Dinner passes without any glitches, save the occasional outburst from Jaken still incredulous over the fact that he was dining with a human. Rin continued to question Kagome throughout the course of the meal; I attempted to intervene at one point, stating that that was enough, but Kagome assured me that she was fine and answered all of the eight-year old's inquiries. When everyone was done eating, I sent Jaken to help Rin get ready for bed and began gathering the dishes. Kagome stood then, grabbing her own as well as Jaken's. I look at her and am about to object when she shrugs, smiling brightly.
"I don't mind, please. It's the least I can do." I suppress a sigh and lead her into the kitchen, gesturing for her to place her dishes in the sink. As I begin to wash what we brought in, she walks around and gathers the things I'd used to make the food. "Dinner was great, Sesshomaru, thank you so much." I nod my head, ignoring the smile that's threatening to escape.
"Hn." Kagome scoffs behind me before leaning on the counter next to me and rolls her eyes.
"Don't you, Hn me about this. I mean it. You didn't have to do any of this but you did and you did an amazing job, I really appreciate it. Thank you." I glance over at her, noting her small smile, and reply with one of my own.
"You are welcome. It was my pleasure." She smiles at me, bigger than before, displaying her pearly white teeth.
"You know, we weren't really close in school, which makes sense what with you being older and all that, but I really did enjoy myself tonight. And, without sounding too... forward, I guess, I hope we can do it again sometime. Maybe even regularly." I nod my head, returning to the dishes, and almost miss her quiet, "It's nice having someone to do things with." I pause in my washing and sneak a glance at the strange girl. Her eyes are downcast, not focusing on anything, most likely lost in a memory or thought. Her lips are pulled downward as she bites her lips, sadness shining through her posture. I put the plate back in the sink and dry my hands.
"Jaken." Within moments, the small imp of a man is standing in the doorway. "Finish these, I will be escorting Ms. Higurashi home. Ensure that Rin is in bed at a decent time, she is permitted one hour of television, am I understood?" He bows repeatedly, nodding his head.
"Yes sir, Lord Sesshomaru! I will not fail you, sir! I can assure you, all will be as you have instructed!" Rolling my eyes, I guide Kagome out of the room while he is still talking and walk her to the door.
"Aw, crap." Looking outside, it is pouring down rain. "Of course I didn't bring a jacket." I step back inside and walk to the hall closet, scanning the hanging items for anything that wouldn't completely swallow the petite girl. Picking one for her and another for myself, I return to her side in the doorway. "Oh, Sesshomaru, I'll be fine, really." I hold the coat in front of me, arching an eyebrow at her. Getting the hint, she sighs. "Fine, I'll put it on," I smirk and help her into the large garment, chuckling slightly at how long it is on her. She looks down, laughing to herself. "This reminds me of when I used to play dress up in my parent's clothes when I was younger. They would get so frustrated at all the wrinkles." A small smile tugs at my lips as I place my hand on the small of her back, guiding her to the car. Once inside, I instruct the driver to return us to her home. I cannot help but feel upset at the idea of her leaving. It would appear that this Sesshomaru is rather attracted to the girl, perhaps even cares for her.
"You will dine with us again soon." Kagome looks at me, amusement dancing behind her eyes, a smirk gracing her lips.
"Are you asking me or telling me?" She asks. Her tone is light but I catch the hint; there is indeed a correct answer. Thinking a moment, I watch her eyebrow go up, waiting.
"Asking." She smiles, I guessed correctly. "It would be our pleasure to have you over again."
"That's what I thought." She replies with a wink. I look forward, forcing away the smile threatening to take hold. "I'd love to, just give me a call." I nod my answer. The driver stops in front of Kagome's apartment and I mentally curse myself for not having asked him to take the longer route. "Well, this is me." She moves to get out on her own before I place a hand over hers. She looks at me in shock.
"I will escort you to your door. Please wait." Her shock grows before settling into a smile as she nods. I get out and open the door for her, helping her get out.
"Bye, thank you so much!" She calls to the driver, he smiles and waves at her in reply. Once at her door, she turns around to face me. "Thank you, again, for everything, I had a great time." I nod once, hands behind my back to keep them from reaching out to her. Before I can register what she's doing, her arms are around my neck pulling me into a hug. After a moment of delay, I wrap my arms around her waist, breathing in her sweet scent. She pulls away all too soon. "Drive safe and, um, have a great night," She opens the door to her apartment and turns around. "Sesshy." She quickly shuts the door and I hear her giggling through the wood. I roll my eyes, smirking to myself, as I walk back to the car.
"Good night, Kagome."