Well guess whose back? Me. Most importantly this fic. Happy December. It is now time for the holidays. So more updates for you.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Nothing. Nothing.
Chapter 34:The Coming Storm
The rest of the day had past without the presence of the inu-youkai. 'He must still be upset.' Kagome thought as she made her way down to the dinning hall, accompanied by Tsume and Mizuki. She had spent the afternoon outside with Shippo, Rin, Inuyasha, and Kikyou. When the sun started to set she went inside to check on Miroku. As she had hoped, Shio-san had tended to his wounds well, and there was no threat of infection to any of his major injuries. The healer inform the kitchen servants of the food to give him to help with his recovery.
Kagome reached the dinning room and was a bit sad when she didn't see the daiyoukai there. To say she was worried was an understatement. He had always joined them for dinner, even when he wasn't eating. "Did Lord Sesshomaru leave?" Kagome asked the demoness next to her quietly.
Tsume shook her head. "No. I believe he is still within his own room."
"Have he said anything to you?"
"I haven't spoken with him. Sorry."
"I see." Kagome sighed and walked quietly to the table, sitting in her usual seat. She briefly glanced over to where he would be and resisted another sigh. Although she greeted her friends with a smile, they could tell she wasn't happy.
"Kagome, are you okay? You seem down," Sango asked worriedly.
"Of course I am. Why would you ask?" She responded with another smile that clearly stated she didn't want to talk.
"Ah, no. It's nothing, sorry."
Kagome gave her another smile before returning to her food. Her friends gave each other worried and questioning glances. The rest of the evening went by in an uncomfortable silence. Everyone kept looking at Kagome who was barely eating. She just kept picking at the food. By the time the others had finished their meal, half of hers remained.
"I'm not feeling too well," she lied getting up from the table. "I'm going to bed." Kagome walked away with Tsume following with the pup.
Once she had left Shippo looked over to the group. "What did you guys do?"
"Why are you blaming us?" Inuyasha asked a bit irritated.
"Because okaa-san has been sad since this afternoon. After you guys came from Lord Sesshomaru's study."
"Where is my Lord Sesshomaru? Rin has not seen him all day." The little girl next to him said with a pout.
"How should I know? He left way before we did." Inuyasha responded.
"That means he made Lord Sesshomaru upset too," Shippo muttered to Rin.
"Oi."
"Okay, okay," Miroku interrupted. "I will admit some things were said and Sesshomaru indeed got upset but-"
"What was said?" Rin asked.
"Uh.. I don't think-"
"Rin wants to know what is wrong with her Lord Sesshomaru." The little girl gave them a serious look.
"Well Inuyasha do you want to tell her or should I?" Sango asked the frowning hanyou.
"Feh. It's not like I said anything wrong."
"What did you say?" Shippo inquired again.
"All I said was Kagome would be better off with people who care about her instead of him."
Rin and Shippo glanced at each other knowingly before staring back at the hanyou. "You idiot!"
"What now?"
"Inuyasha is a big dummy." Shippo uttered bitterly.
"How am I a dummy?"
Both children shared another look before getting up from their seats. "You wouldn't get it even if we explained it to you." Shippo said as they walked away. "But just so you know, you're wrong."
"About what?"
"Lord Sesshomaru does care about Kagome-nee-san." Rin added with a huff then left the room with the kitsune.
"It seems we are upsetting everyone." Miroku commented with a laugh.
"I don't see how that's funny Miroku." Sango said as she got up.
"I know." the monk replied still smiling. He got up and followed Sango out, along with Inuyasha and Kikyou. "I was laughing at something else."
"Like what?"
"Inuyasha."
The hanyou growled annoyed. "And what about me is so funny?"
"Not only do you have to apologize to Kagome but also to Sesshomaru."
"I am not apologizing to that prick." Inuyasha replied firmly. "I'll talk to Kagome later."
Kagome sighed as she once again tried rocking Mizuki to sleep. When she got back to her room the pup had started to cry and had not stopped since. Deep down she knew why the little inu was crying and she also knew what to do to solve it. "I have to find Sesshomaru," she groaned walking to her door and opening it. She looked out and spotted the person she wanted to see. "Hayate."
The tori was standing beside the door and turned toward the young girl. "Kagome. Do you need something?"
"Yes, actually," she walked out the room with the crying pup. "Could you please take me to Lord Sesshomaru?"
"Sure thing." Hayate answered with a smile. He led the two further down the hall until they got to two large wooden doors. "Wait here just a moment." Hayate knocked on the door before walking into the room. In a few minutes he walked back out and nodded to her. "You can go in."
