I arrive at Kagome's residence promptly at five-thirty, as agreed. I straighten my tie one last time before knocking twice on her door. She yells for me to enter and, with a concerned expression, I find the door unlocked. I enter with lowered brows, fully prepared to chastise her on such reckless disregard for her safety, but find myself stopping short as she exits her bedroom to stand in front of me.
"Well?" She asks, clearly waiting for either approval or recommendations. I lower my gaze quickly to her pointed burgundy heels, drawing my gaze up to her perfectly fitted leather pencil skirt, tastefully grazing just below her knees. A v-necked burgundy sweater is tucked in, dipping to the middle of her sternum, accentuated by a dainty gold chain from which a single garnet hangs. Her hair has been pulled into a bun with a few loose tendrils of her natural waves escaping to frame her face. It is somehow both modest and alluring, demure yet bold, and I find myself torn between wanting to show her off to my mother, who has no doubt leaked word of Kagome's attendance this evening, and staying in with her for the evening. "That bad?" She cringes, biting her berry-stained lip, her eyes seeming even wider with the subtle liner and mascara surrounding them.
"On the contrary," I close the distance between us, take her hand, and place a gentle kiss on her knuckles. Her cheeks immediately take on a pink tinge. "You look perfect." My voice is huskier than I had intended and I quickly clear my throat. "You may wish to bring a jacket, however, it would appear fall is coming a bit sooner this year." She nods her head before scurrying back into her room, clearly flustered. I only just catch the smirk threatening to take hold, teasing the girl. If that is how she reacts to a simple kiss on the hand, the rest of the evening should be interesting, I cannot help but think. She returns shortly after, trying to find the arms of a grey peacoat. I step forward, taking it from her. "Allow me," I insist. After a brief pause, she nods her head and turns around as I help her into it.
"Thanks." I nod my head, gesturing towards the door. She takes a deep breath, grabs her clutch from the kitchen counter, and leads the way out. Once she locks her door, I hold out my arm. She looks at me in confusion.
"We are technically dating each other this evening," I remind her, draping her arm through mine as I lead her to the car. "You will adjust." She blushes again as I hold the car door open for her and help her in before going around to my side. I tap the window twice, telling the driver we are settled, and he pulls out in the direction of the restaurant. "If I do anything that you are not comfortable with, however, please do not hesitate to inform me." She nods her head, taking a deep breath. "Are you alright?" She quickly looks at me, a smile already in place.
"Of course, yeah, totally fine! I just wasn't expecting…" she trails off, searching for the correct words.
"Me to be such a gentleman?" I suggest, more than amused at her reaction. She quickly looks at me with wide eyes, shaking her head. In the motion, the light catches two, small, sparkly earrings.
"No! That's not what I meant! I-I know you're a gentleman, you're a great guy! I just, I mean, I don't remember you ever dating anyone when we went to school together, and InuYasha never talked about you seeing anyone, so I don't really know what to expect, whereas you had a front-row seat to the embarrassing horror show that was my only experience with a love life of any sort -" I chuckle at her embarrassment, effectively cutting her off. "It's not funny!" She yells, pouting slightly out the window. I smile at her, tilting her head back to face me.
"There is no need to be concerned," I promise her. "The reason you do not recall any such instances is simply because I have not seriously dated anyone." Her eyes widen as surprise sharpens her scent.
"Really?" I shake my head. "Why not? I mean, you don't seem like the type that would have a hard time finding someone to go out with you."
"You are correct in that regard, however, I have yet to find someone I deem worthy enough. Until recently, that is," I answer, truthfully. Her eyes widen further, her cheeks staining a deeper shade of red. "Would you feel better if we were to lay out some ground rules before our arrival? So you know what to expect," I suggest, only partially teasing her. Hesitantly, she nods her head.
"if you wouldn't mind."
"Not at all, I would not have suggested it if I did. Would you be comfortable if I were to place my hand on your back, whether in conversation or while walking?" Biting her lip, and avoiding all eye contact, she nods her head. "Are you sure?" Another nod. "You are used to me holding doors for you by now, correct?" A small chuckle escapes her before she nods her head again. I feel a smile tug at my lips at the small sound. "That will make things easier. Is there anything you wish to add?" She purses her lips in thought for a moment, playing with a small ring on her right hand. Slowly, she reaches out her hand to take mine.
