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The fandom for the couples are intense! Oh my gaaawwwdddddd!
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angeleyes20876 – Yes you got a little Sess/Kag in that last chapter. And you picked up on a good note. In this story I did keep the instinct and person as separate entities but that's so it fits my plot and how I wanted to write this story without giving too much away until I was ready for it. So it's just preference in this fanfic but if you've read for example "A Perfect Storm" there I write Sesshomaru as more animalistic and one being.
I hope Kaguya isn't pregnant too! But wouldn't it be even messier if she was! I love all the spilt "T"! And who's to say her plan isn't in motion…I love your annotations!
Nyght elf – You are one lucky parent! And of course! I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the last one.
Capt. Blue-eyed Jane – Lol glad I could open your mind and give a new perspective to the pairings. That's all I can ask for…that people read this with an open mind.
Zaacna – Thank you soooo much! I'm so glad you love my little moments that give between the pairings. And…umm…its ok love. You have those dark thoughts but remember…keep your crazy on the low. But its ok since it's just us "gurls!". No tea, no shade. *In my Rupaul voice.
Sesshomaru had a friendship with her father and he shoulders the death of his friend as well as Rin's trauma on his back. He just so happen to be around more when she was born so he has that connection with her.
And you WELCOME! This is my "Bold and the Beautiful" soaps. Lol Thank you for reviewing!
Cinder 21 – So you are a Inu/Kag fan. And thank you! I noticed how people were pretty divided on the issue in the fandom so I was like…let's…mess around with some folks. Muahahaha! But anyway thank you love!
Tai – Right! You learned somethings and now you have more questions. Thanks for the update darrrlliinnnggg! *in my Mariah Carey voice*
Clever Dragon – lol…savor it love. Like the food…don't inhale it down…take your time…savor these flavors I'm serving. And if I told you everything now…where would the fun in that be?
wolfgirl09 – Thank you so much my love! I don't get flames at all really. The only time I get flames…its mainly because I won't tell what pairing this story is…like why would I give away my plot? Like read…and enjoy…and find out. But for the most part I've been blessed with a lovely community of reviewers. I hope you had a lovely holiday and best wishes for the new year!
Raven's Serenity – I keep my own self guessing. You have no idea how many times I check my notes to make sure Im not missing anything and that I carefully don't spill "T". xoxoxo
Crimson Rose Moon – Me too! I don't know what's going on in her belly right now but I will be devastated too! And OO. I'm always looking for volunteer Betas! PM me if you're serious about it and I'll message you. xoxoxoxo
MissNikki537 – Thank you so much for the love and the compliment! *Tosses rainbows, flowers, hearts, presents, and diamonds your way* No lie every time I finish a chapter, I feel content but at the same time frustrated with myself because I want to just skip right to certain parts…like it kills me to wait too! And as to your doctor comment…*Insert Kanye Shrug*
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Youkai55 – Sesshomaru does make a pretty good dad and he can do so much better but the mind wants one thing and the body wants another…..
kagomeLove2 – Well enjoy this next chapter! You're about to get what you wanted. Lol
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Chapter 32: The Help
An array of colorful acrylics covered Kikyo's front as she laid a few swatches on her abused and worn palette held in her left hand. Lots of the afternoon light filtered in through her large three black lined windows that stretched from floor to ceiling and lined the entire length of her loft. The enormous amount of natural lighting sold her on the loft as well as the price tag. She sat up on a black stool with her body pulled forward towards her canvas laying the base work for her most recent work. Her eyes were fixed forward but her mind had wondered leaving her hands to play on the playground unchaperoned. Her now rouge lips was bruising and had swollen some from her teeth chewing upon them during an incessant torturous bout of thoughts warring inside of her mind.
She had gone to the store and collected a few things before returning to her loft. She had taken aspirin for her growing headache and rescheduled lunch with Inuyasha for a later time. Soon as everything was put away, she crashed on her sofa and slept hard until her cellphone woke her up. Shiori sent her a message that she tried to decipher through her foggy brain. After a few minutes of lying down she took a shower and changed into one of her worn clothes that had seen better days. Feeling refreshed, she made her way into her studio and just began sifting through her thoughts and putting paint to canvas.
To sign or not to sign?
To tell or not to tell?
Her hand moved unsure of the outcome of the piece. It started off as her imaginative perception of Paris yet it had slowly turned into a darker rendition of the City of Lights. Corrupt even. The scene on the canvas used many dark colors to portray the night sky and the swell of dark reds and burgundies in the sky that reflected darker upon the painted Seine River that ran into stark white canvas. Kikyo leaned back looking at the empty space with her thoughts and emotions in her throat. The bitter taste of her of addiction had come and gone with each second feeling like eons. She exhaled deeply resting her wrists against her jean clad thighs, growing apprehensive about the desire for tangible reprieve growing inside of her.
Ding Dong.
Kikyo jumped at the sound, cursing herself for her lack of awareness. She got off the stool and placed her brush and palette on a nearby work table with her paints before brushing her hands on the front of her splattered jean jumpsuit. She walked barefoot across the wooden floors stretching her senses before unlocking and opening the wooden door wide for her guest. Kikyo leaned against the door and smiled genuinely happy to see her friend holding two large brown bags of something delicious wafting into her apartment and something else in the other. Shades covered his face and his red leather jacket was zipped all the way up to his neck. The temperature had dropped outside.