"Thank you." Kagome stepped into the dimly lit room and closed the door behind her. "Lord Sesshomaru-"
"Come," the daiyoukai commanded. He was seated on his bed, staring at her with a thoughtful look.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know what to do and-"
"Miko, stop. Come here," He said again.
Kagome smiled softly and walked over to the inu, giving him Mizuki. She stood and watched as the baby inu's crying died down to little whimpers. She sighed in relief. "Thank you."
"Hn. Lay down."
Ah, there's no need-"
"Now."
"Un," Kagome got on the bed and laid down in the middle of it. The bed was slightly larger than her own and much softer. She glanced around the room, and noted that it had a similar layout to her own, except there were two large windows on the right side of the room. They were partly opened and the cloudy night sky could be seen from her spot. She looked over at the inu lord. He was still sitting with his back turned to her. She couldn't see much but she could hear him make small growling sounds. At first she thought he was angry but then she realize Mizuki was making similar sounds. 'Just like a puppy.' Kagome giggled then stopped herself.
Sesshomaru turned his head toward her for a minute before focusing back on the pup. "Nice to see you in good spirit."
"I guess the same could be said for you." Kagome replied sitting up. "I was worried you would be upset with me."
"My anger is not with you," he whispered.
"Then is it because of what Inuyasha said?"
"Hn. Why is it so important for you to know?"
"I don't know." Kagome said frowning. "It's-" She was going to speak again when her stomach growled.
Sesshomaru faced her and for a split second his expression showed confusion. "Did you not eat dinner?"
"I did! Well.. I ate some." Kagome responded blushing slightly.
"Some? Not all?"
When she nodded, the inu sighed. "Did I not tell you before that you need to eat properly?"
"Yes. But-" She pouted and crossed her arms. "Forget it."
"Stop neglecting your health."
"Yes sir."
The sarcasm in her voice did not escape his notice but he left it alone. He turned his attention back to the pup in his arms and began wrapping mokomoko around her. The inu set the pup gently on the bed beside him, and unraveled the pelt from his shoulder. He let the bundle fall around Mizuki and watched as the little inu began to drift to sleep. Once her breathing was soft and even, Sesshomaru returned to facing Kagome. She was still sitting but her gaze was cast downward.
"Miko," Sesshomaru called out to her. "What are you thinking about now?"
"Huh? Nothing," Kagome responded smiling at him. Truth was she had zoned out while watching him tend to Mizuki. She couldn't help herself from staring at the youkai's movement. More so on how he moved with just one arm. She didn't mean to stare, but she just kept thinking about how much he had to adapt to using only one arm. Granted, it wouldn't have to be that way if... Kagome sighed. 'Why did I have to think about that now?'
She heard her name being called when she was suddenly pushed down.
"Do not pity me." Sesshomaru half growled at her. He leaned over her with her left wrist pinned over her head.
"I wasn't-" Kagome averted his gaze and tried to pry her hand free. His grip held firm but it wasn't enough to hurt her. "I wasn't pitying you."
"You were staring at me like you were full of regret and guilt." He let go of her wrist only to grasp her chin and force her to look at him. "You were not the one who took my arm."
"But still-"
"It happened in the past and that's where it'll remain. I am still the same youkai as I was back then. Nothing has changed."
"That's not entirely true," Kagome replied placing her hand over his. "Whether you've realized it or not, you have changed."
For a moment, they stared at each other silently. Each with their own thoughts swirling in their heads. The seconds felt like minutes that would go on forever when a flash of light lit up the room.
"Was that lightning?" Kagome asked, jumping slightly when she heard the thunder that follow.
The daiyoukai released his hold and removed himself from over her before replying. "It would seem the storm has arrived earlier than expected."
"Were you able to make the appropriate arrangements in time?"
"Everything was settled during the afternoon."
"Well, that's a relief." Kagome sighed as she sat up, and rubbed her chin and wrist absentmindedly.
Sesshomaru felt a twinge of guilt. He had not meant to hurt her, but at the same time he needed her to know that he wasn't going to tolerate any form of sympathy from anyone. Especially from her. He resisted a sigh and got up from the bed to close his windows shut. He had to keep his thoughts and emotions in check when dealing with her.
Kagome glanced at him for a split second before reaching out for her pup. Mizuki was still sleeping, although she could see the twitches in the inu pup's brow every time the thunder clapped. She gathered pup and pelt in her arms before laying down. "Good night Lord Sesshomaru." She whispered quietly. It wouldn't be until she was half asleep that she would get his reply.
"Sleep well, Kagome."
Happy Holidays everyone. I have a special treat for ya. I'm planning on uploading a chapter a day from now until January 2. We'll see how well that goes for us. :) please review and have a great week.