think it's because of the pregnancy. The smell of coffee twists my stomach... "
"All right, I'll take care of the coffee."
"Thank you, Hisakata-sama," the miko said flashing a smile. "That's so sweet of you."
"Hmphh. I merely don't want you to make a mess all over a customer; it wouldn't be a good publicity for the restaurant."
"Jerk," she hissed and turned away from him.
Sesshoumaru watched her back and pushed aside the tiny twinge of regret.
This Sesshoumaru does not regret his words to a lowly human wench, he firmly told himself.
And 'this Sesshoumaru' also ignored the snort, coming from his inner demon that followed his thought.
Kagome was in her bed, lying on her back and watching the white ceiling. She just couldn't get any sleep... The thick curtains didn't block all the lights coming from the city and a few shafts of light invaded her room. They gave her room an eerie glow as they climbed up her white walls.
She felt a sudden twinge of fear as her eyes followed the patterns that the dim shafts of light made. It felt as if someone – or something – would have been hiding in the murky, shadowy corners.
Her hands flew to rest on her belly as to protect the child she carried from whatever it was, lurking around in her room...
And then the feeling of relaxation mixed with calm and relief filled her as she realised it has all just been her imagination, no one was there save for herself and her cat...
Her hands still rested on her belly.
A half demon...
Her child would grow up without a father. It saddened her. Though, she doubted Sesshoumaru would make a very good father for the baby anyway, since he hadn't even once called the child his... It was always just "your pup" when Sesshoumaru spoke about the child. And hers it would be then! If the baby would not have a father, she'd have to be twice a mother for the little one then. She was scared of course, what kind of a life a fatherless hanyou-child would face. And it was a huge responsibility, Kagome wasn't quite sure if she would be able to handle it.
But it comforted her to know that she wasn't alone. Her mom, after overcoming the shock, had promised her full support. Kayade and Rin would surely be ready to help and stay by her side. She wouldn't be completely alone.
It wasn't Sesshoumaru's fault, she didn't blame him at all. It was her fault. She had given in. She had the responsibility now. And she wasn't going to flinch.
Her baby would need her.
Her baby...
All her thoughts swirling around those two little and yet so great words she finally fell asleep.
"Silly woman. Stop following me."
"I'm not following you," she replied innocently.
"Why are you trailing my footsteps then, wench?"
"Because I like to annoy you! Sheesh, you're such a stuck-up twit, you know that!" She prodded his back.
He stiffened immediately.
"Woman, this Sesshoumaru would like to point out your use of tongue. Watch it or I will have to remove the said organ."
She but giggled and prodded him again.
"My, you're so tense! That's it then!"
The woman determinedly took his hand in hers and led him into the little empty staff-room ahead.
"Now throw away that shirt of yours," she commanded after the door was closed.
"What?"
"Aw, come on! For once I'm doing voluntarily something nice to you!"
"Are you now," he questioned, one eyebrow raised and voice full of sarcasm.
"'Course I am. Now, take off your shirt."
Sesshoumaru glared at her but decided to comply. The mischievous glint in the woman's eyes had awoken his curiosity.
For awhile she just stared at his bare, well formed chest. Then, while blushing a little she shook her head violently and walked over to him.
"Sit."
Sesshoumaru frowned at her commanding tone but the inner demon merely chuckled, nudging its rational self telling that it was better just to do as she wished.
Once he was seated on the bench she flashed a smile and placed her hands on his shoulders. With her hands she gently urged him to turn until she was finally facing the demon lord's back. Then she began her work. Her hands knowingly ran over his tensed muscles, easily finding the sore jammed spots. With the circular motion of her fingers she undid the sore knots. Sesshoumaru closed his eyes and allowed himself to relax, listening to his inner demon's satisfied purring. He didn't know how long they were sitting in that room, he was all relaxed and enjoying the feel of her massaging hands dancing over the muscles of his back. When the hands stopped moving he wasn't able to hold back a disappointed whimper. The animalistic sound caused the woman to giggle. She bent forward, brining her mouth to the level of Sesshoumaru's ear.
"I told you it was something nice." her whispered words were full of glee and mischievousness.
To suddenly feel her soft warm breath so close to his ear, so close to his skin surprised him. But what really surprised the stoic demon-lord was what the miko did next.
Not really pausing to think what she exactly was doing, nor giving a thought for the consequences she brought her lips closer to him and placed a soft butterfly-kiss on the side of his neck. Really, the situation had just been too tempting. His eyes widened as several more kisses followed the first one, trailing their way up to his jaw-line. Sesshoumaru turned his head to the side to get a glimpse of the woman. The moment after he felt her sweet lips pressed again his. Her tongue playfully nudged his lower lip and Sesshoumaru got the hint, opening his mouth slightly. He could feel the smile on her lips as she slipped her tongue inside his mouth. Somewhere in distance, at the edge of his consciousness a red haze gathered up.
And then, as suddenly as it all had begun, Kagome broke the kiss. She straightened herself and flashed a smile for Sesshoumaru. He managed to spot the mysterious sparkle in her eyes before she turned and walked away.
"Mmmmhh!" Kayade exclaimed as she stretched, "that was a good movie!"
"So it was," Kagome answered smiling.
"Hey," Kayade suddenly said, looking at some people on the other side of the movie theatre's entrance hall. "Isn't that guy over there Hisakata-sama?"
"Huh? Where?" Kagome tiptoed so that she could see.
And then she spotted him from among the crowd. His long silver hair on a low ponytail as usual when he was in public, wearing a black coat that suited him very well, his face as blank as always. And then Kagome spotted something else. He wasn't alone.
"Kayade-chan... Who is that woman?"
A tall, elegant woman who had long platinum blond hair was standing very close to Sesshoumaru and was seemingly chatting with him.
"I don't know," the wolf princess answered, "I've never seen her before."
And then, as the two friends still continued to stare at the pair the woman turned onto Sesshoumaru and boldly kissed him on the lips.
Kagome stood there, dumbfounded, unable to turn her gaze, unable to move. She was so shocked that she didn't even realise when a firm nudge turned her over and a determined hand dragged her away. She closed her eyes but all she could see was that scene, the unknown beautiful woman kissing Sesshoumaru...
When she opened her eyes again, she was standing outside the movie theatre in the cool evening air.
"Are you okay?" she heard Kayade's quiet voice but didn't register her words. She was now furiously digging through her pocket, trying to find something.
Kayade took warily a step back. She saw Kagome's eyes, they were flaming. She felt Kagome's aura, it was wrapped up in passionate rage. The little woman in front of her was fuming!
Numbly she watched as Kagome pulled a small card out of her pocket and then took out her cell-phone, obviously dialling a number with rash, aggressive taps.
"Hello, this is Higurashi Kagome," she said to the phone.
Kayade's curiosity raised its head. To whom was she calling now?
"Yes, Yorukawa-san. I was wondering if your offer for the dinner is still available."