"Took you long enough." She said moving out of the way and allowing the grumbling demon inside. She lifted her eyebrow listening humorously as he began to rant about his journey over to her loft. He brushed by and set the items on the small breakfast nook she had in the corner. Kikyo closed the door and went into her small kitchen to wash her hands thoroughly. "I thought you got kidnapped." She joked taking down plates and silverware from her cabinets.
Inuyasha ripped off his shades and placed them down on the table. "I got fined." He grumbled and dug into his pocket pulling out the offensive pink ticket with the city department's name written on the top of it. He scrutinized with glaring golden eyes before tossing it onto the table offensively. "All because Miroku was taking all goddamn day!" He yelled angrily hearing his voice echo off the brick and plaster walls of her place.
"I thought you didn't get tickets Prince Speedy." She snickered setting the plates down and looking in the bags curiously.
"Feh." Inuyasha spat taking off his red leather jacket and tossing it on the seat. "I didn't even get it while driving! I was parked!" He mumbled still salty about the ticket which he could certainly afford but it was the principal of the matter. Inuyasha scoffed at how ridiculous it was deciding not to focus on it anymore. He finger combed his long silver hair back to detangle it while he took in the large one room loft. Beneath his feet were warm wood tones that went throughout her space. Large windows were built inside of the rustic brick walls letting inside the evening sunlight. To the left were white plaster walls where a small kitchen lined one wall. It was made of the same warm toned wood cabinets that matched the floors. Glass doors covered everything showing the contents inside. Stainless steel appliances were installed with a few still showing their tags and instructions. Marble white countertops covered the surface providing a spot of a small glass blender, French press, and baskets of vegetables and fruit.
In the center were two square sofas facing each other with a small wooden coffee table between them. At the end of the hall was an open room that looked filled with a cosmic chaos of paint. Two large wooden beams lined were standing tall serving as a divider between the left side and the right side of the loft. A wooden staircase lined with black rails led upstairs where he could see the high ceilings boasting warm wood high beams. Everything was well placed her designed matching her personality he sufficed.
"Who's Miroku?" She asked pulling out really nice silver containers of food. She looked at the label and gasped audibly catching his attention. Kikyo looked at him with raised eyebrows. "How did you get takeout from my sister's joint?"
Inuyasha's furry appendages flickered haughtily as he smirked at her. "He's a friend that works there. Miroku is her sous chef and he's running the place while Kagome is taking some time off. He squeezed my order in and snuck it out for me." He explained very pleased at his newly acquired privilege he obtained. He looked her over at how uncharacteristically messy she looked. Her long hair was pulled on top of her head in a knot and her thin body wore an orange tank top with a paint splatter covered jean jumpsuit on with one buckle left undone on the left shoulder allowing it to fall in the front slightly.
"While the cat is away…" Kikyo responded opening the containers and moving things out of the bags.
"It's nice." He said motioning to her space with a clawed finger before taking a seat along with her to eat. "I expected better though." He jested as she waved him off.
"Actually my loft was smaller on the lower floor. I just moved up here and bought this one when I heard the tenant was leaving." She said. "I liked all the natural lighting but I was perfectly fine in my one room apartment." Kikyo looked at the good portioned sizes of savory boeuf bourguignon in brandy sauce with Mediterranean salad and warm bread. It smelled utterly divine to her senses. Excitement filled Kikyo's chest before she anxiety filled her from the possible consequences of her eating another heavy meal after her bout. She excused herself and went to the kitchen where she took out a glass vile of pre-made organic medicine to aid her digestive system.
"You sure you're ok?" Inuyasha asked watching her cautiously as he prepared their plates. He didn't see the medicine the doctor's gave her anywhere and then he remembered her rant about the sketchy hospital meds. He took deep inhales scenting her scent pleasantly surprised she was no longer hiding herself from the world. The sterile scents of the hospital was long gone but, the faint lingering scent of illness and death still lingered around her reminding him of her situation. He stood up quickly to go help her hoping she wasn't still in pain.
"I'm better." Kikyo grabbed one glass and filled it with water from the glass pitcher in her fridge. She turned around to see Inuyasha nosily looking at the vile of grinded herbs she had made with the help of Kagome's trusted Jinenji. She watched him pick it up and shift it to side to side watching the ingredients move as if he could determine what was used. He popped the wooden cork to sniff it before she snatched it from his hands and shook her head at him. "Stop that before you spill it!"
"What is it?" He asked still looking at her confused as she sprinkled the whole thing into her glass of water. She then walked to the fridge and pulled out a jar that looked orange in color. She came over and poured a little bit into her glass before mixing it with a spoon. "Ginger root, turmeric. cumin, chia seed, chamomile, lemon, and lots of honey to coat my stomach." She explained before downing her glass right before him in one go.
Inuyasha grimaced as he watched her swallow the drink down like she was about to win millions on Fear Factor. He could smell it and it didn't come off appealing at all. His nose wrinkled a bit and the taste was settling on his tongue. When she finished, he shivered hearing her swallow it all down. He took her glass and washed it out for her feeling bad that she had to put herself through this torture. "Can we eat now or do you need a minute?"
Kikyo laughed wiping her lips with the back of her hand. "It's not that bad!" She grabbed another glass and napkins from the cabinet at settled it down on the counter. Inuyasha took the two glasses and Kikyo grabbed the water pitcher.
