Chapter 43: Morsels
"Karma…" She muttered to herself.
Kagome nearly dropped her spoon into a perfectly made decadent chocolate mousse distractedly. Her attention focused on the God like chiseled contours of the inu-youkai's bare slightly tanned back as he did something as menial as…cook. The aroma in the kitchen smelt amazingly savory as several small bowls of dipping sauces and small empty plates littered his white marble kitchen island. Fresh fish, poultry, and other delicacies were tried along with things she hadn't thought to put together. Not because she didn't think that they would taste appetizing, but more so that she was uncertain of the tenacity of the human palette to eat and digest fresh youkai meat such as raw mo-mo that was only slightly seared in its own fat in a sizzling skillet.
A yawn was starved down into her throat that almost manifested into a soft moan had it not been for the water she was chugging down. Her bare smooth legs dangled underneath the counter as she watched him with fascination for hours in a light trance. The heat from the stove and the steam from the cooking pots left a light sheen upon his body visible under the lights in his kitchen. The sheen highlighted his magenta demonic markings over the shadows of lean muscle. They rippled, seemingly to taunt her ruthlessly into touching them with the precision of only an artisan and an appreciation of a connoisseur. His long silvery hair mimicked a pendulum as it swung back and forth between his strong shoulder blades and draped below his shapely ass covered long black pants that sat precariously on his hips. Golden eyes concentrated intensely on the insane exactitude he had over seasonings and even cutting the meat at an angle with his sharp claws that would ensure a quality piece of digestible meat.
Kagome licked the spoon clean as it rested on her lips. Her increasingly growing tired eyes continued to soak in the sight with her tongue soothing her own lips. After a few minutes of torture, she leaned back in her chair and shifted the large button up he had given to her earlier over her frame. Kagome hoped to the heavens his nose was focused on the food and not the sizzling situation at his island. She blinked her round eyes hard to dispel the jutsu she was sure to be locked in but found her reality was the same. Her hand reached for her freshly made cold glass of water as she drank greedily to quench the desire brewing in her chest and sinking lower in the depths of her belly. Her eyes danced from his handsome form to the large floor-to-ceiling window of Paris shining in the night. The rest of her day went by in a daze as she just for once existed in the life she built for herself. One that now held her once arch nemesis as a potential love interest. Oddly one that she didn't want to give up.
Earlier….
Kagome obviously couldn't keep her promise that she would lazily lay about and take time off. As promised, she got herself together in her dry-cleaned uniform and went downstairs with Sesshomaru to his restaurant to eat something that would settle her stomach. She tried to sit patiently at her prepared dining table that was conveniently the best seat in the house next to the window that revealed the iron lady herself enjoying the sunshine. However, that did little to occupy her mind when there was food moving about in the hands of his servers. Her eyes fluttered from one plate to the next, watching as the colors and textures vastly contrasted to anything she had ever been trained to provide. She knew from what very little she could remember of the meal she had with Sesshomaru that this was what he excelled in. Bringing everyone back to nature and enjoying what she offered so abundantly. He was fearless putting odd colorful things together and leaving it in its simple form to enjoy and be appreciated. No distractions were on the plates. The integrity of the main ingredient remained intact with simple elements that highlighted its appeal. The flair of its own existence shined brightly and left a fresh taste in your mouth consistently. Much like the taste of the demon's lips remained that day.
She couldn't resist a good chat with the sous chef in the back in understanding the textures chosen for the meal she wanted. Sesshomaru was not surprised when she bustled into the kitchen with her plate in her right hand and her feet beating against the wooden floor. She simply set the plate down on the take-away board. She turned it towards his staff and questioned the decision with the command of a military chief. Her freshly washed and pressed chef's attire donned her until she was able to go home and change, adding to her commanding presence. The staff couldn't tell on what professional capacity she was visiting but from the nonplussed behavior of their boss, they just went with it. Her eyes lit up brightly as she asked questions and surprisingly the staff came over to answer them while still performing their duties.
Uncertain pupils would flicker to the seemingly stoic inu-youkai to gauge if it was proper and approved to talk to the famously world-renowned and respected onna, with whom they were working with for the big event. Sesshomaru smirked as she took the reins and simply pointed to each demon with a question about their task. His kitchen seemed busier suddenly as bodies moved to see what Kagome was doing on one side of the kitchen and then the other. She complimented as she went around and watched with interest as his staff made edible art. The only direction given was the flicker of Sesshomaru's aura which said plenty despite him voicing nothing. It was strange and yet oddly peaceful despite how busy everyone looked performing their task. Everyone knew their duty and there was a fluidity in the kitchen that made her feel at ease. All staff members seemed to anticipate the other's needs and just provided what they had rather than react and go searching elsewhere. Not much words were exchanged but passing glances and funny remarks on occasion. A striking contrast to her kitchen. Sesshomaru's kitchen was lively but in its own way.
Slowly, Kagome inserted herself into their well-oiled orchestra. She talked amongst the staff and laughed when someone threw in a joke regarding her humanness getting confused with the meal of the day. Some staff moved over to allow her to show them something different or a technique that they heard she was known for. Before he knew it, Kagome was cutting vegetables and supplying ingredients as if she was employed in his kitchen. She watched tentatively and seemingly took mental notes of things mixing in one bowl and others that were left to oxidize without the touch of anyone's hands. Kagome would even stand next to Sesshomaru and watch fascinatedly as he performed his own tasks on the stove. His fingers moved diligently to create with precision and the sharpness of his eyes revealed how much each little morsel meant. There was power and control in his hands that reflected in everything he did. Everything rippled with power and knowing. There was no confusion on any plate. Everything was intentional and done to perfection without cheap thrills.
His fingers would move on occasion when she was nearby and he would offer her a piece of something to try which she did without question. The soft sound of her gasp and the visual of her lips wrapping around the silverware or his fingers nearly pushed him out of character. She took her time with each piece and he swore he heard a gasp from his staff after her lips notably lingered along his claws. Sesshomaru's golden eyes flickered once only to see one of his older staff members, Bokuseno smile and as if he knew something they didn't. Majority of his staff pretended to not look but Sesshomaru knew very well that their eyes were upon them. A scoff fell from his lips at their behavior before giving the little minx before him all his attention. The food now secondary as he watched her with fascination consume what he created.
The sounds of her pleasure being taken from his offerings coaxed his sensitive ears and played to his instincts. He had done this act with no one and yet finally he knew why. Not even his family was given the opportunity to eat like this from him. He made meals occasionally for them but not like this. This was intimate. Yet, he found it compelling to perform and do this for the little woman leaning anxiously at his side seemingly waiting for more of whatever he would provide. To elicit more sounds, he fed her again and watched as her expressions went through a kaleidoscope of emotions and reactions before deciding it was all delicious. True to her nature, she would whip a sauce from her imagination together and try his offerings with that and he watched her go into a euphoric trance. Then Kagome would reciprocate the act. Her skilled hands would grip the morsel dipped lightly in sauces that barely left a glaze and offer it up for him to taste. His eyes would burn into hers as he bent down to taste her concocted offerings. The combination of the two melted in his mouth and the intimacy of the act had Kagome currently shifting in her seat at his marble countertop.
