So... it has been HELLA long since I updated! But for those of you that read my profile page and Perfect Storm/Follow my Instagram...you know why!
For those that don't know...nothing is wrong. Nothing but positive vibes and goodness is here! Life has been a blessing and I hope that all of you have been blessed in the meantime as well.
My time has been cut short on when I can write due to work and other projects so with that being said this story is no longer going to be Soap Opera based and will be wrapping up faster than I thought. I will try not to rush it but at the same time, I want to finish it. I'll work on a new update schedule. If I update every week the chapters will be smaller versus updating every two/three...
But yadda yadda yadda! On with the story!
You've waited long enough.
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Nyght Elf – So true hun. Many people all over the world feel this and it is encouraged that women have this bond. I think its only a western thing that people shun women that breastfeed their baby. I mean not just for doing it in public but in general. They so quick to push powders and stuff that its just crazy. But I do hear that women that have that moment bond experience a close bond with their child. And nope that may be taken down a notch due to my time constraints these days.
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angeleyes20876 – Lol I see! Well I'll be back on schedule for you. And yeah I wanted to make sure that we get this whole family bonding in there and that it reads as genuine because it will play a major role in the future.
And lmao! I think you were the only one with a strong "YES" for Naraku/Kags. I thought about it but that's just wayyyyyyy tooo much for me to write. We will be on this story for dayyyyyyssssss. Lol
And yes I did! I paid homage to Paper Cranes which is by far my favorite Fanfic that I have ever read simply because of the diction and beautiful wording the author put into that story. It was so original and brilliantly executed that as a English major that studies classic literature…it put me in my feels.
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Naraku is life! I got plans for him…or he might have plans for me…hmmmmm…..
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Chapter 37: Curds and Whey
"I'm sorry to inform you Mr. Onigumo, but the property you requested isn't up for sale. The Utomi Empire still owns that property." Spoke the demoness over the phone.
"Oh check again, I do believe you will see there is an error, Miss." Stated the spider with a smirk as he looked out of his arched office window into the cloudy Paris morning sky. The darkness of his office put him in a special mood that morning. He leaned back casually in his tufted dark violet chair and brushed off a speck of dust from his immaculate black suit. The sound of the woman typing furiously on the keyboard on the other end brought him to the brim of anticipation. She spoke into his ear and suggested that she go speak with her supervisor for a minute. Of course, he didn't care what she did. He just needed to hear the validation. He watched a small ounce of light, shine through a dark patch of clouds and brought a gleam to his fangs that peeked from behind his lips.
Congratulatory pride filled his being at the work he had done to obtain the chess piece that was currently being acknowledged over the phone. He couldn't wait for news to trickle down the pipes and for all of hell to be raised. He loved mind games and this was about to be one for the books. After all, he had just taken away all the Utomi's financial backers and was slowly stripping them of their businesses…literally piece by piece. Their biggest financial chess piece, the queen also known as Sony Enterprises was being taken right from under their noses.
"M-Mr. Onigumo…" Stuttered the demoness on the other line. "I deeply apologize for the mistake. You are correct. I just confirmation with my colleague that the property in question is not owned by our company any longer and has been put onto the market for auction. But the property in question has been sold and is no longer available." The demoness responded almost out of breath.
Naraku looked at the black touch screen phone laying on his wooden desk, sideways. A touch of pleasure touched his eyes and shined back down onto the device. Of course, the property wasn't for sale. He was the one that bought it after all. He just needed to hear that it was public knowledge now that it was missing from their company. "And my shares?" Naraku asked as he picked up a pen and wrote down a few notes on a small piece of paper.
"Your shares within Sony are within contract Mr. Onigumo. As the majority shareholder, you have access to all company meetings, financial reports, marketing statistics, and other files."
Naraku's grin grew wider as he stood up from his sleek desk. "I will give you my fax, please send me the documents of Sony's current financial analysis from both their accountants and any third party auditors. Also, a list of the banks that we have recently borrowed from and currently owe." He commanded before giving her a number in which she could send the files.
Of course, he knew his call would be reported to her supervisors and the higher-ups. They would try to call him to get information and to discuss some type of deal for his cooperation. He was sure they were running themselves ragged trying to figure out what was happening and where everything was going. But they would be unsuccessful as always. Slow and steady wins the race and he had been slow and steady on this agenda item for quite some time. Naraku had been chipping away at their estate under the radar using various organizations and personas over the last few years. Now he would bury the Utomi's once and for all.
"I'm faxing it now, Mr. Onigumo. I once again apologize for my mistake." The demoness on the other end repeated. The fear in her voice became more apparent as their conversation proceeded forward. Very few knew of him but many knew the rumors that circulated the demon world of his malevolence. And they weren't far off from the truth. The issue was not many lived to tell the tales of their dealings with Naraku as he was not a demon for loose ends.
"Thank you, Miss. Otowari. I'll be seeing you very soon." He responded with a smoky undertone to his voice and double meanings laced within. With that he discontinued the call and quickly took out the sims card from his cell. In his hands, he crushed the poor phone and held the sims card in his palm before crushing it too. He turned to his desk and reached out for a plastic bag. He dumped the items inside and sealed it up. Then he placed it on top of his desk, ready to dispose it. Naraku pondered if the demoness he had spoken to on the phone had any real importance with the company. He probably would find a way to fire her and direct her hatred towards the Utomi's, just to give them more distractions and problems. The Utomi's already had quite a few enemies growing as they walked around oblivious to the chaos brewing. He had made sure of that.
His eyes roamed down to his personal phone laying on the opposite side of the desk. The screen was bright revealing a picture and an alert of a text he had received. The weight he felt from before slowly began to lift off his shoulders. The sharp look in his eyes had softened through the darkness of his office. The image before him brought something light and airy to his body. He had never felt such a sensation until he had met and indulged in Marie Casas Florence Barkley. He took in the picture of her smiling brightly out at him. Her curly locks seemed to grow into a mass from the humidity in the air on the day he took it. Her eyes held the look of pure wonderment and dazed from the moment. Even now he could feel the swell in her aura and the electric happy zeal she exuded that day at the beach. He had captured her expression on the day he had asked to court her in Maldives. All that he was doing, all that of his plans and time, was for her and their future together. He would do anything to keep that smile on his future mate's face.
His expression almost went sour at the thought of what the Utomi's had done to her dreams and to the children she worked with. The Utomi's proudly boasted about the "Pure Blood" reign and if you had a drop in the bucket of anything else, you were worthless to them. Before he had very little to do with them as he liked to move in silence and under the guise of darkness. Naraku had also learned to maneuver around those who "thought" they had power a long time ago. He had witnessed a few times as the Utomi's used Sony and worked with various organizations to disenfranchise others that were different from them. They would have their big parties that garnered the public's attention. All those invited were just pawns to keep them on top of the food chain. It was also their moment to remind others that if you were mixed, poor, sick, etc…you were nothing to the Utomi's.