"Sure…" He countered walking back to the table followed by Kikyo. They sat down and began digging into their meal with haste. Their forks hitting the plates were heard soon by conversation that mainly centered around Inuyasha's irresponsible driving skills.
"I'm telling you it was damn Miroku's fault! How was I supposed to know I was parked in a red zone! Besides, I would have been long gone if it wasn't for Miroku flirting with the pastry lady every time he turned to get something!" Inuyasha huffed angrily looking over the bags to glower at the pink ticket again.
"Why were you even back there in the kitchen?" Kikyo asked pointing her fork at him. "Kagome would have killed you."
"Well she's not there and no one stopped me." He replied with attitude.
"You're so lucky…" Kikyo said before taking the last forkful of the marinated beef. Her lips pulled it off the fork and a hum released from her throat at the warm fulfilling taste. The moist chunks of beef just fell apart on her tongue and seemed to glide down her throat easily. "I so missed food."
Inuyasha stopped to look at her for a minute taking in her appearance. Kikyo looked over seeing him stare before she put two and two together. "Oh no…not like that! I didn't have an eating disorder, well not intentionally." She stumbled through trying to clear it up. "I'm just saying I missed eating like this." She said pointing to her empty plate. "Kagome's the foodie of the family."
Inuyasha flicked his nose with his thumb. "You don't cook too like your sister?" He asked finishing up the vegetables on his plate.
"Does that kitchen look like it belongs to someone that cooks?" She responded pointing to the near empty shelves and the single set of un-used pots and pans. "Anyways…after this I'll be preparing for my system's detox." She wiped her mouth with a napkin before folding it to her side. "So I'm getting in my fun now before that comes." She took a sip of her water and placed the glass down feeling really full.
Inuyasha smirked reaching for his glass of water. "In that case, afterwards let's get a beer." He suggested watching her face take on an olive hue.
Kikyo waved her hand in the air as if to fan his words away. "God no!" Kikyo wanted to gag at the mention of the word beer. "I'll pass on the beer." She said before moving to stand and grab their dishes. "But I'll settle for dessert any day!" She tossed back over her shoulder.
"What? You don't like beer?" He asked tilting his head to the side and cleaning up the containers and the bags. He looked up at the ceiling as the artificial lights began to turn on brightening up the space as evening fell upon them. He looked out of the windows to see the sky had gotten considerably darker.
Kikyo placed the dishes in her sink and ran the water over them to prep them for washing. "No…beer just doesn't like me as of lately." She responded tartly wanting to push the previous night and godawful morning to the far reaches of her mind.
Inuyasha came over looking for her trash can. Kikyo pointed to the glass cabinet towards the end. He pulled it out and saw three separate small cans that were different colors. He recognized them from when Japan which were used to separate recyclables. He laughed to himself but separated the trash correctly. He handed her the plastic for her to rinse out before it was recycled in the appropriate plastic bag.
Kikyo looked down at him and shrugged. "Old habits die hard. Besides, it's good for the earth." She turned off the water and dried her hands on her jean pants leg. "Thanks for the food…again."
Inuyasha pushed the cabinet closed and went to rinse his hands under the running water. "Feh." He said shaking his hands and flinging drops of water about everywhere on purpose as Kikyo shut off the faucet to hit him.
"You have problems." She scoffed pushing by him and walking towards the end of the hall where her easel and paints where.
"You're one to talk." He countered following behind her with curiosity. He walked into the room that looked like it was still undergoing construction. Grey tarp was on the floor collecting paint drops and marks. The walls were bare showing the contrast between the white paint and the brick foundation. A large window like the others brought in the night as the lights above shined brightly into the room. A large wooden table held a collection of paints and materials from bottles, brushes, wooden models, newspaper, etc. There was a shelf in the corner with other things he couldn't name. Everything looked well used and needed. A pile of empty water bottles were in one corner. A worn grey couch was in the corner with a pillow and a blanket obviously proof of where she spent most of her time. Canvases were stacked in the corners and against the walls. Some had protective cloth or a plastic over them. He walked over to look at them with curiosity and amazement. He wasn't exactly into art or knew what he was looking at but he liked the style she used. "So this is what you do." He tucked his hands in his pockets and looked at her artwork.
Kikyo tilted her head to the side looking at her work to get back into her focus. "I do many things, Inuyasha. But this is what I love most." She responded moving to her smaller work table to prep her brushes again for another round on the canvas.
"Do you ever sleep?" He asked moving to her side to watch what she was doing.
"When time permits." She responded lifting her brush up, ready to dip it into her paints.
Inuyasha shook his head. "You know…you need to also rest that hard head of yours." He said using his finger to poke her in the head and push her slightly. Never would he have thought he would be saying that to someone else. Normally, he was the one receiving this talk from his parents because of his active lifestyle.
Kikyo tilted from his push and stilled her brush in its stroke. "I know." She whispered righting herself and shaking off his daring finger. They both knew the odds of that happening were slim but it still needed to be said. "I only have to work like this until Christmas. Maybe sooner than that depending on how your brother responds to this whole mess." She said with morbid humor. She moved forward and began once again stroking her brush against the canvas lightly with accurate and soft motions creating the desired effect of technique and texture.
"Kikyo." Inuyasha muttered moving to sit on her vacant couch that smelt like her perfume. He ran his hand over his face in exasperation. There was just somethings in his life that he did not want to know. His brother's current situation with his fiancé was one of them. The proverbial cat was out of the bag. Inuyasha knew this whole thing was a ruse from the start.