Throughout the day, she found it increasingly hard not to touch him and ask questions about his existence. She found he was serious and playful. A contradiction. He liked natural things and enjoyed being outside. He was multifaceted and complex yet simple and transparent. How someone wanted to change him or take from him went beyond her mental capacity. She took another sip of her glass as her thoughts wondered to the journey to drop her home. She was restless and didn't want to leave him just yet. He coaxed her into taking a short nap before delivering her back to her tiny apartment. She felt a mixture of emotions and the dutiful thing to do was to leave him and allow his life to unfold as it will. But the woman inside of her, wanted to explore this…thing. This…attraction. This male that made it very clear that he was interested in her.
But then Kaguya would pop up in her mind and the little courage she built would diminish. She saw the mess that Kaguya was causing. She saw the stress now layered onto Sesshomaru and she wanted to strip it away. Even for just a moment. Not because she was attracted to him. Not because he shared a sacred bond with her loving pup, Rin. But because he was a living being of the world and deserved better than to be lied to and taken advantage of. Her thoughts tumbled as she walked into her tight living room with Rin's toys sprinkled about on the floor. Kagome placed her purse down with her silent phone resting in its pouch. She looked around the space in longing before turning around in hopes Sesshomaru hadn't left yet. He stood in her door frame calculating it seemed how best to depart. He took a step forward, already making his way towards her and opening his mouth to start the line announcing his exit. He never got the chance.
Kagome wouldn't allow herself to ruin this moment or any other. Granted she didn't know what she was doing but she knew what she wanted. She wanted Sesshomaru. She wanted to her time with Sesshomaru to continue. She selfishly wanted for even just a few minutes to experience more of what Sesshomaru was like in a relationship before he decidedly came to his senses and went on about his way. Her body never burned for anyone since she had to throw away her childish ways. When the disaster came and took away her family and friends…it also seemed to take away her passion for herself outside of her being a new mom and a chef. But that was about to change.
Kagome's fingers reached out and her body stepped towards his. She wasn't alone in her approach. Sesshomaru's words died in his throat. He reached for her and pulled her close to his body. Kagome found herself wrapped in his embrace faster than she anticipated. One hand immediately came up and wrapped delicately around his neck to pull him to her. Like a magnet, he lowered his head and their lips collided hungrily. They moved with the same sensuality and need as before. This time, there was nothing standing as a barrier from her fully being present in the moment. No headaches. No sickness. No worries. Nothing.
Sesshomaru's hands came up and went again to wrap around her torso and move upwards along the length of her hips. His claws desired to rip through the shirts she wore that became a barrier to his fingers from her flesh. The door clicked shut in the background before Kagome found herself pressed into her worn couch with her hands roaming through silky hair. Her finger pads grazed his scalp as his lips devoured hers hungrily. The many scents of the foods from earlier lingered upon them as they tasted each other and the salty sweet flavors that rested on their tongues. Kagome's body lifted and shifted into his as she took a deep inhale through her nose, unwilling to part from his lips. Her back rolled like an S in an attempt to get closer to the heat he was providing. The wrinkle and shuffle of clothes added to the friction that both felt and struggled with maneuvering. Kagome's hair fell out of its bun and tumbled behind her as she lifted her hips into his; enjoying the pressure and taunting of his ego pressing into her thigh.
Sesshomaru's hands pulled her closer into him. His longer frame hovered above her supported by one arm and his knees trying to move within such a small confine of her couch. His other hand went through the motions of racing down her curves and trying to get the same moans of pleasure from earlier to spill forth. The smell of her arousal was intoxicating in the already drenched small apartment that was ladled with the scent of his newly accepted packmates. His instincts soaked in her pheromones and poured his own out into the space claiming everything in a different way than ever before. Rin was his and now…so was Kagome. This was another one of his dens where he would ensure that everyone who came within walking distance knew not to intrude without his permission. He pulled away to nip along her jaw line before training down to her neck where he nuzzled more aggressively to signify under no pretense that this is what he wanted and what he had been chasing for ages.
A gasp of pleasure left her lips and fell onto his ears and he nipped the area in confirmation. His tongue came out and soothed the spot as his hands finally lifted her layered shirts to feel flesh. Her hips rose again and pushed against him and his leg came forward to part hers. Her arousal left him dazed as her legs wrapped around his waist to pull him towards her. His knees found some leverage on her small couch cushion and with his hands he gripped underneath her to feel what he could of the globes that was hidden away in the ugly pants that concealed her shapely beauty from the world. He squeezed roughly and she gasped in delight. Desire pooled between her legs at the rough touch. She liked these pants but today, she wished they would dissolve into fiery ashes off her body.
His fingers grazed her skin and her eyes flew open in satisfaction. This all felt so new. Like someone lit a furnace inside of her that lay dormant for ages. Her legs long parted to allow his knee to help alleviate the throbbing at her center. Her skin was hot, and pressure was building inside of her. She pulled at his hair to bring him back up to her lips again before renewing the fight for dominance. Their tongues twisted as he wrestled with the barriers of clothes that kept her away from him until he finally grew frustrated and pulled back. Their lips unlocked with a light pop and a suckle. Kagome allowed gravity to pull her into the old confines of her couch cushion as she caught her breath and looked into molten golden eyes rimmed in hot lava. His pupils seemed to have taken on a blue hue found in the depths of twilight as he hovered; staring down at her with a surprisingly array of emotions that she was positive he did not want her to see. Captivated, she reached up and lightly ghosted his elven like ears and smiled at the sudden intake in breath he took.
"You're serious about all of this aren't you?" Kagome asked breathlessly as she searched his eyes for confirmation. Her chest heaved to take in what little oxygen she was able to inhale. Somehow over the last year, she had grown close to the demon and an attraction was there. She cared and she knew that if they kept going, this would lead to a slippery slope that she didn't think she had the strength to bounce back from… if she gave her heart fully over to him.
Sesshomaru looked her over with pride. Her shirts had come up revealing the underwire of her lacy black bra. Her belly fell and rose with each inhale she grasped for. Her long hair sprawled out like earlier beneath her as she lay back to get control of herself. Her face was flushed along with the ample tops of her breasts that were exposed thanks to his hands working the angle of her button up and tank top. The shirt unbeknownst to her held knick marks which he was sure she would complain about later. Her pants were unzipped and had fallen a little below her hips revealing the matching black…thong. His eyebrows went up a little and a smirk pulled at the corners of his lips. She was a woman and lively one at that. Her eyes held his gaze, wanting him.
"Serious about you, Kagome." He affirmed flexing his aura to say things that he couldn't. He laid his demonic energy over her flesh and like before sunk in to twine himself with her reiki.
Her own name sunk into her chest with his voice serving as its backdrop. Kagome shifted and gasped at the feeling, reminded of the morning she was in his lap wrapped around him completely. She couldn't give more unless she was positive that for once she would receive. His aura did more than reassure her of the power of his reciprocity. He used no words as he flexed his aura and felt various parts of her sensibilities. He let her know that he was a provider in every sense of the word. His aura stroked her everywhere and as a last remaining mark upon her, he pushed delicately with his aura inside of her and stroke the fire that he felt raging in her womb.