"Is this okay?" She asks, keeping her gaze forward. I can smell her nervous energy, almost fear but not quite, and squeeze her hand gently.
"Of course." After a moment, I add, "I would like to thank you, again, for doing this for me. If at any point it becomes too much for you, I would like you to either tap your leg or squeeze my hand twice. It will be a silent signal you would like to be removed, either from the situation or the event entirely." Her head whips around to face me again, shock once again taking hold of her features.
"You would do that?" She asks incredulously.
"Of course," I reply without hesitation. "Your comfort is my first priority." Her cheeks flush at my words, but she nods her head.
"I'll do my best," she promises, quietly. I smile again, squeezing her hand.
"You will be wonderful."
"Taisho-sama," my driver calls, "we have arrived." Her face blanches momentarily before she takes another deep breath, holds it, and slowly releases. Once the colour returns to her face, she nods her head at me. My driver opens my door and I quickly walk around the back, opening her's and helping her out.
"Stay in the area in case your services are required sooner," I order him. As Kagome finishes adjusting her skirt, I guide her through the door, hand resting on her lower back as agreed. "Remember," I lean down to whisper in her ear. "Two taps and we leave." She nods her head subtly as a short, round man with thick black hair approaches us. I only just manage to suppress a grimace as he throws out his arms, a smile far too large for his face taking over his expression.
"Taisho, you made it!" He yells, drawing the attention of several other patrons. "And you've brought a date!" His tone betrays his astonishment as he, not so subtly, sniffs the air around us to confirm that Kagome is, indeed, a human. He takes her hand in his, shaking far too enthusiastically, as Kagome just smiles up at him. "Zhang Wei, CEO of Zhang textiles, you must be Higurashi-san, it's a pleasure to meet you!" A low growl escapes my throat as he continues to shake her hand. He glances at me, face white, before quickly releasing her.
"The pleasure is mine," Kagome greets him smoothly, "your materials are some of the best I've seen. I didn't know you two worked together?" She glances up at me, her smile gracious and benevolent, without a hint of insincerity.
"Well, we don't just yet," Zhang informs her, "everything is still up for debate, though it would be a great honour to work with Taisho-sama." The Angora demon is quick to praise. "Why don't we join the others?" He suggests, "my wife is dying to meet you!" Kagome looks up at me, waiting for my nod, as I follow just behind her.
"Your Japanese is wonderful," she comments to the animated man. "Is it something you've studied for long?" He laughs, about to drape his arm around her before thinking better of it. Smart rabbit.
"Far longer than you've been alive, my dear!" She giggles, clearly just remembering she is among demons, and listens to him drone on as we make our way down the hall. At the door, Zhang opens it, waiting for me to walk through first, but I gesture for Kagome to go ahead. She blushes a bit, but walks through, quickly searching for my hand upon entry. Inside waiting are seven demons, all holding dominant positions in their companies, one of which is my mother. She smells our entry before any of the others and quickly turns to look in our direction. The once over she gives Kagome is less than subtle, the smile on her face positively predatory as she makes her way over to us.
"Sesshomaru, dear, you made it," she purrs upon arriving, insisting on pressing her cheek to mine and kissing the air. I only just catch the eye roll that threatened to make itself known. Pulling away, she stares at Kagome, who in turn stands a little straighter. "And this must be the little miko, Higurashi is it?" Kagome extends her hand, a pleasant expression on her face. I notice her eyes seem a little more guarded than I am used to and wonder if she is reading my energy to determine how to handle my mother.
"Just Kagome, please. It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am, I've heard so much about you. From both of the Taisho boys." My mother stiffens slightly at the insinuation she would have a relationship with the hanyou, but knowing better than to comment and risk drawing attention to the vague relation, Clever move, miko, I praise internally.
"Good things, I hope." She glances between the two of us, suddenly wary of Kagome's presence. I cannot help but smirk.