His brother started this with duty and tradition but it had grown into something far more complicated that for once his oldest brother couldn't get out of. He had learned a lot from his phone call with the court representatives. Sesshomaru was legally bound to Kaguya through an old ancient contract that pure bloods used to keep the youkai heritage and wealth within their families. If his brother backed out without proper cause now, Kaguya could take what she wanted from their entire estate that spanned over hundreds of years and billions of dollars. He knew Kaguya's family would do it too. If Sesshomaru had doubted that fact, he would have gotten out of it already or at least tried to kill them.
Maybe he was waiting to try to kill them all at one time.
Maybe?
But then that would put him at odds with the justice system.
"Bureaucracy…" He muttered shaking his head at the change in times. "Such a dick." He voiced moving his hands behind his head and leaning back to look at the high beams in her celling.
"What?" Kikyo asked turning to Inuyasha with a raised eyebrow.
Inuyasha shook his head as he looked at her. "Just thinking out loud. I kinda wish for the old days when a demon could fight his way out if he needed to." Inuyasha said leaning his head back again. He felt for his brother at this moment. "I don't understand why though? Why get involved with Kaguya in the first place?"
Kikyo nodded understanding. "I keep wondering as well. Sesshomaru knows all the youkai traditions. I'm sure he would have thought about this which makes me believe there is more too this that we're not getting." She worked out without realizing her fingers had gone to work on her painting. "Something had to really push him to go forward with his desire to mate Kaguya. I've ruled out attraction, money, and power. He clearly held no attachment to her but I can't say that for now. He could have changed and actually respect or like her now. He has plenty of money and he for sure isn't the type to depend on a woman for power. Kaguya is a symbol though of wealth among demons and comes from a very notable line of infamous demons."
"Blackmail?" Inuyasha asked.
"Kaguya has the contract. She doesn't need to blackmail him. Besides if she did that Sesshomaru would have killed her." Kikyo countered steadily stroking her brush in calming motions that was pulling Inuyasha into a light rest. "But I'm sure once I confront him privately, I can figure it out or he will tell me."
"So you decided to tell him?" Inuyasha asked snapping out of it and turning his gaze to Kikyo.
"Of course! Wouldn't you like to know if your fiancé was sneakily getting pregnant behind your back while your mother was plotting to destroy a bond with said fiancé?" Kikyo stopped painting for a second. "We still don't know if that is a private matter between the two."
"Sesshomaru definitely wouldn't!" Inuyasha countered sitting up now completely.
"How do you know?" She whispered. "Is your brother potent? Did you talk to him about his problems within his engagement? Maybe this is her way of saving face for him. Maybe she's saving herself? We don't know. Technically, we are not even supposed to know about this at all. This is breaking medical law by even having this information about Kaguya's medical history without her permission. The only reason we got this information is because Kimi stalked her and uncovered all of this. We don't even know if we can use this in court because it would be considered improper evidence."
Inuyasha rubbed his face tiredly. "Fuck!" He dragged.
"He needs to know before anyone else finds out especially before anymore papers come to the court about his relationship. I'm surprised at how secretive this all has been." She said putting her brush down to turn and look at Inuyasha. "He also needs to know before the press pick up on the story and spread your family's business in the news." She said rubbing her throat practically feeling the sting of sharp claws ready to snap her neck. Her power was impressive and she was pretty confident she could handle an angry Sesshomaru but that didn't mean she wouldn't suffer possibly paralyzing damage. "I also need to confirm my part in all of this. My signature is all Kimi needs to fight against the contract but I'm not sure if it will be enough."
"H-how did this happen? How did you get involved in this?" He asked looking at her with a concerned golden gaze. "I mean I know you use to be on the Council and everything but how-" He said trailing off in exasperation.
Kikyo sighed realizing that the paint from her brush had dripped. "Where to begin…" Kikyo stood and dusted her jeans off seeing that she got some paint on them before looking to Inuyasha who sat waiting expectantly for her to answer. "I noticed Sesshomaru was hanging around Rin and Kagome a lot. I know Sesshomaru had ties to Rin's father but I also knew the nature as to why the two fell out. I was originally afraid Kaguya would fuel his low tolerance for humans into the same extreme hatred she carries. I was originally afraid for my family. I investigated their bond I realized that their hatred could potentially be quite powerful in the Youkai Council where things between humans and demons are barely…respectable. We're only talking about fifty years since we were last at each other's throats. Kaguya and Sesshomaru politically would be devastating to the great progress done to unite us."
"My brother isn't like that!" Inuyasha defended crossing his arms over his chest glaring at her.
"I know that now." She said softly almost in a whisper looking back up at him unafraid to meet his gaze. "But you cannot deny his temper and the blood on his claws. He never cared for humans as much as his father goes out of his way to protect us. Sesshomaru has killed humans and will kill when he wants to. There's barely anything stopping him now from getting away with murder if he chose to do it. No one will know." She said walking now to her small kitchen to get a bottle of water. Just having this conversation was stressful. She didn't ever want to see a can of beer in her life but the desire for the glass bottle still burned in her chest like fire at times. She opened the fridge and grabbed two water bottles before closing the door. "Anyway…I sat down with him that night at the restaurant. I intended to make my promises and intentions known so that there would be no confusion between us. If he hurt my family in any way, I would come for him and that dimwit." She walked over to Inuyasha and hand him a water bottle which he took gratefully. She opened her cap and took a long sip from it.