Naraku wasn't one for caring for others and their opinions of him. He had been told numerous times that he was a malicious coldblooded, ruthless killer and manipulator. Before that he was told that he would be a poor nobody. That he would grow to be just a lost soul caught up in the foster care system and that he would never get make anything of himself. They were wrong. He had escaped the system and ran away to make something powerful of himself. He had discovered who he was and worked for every cent he owned. Well almost every cent. But his naysayers weren't wrong completely. He had come up using his own tough grit and survival instincts. No one helped him gain the massive empire he currently had that stretched across the globe. He fought hard for everything and killed when he had to. He did many cruel things which were always reactions to someone else's wrongful crossings against him. He was many things. But he was an equal opportunity businessman. In his world, he never saw a difference between gender, race, age, species, class, etc.
The Utomi's were nothing to him but the occasional names that came up in a few of his dealings. Both markets really had it against the powerful family. Many had been burned because of their motions. Some people went so far as to make a deal with the devil himself to get back at the Utomi's. And by the devil well…that meant setting up deal with his associates. Usually, someone was upset with the Utomi's and wanted back whatever they took. They called upon his specific skill set to get it back. That was as far as his consideration went for the obnoxious royal family. He certainly could care less with what Utomi's did… until he met Marie.
Marie was his enigma. She was loud, passionate, funny, goofy, loving, righteous, organic, and care-free. He couldn't begin to explain how deep he was in his feelings because of this woman. This woman that walked around his once empty home in one of his large shirts, opening all the windows to let in natural light. Who loved to cook him delicious hearty meals and had a quote for every situation he found himself in. This woman that smelled of coconut oil and had skin as smooth as butter. Marie lived with her emotions on her sleeves and cared for everyone she had crossed paths with. This woman of mixed lineage loved and lived hard. Somehow, he had become the object of her valuable affections.
But he knew very well when this happened. He never forgot a deal, no matter how big or small. He was invited to an event in which was really a coverup for the transactions that were being done behind the curtains. A gala for charity was a perfect disguise for the movement of large sums of money and to make connections. It was also a great reason to get everyone together under one roof without drawing attention to themselves. It just so happened that on that fated night, he and Marie would cross paths. It was also that same night that he gave almost half of his estate to protect and fund the children that desperately needed her medical attention.
Naraku reached out and touched the glass front of his phone as if he could feel the warmth of her smile. The light had died down but as soon as he touched the screen with the pad of his finger, the phone lit up again revealing his love's face. Those plump pink lips could name every child she's ever helped along with their illness and treatment. Marie had to ability to remember the children's favorite activities, colors, and their parent's names by heart. She could also retell from those lips in detail everything she found honorable and worthy of heaven in him despite the dark truth. Marie had voiced to him many times in the darkness of the night about his soul that was worth saving and loving. Marie knew the dark rumors but that's all she labeled them as. "Rumors." She chose to throw caution to the wind and get to know the spider that lurked the shadows of her fundraiser.
"Foolish woman." He muttered with warmth as he continued to look upon her brown heart shaped face.
One night, he played devil's advocate to get her to truly understand the monster she chose to love. Well he kept the whole "bloody killer" tag out of the conversation. Her big brown eyes released fat tears but her mouth went into a taut line. She proceeded to read him to filth right there without fear or mercy. Many would have been killed by his hand for less. But not his Marie. She didn't care. She was not afraid of him. She proceeded to tell him that he had abandonment issues from his childhood and that had manifested itself into him believing that he could go forward and hurt people as if he was doing the act on behalf of karma. The hurt, hurt other people. She then told him that with every day that he saw the new light of day, there was always a chance for change. And that she saw him changing every day for the better.
He watched as this beautiful woman stood breathing heavy in front of him with her hands on her curvy waist just glaring up at him with the truth as her weapon and her love as her shield. The oxygen had been nearly sucked from his lungs that night. He had heard that women of African descent were powerful beings and mothers of the world. In that moment when she stared up at him, he could see the cosmos in the depths of her eyes. He saw everything that he was reflected in them. Acceptance was there upon her brow but on her face was that of challenge. She stood like a foe in the feudal era, standing on the battlefield. Her love for him filled her spirit and she let him know it. But, her love came with a challenge. Her challenge to him was for him to be a better demon. He knew then, he could be with no other. This was his mate to be. And he would be anything for her.
Marie devoted her life to helping all children especially those of mixed parentage like himself and were prone to unknown illnesses and ailments. She was slowly working with her family to build foundational clinics on every continent so no child would be without the most up to date care. Well that was her plans until she came to him one night with large teary eyes and a defeated expression on her face. She poured everything out to him and showed him a letter formally announcing that her requests for the property onto which her clinic would exist was no longer on the market. Also, that her business was in violation of some fraudulent codes that the Utomi's had floating about to serve as barriers and blockades against her desires. He held her tightly in his arms that night and listened patiently to her sobs. How she had children located in these places that needed her help and that there were families waiting for desperate aid for their children. Her pain was a cold steel blade into his own heart. She cried into his arms without shame. She voiced everything that had happened. How her years of plans and personal savings to open a children's clinic in Asia had been destroyed in just thirty minutes of a phone call and a piece of paper. All because of the Utomi's.
Never in his life had his chest filled with so much rage on the account of another. The more tears he collected from her eyes, the deeper his anger grew. When he laid his future mate to bed after drying her eyes, he spent his time under the darkness of the night to do what he excelled at. Plotting and executing. Immediately, his mind worked out a grand and brilliantly devised plan to get Marie everything she and her family needed to launch their dreams into the stars. But it wasn't enough for him. He had taken this as a personal attack against himself. Any wrong doing against anything of his was grounds for war. He vowed that Marie would never shed another tear because of another's bullshit. And that meant breaking down the Utomi Empire until nothing was left of them and making sure that they couldn't salvage anything even if they tried.
Naraku had made sure to use his extensive network to sabotage Sony Enterprises and the Utomi Empire at every turn. Sony was greatly behind in music and technology these days. He made sure to give the heads of Apple, Samsung, and Microsoft everything they needed to rip financially Sony and Utomi Empire apart. This got the banks and other financial head's attention. They wanted to cash out now and that meant either giving up money or handing over property and business parts. All of which have fallen into his lap including the property Marie was eyeing for her clinic. Their companies dropped in sales and income, forcing the company to let go many of its assets. He planted Kaz Hirai in their company who was stealing the shine and spotlight from the baldheaded Utomi male. It was only a matter of time before he would become CEO and Sony would be forever stripped away from the Utomi family leaving them to rely on their pitiful rapidly depleting inheritance.
It was an arduous process but he found great entertainment in playing with his food. He literally took and shredded everything of theirs that he could. They were losing backers, partners, friends, and idolizers by the second. What they failed to understand is that their personal racial and species preferences were nothing in the wake of the mighty coin. Money talks. Their little circus quickly became undone when the threat of money vanishing became apparent. He took away and spread it out into the hands of anyone that wanted a piece. Human, demons, halflings…it didn't matter to him. This was a liquidation sale of a grand scale. Everything must go. Also, everything that was sold off could not be traced back to him what so ever. He had to kill a few to make sure of this but he could care less. His grand plan was coming into fruition. He just had one small issue.