"Oh…" Kagome shuddered while licking her lips for much needed moisture. Her lips felt swollen and her cheeks were inflamed. Her body ached for him and she could feel her panties stick to her nether lips. She wanted him so bad to just touch her there and feel for himself what he had done. Never had she ever been this excited and attracted to someone. Especially someone that she knew could be a complete ass and drove her crazy at times. A stubborn demon who only saw a select few humans worth the space of his presence. However, he was loving to his pack and protective. A great provider and accountable for his responsibilities. He gave chances…granted only one for everyone…but a chance for everyone to prove themselves somewhat. And he clearly was an exceptional lover if his ability to get a rise out of her without directly touching her was anything to go by.
Sesshomaru's eyes began to clear before he pushed off and lifted himself up. Dazed she moved a little before his hand reached out to help her up. She grasped it and within milliseconds she was back up and the world that she knew had returned. Uncertain hands brushed through her long locks to gather herself. She looked around the cluttered living room and the abandoned full basket of unwashed laundry before gazing shyly at Sesshomaru through thick dark lashes. She felt a mess and amazing at the same time. "Thank you, Sesshomaru. You…today has been amazing." She finally spoke unable to voice anything else at the time.
His long hair fell back into place behind him with just a single comb through by his long fingers. Kagome chewed her lip at how immaculate he looked despite having just been groped and pulled on a second ago. She looked down at herself and pulled down her shirt in haste. Her hands went to her pants quickly before a stronger one gripped her right hand to still it. She looked up shyly unsure of what was to happen next. A sharp silver eyebrow went up and his smirk went from pleased to borderline deadly as he came closer and towered over her.
He was humored that a day filled with mostly her finding everything in his restaurant's kitchen of interest was a highlight of her day. She still needed sleep and he also wanted to make sure her body had fully cleaned out the remaining alcohol. Not to mention, her body senses were heightened and her aura sent out a pulse that would frighten the neighbors. He peered down at her as if he had found his prey. Without touching her, he lowered his head and spoke lowly as if there were others that could overhear them in the space. "It's not over yet, human." Sesshomaru said knowing that would coax a fire in her. On cue, her eyebrows drew inward at his choice of words. His eyes flickered to the back of her hallway where her bedroom lay before finding her confused expression again. "This Sesshomaru needs to ensure that you are well rested since you have proven unable to do otherwise alone."
Kagome narrowed her eyes at this and searched his face for clues. The heat in her body simmered as she processed his words. Suddenly, her eyes lit up in understanding. Her cheeks darkened and uncertainty bubbled in her chest. The hope that she wasn't reading the situation wrong plumed in her chest. With just a silent nod, she stepped away. His hand slowly left hers and watched as she paid the loose buttons no mind. His eyes watched her and held her own as they came to silent agreement to see how whatever was happening between them would go.
Current…
Now here Kagome was suffering silently in his kitchen as he moved about completely in his element. Sitting at his countertop, sipping water (she wasn't trusting any alcohol of any kind at the moment) while trying to keep her body on a low simmer as she watched him with his bare back and chest make different small plates that he experimented with. And all of it…even the food…was delicious. Kagome took another gulp of water before placing it down to fool around with her little dessert. Somehow, dessert, appetizers, and mains got turned around into tiny morsels that were all meant to be tasted at random intervals. And who was she to complain?
Their evening went from her apartment to strolling through a market because she saw fresh strawberries that she knew would excite Rin. Without asking, they pulled over and strolled through a mini farmers market as if this was a usual activity for them. His hand made sure her hand rested upon his arm while they walked. He guided her on occasion with a gentle pull or a nudge to the small of her back. She spent many moments shaking her head as he judged any and everything, including the selection of strawberries she grabbed. His go to critique being that he simply desired to get Rin only the best they had. This led to her hand slapping her forehead at how he made something as simple as strawberry shopping, complicated. But they left with a solid selection and other things that the both of them oddly enjoyed and wanted to use.
When they got to his place, she opted to take a hot shower and switch clothes since she was tired and wanted to be in something comfy. Of course, in her rush to get done with the task, she left her bag in his living room. After calling for him, he remedied the situation by leaving one of his soft long button ups for her to use and selected her undergarments…much to Kagome's chagrin. With plenty to say on her lips, nothing came out as she put his shirt on, and the word comfort etched itself into her skin. An idea hit her then that made her suddenly giddy. Laughing to herself, she took it off and went back into his bathroom and ran the tub. This time, she made a point to fully enjoy herself and her alone time. She could barely control herself as she stopped the hot water and got inside. She felt decadent as she treated herself and sat in the water that smelled of Sesshomaru's body wash that she added. A light rain in the forest scent seeped into her pores that left her feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Her thoughts wondered all over the place as she sat in the tub and stroked her reddened clean skin. All of her emotions came and went from one thought to the next. Finally, only thoughts of Rin and Sesshomaru filled them. It felt oddly nice to not think of anything pressing. She spoke with Rin through video-chat several times. Rin was happy and missed her. But she was clearly having the time of her life with her packmates. She watched through the video chat as she signed away and yipped in various sounds that had her heart exploding. A few times, Rin rushed her off the phone or passed the phone back to one of her older guardians. Rin was so happy, finally. Then there was the inu-youkai that her heart equally leapt at after spending almost a full day with.
A moan got caught in her throat and a red blush came to her cheeks thinking of the sensual feeling of his lips on top of hers. His hands left invisible trails over her that she wished would be hiked anew. Kagome tried her best to keep all sounds to a mute while she reminisced. The fear of what was next came into her chest but seemed to be battling the desire for more that gripped her body. She kept biting her lip every time she looked at him, wanting so bad to be held. She felt ridiculous at first due to her lack of desire before to be touched and caressed by another. Somehow, his touch electrified her and calmed her. His scent coaxed her and relaxed her. His aura challenged and danced with her. His mind befuddled and intrigued her sensibilities. This push and pull he had on her was ridiculous. But she enjoyed it. Every second. She could no longer deny this.
Somehow…somewhere…he captured her attention and made her crave him. A taste was not enough. She wanted the meal that was Sesshomaru. But was she ready? Was he ready? Was Kaguya still in the picture? Was it wrong to be here with him now? What about Kikyo? Did they have something? Did they not? Could she be everything that Kaguya and Kikyo couldn't be for him? Was she able to give him what he wanted? Was she a passionate woman? Who was she? Who was she, the woman? Not the famous celebrity chef. Not the mother of a beautiful baby girl. Not the boss of an award-winning international restaurant. Not the sister of a world-famous artist and model. But Kagome. Kagome the woman that enjoyed eating small plates in an inu-youkai's suite. Kagome that nearly unraveled devastatingly in the arms of said inu-youkai. Kagome that now wore her hair down instead of its usual tight bun and walked around in the button up belonging to the male she wanted to currently climb. And was there even a moment for Kagome and Sesshomaru that wouldn't end in tragedy? Kagome didn't know what all of this meant but she knew she couldn't go back to the way things were before. She had a taste of him. And she was hooked.