His mouth had gone dry hearing the icy tones and the murderous intentions she had for them if they were to cross her. He could feel that these were no empty threats. Kikyo was very powerful and from the things he heard from his father, she could hold her own and be quite lethal. He was just taken aback that she so boldly told his brother this….and she was still alive. "You've got some balls on you." Inuyasha said leaning back his water bottle to gulp a lot down. He just couldn't believe this skinny tall artistic human woman standing up to his brother. He swallowed his water and used his nose scenting no lie from her.
"Yeah, well these balls have gotten me into this." She said holding her hands out before having them fall to her side. Her water sloshed in its bottle before she untwisted the cap and drunk it down greedily again hoping it would quench her thirst. Water wasn't cutting it. She needed to detox badly so she could heal herself and calm down. She finished her bottle and put the cap back on. She playfully tossed it across the room in the pile she had growing. "I have to tell him. It's the right thing to do. I won't sneak behind his back and work for your mother. She's done enough damage."
"Kimi cares." He said looking into his bottle, choosing his words carefully. "In her own way. She's never done anything to hurt us. I bet she had no intentions of interfering until she found out about all of this. It makes sense why she would act now. She really didn't have a clue in New York until she got wind of his engagement. Sesshomaru didn't make an announcement sharing this great news with us." Inuyasha explained as he ran his claws through his hair and playfully swirling the water around in his water bottle. "My Alpha didn't think he was serious apparently until she saw the paperwork. That I know for sure."
"Really?" Kikyo asked looking at him with wide eyes.
Inuyasha nodded. "I can confirm that. Kimi always doubts our relationships and she never exactly jumps for joy when we date someone. I mean Shiori got engaged for a day with some model and she shut that down." Inuyasha looked at the ceiling before thinking more on it. "Actually we all did…and we may have busted him up some but he lived…"
"Focus, Inuyasha." Kikyo snapped trying to get to the point in his defense of Kimi.
"Kimi didn't know plain and simple or she did but just thought it wasn't anything serious and that she could get rid of her but this contract makes it difficult for my Alpha to do that. If she went to my dad, she could do it but even she won't risk her pride to go to him for help." Inuyasha said remembering a few times when pride got in his Alpha's way. "Besides, like I said before…Sesshomaru will attempt to kill her if she went to dad. He would never speak to her again."
"That makes sense." Kikyo said having learned something new. "Kimi's reputation could be on the line too if this isn't fixed. Sesshomaru is definitely not going to ask his father for help and neither will Kimi. Interesting…"
Inuyasha's ears flickered. "Look...I've been thinking..."
"Uh-oh." Kikyo joked.
"Shut-up!" He cut in. "Maybe I should be the one to tell Sesshomaru. He is my brother-"
"No!" Kikyo stated firmly. "Inuyasha this is my problem and I will not have you shouldering my burden. Besides, Sesshomaru will be pissed even more if he finds out you know too. Then your relationship with him could be at stake with him. Out of the question! And you will keep your mouth shut too or I'll-"
Ring Ring.
Kikyo frowned stopping her threat. She looked to the living room with hesitation. Inuyasha smirked crossing his arms over his chest knowing she should go get her phone. Kikyo glared before she went to get her cell that was ringing on the charger. She unplugged her phone and looked to see it was Kagome calling her.
"Hey Kags! What's up?"
"….."
"I was just coming back from dinner to work on somethings." She answered leaving out with whom. "You ok?" Kikyo asked hearing in the background a bit of chatter and noise. "Where are you?"
"…."
"Oh…" Kikyo said looking to Inuyasha who had stood and began to ramble around in her art room. He picked up brushes and looked inside drawers. It was like watching a child moving about in discovery and fascination.
"I'm sure Izayoi loves having you and Rin are there. She makes really good crepes. Umm…Is Sesshomaru there too with the dingbat?" She asked curiously before frowning at Inuyasha as he picked up a bottle of expensive paints. "Um… no just asking." She said before pulling the phone down and covering the mouth piece with her hands. "Put that down right now, Inuyasha!" He hissed leaning forward to threaten him which did very little to stop him.
"…"
Inuyasha opened the bottle and smirked at the color red that matched his jacket but was a little bit glossier. His mind told him this would be great for one of his bike and car designs. He looked around before finding a piece of newspaper to fit his needs.
Kikyo could barely pay attention to her sister on the other end. She could tell Kagome had something important to say because she was pausing a lot. Kagome only did this when she was holding back from asking something. "Let me call you right back, Kags. I'm going to strangle someone." She said watching with horror as Inuyasha squirted a bottle of expensive fine oil red paint all on an old newspaper and moved it around with his finger like a child. "Inuyasha!" She screamed, hanging up on her sister as fast as she could before she threw her phone on the couch and marched up to him. She snatched the tube out of his hand and closed it tightly. "Get out!"
"It's just paint." Inuyasha said looking at the red color before looking back at the tube in her hand. "How much do you want for that?"
Kikyo sighed exasperatedly holding up the tube of paint. "This is very expensive French Charvon oil paint! You know how long it takes to get a set! And don't treat it like that! Pierre Ambrogiani painted with these colors!" She said watching as he paid her no attention but continued to look in awe at the red paint as if he had never seen that shade of red before.