"Higurashi's…" He voiced out loud as he strolled to his window and smoothed down his silk purple tie. He originally had great plans for the women. It wasn't enough to destroy the Utomi's. He had learned that to really crush a person, you had to get rid of every ounce of hope within them. He knew the Utomi's would seek to solidify their status among the elite in the world. They were feeling the pressure of them becoming nothing. The fear was within them and he could smell it. The Utomi's needed a powerful weapon to keep them afloat. He wasn't shocked to see that the Utomi's turned to his once enemy (now respected associate) Sesshomaru; planning nuptials with the Utomi Princess. He was however shocked to have researched and discovered how far the Utomi's would go to secure their elite status. Naraku thought he could just break them up and that was that. But there was a binding agreement at play that couldn't be so easily broken without repercussions. But he had a plan for that too. A plan that needed to be recalibrated.
Initially, he planned on following the blueprints of the Greek's War of Troy. It was told that the love of a single woman had launched a thousand ships and a bloody ten-year war had broken out on her behalf. Kagome and Rin was going to be his women of Troy. He planned on using them to capture Sesshomaru and his family's interests thus moving the Tashio's out of the hands of the Utomi's. Sesshomaru was his bait to lure their focus away from the dealings with their companies. It was working too. They were so caught up in trying to get Tashio money that they were neglecting to see that their own was flying out the window. Inuyasha was a demon that always rushed into battle swinging wildly. In this case it was no different. The Utomi's didn't like him and he didn't like them either. Inuyasha was going to be their villain. He had positioned Inuyasha in such a way that made it seem that he was the one whispering in Sesshomaru's ears to pull away from the Princess and her family. But he had learned that Inuyasha may have not been needed.
Naraku already knew from his network that the Princess Kaguya Utomi was just an act away from breaching their Breach of Promise Contract thanks to her own stupidity. Kaguya Utomi just needed a good push over the edge and he knew the one to do it. Kikyo was to be his wooden horse. She was to tear down the rest of the Utomi Empire. He knew of Kikyo's dislike of Kaguya and would play on that well. She also had Lord Inutashio and Lady Inukimi within arm's reach. She would get him all the information and connections of the powerful Tashio's. She also was to make sure that they stay distracted as he used their resources to destroy the remaining remnants of the Utomi foundation. But how the tides had changed.
However, none of this was going as plan yet the Utomi's were losing the Tashio's. Thanks to Kagome Higurashi. He had plans for her yet he found himself unable to puppeteer her like the rest. He did not expect Kagome to be so…likeable. He still couldn't put her in a box under a specific category. Through his conversations with his fiancé and his own observations, he found her to be quite the paradox. She had the temper of her older sister but her emotional scale was far reaching. She was uniquely her own person. He dug up her history and read everything about her. He knew about her past, her emotional disputes with her siblings, her strengths, her weaknesses, and even her fears. She had taken in the young Yomi heir and expected nothing in return. No money. No power. Nothing. She just did it and that was applaudable.
Naraku thought about the deaths of the Yomi family and what that meant to the world and to himself. Hoshi was a decent youkai and comrade. He believed in helping the little man and that belief blossomed when he mated his wife. The people can belief the nonsense that their deaths were just a tragic cause of mother nature. He on the other hand would not accept such folly. How does a powerful miko and demon die from the force of a Tsunami? Tsuki could have saved them with just the use of her miko abilities. If that didn't work, Hoshi could have flew them all out of there and out of harm's way. Yet, conveniently the two died without a trace. With all the things Naraku had done, this had all the makings of a planned assassination. Leaving a little one left as the remaining legacy of their lives.
Such beliefs did not need to die with corpses. Ideas were better because they lived and flourished beyond the grave. What better way for their ideas to live on but to be nourished by the hands of the miko and possibly a Tashio? Naraku smirked at this as his plans began to change slightly. He applauded himself that this actually didn't involve any negative thoughts or blood being spilt. Well he assumed anyway. He needed to make sure there wasn't any other females lurking around. Naraku rubbed his chin and nodded. Kagome had potential indeed. She never stopped helping others or showing them kindness despite the shitty hand she was dealt. She also believed in equality, something the Utomi's loathed with a passion. What a more beautiful revenge then to have the heir of the family that was slain to grow up and become their number one opponent? Naraku clapped his hands at the possibilities. Kagome and Rin had so much potential and the more he thought of them, the more he thought of his Marie.
Ring. Ring. Ring.
Naraku broke from his ponderings and noticed the name on the screen. He reached for it and answered quickly with a smile. His heart jumped in his rib cage at the sound of the airy voice on the other end. "Yes, love?" He answered as his eyes roamed his bleak office. His eyes stopped at one of the windows where an insect had appeared. Its red eyes gleamed brightly and wings fluttered keeping it steady as it made eye contact with him. In its claws was a package for him.
"…"
"Oh really. Sounds like you had a great morning." He responded as the woman on the other line praised him for his recommendations for breakfast and morning connections. He walked over to the window and listened to her turn the conversation onto him. Immediately, she went into asking about his wellbeing and his early morning.
"I'm actually wrapping up early. I just need to make one final call. When I'm done here, let's enjoy Paris." He spoke as his mood perked up to see what was in the clutches of his insect. Her pitch went high with excitement and he could hear her rambling through her things.
"And call Higurashi and let her know that tonight we will take her up on that dinner reservation." He responded as he opened the window and watched as his Saimyosho flew inside. The insect dropped the parcel in his hands and waited patiently for its master's approval. Naraku looked it over and smiled at the proof of his efforts. "I have a surprise for you, tonight." He responded as his smile turned wicked. "I'll pick you up from the house. I need to make one final stop." His body began to become clouded in miasma. His face and body shifted turning into that of another being.
"Are you sure you can handle it?" Repeated Kagome for what felt like the hundredth time that morning. Her brown eyes glared out at Inuyasha with uncertainty as she buttoned up the last button on her white chef's coat.
Kagome stood in the middle of Izayoi's cozy personal kitchen debating the responsibility of her hanyou friend. The morning sun poured in through the large windows, brightening up Inuyasha's unwavering determined expression. The smell of hotcakes and freshly brewed coffee filled the space along with the sound of Izayoi's whimsical humming in the background. Kagome couldn't fight Inuyasha this time on the matter of watching Rin. She desperately needed someone to take care of Rin this week and the next one to come. Kaede and Totosai went to London to meet with a new client of Totosai's and wouldn't be back until the following week. Izayoi and everyone else it seemed were preparing for the events coming up ahead. Restaurant Week was officially on her heels and afterwards was Fashion Week, among other things. Everyone was engaged in a matter and could not take Rin with them due to their attention being distracted. Well, everyone except Inuyasha.
"Stop worrying so much!" A shirtless Inuyasha responded as he stuck his nose up in the air and brushed the tip of it. "Rin is always fine with me, isn't she?"
Izayoi paused on flipping pancakes on the hot stove to glance back at Kagome warily because of Inuyasha's remark. Her bright yellow sun dress flared around her from the quick turn she made to look back. Granted, Rin was in the one of the safest of hands but that Instagram picture of Rin on the bike came to mind and well…a little amount of fear was healthy these days. Izayoi cut off the stove and took the pancake out of the pan quickly knowing a sharp remark was about to burst from the young woman's lips. "Oh Kagome. You're going to be late!"