"Oh, of course," Kagome is quick to assure her. "As if they would have anything to say on the contrary." Her smile and tone are both light, friendly, completely at odds with the near threat she poses. I am immediately impressed, Perhaps she is better suited to this world than one would think. "Everything looks exquisite, Taisho-sama," she compliments, glancing around the room. "Sesshomaru tells you organised everything?" My mother raises her chin, much more intrigued in the woman standing before her.
"Yes, he never did care much for embellishments, and please, call me Kimi. I understand there is a good chance we may be family eventually." I narrow my eyes at her in silent warning as Kagome blushes beside me. Before I can say anything to her, however, Kagome laces her arm through mine, pulling me a bit closer.
"I know it's still a bit soon to be discussing it seriously, but it's nice to know I'm not the only one who's thought of it." She glances up at me from under her lashes, cheeks still stained pink, an almost embarrassed smile on her lips. The perfect picture of a young woman in love. I find my own expression softening and a smile tugging at the corner of my own lips.
"Excuse me," Zhang clears his throat, standing awkwardly to the side. "If I may steal Miss Higurashi for just a moment?" Both he and Kagome glance up at me, waiting for permission. I meet her gaze and, at her nearly imperceptible nod, I nod my own head, allowing my hand to graze her forearm down to her fingers as she departs, leaving my mother standing before me, speechless.
"Well?" I ask, waiting. She quickly schools her features, a new curiosity shining in her eyes.
"She's not at all what I expected, Sesshomaru."
"Hn." We both watch as she is introduced to Zhang's wife, as well as a few of the others in the group. Before long, they are all laughing and talking as though she was one of them.
"I can understand the interest now," she admits, seemingly impressed at how easily Kagome has managed to hold her own. "She is certainly not one to be easily intimidated." I smirk again at the mention of Kagome's reference to InuYasha. "Did you tell her he is a taboo subject among the others?" I shake my head. "Then perhaps she is just ignorant." I look down at the demoness, more than a little amused.
"We are both aware that is not true. The hanyou has attended his share of corporate events," I remind her, "he would have been quick to inform her of any improper actions he would be concerned she may take, most likely unintentionally. She knows what she is doing." I do not bother trying to mask the pride in my voice at her intelligence. "It is her way of ensuring that you play nice." My mother tsks, quietly, watching as one of the other wives attempt to get Kagome's attention.
"Clever girl," she concedes. "Be a good boy and get her a drink." I shake my head but do so anyway, eager to put some distance between us. I grab two glasses of champagne in one hand and make my way over to the dancer in the middle of the crowd, who is listening to a snake demon, the head of an international newspaper, go on about a trip to the middle east he and his wife had taken recently. I reach out with my youki, grazing her reiki to alert her of my approaching before gently placing a hand on the small of her back. She smiles up at me as she takes the champagne glass from me, leaning ever so slightly into my side. The other demons in attendance tense, understandably shocked as I have never been one for unnecessary physical contact, but, when I do not publicly berate her, they slowly relax. Her reiki seeks mine, even as she listens to the demon's story, silently asking if she had passed her first test. I envelope her in my youki, gently rubbing her arms in a soothing affirmative. Her shoulders relax at the confirmation.
After several minutes of conversation, everyone becoming acquainted with each other, or rather Kagome, one of the waiters enters the room, signalling it is time to begin dinner. I lead Kagome to one end of the table, pulling out the chair to the right of the head for her. She blushes slightly and sits. Several demons and demonesses exchange curious glances, just as unused to my behaviour as Kagome, and hiding it much worse. And they call themselves demons, I internally roll my eyes at their juvenile behaviour. Under the table, I feel Kagome's hand squeeze mine gently, her reiki stretching to soothe my own youki. I realise she must have sensed my irritation, even as the others present had remained clueless. I glance at her, catching her gaze, and she sends a smile my direction. I squeeze her hand back, assuring her that all is well, and place my napkin in my lap. Now just how did she do that, I cannot help but wonder, even as my inner beast grumbles at her reiki's retreat.