Inuyasha smirked at the color before looking back at his hand. He looked back at her and she backed away cautiously. "Come here, Kikyo." His eyes got a glint to them that had her feeling uncomfortable.
"You better not, Inuyasha…" She warned stepping away as he moved forward towards her. "I swear if you touch me…" before she could finish the sentence he smeared his finger on her cheek and down her jaw, creating a thick red smear on her skin.
"Inuyasha!" She shrieked fighting his hand away as he came back to get the other cheek. She ran away from him and went to her cheap paints and traded the red for a bright neon green color. She opened the cap and turned to him with it held up warningly.
"Ok, I'm done playing!" He laughed nervously this time backing away from her. He looked down at himself and realized he was in no position to fight with her over paint. She didn't have fur and sensitive ears like his. It would take days to get out the paint from his long hair and ears.
"Come here, Inuyasha." Kikyo she repeated dangerously looking quite mad with the red splattered across her face and a bottle of paint in her hands. He almost laughed hysterically watching her approach him like a predator in the jungle. All she needed was a spear of some kind and she would have a solid look.
He backed away in circles reaching to take the bottle of red paint he found interesting with him. He smiled and stopped before he ran at full speed into the hallway towards the table where his things were. Faster than she could reach for him, he grabbed his jacket, phone and keys on the table with the same unpainted hand. "See you Kikyo!" He yelled out behind him as he rushed through the door.
Kikyo grabbed a wipe she kept on standby and ran to the front door. She looked out at him as he put his jacket on and waved. "You are going to get it when you least expect it Inuyasha!" She promised, tossing him the wipe. Her voice carried in the empty hall. She squinted at the sound hoping she wasn't disturbing anyone. She looked behind her at the table seeing he left the pink ticket there. "You forgot your ticket, you bum!"
"Trash it!" He yelled walking away and turning the corner out of sight.
Kikyo shook her head before closing the door behind him. She walked to the table and snatched the ticket off it. "Rude." She muttered putting it on the counter next to her purse so she could take it to him later. She walked to her phone ready to call Kagome back but paused. She inhaled deeply before pulling up the name to get her duty over with. Her heart was hammering in her chest really cursing Kimi for putting her in this situation. She called his phone and waited patiently secretly hoping the answering machine answered. She wasn't disappointed as she was prompted to leave her message at the end of the tone.
"Sesshomaru, call me back immediately. We need to speak in private when you have the chance. Tell me where to meet you and I can do it. I have news that you need to hear in person." With that, she hung up and looked at her phone. She dialed Kagome's number to call her back but she was met as well with the dial tone. "Must be busy." She said before hanging up to clean herself up from the mess Inuyasha made.
Kagome couldn't stomach it anymore. She felt like she was going to gag. Kagome sat on the floor playing with Rin and talking to Shiori who had swung by to spend time with her parents. An annoying voice was in the background showing off something for a wedding that no one wanted to be part of. Kaguya was putting on an act worthy of a matinee price tag at the movie theatre. Kagome looked over at Kaguya who leaned over the table to show Izayoi the sample colors she had picked with her mother as well as a few dates she wanted her and especially Lady Inukimi to be present for. Kagome smirked each time Izayoi had to tell her that Lady Inukimi's schedule was packed. Kagome understood quite clearly she meant that the demoness was not interested if she was avoiding her for this long and staying out of the planning of her son's nuptials.
"Desperate, isn't she?"
Kagome looked to Shiori who bounced Rin in her lap while looking to Kaguya. Kagome sighed and shook her head not saying anything.
"Come on, Kagome." Shiori nudged her with her elbow. "You know she drives you bat shit crazy too!"
"No she doesn't." Kagome responded looking back at her as Izayoi tried to rush to the kitchen to check on the food. Kagome looked back at Shiori and smiled. "I don't have to deal with her…ever." It was awkward to be sharing a space with Kaguya who glared at her every chance she could get but never said anything to her. Kagome's aura bristled occasionally against Kaguya but she didn't cower away or show that she was bothered by her. Kagome tried to leave earlier but Izayoi wanted to treat her for the 'rude' interruption of her and her mate's behavior. What she was beginning to understand about Izayoi was that…in her world…there was no such thing as no to the royal.
"Lucky." Shiori mumbled before kissing Rin's cheeks and making a bubble noise that had Rin giggling but the only sound coming out was a raspy noise. Rin's cheeks were red but she was very happy playing with her new friend that gave her a new dress and socks. Shiori looked at Rin with a smile. "You guys are so lucky! You get to be around all the fun and cool people." She said to Rin who nodded in agreement. She leaned back and sighed. "Meanwhile, I'm stuck with the Wicked Witch of Eternal Night."
"Shiori."
The young woman sighed before looking up at Kaguya who directed her attention towards her now that Izayoi had escaped to the kitchen. Clearly, Kaguya had her boundaries of where and how far she would go. Shiori prayed that the men would come back from wherever they went off to. She knew Sesshomaru and Inutashio left to escape the madness. She cursed her older brother, wishing he would put a leash on his fiancé and take her away already. "Yes…." She answered trying to be polite as possible for the sake of her mother's wishes. She asked her earlier to keep her remarks down to a minimum out of respect for Sesshomaru. When she put it like that, Shiori calmed down and bit her tongue. She loved her older brother and would do anything for him. Even holding back the snarky remarks she had been saving to unleash upon the annoying demoness.