Kagome looked at the large clock on the wall and sighed deeply. This week was very important to Kagome. It was the final call before Restaurant Week and she needed all hands-on deck if they were to be successful. Kagome had written down the ever-growing list of things to do to prepare for the hectic period. She had to go to the market and get fresh orders out otherwise she would be fighting with the other orders from other restaurants. She had to check all their equipment and supplies to make sure they were efficient and effective. Kagome had to have another meeting with the staff to discuss concerns over the menu they trialed. But most importantly, she had to finalize her menu with Sesshomaru before next week which she still needed to type up. She watched as Inuyasha picked Rin up from the floor and pinched her nose playfully. Rin laughed and tried to shake him off. Her cracked voice sounded like the most beautiful notes from Beethoven to them.
"I guess it can't be helped." She voiced before digging into her purse seated on the table. She quickly took out her keys and searched for the ones she wanted specifically. She pulled a key off and offered it to Inuyasha. "Here…this is my house key. I know I've been staying here with you guys for the last couple of weeks but I still make an effort to sleep at my home once in a while. Make sure you take her to my apartment for naps at least so she doesn't get to used to all of this." She held her chin up and tried to gather her pride as she said the next part. "Remember, this is just temporary. We are just going to be here for one more week and then everything goes back to normal. The doctors said that Rin should still understand that our space is home."
"Of course dear!" Izayoi said waving her words away with a flourish of her hands.
Kagome sighed knowing that it would be hard to break away from the Tashio's. Practically all her things had been moved into the Tashio Manner making her small apartment look bigger than before, mainly because it was empty now. She had to fight her sister on keeping her couch but everything else was taken back here or somehow gone from existence. It was strange to wake up in the morning and see her things placed on shelves and seated next to the Tashio's priceless artifacts like they too were worth millions. Rin's toys were all over the place and no one cared at all. The only things that weren't touched, were her cooking pots and pictures still hanging about in her small little apartment. Kagome wasn't ready to move them all just yet. Also, her place was still her own. She would listen to the doctors and give Rin as much interaction with her "pack mates" as possible but her independence was still valued.
Kagome walked over to Inuyasha with the key in her hand. She stood in front of Inuyasha and bent forward to kiss Rin on her cheek. She pulled back and looked up at Inuyasha with resolve. She placed the key that she was holding into the palm of Inuyasha's hand with finality. "Ok...she's all yours for the day. I'll check in with you around eleven. Do the aura exercises with her, ok! Call me for anything!" She stressed as she layered her little one with her own aura, feeding her warmth and comfort.
Inuyasha maneuvered Rin onto one arm and held her securely while using his other hand to take the key from Kagome. His hand lingered for a moment suddenly feeling the weight of her request upon his shoulders and the trust she had in him. She was allowing him to go freely into her space. But really she was giving him her full trust to take care of her most precious treasure. He put the key into his red sweatpants and nodded his head. "Don't worry Kagome. I got this." Suddenly, Rin was squirming in his hold and reaching out for another. Inuyasha turned around to see Sesshomaru walk in from the back rather briskly into the kitchen.
Inuyasha loosened his grip on Rin and looked at his brother questioningly. "What are you doing here so early?"
Sesshomaru walked over and nonchalantly reached for Rin as if it was the most natural thing in the world. His ironed grey suit clung to his muscled form and his silver strands of hair hung loose behind him. Underneath his grey jacket was just a simple nice plain white button up that just so happened to be unbuttoned at the top. He didn't respond to his brother's question but just kept moving. Even Izayoi stood shocked to see the eldest dressed to the nines holding the little pup in his arms who had dried orange juice on the front of her shirt and was just playing on the floor with one of her toys.
Izayoi placed a pancake down on a plate for Rin on the counter. "Did you forget something here, love?"
Sesshomaru nipped Rin's ear playfully and nuzzled her brown head of hair while greeting her in Inu. "I will assist my brother in the care of Rin today, Miko."
Kagome watched as Rin gripped the sides of Sesshomaru's face and rubbed his markings lightly. Rin let out a loud sigh and laid her head down heavily on his right shoulder. Her small arms reached out to wrap around his neck. Sesshomaru's hand had come up to rub her back gently. Kagome was at a loss of words at his sudden generosity and expressive instincts with Rin…almost. She pointed a finger at him and looked upon him with a narrowed gaze. "What do you mean, "we"? You have to prepare for Restaurant Week too!"
Sesshomaru smirked and continued to rub Rin's back gently. "Unlike you little miko, I did not procrastinate and have everything already taken-cared of. I'm still waiting for your side of the menu however. I do believe it is you holding us back." He responded cheekily and turned his back to look at the spread Izayoi had prepared.
"You…You…YOU!" Kagome repeated unable to get the insults she wanted to come bursting from her lips due to the ears of her child being present. He knew that she had taken time off to see to the needs of her daughter for the last few weeks. He was there for the whole thing just about. Yet he just waved that little detail away as if it didn't matter. Her cheeks were inflamed and her finger shook from her annoyed demeanor. "You A-"
"Kagome! Let's go out together." Izayoi said with a flare of her hands as she moved to maneuver the angered miko towards the exit. Somehow during Sesshomaru's commentary, Izayoi had managed to grab her phone, purse, and keys along with Kagome's things. Kagome managed to kiss Rin quickly while still glaring heatedly at the older son.
Inuyasha pointed to the back with his thumb. A playful grin spread upon his face as he snickered. "We got arrows and a bow in the back if you want it, Kags."
Izayoi glared at him as she pulled Kagome along. "Inuyasha…my precious youngest son…you seem to have forgotten we also have a set of Beads of Subjugation as well that we keep on hand too." She responded a little too sweetly. "Now come on Kagome. We have a busy day ahead of us." She sung as she pulled Kagome out of the kitchen and out of sight.
Sesshomaru looked haughtily at Inuyasha as if enjoying some inside joke. He just nuzzled Rin's ear again and watched as Inuyasha's ears stuck to his skull speaking volumes about his thoughts on his mother's statement. Both men listened intently to the sounds of the women's feet leaving the house and the engine of a car to roar to life. Minutes ticked by as the auras and scents of both women began to diminish. The two demon males remained silent except for the little noises Rin was making as she happily played in Sesshomaru's silvery mane while laying her head down on his shoulder.
Inuyasha crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back against the counter, no longer interested in the pancakes Izayoi had created for them. "I see you got my message."
Sesshomaru rubbed Rin's back tenderly as his head turned to his younger brother. A serious expression was on his face. "What do you know Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha glared out of the large windows; gathering his thoughts for the private conversation to be had. "The Utomi's somehow messed up badly with Naraku. I heard that some property I was looking at was now available on the market suddenly that was owned by the Utomi family. I got a call from Pops that the property is being offered to me by some Josh Williams from the United States that purchased it from a Chinese bank when they let it go to the market. I bought it and then I tried to trace it back to Josh Williams and guess what…he's been missing for a few months. He explained throwing up his hands in the air. "I found out also, the American demon was a known racist with his hands in a lot of dealings. Now all of a sudden, he's broke and missing. The police are labeling it as a homicide and possibly a cold case. There has been nothing to find or trace of the demon."
Sesshomaru nodded his head while rubbing Rin soothingly on the back as his mind calculated the meaning behind his brother's explanation. "Someone's trying to get rid of it quickly." He spoke aloud, working out the details in his mind. When people and things suddenly disappeared that held interest, most likely Naraku's hand wasn't too far from the scene of the crime. But no one could pin him for anything. Sesshomaru quickly ran through his conversations and interactions with Naraku since he arrived in France after his "sleep". He knew from Naraku's own lips that the Utomi's crossed him but to what degree was still mystery.