Time passed and her body felt unusually heavy while sitting in the hot tub. The desire to fall asleep there in the comfort of Sesshomaru's bath essentials was almost too much of a gift to pass up. Her eyes closed several times and she scared herself awake after slipping down in the water. The sickening sensation of nearly drowning brought her back to the present and had her chest heaving for oxygen. A panic attack may have been on the horizon if she had slipped under. Luckily for her, the smell of the bath began to take on something herbal in the steamy bathroom. Then the sound of sizzling was heard afterwards outside the door. Her interest was piqued, and her stomach rumbled a little at the idea of food. The tiredness sunk into her bones and she had to pry herself out of the bath to get re-dressed. Sesshomaru's silk white shirt felt amazing against her skin, but even more luxurious than before. She mentally patted herself on the back for her good choices that day. A slight breeze was felt that had her fishing for the underwear he had picked out. A bright red bikini bottom flung loose and she about screamed. Embarrassment and aggravation helped her ease into her underwear quickly and not so gracefully. Her foot got caught before yanking it up further to cover herself, while she cursed the demon and his inability to respect her privacy.
At her entry, Sesshomaru turned to see the woman walk into his kitchen from the hallway with just a light ruffle of her hair. The spectacle that decorated her cheeks told him all he needed to know. She glared a little indignantly while trying to keep the length of his shirt down before looking over at her forlorn bag in the far corner. Seemingly having made peace with her state of dress, Kagome walked over to the island and sat down in one of his bar stools. He cursed the ingenuity of the design of his silk shirt that gave her plenty of coverage as she wiggled into her seat and stretched her long legs out.
Kagome picked up her phone out of uncertainty of what to do with herself now that it was just them alone again. She tried to call Rin again but that didn't go as planned. Rin rushed her off the phone much to her embarrassment with nothing but a happy wave and a warning to play nice. Kagome wanted to have a chat with her new "packmates" that told Rin that she and Sesshomaru were having a playdate. Well Inutashio laughed hysterically in the background as Rin jumped with excitement not understanding the double innuendo the older dog demon was making. And to make it worst, Sesshomaru didn't correct them.
Now here she sat talking, laughing, oogling, and glaring on occasion whenever Sesshomaru said or did something while working magic on the stove. The evening went by beautifully with her feeling relaxed and exploring all kinds of scents and tastes. Everything tasted great except for one eel dish and sauce that he challenged her brutally on all because she told him…it tasted like moldy Korean curry. Somehow, they climbed over that disagreement smoothly before falling back into the rhythm of comfortable silence and spurts of conversation.
Kagome glanced at her water glass as he finished cooking something else and plated it. She pushed her dessert away in anticipation only to find that he saved this one for himself. She watched him openly as he turned to catch her eyes. Sesshomaru lifted an eyebrow and bit into the meat and chewed. She could tell it was again this little bite may have been a little bit raw as he chewed. He nodded his head in acceptance before feeding her carefully the other half. Her lips purposefully brushed his fingers and he stilled watching her take it. His fascination and want of the woman before him only grew. A whole different side came alight as she finally let go and allowed herself to enjoy the moment and rest. The sound of feet against the wood echoed in his ears and calmed him knowing that he wasn't alone. Her scent mixed with his bathing soaps made his suite domestic suddenly…something it lacked since he got it. He found her tantalizing now sitting causally at his countertop with her long hair tumbled around her shoulders and down her back. Her long legs peaked from under his shirt and bounced every time she grew anxious or ate something enjoyable. Her laughter bounced along the walls and warmed the cracks and crevices of his home. He wondered what more would she reveal as she began to get comfortable with him in his home. He watched her chew and nod her head, clearly enjoying what he created.
"That was delicious." Kagome praised as she tilted in her seat from the enjoyment and hummed.
Sesshomaru smirked before bringing his fingers to his own lips and licked the rest of the sauce she didn't catch. "I've shared with you parts of a demon cow, a Jurassic fish, wild boar, and Amazonian truffles. I see hunting for you will be no easy feat...I will need to do another hunt soon." He chuckled before moving to wipe a little bit of sauce from the side of her mouth.
"Hunt?" Her eyes grew big at the onslaught of information and the warmth of his fingers dancing along the sides of her mouth. She chewed and swallowed before reaching for her glass to wash the taste down. "You hunted all of this?"
He simply nodded and turned back to the stove and began anew. Kagome placed her glass back down onto the table and swallowed. She looked down at all the plates, half shocked that she digested these new sources of protein and also at the noble fact that everything here was literally provided by Sesshomaru's hands. From the hunting of the animals to the preparation. The idea sat on her mind as she processed the significance of what just transpired. He hunted for her. He prepared the meal for her. She took it with full acceptance and even ate well over what some would call indulgent. This was significant. This was not anything to joke about or ghost over. Sesshomaru was baring himself to her and her judgement. Her eyes flew up and took him in. He seemed relaxed but she could tell he was…trying. His expression was so focused on the food and creating perfection. He was experimenting but for the most part he was providing her what he thought was needed. Today, he allowed her into his sacred space and led her into the things about his life he enjoyed. Sesshomaru made sure everything was ok and that she didn't have to do anything but focus on healing her own self and getting rest. He fed her…clothed her…made sure she took a break and she was sure if she didn't sleep tonight he would ensure she would. Her eyes flew up because she knew he didn't do these things for Kaguya. But he did them for her. He was beyond courting her…but treating her like his real mate.
She leaned away from the table at that and smiled. He really cared. That was a big thing. But he cared and desired her. Her mind flew through the information she read and gained from his father. Everything he had done lined itself with the notion that he saw her as a mate. Not a potential mate. But the real thing. Nothing else fit the scenario. He catered to her in ways she hadn't seen him do for anyone else. He provided and hunted for her without her even knowing he had done so. Even now, he made sure she was ok. Butterflies filled her stomach at this, and she nearly jumped over the island in excitement at her discovery. Warmth spread in her chest and the need to lay down grew inside of her. She looked at her almost empty glass of water before making a move. Deciding to play it cool, she instead got up like a normal person that she tried to mimic and walked around to his side by the stove.
Sesshomaru watched carefully as this new piece of boar sizzled in the pot while he took a quick sip of his cognac. It popped in the mixture of its own fatty acids and the glaze that covered it. His mind wondered while his aura took note of the miko that had waltzed to his side brazenly to investigate the pan. He placed his glass down and eyed her wearily. Her eyes looked to the pan before coming up to his face. She reached around him and took the spoon he was using to ladle a little bit of some random sauce he had made into the pan. The heat of the stove brought her focus onto the task at hand. The steam off the sauce brewing on the back burner blew into her face a bit. She watched the piece sizzle before picking it up and blowing it gently to cool. "I can provide too you know." She spoke obscurely before blowing the heat away from the sizzling piece of meat.
Sesshomaru's eyebrows rose upward as she offered the piece of meat for him to eat alone. He precariously leaned down and made sure to brush his lips against her fingers before taking what she offered. Their eyes intensely met as he ate the last piece of sizzling moist and sweetly covered gamey piece of kudu. Kagome's mouth got suddenly dry as she watched him deliberately move back and chew looking ever so much as the big predator looming over his prey. She exhaled suddenly and the world titled a bit. Quicker than she realized, Sesshomaru had captured her into his hands and lifted her up into his arms. Holding her up with one arm, he reached over and turned the stove off and the fan on high before moving away from the area. Her aura flexed chaotically and the tiredness he could feel now through her spirit, came over him. "I need you to take better care of yourself, little onna. Must I do everything?" He goaded into her freshly washed hair, letting his lips brush her crown.