"You look lovely this evening." Kaguya complemented dryly.
"I know! Thank you." Shiori replied bitingly with a false smile. She turned back to Kagome rolling her eyes so that Kaguya couldn't see.
"Did your mother tell you about the date to get your measurements for your dress?" Kaguya asked a little too sweetly.
"Tell me the designer and I can send my exact measurements." Shiori responded not bothering to engage in conversation.
"Sorry…but I have to pick out the dress for you. I want all my bridesmaids to be uniform and so I need to see what fits you." She spoke with distaste in her tone. "After all, you could grow plump by that time and the dress could need alterations."
Shiori turned around slowly. Kagome reached for Rin who thought they were playing another game. "What are you trying to say…Kaguya?" She gritted out placing her claws hand on the sofa.
Kagome looked between the two before placing her hand over Shiori's and shaking her head. Kagome made to stand and nodded to Shiori. "Let's go help your mom in the kitchen." She said winking to Shiori.
"Finally, the help is going where she belongs." Kaguya spoke looking down at her samples and date books.
Kagome didn't bother responding but Shiori took that as a personal offense. "Yeah, where you try so disgustingly hard to be but can't never reach." Before she realized it, she spoke ushering Kagome into the hallway.
"What did you just say?" Kaguya said moving after them as they sped up down the hallway. "Come back here!"
Shiori laughed and pushed Kagome forward feeling Kaguya move right behind them. Shiori suddenly stopped and turned grabbing Kagome who held Rin in her arms. "Shiori!" Kagome reprimanded looking back to see Kaguya fuming and walking towards them. "Stop pulling me!" Suddenly, Shiori let go and Kagome ran into someone that just turned the corner.
"Ow!" Kagome said holding Rin who continued to laugh thinking it was a game. Two strong hands held her by her shoulders to steady her. "Shiori!" Kagome yelled at the demoness who stepped to the side to greet her father who walked right behind Sesshomaru.
"Daddy!" She said gripping his torso and hugging him fiercely while directing her smile to Kaguya coming up the hallway. "We were just going to the kitchen to help mom."
Inutashio looked to the fuming Kaguya who glared daggers at Shiori and Kagome. His eyebrows went up to see Kagome and Rin plastered into Sesshomaru's chest with his hands upon the young woman's shoulders keeping her in place. If he hadn't known better, he would have thought that his oldest and the young chef were more intimate than he thought. He looked to Shiori who gave her best dazzling smile and he knew Shiori had done something. "But the kitchen is back that way. Where were you coming from?" He asked looking down as Shiori flickered imaginary dirt off of her dress.
"The den." She responded sweetly.
Inutashio fought a hard sigh. He bowed at an angle so that it seemed he was bending to her level. "Shiori…in my office…now." He said giving her gentle push as if she was six again and had gotten into trouble.
Shiori pouted and turned around walking by Kaguya who smirked down at the young woman. Not one to leave without a lasting comment, Shiori let her have another. "Sorry daddy. I was just putting things where they belong and I thought Kaguya was seeing herself out the back door."
"Shiori!" He barked walking forward and grabbing his youngest by the arm. "Let's go!" He turned to look at Kagome and raised his eyebrows at her with expectations in them. She blushed and followed behind him understanding his silent request.
Kagome wasn't still entirely over the episode from that morning. Much to her embarrassment, she had woken up from her long nap with Rin to a calmer version of the older couple sitting on the couch and drinking coffee as if nothing had happened. They looked refreshed and spoke as if they were not previously caught at the beginnings of a make out session by their son and guest. They went on and behaved normally as if it was perfectly fine to shut down the whole house, just to do…whatever.
Kagome blushed at the thought wishing her sister was here so she could vent to her. Now that Kikyo was back, old habits died hard. It was challenging to keep things to herself when she could tell Kikyo who was like a titanium steel vault filled with secrets. She needed to talk to her. Sure they still had their issues but Kagome wanted to talk to her.
Inutashio let go of Shiori's arm allowing her to lead the way followed by Kagome and Rin who responded just as he wanted. Inutashio watched humorously as the three females turned the corner before he stopped them. He looked at their faces and it was like as if he had many daughters. He sighed and started with Shiori knowing Kagome had no fault in this but was just a pawn. "Stop causing trouble." He growled lowly at his youngest daughter. "You know you upset her when you do things like that and you cause problems that your brother has to clean up."
"Daddy! She started it this time! I swear!" Shiori said looking to Kagome for backup. Kagome nodded in agreement but said nothing feeling as if she was little again in front of her father scolding her and her siblings.
Inutashio reached for Rin and Kagome happily handed the little girl over. "I believe you, but you can't do things like that. At least don't get caught." He said watching as Shiori crossed her arms and glared as he strolled away leaving a flabbergasted Kagome and a pouting Shiori.
"But you caught me and not mom, so it doesn't count." She whined following after her dad. She reached for Kagome's hand and pulled her along to follow so she wouldn't be awkwardly standing in the middle of the hallway where Kaguya and Sesshomaru would come by. "You're not going to tell mom are you?"
Inutashio said nothing but nuzzled his nose in Rin's hair. Rin communicated to him using her growls and her fingers and in turn the demon did the same. Kagome was shocked at the whole situation as they headed towards the kitchen. "You learned to sign to her?"