Sesshomaru tucked his nose into Rin's hair and breathed in. A calmness came to his spirit as he continued to rub her back gently while his mind worked through the Machiavelli scheme that Naraku no doubt put together. He knew Naraku was attempting to use him in some manner even though he had yet to reveal his hand completely. But he did tell him that he was being maneuvered. But Sesshomaru was never one to be manipulated. Under normal situations, Naraku wasn't the type to let you know that you were to be a pawn. But he openly expressed to them all that he had plans for them and based on Naraku's actions at the restaurant, they were already playing by his rules rather they knew it or not. But what caught his attention was his words to Kikyo specifically.
Naraku's request to Kikyo was for the powerful miko to 'answer when he called.' Obviously, Kikyo was to be his informant and eventual executioner. It also didn't slip his mind that Naraku had plans for Kagome as well. After all, the meeting at her restaurant was no coincidence and Naraku said that it was very Shakespearean they were all there having the conversation. Sesshomaru looked down onto Rin's head doing his best to quell the uneasiness in his stomach that began to grow. It did not sit well with him that Naraku would use Kagome and Rin as cannon fodder.
"I think he killed that guy." Inuyasha voiced, giving his thoughts sound. "And I really don't think this relationship you have with the Utomi's is aligning with whatever Naraku has planned."
Sesshomaru looked to his younger brother watching the young halfling lean against the counter in thought. Inuyasha was far more perceptive than people gave him credit for. Usually, everyone thought the young male was brash and quick with his words and actions but Inuyasha was also a quick learner. And his gut instincts were the best that he knew. "Your thoughts?" Sesshomaru asked as he turned to look at his brother while still supporting an almost sleeping Rin.
Inuyasha shook his head and ran his clawed fingers through his thick locks. "This smells bad. Naraku shows up all of a sudden. People start disappearing. But money and property is steady flowing out of the Utomi's hands." Inuyasha said as he braced himself while looking down at the tile, putting puzzle pieces in his head together. "Pops also told me Naraku had a conversation with Kagome and Rin a while back. About what, no one knows." Inuyasha growled out lowly, careful of his tone and vibration. He did not want to upset Rin, having learned his lesson in the past.
Sesshomaru's golden eyes turned into a heated glare upon his brother silently commanding him to clarify. He quickly pulled Rin away from his body and began to sniff all over, waking the little pup up and startling her. Rin mewled as his nose rubbed against her round tummy finding it tickled. She coughed as the strain on her throat began to arise. Inuyasha rushed to get a porcelain white cup and filled it with tap water. He handed it over to Sesshomaru quickly while looking at Rin with concern. The older demon took it and began helping Rin drink it down to soothe her throat. Both demons watched with apprehension and then relief when she pushed the cup away. A few drips from the sides of her mouth and onto her stained pink pajama shirt. She smacked her lips and released a giant sigh from her mouth. Her eyes were happy and her coughing had seized.
"They're fine. Pops said he checked them with his aura right after Naraku left. I checked them when I found out from the Old Man that this had happened. No poison, no marks, no spells or incantations. No puppets." Inuyasha said as he took the cup and placed it on the white marble countertop. He smirked watching as the drips of water from Rin's chin had blotted the front of Sesshomaru's suit going unnoticed by the demon.
Sesshomaru used his thumb to wipe Rin's chin and paid no attention to the wet blot on his white crisp shirt. A tightening sensation brewed in his chest. "And no one thought to tell this Sesshomaru?" He searched himself and understood the concern that was there for his female pack members. But something else was there that he couldn't place. Another sensation. Naraku wouldn't dare go near anything of value to him but then again there was no telling how far Naraku would go for his own personal reasons. Their relationship was always that of silent comradery. One that usually ended on occasion in battle and light bloodshed for old times sake.
Naraku was always gaining some new skill and needed to test it out. The spider found the dogs to be the best subjects. But there was always a line that neither party crossed. Their interactions stayed amongst themselves and never crossed over to pack. That meant his sisters Kagura and Kanna were off limits and that also meant Izayoi and Shiori were as well. Right up until recently, Kagome, Kikyo, and Rin had been added to this silent treaty. His thoughts turned dark at the mention of Naraku using possibly women and children to get his will accomplished. Especially women and children that were part of their pack. Unless…
"Marie." Inuyasha nearly yelled having come to the same conclusion that Sesshomaru had arrived to. "He did say the Utomi's had crossed him for the last time. What if he meant they crossed Marie somehow. You know he would do anything for her."
Sesshomaru nodded and sniffed, feeling the arrival of a demon approaching. "I think we may have some answers, little brother."
A soft tapping on the window became apparent. Both demons turned to see in one of the windows floated a giant bee like insect. "Speak of the devil." Inuyasha brushed his hands on his red pants and stood straighter. Both demons looked to see the insect holding something between its clutches. Inuyasha walked over to the window and opened it quickly. Instantly, the insect dropped an envelope in his hands and proceeded to fly away. Inuyasha closed it and looked to see the white envelope was sealed with the crest of the Youkai Court in red wax upon the back. He turned it over and looked to see Sesshomaru's name and formal title written in the front along with the all the proper embellishments. "It's for you from the old goats. But why is Naraku the one delivering it to you. Especially by his creepy Saimyosho?" Inuyasha voiced out loud as he turned the envelope over.
Sesshomaru glared at the white envelope untrustingly. He tucked Rin closer if possible half expecting miasma to pour out and for the demon to appear himself. Naraku did love to make grand entrances when he was physically present and not using some decoy or puppet. "Open it."
Inuyasha used his sharp nail to rip the seal off. He tore into the envelope quickly and pulled out the letter written on wax paper with the seal inside. His golden eyes roamed the paper quickly before they turned into giant saucers. He looked up at Sesshomaru and swallowed thickly. "I think you should read this."
Sesshomaru braced Rin against him and held out his other hand to take the paper. Inuyasha handed it over and stepped back. Sesshomaru regarded it like trash for a moment knowing that this could be just another distraction in his life that he didn't need. He looked it over, gripping the paper harshly as he read the print. His face remained passive as he read through the whole thing which of course caused Inuyasha much anticipation.
"Well?" Inuyasha asked with shock in his voice. "What now? You gonna kick that bi-"
The sound of someone entering caught both demon male's attentions. Immediately, they focused on the aura entering their space and both of their postures straightened. Sesshomaru laid the letter on the counter in plain sight uncaringly. The annoying voice of the woman they all had grew to loathe flooded their ears as she called out Sesshomaru's name. Inuyasha grinded his teeth together to keep from growling and turned away towards the counter. He made the cool pancakes his focus point. He poured a generous amount of syrup on his pancakes before plopping the bottle down harshly on the counter. He took a stab at a few pancakes with a fork needing something to distract himself less he say something offensive. Heels clicking on the floors echoed down the hall and both men braced themselves for the arrival of the last person they wanted to see.
"If only Naraku would make her disappear." Inuyasha snickered before stuffing his mouth with fluffy pancakes. "But her days are numbered anyway."