Kagome held on tightly feeling exhausted and nearly cursed at her own blasted luck. The hallway led to his dark bedroom, where he easily navigated without touching any source of light. Leave it to her body to decide that now was the time to shut her down and reclaim that sleep Sesshomaru has been going on about all day. Kagome blinked and moved her arms around his neck to secure herself as he walked her to his room again. Embarrassment and exhaustion settled in her core, leaving very little lust to linger. Cool sheets pressed against her skin as he laid her down gently. A protest arose on her lips but fell on uncaring ears.
"Sesshomaru, I can take the couch. Don't give up your bed for me." She repeated as she tried to push past his arm to get out of the comfort of pure Egyptian cotton and hand made silk sheets.
"Who says I'm giving up my bed, miko." Sesshomaru countered while standing to his full height to look down at her.
Kagome's eyebrows drew inward at this. Her mind breaking down by the second while he placed her forgotten phone on the nearby nightstand. Her insides were doing a countdown to slumber while she was trying to make heads or tails of what was happening. She gripped her forehead feeling exhausted and fighting the sleep that she had been pushing back. "Wait!" She nearly yelled before reaching out to grab his hand. Embarrassment flooded her at how the night took a sharp left turn than the slightly romantic one she conjured up in her mind.
He turned and stepped closely to her with glowing eyes peering through the darkness of his room. His eyes were intense as he took her in, watching her put on this brave face when he knew she was a bundle of nerves and exhaustion. Yet, her bravery and willingness to stand up to anyone including him was one of things he admired about her. "Speak your mind, miko." He challenged.
Kagome licked her lips and just decided to ask before she lost the nerve and the ability to stay awake. "Do you want me, Sesshomaru?" She blurted.
Sesshomaru was silent at this. He continued to watch as she gripped his sheets in the dark tightly in her small hands. Her eyes wide and searching his in the privacy of his own space that none other knew about or had ventured in except for Rin once. His aura flickered quickly and he reached for her chin while leaning down over her. "Little onna, what makes you doubt otherwise?" He countered, watching her own expression soften before looking at his lips in desire.
Kagome began to fumble through a string of sounds to respond but nothing came out. Her eyelids fluttered and the beat of her heart reached his ears. Her body was fighting to stay upright along with the world she now tumbled in. She was brave in many ways but sharing her feelings and asking for confirmation didn't exactly happen to her too much these days. She opened her mouth to try again before a hand pushed her gently down onto her back and the great dog demon hovered above her. Her eyes were wide as she felt the heat of his breath on the heated peaks of her reddened cheeks.
Sesshomaru looked down at her with desire and longing. She smelt of his soaps and oils from her hair to her toes. The light scent of the many dishes he made was layered a little upon her, making her quite the delicious morsel that he wished he could savor at the end of this night. But he wouldn't do that. Not when everything was still complicated, and he had Kaguya behind his back doing who knew what. Kagome was what he wanted. Now, he needed to ensure she was safe and secure. Even with him. It was a hell of a pill to swallow, that she may not be. His eyes searched hers and roamed down to where hist shirt had risen, revealing the red lining that marked the apex between her thighs. "Let me make this one's intentions clear." Sesshomaru came forward almost at eye level. "I want you, Kagome. Now sleep and save the rest of your questions for a proper verbal spar when you have properly rested and are able to challenge me without tilting off your feet."
"Oh…Sessho-" Kagome whispered feeling his lips briefly capture her own. Her eyes grew wide before fluttering closed. Just as quickly as it happened, a breeze brushed against her heated flesh before she opened her eyes. And he was gone.
"Is this what I have to do to get you into something se-?"
"No."
Kagome blew her bangs out of her face as she continued to write briskly over the notes she made for the upcoming event. The sound of the clicking of buttons, the end of a pencil scratching a surface, and the dragging of a rag over glass echoed in the spacious area of The Shikon that early morning. She bit her abused lip as she tried to focus on the budget sprawled before her on numerous sheets. Receipts that managed to turn themselves around, now draped the white linen table as the morning sun shined through the window. The relentless pound of her fingers stabbing the buttons on the poor calculator echoed about as her thoughts began tumbling down dangerous alleys. Her eyes focused intensely on the numbers trying their best to fight the lingering memories of warmth that pressed against her front earlier and the tingling sensation that ghosted her lips occasionally.
Her tongue came out and licked her lips again feeling oddly parched despite her water glass sitting not too far from her. The heat from the black leather seats she sat in a few hours ago lingered along with the fresh scent of pine and something earthy. Her knee bent in reminisce of the strong hand that reached over to still it from anxiously bouncing or so she told herself. She refused to believe it could possibly be because the demon that she once loathed wanted to touch her and have another moment of intimacy. Her legs switched sides underneath the table to summon decorum as the flames of attraction and desire filled her. Who was she kidding though? He made it very clear what or rather whom he wanted, and he wasn't the type of beat around the bush. He wasn't that type with his work so that ruled out the possibility of a change in demeanor in everything else including his love life.
A flush came to her cheeks as she beat the buttons harder at the memory of his hands all over her hips and her back. His lips that slanted over her own and left a lingering trail for the ghost of her imagination to follow down her neck. How her body pushed against his as he held her to him as if she was the most important thing in the world. And then there was the pressure of his desire that settled between her thighs letting her know that her human body was craved like a starving demon given a chance the eat the 5-star meal that was Kagome. The words on the page began to fade as she shifted in her seat again and combed her bangs out of her face feeling rather hot all of a sudden. And then there was what happened later that day…
Sly brown eyes narrowed upon her petite frame hovered over the table like a mad scientist. His calculated frame watched her over the rim of a freshly dried wine glass before setting it down and picking up another one. His eyes roamed her figure again and compared this woman to the woman of before, who seemingly marched in with a pink flush to her cheeks and a brisk spring to her walk. This was a completely different woman he had expected to see upon arrival. He expected to see the dragon woman with tired yet resilient eyes and claws ready to take on the last few challenges before their FIFA Cup moment that was Restaurant Week emerged. What walked through the door had him quite intrigued.
Kagome's hair was brushed to the point it shined down her back instead of being twisted up in its usual messy bun. The usual same simple makeup was there but something was there in her facial expression. The tiredness seemed less daunting in her eyes. She didn't walk in with her black starchy pants and white crisp chef's shirt. She strutted inside in her yellow and black polka dotted short dress that he saw only on her rare off days. Her black bomber jacket was folded over her arm as her black ankle boots beat against the wooden floor. When she sauntered into the restaurant and greeted him, he was shocked. Something about her was off…pleasant but off. She seemed almost young and besotted.
He was worried earlier when she didn't come into the restaurant the other day and left him in charge. But admittedly he was relieved to hear she was taking time for herself. Granted, he would never wish to hear that she worked herself into exhaustion. But Kagome was a very stubborn woman, so he figured her body had enough of her abuse. However, after seeing the normally rigid tall demonic inu-youkai pull up and give Kagome full white glove curbside service out of his car, he believed the story he was given had a plot twist. Trying again, he focused on the glass before making another comment. "Is this what we do now when-"
"For the hundredth time, Miroku!" Kagome erupted and turned to look at him. "No! Now let it go!" She demanded with a fierce glare. It seemed to have loss some of his usual fire with the flush look on her cheeks from most likely whatever was going through her head.