The demon smiled showing his fangs. "Just a few simple words. I'm going to make an effort to try to learn for Rin's sake."
Angry yells were heard behind them and Kagome stopped to look back. The couple was around the corner but clearly Kaguya was upset and vocalizing her anger aggressively. Her aura had turned hostile and Kagome felt the hairs on her arm stand up. She felt terrible for Sesshomaru and turned around hoping maybe she could say something to fix the situation. Kaguya was an anal individual to deal with but Sesshomaru didn't deserve her wrath. The conversation from earlier with Sesshomaru had plagued her the rest of the day and curiosity was getting to her. He had to want out of that relationship. Who would do this torture to themselves.
"Kagome, come along." Inutashio's voice spoke urging her to keep going. Understanding his request, she continued forward passing the den once again. She cut off from the pair and went to her purse to get her phone. She walked back into the hallway and towards the patio doors leading to the intricate gardens of the French palace.
"I'll be outside! I'm going to make a phone call." Kagome announced watching as Inutashio nodded before looking down at Shiori and answering whatever comment she had. She checked to make sure Rin was well before stepping onto the patio and out onto the pathway that led into the rose garden. Darkness blanketed the sky with little stars coming out and waking up. The cool air hit her bare arms and she found herself wishing she grabbed her jacket. Definitely fall was here and soon winter would follow.
Kagome weighed her options in her mind before deciding to just press the dial button and call. She didn't know why her nerves were jumping but they were. Maybe she couldn't be doing this phone call right now with Kaguya here. Her mind went blank as she heard her sister's voice over.
"Hey Yo-yo!"
"….."
"Oh…ummm…nothing…I wanted to talk to you." She responded lamely trying to get her mind focused to have to conversation. "What are you up to?" She asked looking behind her as Kaguya's shouting got louder as she came for Shiori in the hallway. Her voice carried so even outside, she could hear the enraged demoness. Soon Shiori got loud and proceeded to lash out verbally at Kaguya.
"…."
"I'm fine!" Kagome reassured moving further into the garden to get away from the noise. "That's just Shiori! I'm at the Tashio's." She responded not knowing what else to say."
"…"
Kikyo said something on the other end and she froze. Kagome's eyes darted back to the house. "Sesshomaru and the dingbat are here." She responded with a shake of her head. "Why do you ask?"
"…."
Kagome sighed gathering the courage to just come out and ask. "Kikyo…I spoke to Sesshomaru today and he was really different. Long story short, I found out that something isn't quite right about his engagement. Now-I know it isn't my business! You know I'm not that person but it sounds like he is really in trouble. I asked him but he told me to ask-"
"…."
"Kikyo? Kikyo wait! Kikyo!"
Kagome pulled back to look at her phone in shock wondering if she heard what she thought she heard. She looked at her phone in shock debating on if she should call back or not. She thought against it and lowered her phone slowly. "What?" She asked the wind watching her screen dim slightly going into power save mode.
"She's such an ass! That's why no one here likes her!"
Kagome looked up watching as Shiori stalked out into the patio clearly heated. She plopped down on the patio sofa with red eyes clearly fuming from another verbal sparring with Kaguya. Her parents were scrambling to fix the situation from the sound of their voices along with Kaguya's. Well mainly Izayoi as Inutashio could be seen using Rin to make a quick exit back into the den where it was safe. Kagome walked over to Shiori and moved to sit down next to her. Kagome focused on her aura and mediated to bring a tranquil atmosphere around her. She pushed her aura out slowly to help Shiori calm down and cool off.
Shiori exhaled and blinked several times before the red was gone and the anger left her. She leaned against Kagome and sighed. "I don't get it. Why is he with her? Doesn't he see she's a bitch?" Shiori muttered as Kagome shushed her and rubbed her back soothingly. "Why he can't be with someone that doesn't foul the atmosphere?"
Kagome sighed seeing that she could calm Shiori down but her mouth was another story. "Shiori…don't let her get to you. Remember what I said…she doesn't bother me because I don't have to interact with her and neither do you. You have a choice to allow someone to take up space in your life. When she gets like that…just ignore her. She's marrying your brother not you."
Shiori shook her head against the advice. "I wish you or Kikyo was his intended." She mumbled tartly.
Kagome sat shocked at her words before she stood up and walked back into the house. "Shiori."
Her phone began to ring then and she looked down in her lap to see Kikyo's name glow as if summoned by Shiori's rant. Kagome watched it waiting patiently until her phone stopped ringing. She had somehow gathered the courage to call her sister but she couldn't ask her the question about Sesshomaru's affairs as well as her part in it. Kagome lost that bravery. She just couldn't do it. She felt like it wasn't her place. Sesshomaru should tell her if he really wanted her to know.
She sighed heavily and shook her head while shaking her bangs. He did tell her to ask though which was him giving her permission, right? He did tell her to ask Kikyo but she just couldn't. She felt like she was opening a can of worms and she wasn't sure if she wanted to get involved. On the other hand, Sesshomaru was clearly unhappy and trapped in his relationship because of something that Kikyo knew. What if Kikyo could help him but didn't know how? He needed help. Maybe she could help? But how could she help him? What if Kikyo was somehow deeply involved? She tried to ask her but clearly she was caught up in something.
"Inuyasha." She spoke with more questions brewing inside of her.
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