"Inuyasha. Be silent." Sesshomaru moved further into the kitchen. "Let's see what she knows." He held Rin to his body protectively and washed Rin with his aura protectively.
"Bastard." Inuyasha muttered lowly knowing Sesshomaru could hear him but Rin wouldn't.
"There you are!" Voiced Kaguya as she practically stomped into the room in her skin tight beige bondage dress and matching heels. Her hair was pulled into high ponytail and as always her makeup was flawless. "Why aren't you answering your phone?" She asked as she held up her own in the air and glanced up to see Sesshomaru holding Rin protectively to his body. Her nose twitched indicating that the demoness was sniffing around. Kaguya noticed his affectionate hold on Rin's little body and how close he held the small girl to him. The usual coldness in his eyes was gone as he looked down at Rin. His nose was in the little one's soft brown hair and his aura hugged her tightly mixing with that of another woman. Rin's little hands had reached up to hold onto Sesshomaru's cheeks finding his markings interesting once again. Her eyes widened slightly before returning to their normal size. Her mouth went into a pout and her eyes expressed her displeasure at the sight. "Anyway, we have an appointment for a cake tasting today." She explained as she searched through her phone paying the others no mind. She had no intentions of acknowledging Inuyasha or Rin. "That abomination is making a mess on your shirt. You should change before our appointment."
"Abomination?" Inuyasha asked incredulously almost choking on his food at her blatant disrespect towards Rin. His anger swelled at her comment. Ever sense the whole contract was enforced, she became more and more disrespectful along with her family. He swallowed his food and dropped his fork onto his plate harshly. Unconsciously, his hands reached for the imaginary weapon on his hips as if he was waiting to draw something out. "Listen you cu-"
"Inuyasha." Sesshomaru cut him off and moved closer to hand Rin over. He nuzzled Rin affectionately as the little one stared at Inuyasha feeling something off now. Inuyasha's chest was rising and his eyes flickered something dangerous within them. The little girl was intuitive as she looked at Kaguya and wiggled her way further into Inuyasha's secure hold. Inuyasha held Rin closer to his chest, mindful of his clwas that he could feel itch for blood. Rin's hands still held onto Sesshomaru's hair not wanting to let go completely, feeling slightly afraid. "Take Rin upstairs." Sesshomaru carefully pried Rin's hands off of his hair as she fought to hold some part of his shirt and hair. "Now." He commanded with a cold baritone voice. The room suddenly became frigid and an ominous mood settled over the room.
Sesshomaru's eyes slowly began to bleed red at the corners of his eyes. The threat was there and it was aimed at someone he considered to be under his protection. Kaguya's actions was proof enough that Kaguya knew absolutely nothing of what was going on around her. She continued onwards and thought that there would not be consequences. All because she and her parents thought that the contract was his leash and that he had to abide by their rules or risk losing everything. How very wrong they were. This could have been different had she been kind like Kagome or respectful even like Kikyo. This could have been a conversation and they could have parted amicably. Hell, had she been anything close to that of a descent demoness in personality, he may have really chose to make the relationship work without obviously her parents getting in the way or benefitting from their daughter's relationship. But she chose this path. Now, it was time to reap what she sowed. Sesshomaru's shoulders relaxed and oddly enough he felt lighter, deadlier. His claws sharpened, his senses heightened, and his mind gained a clarity that he had been searching for, for weeks. The need to set things straight grew strong within him and he knew this was the moment.
Kaguya's words lingered in his ears. Rin was just a pup. The pup of his deceased comrade. Did she have no common sense? No respect? His blood boiled and the desire to show the world who he really was came to the forefront of his mind. Everything she had said and done replayed in his mind along with that and her family's. His fingers stretched and the joints in his fingers popped. The letter on the table was his war flag. He stood in Izayoi's kitchen looking at a growing concerned Kaguya. Her eyes were upon him having finally realized that she was in danger. The spark in his aura was enough the garner her attention.
Inuyasha held Rin close to his pectorals with his senses on high alert. His eyes and body language spoke volumes about his regards of the demoness before him. A threat was now officially in his home and she should not be there. He looked to the letter on the counter sealing the demoness's fate. It was everything they needed to just gut her right then and there on the kitchen tile. But of course, killing these days were a crime. He kept his growls to a minimum not wanting to scare Rin who was already anxious in his hold. He spoke lowly to Rin's ear to reassure the young pup. Rin had a death like grip on his shoulders. Her eyes were round and big as she looked between Kaguya and Sesshomaru. Her little claws were digging into Inuyasha's skin. Her own smaller aura reached out to Sesshomaru. She opened her mouth and rustic Inu growls came from her lips, asking Sesshomaru to come back.
"Now." He repeated as he stood across from a perplexed Kaguya.
"Feh!" Inuyasha responded and moved for the sake of Rin. His mouth muttered all kinds of foul things that would make Kagome and Kikyo light him up like a Christmas tree. But his anger was upon him and the need to defend the little one's honor was in his heart. It was one thing to talk about adults or even himself but to insult pups, especially those under the Tashio's name was grounds to get your throat ripped out.
Sesshomaru waited patiently for Inuyasha to leave and get far away from the kitchen. With each step that Inuyasha made, ounces of Sesshomaru's deadly aura began to pour from his flesh. His golden eyes had turned into slits and his talons seemed to have grown in inches. His annoyance was at its peak and he really didn't care about anyone's opinions or consequences. Before Kaguya could do anything, Sesshomaru had flashed before her at break neck speed. He stood to tower over her form and the deathly cold compression of his aura began to bear down onto Kaguya's body. He watched the demoness step back out of fright and look to him with wide eyes.
Sesshomaru's aura pricked upon her skin causing light burns that healed quickly from her demon blood. Her veins began to turn cold and the stench of fear wafted from her body. Sesshomaru looked upon her with a stoic expression as she tried to gather her thoughts to turn them into words. Kaguya had heard of the "Killing Perfection" and the many tales speaking of his ruthlessness and precision in battle. She had never seen him like this ever. She thought she never would either, especially aimed at herself. She placed her phone on the counter and swallowed thickly. "S-"
Before she could blink, Sesshomaru reached out quickly and held her by her throat between the clutches of his fingers. He reached for her so hard, that her body was moved backwards towards the kitchen wall. Her back and head hit it with an angering force that caused a picture to fall to the floor on the side of her. Her clawed fingers immediately reached up to his hand and began digging into his flesh in hopes of pulling his grip off of her neck. His fist tightened at her response around her throat and held her in place. Blood dripped from his hands and down her neck into the collar of her skin tight beige dress. She opened her mouth to take in air but it was proving to be impossible. "Sess-" She begged.
Sesshomaru could not see or hear anything. Only the sound of his blood pumping in his ears could be registered. His freedom was upon him and he could taste it on his tongue. The relief he now felt from the words of the letter delivered to him brought him much respite and renewed his rage. The beast that had been chained was now free to do as he pleased. The days of lurking and pacing, waiting for his moment to strike had come. His fist tightened around her throat again enjoying the twitch in her vocal chords and the rough constriction of the tendons there brought him much satisfaction. How he hated her voice and the ignorance that spewed from her lips. Her constant disrespect had worn his patience thin. She had absolutely no respect for anything. And he had finally had enough.