"Ok…touchy. Touchy." Miroku muttered watching as she eyed him untrustingly before slowly turning back to the task at hand. He sat the glass down and watched again as her movements became more aggressive. The poor calculator was suffering an abuse that should be reported to the authorities. A few minutes passed in the empty space with silence settling between them. Chewing the inside of his cheek, he laid the glass down and reached for another one. "Of course, getting your back blown out would do anyone wond-"
"Miroku!" She exclaimed before dropping her pencil and turning to shout at him some more until her phone cut through her rant. Grumbling irritably, Kagome quickly looked over at her phone. She had just left Rin that morning with the pack after getting up early to ride over with Sesshomaru to see her first and be with her for the morning. Hope bloomed in her chest that the call would either be from Sesshomaru calling and stirring up her usual morning routine or her little pup wanting to talk to her some more. The smile that flitted to her lips easily slowly began to fade a little as she read the name that popped up. Inhaling deeply, she stood up and grabbed her purse quickly before rushing toward the doors with her phone ringing in her hands. "Miroku! I got to take this and do something. I'll be back in a few! I promise."
Miroku wiped a glass in his hands with pinched eyebrows drawn in ready to argue before the doors closed on any argument he could give. "What the hell, Kagome?" He muttered at the oddity that now was his boss.
An Hour Later
The hairs on her arm stood on end as Kagome sat on the plush sofa looking about the vast room she found herself in so quickly. Her purse sat heavily in her lap with her phone tucked in her right hand with a grip that spoke of her anxiousness. Kagome's knuckles were white as she focused on keeping her aura from flaring. Something inside of her didn't exactly sit right with her, despite her being the one to trust the one she now shared space with. Her eyes looked down at her phone briefly, rereading the message she sent to Miroku and Sango about her current whereabouts. Of course, Miroku was having a field day and no doubt Sango was dressed in her warrior outfit ready to come get her if their frantic texts said anything about their sentiments towards her new ally.
Her eyes roamed the space taking note of the luxurious décor around her. The black sofa she sat on was seated to the front of the room and held two soft purple chairs to her right and left. The fine details within the wood caught her eyes along with the gold stitching along the upholstery. The heavy wooden desk held a few knick-knacks with a stack of papers to her far left and an old gold quill resting to the right. Two chairs sat in front of the desk with one at an angle indicating its recent use. Long purple drapes hung from the high ceilings and brushed the glossy wood floors. The sunlight peeped through the large windows and lit the office in a comforting glow. Yet, her stomach turned and her leg bounced in anxiousness as she listened to the sound of hot water being poured and a spoon tapping what was sure to be expensive Chinese porcelain in the far corner.
"Sorry to again disrupt your morning. But I am in great need to speak with you in private and face to face, Ms. Kagome." The rich voice of Naraku carried as he walked from the back of his office and towards the sitting area. His voice carried smoothly over the space and bounced off the walls. His hands gripped the teacups before sauntering over to the seating area in the middle of his office. Naraku delicately handed her a cup and saucer as if he had been serving high tea his whole life to the royal family. And who knew…he probably did and was the one receiving such services.
"Kagome…" She corrected and nodded graciously at the teacup. She took his offering with both hands before checking it and realizing it wasn't poisoned. "I hope I'm not disrupting anything. I wasn't expecting you to reach out to me so quickly." The steam rising from the cup soothed her nerves a little as she blew gently along the surface. The rich aroma of chamomile blanketed her senses and she took a slight sip before removing the rim of her cup from her lips. She settled slightly as the spider demon walked to the chair across from her and sat down.
"Nonsense" He waved off as he sat nonchalantly in the chair. His calm and relaxed manner eased her a little but the nerves on her neck wouldn't die down. His black crisp suit clung to him and revealed the muscle that lay beneath. The white shirt underneath was left unbutton near the top showing off the thin gold chain that wrapped delicately around his neck. Slick dark hair hung behind him as he titled his head to look at her with a smirk on his thin lips. Naraku was quite handsome in photos but always seeing him in person took vanity to another level. He seemed to know it as well.
"Before I spill into my questions…" he dragged as he took a sip of his tea. "Please tell me what has you so intrigued with my input into my dear friend's affairs." He waved his right hand nonchalantly.
Taking a deep breath, Kagome placed her teacup on the elegant coffee table before her. Her thoughts were a jumbled mess on the way over to meet up with him. Something within her told her that this was right…that speaking to Naraku was the right thing to do but she knew instinctually that she needed to watch him. Something in the way he carried himself put her off a bit. Not to mention, she did do some hefty research of him when she was resting in Sesshomaru's bed on her phone. The man was squeaky clean except for a few reports of his devious ways. No charges but just rumors. She studied him as he studied her with the small space stretched between them. Taking a deep breath, Kagome decided to just get to the point.
"What do you know about Sesshomaru's engagement?" She began, scooting in her seat forward to face him.
Naraku blinked at her boldness and sat a little bit straighter. He watched the intensity of her eyes upon him as she waited patiently for an answer. He leaned forward and sat his own cup of tea down on the table and shrugged. "I know a little here and there." He vaguely provided. "Depends on who is asking."
Kagome bristled at this. "Seriously?" She questioned. "You're Sesshomaru's best friend." Naraku snickered a little and tilted his head at her, urging her to continue. Heat flared inside Kagome at his carelessness of the serious situation at hand. "Are you even aware that Sesshomaru is in trouble and that Kaguya isn't exactly who you think she is? That she's using him to gain access to his fortune?" She spat out quickly with her hand over her heart, searching for the truth in his dark gaze.
Naraku tilted his head at this. A calculated expression pinched his lips up a bit. "Oh, so Kaguya has finally revealed her wickedness to the world. How is my best friend taking it? Not too hard I hope?"
Kagome leaned back a little and studied the demon before her. His callousness towards Sesshomaru's plight was offensive. If he didn't speak the words he just spoke about Kaguya being wicked, she would think he could give zero shits. She watched him as a slow smirk came to his lips and he continued on watching her. Goading her it seemed like. Under the light of the dimly lit room, he seemed just like Sesshomaru when he was on to something. Predatory. Her eyebrows went up as she suddenly glared at him. "You knew!" She accused with a growl rimming her words. Her voice rising as she scanned his face, watching the smirk on his lips grow into one of a man that just made the cover of GQ top sexiest man alive. Her finger came out and pointed towards him. "You knew this whole time and you didn't say anything! What kind of friend-"
"Ah! I'm the best kind of friend." He cut her off and focused his gaze upon her with the intensity that left her skin crawling. Naraku laid his hands on the armrests of the vintage chair that seemed to carry him like a throne. "I warned him of Kaguya's…tendencies." He stated before the smirk vanished from his lips. "But you know…dogs." Naraku shrugged his shoulders as if that response answered all life's questions.