Kaguya's eyes were rolling upwards with each second. Her heart pounded as if it too was trying to break free of its constraints. Her aura expanded rapidly now realizing the danger she was in. Her eyes bled red quickly as she tried to pull forth any power she had to get him off of her. Her aura swelled against him but her attempt was futile. She tilted her chin down in hopes that it would loosen his grip but it did nothing but cause him to tighten his iron fist and lift her higher against the wall. Her beige heels had fallen off of her feet as she attempted to kick him off of her. Spots appeared in her vision and the light from the morning sun shining through the windows was unbearable. The little air she had in her lungs was released in a gasp. Her chest constricted tightly causing discomfort as there was no air to inhale from her attempt to breathe. The pain of his hold upon her grew with each second that he held her against the wall. She clawed desperately at his hands feeling true fear of the demon she had desired to attach herself to for life. "Please!" She begged with a jagged breath.
"Kaguya," He growled out through gritted sharp teeth. The scent of her fear and blood called to his basic senses and pleased him greatly. The marks on his face had become jagged as the beast stood before her, uncaring of her state. "Let this be your last warning." He purposely pushed her against the wall for added emphasis. His aura pressed against her body heavily causing her to whimper. "If you ever disrespect any of this Sesshomaru's pack again, I will kill you." With that simple threat, he quickly let go; allowing her to fall to the floor in a heap.
Kaguya coughed loudly and started to dry heave as fresh oxygen was inhaled into her lungs. She swallowed thickly and looked at the demon with fright. Her hands came up to smooth the bruised skin that was once caught in danger's grasp. Already her demon abilities were healing her flesh but the threat was still apparent. Kaguya sat in shock and confusion on the floor trying to catch her breath while running through all the events that could have led her here. Red eyes shined up at Sesshomaru with a mixture of emotions until sadness and anger simmered deep within them.
Sesshomaru's eyes were no longer filled with the warmth that he had when he stared upon the child. They were brutally cold and his face was passive as if she meant nothing. She couldn't believe it. Her knees came up to her chest. She watched as he left her his back to glance at. "W-why?" She stuttered as her tears fell from her eyes and down her cheeks. Something was thrown into her lap and she gazed at it with confusion. The broken wax seal of the youkai court was upon the envelope and an unfolded letter sat on top.
"When I come back downstairs, you will not be here. If you decide to test this Sesshomaru, then I will gladly toss you out myself so the maids don't have to." Sesshomaru spoke before walking out of the kitchen, leaving her alone on the floor in a crumpled mess.
With shaking hands, Kaguya picked the letter up off of her lap and turned it over. Her heart beat rapidly in her chest as she read the contents on the page. Her skin which once felt hot from the the feeling of fear, was now clammy and cold. Her fingers shook to unfold the letter and it was almost too difficult to focus on the letters on the page. She scanned the page to see the official seal of the Youkai Court and the signed signature of several parties. Kaguya coughed again and held her chest as she started at the beginning. Hot tears fell rapidly with every word that was read off the page. At the end, her head hung back against the wall. Her head began to pound with the brewing of a headache. Her body felt like it was at war. Her heartache and embarrassment heated her body yet on the inside she felt cold and disconnected from the everything in the outside world. She curled her legs up underneath her and began to cry out in despair. Tears mixed with her eyeliner and mascara. It ran down her face and cheeks as she fought to bite down on her lips and keep the sounds of her cries silent. A few hiccups left her throat as she threw the letter away from her body.
She had been served by the Tashio Family with the backing of the Youkai Court. The Breach in Proposal contract had occurred on her part and on the paper was a reflection of her actions that led her to the front hot seat of Sesshomaru's rage. Kaguya dropped her head into her hands and cried despairingly on the floor next to the fallen frame and her shoes. Nothing ever worked out for her and of course it was always her fault. Now Sesshomaru was lost to her for good. And so were any options she had to escape the wrath and miserable clutches of her parents.
Everything is where it should be. Now on to the last phase.
"Babe"
I suppose I should do something about them…or Kikyo could.
"Raku"
Hm… I should also see if Kagura has heard anything on the wind. Hopefully she has been focusing on her task instead of pining after that wolf. I should have killed him a long time ago.
"Naraku!"
Naraku turned his expression to the woman that was his universe and smiled at her deeply concerned expression. A wrinkle lined her forehead as bright honey eyes looked back at him. Her soft hand laid firmly upon his calloused hand. The hanging lights glowing in the soft night in the Shikon's garden gave her an otherworldly glow. Her almond colored skin was highlighted by the soft white A-line dress she wore. His black jacket draped around her shoulders to shield her from the gentle cool breeze of the night. He looked at his future mate and pushed a wild curly strand of hair behind her pierced ear. "Sorry. What were you saying?" He asked while looking to his courting mark that sat on her neck.
"You've been distracted all afternoon." Spoke Marie as she tilted her head to the side to look at him. She pointed to the fat manila envelope laying on the opposite side of the table. "I know you...you've done something. What are you plotting? What did you do?" She then moved her index finger to point into his chest.
Naraku looked to her delicate hand and reached for it. He grabbed it gently between his hands in wonderment of how soft her hands were. He brought them to his lips as he spoke with a rumble in his chest. "Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet, eating her curds and whey." He kissed her thumb and index finger working down the line. "Along came a spider that sat right beside her... and frightened Miss Muffet away." He finished as he kissed her pinky. He let her hand go to rest in his as he weighed it like it was worth gold. The ring he had got her shined brightly up at him. "Why aren't you running yet, Ms. Muffet."
Marie blushed and rubbed her lips together. The ghost touches of his lips still lingered upon the back of her knuckles and the desire of him to kiss her grew. "Maybe it's because I'm not so much afraid of spiders." She responded in Spanish while tucking another wayward curl behind her ear. She looked up at him sincerely. "Spiders do a lot for the environment. They're just misunderstood is all." She finished as his eyes lolled to her form and stayed upon her with desire within them.
"Of course you would think that." He responded with a smirk as he continued to play with her hand. His fingers rubbed hers gingerly. He was always amazed at how fragile and delicate she seemed but then that would quickly change when she was moved to anger. "And to answer your question, I am distracted by you believe it or not."
"Me." She asked with wide eyes and a broad smile. "Does it have to do with my surprise that you have been keeping to yourself all day?" She spoke while looking at the fat manila envelope that seemed to be bursting with papers seated on the table across from them. Marie had no idea why he wanted to stop by his office to pick this up before they came to dinner. When she asked, he simply smiled and told her to be patient and enjoy the day.
"You forget nothing, do you?" He joked as she turned to face him fully at the table. Naraku chuckled as he moved their water glasses and silverware out of the way. He reached into his jacket that was laying over her shoulders, in one of the inseams. He pulled out a white envelope that he kept hidden from her all afternoon. He placed the envelope on the white clothed table and pulled the large manila folder he had brought with them closer to her reach. Marie's smile was infectious as she sat with glee and curiosity expressed in her round eyes. Naraku reached out to her face and stroked her soft cheek affectionately as she leaned into his touch. "Before you open this, know that anything you desire and need will be tended to in due time. All you need to do is tell me."
Marie's eyebrows came together in confusion as she looked from her lover to the envelope. "What is it?" She faintly whispered feeling the rise of tears for some reason. Naraku's affirmations were not words to be taken lightly. Her eyes went to the white envelope on the table as he picked it up and offered it to her first.