Frustrated, Kagome moved her purse to her side and out of her way. She tossed her phone inside, now fully focused on letting the spider know her ire. "And?" She asked with a toss of her hand at him. "That's it? You just told him and let him go forward with it?" She shook her head as her mind began to race. "You're his friend! If you knew then…"
"Miss Kagome." Naraku interrupted again. "As you may know…" He paused as he leaned forward towards her with his eyes narrowing upon her frame. "Dogs are stubborn animals. You can tell them something but they must sniff it out for themselves to learn. And besides…" He got up suddenly and walked over to the wall where his bar rested and began reaching for a glass. "The world will right itself. It tends to do in all of these types of situations. You need not worry about his love life nor about his foundations. He will come out of this with all that's important intact." He explained vaguely before reaching for his special glass canister of scotch and popping the top off. "Now, what exactly can I do for you? That's why you came here right? You want something from me? Or was that what you came here for? To ask me about my dear…pals…precarious situation?" He asked allowed before pouring himself a sample. He looked back at her and grinned. "Irish coffee they say…"
Kagome glared at his back reading through the lines. She watched patiently as the demon poured himself a shot. She heard the accusing tone in his voice laced with false pretense. She looked upon him and saw the demon whom she had learned was an adopted son-like figure of the Tashio family. The internet held a few pictures of him standing with the Tashio's at important moments throughout time but for the most part he was almost nonexistent. Seemingly, a man that liked to work in the privacy of the shadows. The darkness she had learned was his friend and protected him a few times when his character was questioned. But nothing stuck and no one could pin him with anything. He instead was mentioned several times as one of the "Good-Ole Boys" along with the Tashio sons. He donated resources to orphanages, paid for kids' lunches at schools, provided opportunities for youth on the street trying to better themselves. Everything went to children and young adults in need.
But she was no fool. She heard the rumors too about the disappearances of those that opposed him. She also read up on the people speaking about the dark side of him and the world he controlled at night while everyone was sleeping. Kagome took note of his expensive tastes and his actions that he displayed before her. He was a demon of control. Seemingly knowing everything and for all she knew he did. But he did it all for his family. "Family" he often quoted in every blog, interview, gala, etc. The Tashio family was his family as far as he was concerned and he said he would do anything for them. And that thought was exactly what caused her to just go for broke. "What did you do, Naraku?" Kagome accused, staring at him as he put down the bottle and side eyed her dangerously. "And don't lie! I know you are up to something and that you are involved in this somehow. I came to ask you if you could help me find a way to free Sesshomaru but something tells me you have already done something. So out with it!"
Naraku paused for a second. His lips touched the rim of his glass before withdrawing to eye her with a warning deep within them. "And what makes you think I'm involved, Ka-go-me?" He taunted slowly saying her name.
Kagome shifted in her seat. "Because I know you will do anything for family. I know that someone that is close to you is getting hurt and you don't seem to be the type of person to let it slide. Unless…you're the one pulling the strings."
A growl left his lips at her accusation. "Stay in your place, little onn-"
Kagome pulled her hair behind her ears and continued onwards as if she heard nothing. "Now you have ruled that out so I can suffice to say you do know what's going on. And you don't like it. So you must be doing something." Kagome sat straighter, unable to read Naraku as his demeanor shifted back into uncaring. "I know the Kaguya and her family the Utomi's don't like you. They make it known in the papers. I know what the rumors say about you too." Kagome said.
He relaxed keeping every cell poised and took a sip of his scotch. "Oh do you. Many say the same thing but find nothing." He surmised, finding the little game they were playing to be quite entertaining. He sized the little human up that sat on his couch working through the puzzle on the spot before him. He could feel the tension of her spiritual reiki simmering and it excited him slightly to feel the damage it could do. He looked her over and also read between the lines…gathering his own intel and piecing the ever-growing puzzle together.
"That's what you want, Naraku. You want people to look where you guide them. Like hiding in plain sight." She explained, growing increasingly irritable at his mind games and child's play.
"You seem to know quite a bit, little miko." He said looking at her over the rim of his glass. The smooth taste of his beverage slid down his throat as he waited for her answer. "The dogs think you're a sheep but you're no sheep at all. Quite a lioness you are."
Kagome shook her head, exasperated. "Look! I'm not here to play games. What are you up to and is there a way for you to help Sesshomaru or not!" She demanded with finality in her voice. "Legally!" She nearly yelled pointing a finger at him. "That's all I'm here for. You know what's happening. You can't just sit by and watch him get played like this!"
Naraku frowned and toss the final remnants back. He sighed at the heavenly taste as if nonplussed by her demeanor. Without saying much about herself, he had learned quite a lot about her and the development between her and his friend. He set his glass down heavily on the table and turned to her slightly. His face looked pensive as he stared at the ceiling and took note of the craftsmanship along the border and the archways. "What if I told you that you were right on the money, Kagome. But the story is a tad bit bigger than you expected. More specifically you play quite a big part in it all."
Kagome leaned back as if shocked. Her eyes grew wide as she watched his strange behavior. He slowly turned to fully look at her. His glowing eyes settled upon her with a challenging gaze. Kagome swallowed and shook her head. "What?" She asked.
"Come on, lets stroll through memory lane together. Shall we?" He asked as he walked back over to his seat and sat down again. He brushed his cuff links and leaned back casually again looking nonplussed as if he was not about to spill a life secret that could shatter the world she thought she knew. His grin grew at the befuddled expression plastered on her face. However, his eyes no longer held the mirth or the humor from before. This smile was deadly. "What do you know about the Yomi's?" He asked before correcting himself with a flare of his hand. "Besides their penchant for greed and distaste for your kind and my own?" He asked as he waved his hand at her likeness.
"Their rich aristocrats obsessed with all things full blooded demon related." She commented and shrugged. "What's your point? How is this related to me?"
"Hmmm" He said as he reached up to scratch his chin in thought. "Now…Rin's family. I do enjoy Rin by the way. A pup after my own heart." He said moving his hand to his chest where his heartbeat. "But Rin's biological family…the Utomi's?" Naraku dragged as he bent to brush off imaginary lint from his pants before leaning back into his chair. "They are friends with the Yomi's…are they not? What are they like?" He asked with a tilt of his head and a smile.
Kagome's heartbeat at the mention of the Utomi's. They have tried so hard to take Rin and get her fortune while slandering their names in her presence or cursing Rin's mother for her humanity. "They are the same. They hate humans. They hate half-breeds. They are greedy and ruthless. Why are you-?"
"Great!" He said and clapped his hands together slightly startling Kagome in her seat. "Two families that share a love to hate and destroy others in this world." Naraku bent forward and looked at her deeply, drawing his eyebrows in. "Now what if I told you…that the two were working…together?"
Kagome sputtered at this news. She hadn't heard from the Yomi's in ages since they tried to take Rin from her and continue to do things in demon court, thinking she didn't have people working on protecting her and her pup around the clock. "Together? B-But why?"
Naraku pointed at her seemingly pleased at himself for shaking her up a bit. "The better question is…now why do you think the Utomi's are after our dear old Sesshomaru-san?" He asked with an emphasis in the pleasantry at the end.
Kagome shifted forward and looked about as if recalling every piece of information she could collect over the past few months. "I've been rattling my brain out on this and the only thing I can come up with is that their losing something valuable or trying to forge an alliance that would make them seem untouchable. But they have that prestige it seemed like unless… their really broke." She laughed without the humor. It came out dry and flat on her ears as she watched Naraku put both his hands up and the grin stretch across his face like the Joker.
"Ding. Ding. Ding." He acknowledged and clapped slowly for her. He chuckled as her face went into shock and her eyes widened into saucers.
"No way! I was right!" She squeaked. "They are broke….B-but how?" She asked and looked at him. "They are on every magazine. They own so many businesses. They always claiming how their longevity will outlast humanity…and the Yomi's spend so much money in court trying to get to Rin…I-I can't see how?"