"See for yourself." He responded with an intense gaze.
Marie reached for the white envelope and took it gently from his hand. Her fingers touched his lightly before pulling away with the paper object. She opened the envelope slowly looking from Naraku's self-satisfied smirk and then to the letters now revealing themselves. She looked to the seal noting they were official documents from the head government, business agencies, the Youkai Court, a tax company, and a property appraisal group from China. She took out the paper that was written in Chinese with confusion. She sorted through the letters and saw one translated to her in French. The French words seemed to jump out at her. Her eyes scanned the paper until her hands came up shakily to her soft glossed lips. The tears swelled in her eyes from the impact of the words written there for her heart to take in. Oxygen filled her lungs but she was too stunned to remember to breathe.
"It's true?" She asked holding the letter to her chest and quickly glancing over to Naraku. "I-I can open a practice, in your area?" Marie looked to him with hope and fear in her gaze as if her eyes were playing tricks on her.
Naraku leaned forward and pulled the manila envelope across the table. "You can now help people in any area of the world you choose." He responded as he opened the larger folder and showed the tops of the various documents from several countries including property he had brought. His grin grew wider at the sound of his mate's heart going through arrhythmia as she found the treasured document explaining that she had legal rights and best wishes from the Youkai Court to help those in need. Next to it was a statement regarding the property that the Utomi's had blocked her from buying, was now rightfully hers with no disputes. Her aura exuded happiness and delight from his actions. She dug through the manila folder to look at all the documents that protected her rights and were also papers regarding property that was now in her name. Her prayers and words of gratitude began tumbling from her mouth in Spanish until her hands came together in prayer to thank her holy God. She laid the documents on the table and reached over to pull Naraku in an embrace and kissed him heatedly through her sliding tears of joy. He readily indulged and held his mate close almost pulling her out of her seat and onto his lap.
Marie pulled back to look at him through her watery smile. "Como?" She asked as she cupped his cheek and rubbed the pad of her thumb there while searching his eyes for the truth.
Naraku turned his head to kiss inside of her palm and he used his other hand to wipe her tears away. "You always wondered why I was on the phone late at night or flying off to these random countries. It took a while but I was able to negotiate with the courts about the good cause you were doing and then I bought the property you wanted under my name. Now it is yours to-."
"Mi amore!" She responded before he could finish his explanation. She kissed him again catching him off guard. Her scent overwhelmed him and he immediately thought of wishing to drown in her lilac fragrance. It wouldn't be a bad way to go especially if it meant having her body wrapped around his until he found himself into the next phase of existence. And even then, he would wait or search for her, finding that no other would do for him. His hands went to her waist and her hands wrapped around his neck.
"Ahem."
Both pulled away to look at the individual standing before them. One with an aggravated expression and the other one of pure joy. Marie politely pulled back and brushed her cheeks of the few tears that had freed themselves from her eyelids before they could be wiped away. "Kagome!" She greeted excitedly and stood up from the table to kiss the chef on both cheeks. She stopped however realizing Kagome's hands were full with their orders. She reached out to help Kagome but the young woman moved out of the way with a smile and ushered with her chin for her to sit back down.
Kagome happily looked between the couple noticing Naraku's hands did not leave Marie's waist and as the woman sat back down, his left hand had found its way to connect with his love. She immediately set down on the table their appetizers and a bottle of wine she personally picked for them this evening. "Sorry to interrupt but here's your orders? I do hope these are happy tears."
Naraku looked at the human with slowly softening eyes as he watched her put down their food and prepare their table personally. Gone was the pedestrian outfit from before and in its place, was that of a crisp white and black uniform. Kagome's hair was bunned tightly on top of her head leaving no strand to fall free. Her face was clear of makeup yet he found that she didn't need any. Her scent was that of a mixture of foods and spices with the light hint of lavender underneath it all. He looked over hearing his lover's voice speak animatedly about his good deed and how the night was a very special one. Kagome spoke back with equal joy and expressed her congratulations to them both. Naraku watched Kagome's plating technique as she grinned while looking over the plates carefully scanning the table for anything amiss. "This is unusual for you, I've heard." He spoke ushering to her serving their table.
Kagome used her clean towel to pop open their wine bottle and proceeded to pour them both their drinks. "True…but this serves two purposes. I get to show my gratitude to Ms. Marie and I also get to use you two as guinea pigs for my new menu options for Restaurant Week." She said brightly before taking her towel and tossing it back over her shoulders. She smiled as Marie leaned back into Naraku and held both of his hands in hers. Kagome stood straight and looked at them both. "Tonight you will be served a special menu. All items have been created as a fusion between my new home of France and that of my old home of Japan. For your appetizer, we have for you this evening Chicken Consomme Dobinmushi which consist of king prawns, conger eel, duck ham, shiitake mushrooms and turnips. A Salmon Miso Tartare which is a combination of yuzu, miso, parmesan cheese, honey ricotta cheese, tomato, salmon roe, basil and balsamic sauce. I have selected a dark rum experimented in Japan known as Choya Kokutou for you that will bring out the aromas in the Tartare and the Consomme." Kagome respectfully bowed putting her hands in front and bending her body forward at the waist. "Enjoy you guys. Your main dish will be a little different as you will taste the full variety of what is to be shared next week. If you have any suggestions or concerns don't hesitate to ask." She finished and stood up with a bright smile. "This is on the house too!" With that she backed away and hurriedly walked back from where she came leaving the two alone at their table.
Naraku leaned back into his chair and took in the moment. Marie happily began picking up an offering off the table and tried the many morsels there with an adventurous spirit. He found himself smirking as Kagome hurried off before he could say anything. Instead, he snickered and turned to the woman beside him. For once he didn't know what to say. Very few people in the world surprised him in the way that Marie and Kagome did. Of course, Kagome openly admitted that they were trying new menu items which meant she needed honesty. Also, she wanted to give back to Marie for helping her and her pup. The same pup that sort of brought them all together.
He thought on this as he stared at his reflection in his water glass. "Rin" He voiced out loud as he reached to rub his chin. A new agenda bloomed in his head and like the spider he was, he began sorting through the web of thoughts and plans to achieve it. Very few people went out of their way to do something out of kindness. He knew all about this. Maybe he should speed up things.
Marie turned her head to look at him at the sound of Rin's name being spoken. She noticed a genuine smile had curved the lips of her lover. She smiled at this and reached for a sample of the tartare. She carried it over with the palm of her hand underneath it to catch any drips on the table cloth and on his outfit. "You going to help them, aren't you?" She leaned in catching his attention. Their eyes met and electricity ran up her spine. The air began to be siphoned from her lungs at the heated gaze he gave her.
Naraku saw the offered treat coming his way and immediately leaned forward to taste. He took her offering with appreciation and delight allowing the carefully selected ingredients to dance on his sensitive palate. He chewed carefully and savored the flavors before swallowing them down. His mate pulled away with a fiery gaze. His hand reached out to capture her chin and bring her face back to his. He took in her slender face and then trailed down to her neck where his courting mark lay. He looked to her face again and leaned forward until his lips were just a breath away from her own. "Yes, Little soon to be Mrs. Muffet. This spider is going up the water sprout to help them."
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