Naraku stood and chuckled darkly. "What else, Kagome." He walked over to the window and looked out as if seeing something quite interesting. "Destroyed by the thing they wish to eradicate." He voiced with a dark tone laced in his words. "While those of us that thrive and do a simple metamorphosis to adapt to live within the new environment… others fight against time and change. Only to be destroyed by it. Natural selection." He expressed darkly. "You know, nature will teach you a lot of things if one just waits and watches her carefully. She's quite the teacher." He said before shoving his hands into his pockets and turning to look at her.
"So they are using their daughter to get access to the Tashio funds and most likely their assets as well." Kagome spoke as she tapped her chin in thought. "But why would the Yomi's team up…"
Naraku shrugged. "Why would they continue to fight for a half-breed they want no business with adopting or raising?" He said. "No hurt intended. But its true…when they could have billions by just siding with the right people."
Kagome shook her head at this. "We can't let them win! They have to be stopped. But we can't interfere. Too many people are meddling and it's causing a mess with Sesshomaru's affairs." She stood up and started to pace. Her brain racing a mile a minute. "He would kill me if he knew I was here talking about this…"
"Yet, here you are…" He gestured grandly causing her to stop in her tracks. "And since we are being so transparent…I assume you are smitten with my dearest friend?"
Kagome bristled and her cheeks grew red. "I-I" She began before breathing slowly and trying again. "Sesshomaru means a lot to me. And so does his family. They are all I've got now." She voiced as she stared at him head on. Her fists balling at her side waiting for his rebuttal.
Naraku smirked at the knowing truth. "I bet…" He mumbled before turning away from the window. "Well let me be the first then to tell you that Sesshomaru may indeed have a way out of this." He watched as Kagome lit up and looked at him with a calculating expression. Almost as if his words were too good to be true. Little did she know…"Sesshomaru caught Kaguya doing things she shouldn't be doing. Kaguya has crossed a line that not even the Gods can save her from."
"Well! That's great! What did she do? And did they take it to court?" She asked with hope in her eyes.
Naraku snickered. "She tried to pup herself without his consent and being out of a binding mating ritual." He explained, watching as Kagome's face turned into one of extreme disdain and a gasp left her lips. "But the trick is getting that evidence and making sure it can't be thrown out of the court for how it was confiscated and won't bring shame to Sesshomaru publicly." He explained with a tilt of his head.
"Ah!" He raised his hand up to his chin and looked at her intensely. "What if she's hit with a Breach of Contract on the grounds of Failure of Contract Needs."
Naraku waved his hand at her and his eyes seemed to light up at the prospect. "Go on…" He urged. "You have my full attention now, Kagome."
"Well…" Kagome paused gathering her thoughts. "From my knowledge of demon mating contracts…the promise isn't just a promise between two individuals. It's also a contract between families…clans. Right?" Naraku nodded she continued. "Well…" She licked her lips as she continued to process out loud. "If Sesshomaru can get evidence that Kaguya's family is going broke and thus is not meeting their end of the marriage contract…Sesshomaru is free. His clan is actually losing in this deal and the way the demon courts view these…negotiations are usually straight forward. I don't see why that wouldn't add up in Sesshomaru's case. He has to be gaining something from her. If he can prove that his side of the contract is being violated and that he's gaining nothing then he can get out of it. He loses nothing. His pride and family fortune is safe. He won't be shamed and the marriage contract will be void! We just need to read the hard copy of what the marriage contract entails from her end…and like all of them…something is involved…"
"Clever miko." He said rubbing his chin thoughtfully at her. "That is quite something." He muttered before standing and walking his way towards his desk.
"I need to tell him. We can get him out!" She reached down and picked up her cell phone. Disregarding the seemingly infinite texts between Miroku and Sango in the group chat.
"No." He voiced with an edge that cut across the space. Kagome looked over to see him pulling out a file and walking towards her with it. "Let me work on gathering this information first." Naraku said as he handed her the file. "Afterall we don't want to excite the dog over undeliverables now…and also I am the family's lawyer so we must tread carefully." He spoke as Kagome paused narrowing her eyes at him while opening the file up.
Her eyes scanned its contents before widening like saucers. "This..." She started before flipping through and reading the excel sheets and the bank statements carefully. "This is the list of assets the Utomi's have lost…" She gripped her forehead and continued reading. "They are losing money rapidly." She stated before closing the file and looking over at Naraku. "H-How did you get all of this?"
Naraku reached for the file and took it back. "Oh little miko…I have my ways as you so kindly threw them out earlier upon thinking that I was not helping my childhood friend. I will say…I wish to have seen you five hundred years ago on the battlefield. You would make quite an opponent the way you carry your righteousness on your sleeve." He taunted before stepping back to his desk and putting the file away. "But I digress…your brilliance is everything I have been searching for and I wish that I had found you before speaking to others. With that being said… leave everything to me, miko." Naraku said with a smirk as he pushed everything away and stood back up to his full height.
Kagome bit the inside of her cheek while studying the demon precariously. "How did you get all of that information. That's not something that you can just look up and ask for. And why are you doing this, Naraku?" She asked feeling in the pit of her belly that there was more to this than what Naraku was telling. "Why are you doing this?" She repeated. "All the questions you asked me. About the Yomi's. About my ties to the Tashio's. There is something you're not telling." She accused. "Even you being here in Paris like this. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha seemed shocked that you were here. Even more so when you and I crossed paths. Why?"
"Spinning my web and evening the score." Naraku said with a flourish and a grin. "Now, I'm going to look over Sesshomaru's contract carefully and see if we can do something about this."
Kagome reached for her purse and paused. She slowly came up and latched her purse onto her shoulder, securing it tightly. "I think you have already done so." She muttered and stood up looking at him dead on. "Something tells me you planned this." She watched as the grin fell from his lips and a blank face came upon him. "People like to think that I'm just a chef. My mom was a lawyer you know before she became dedicated to the shrine. I can read contracts just like my sister can. That's what got us into the demon courts system. And that file you just showed is confidential. You can't get that unless you are seriously rubbing shoulders with those top 500 companies."
Naraku stood stoic. Clearly, she could see now where Sesshomaru and Naraku favored. She looked up at him as he stood as if he could reach to his side at any moment and stab her with sword. But she was far too in it now to call it quits. For all she knew, Naraku had his hands in everything and she needed to make sure her and her own was not on the table for grabs. She needed to know his loyalty for certain. "I think this is far personal than just Sesshomaru and you doing good for your family. Does this have something to do with your fiancé?"
Naraku paused and looked at her for a long drawn out moment. "Clever girl." He acknowledged before walking over to her. He looked her over thoroughly. "I think it is time for you to leave, Kagome." He urged as he gestured towards the door.
Kagome held her phone tightly in her grasp ready to call Sesshomaru. She couldn't be fake with him especially with all the bullshit going on around him. He needed to know everything and make the best decision for himself. He also needed to be aware of Naraku's hands in all of this. Discreetly, she walked by and bowed politely. "Thank you, Naraku." Biting her lip, Kagome nodded trying to gather her thoughts and walked towards the door. Naraku opened it wide and invited her out into the long hallway where a few people waited seated in the atrium horizontal to their standing. Some looking a little bit more suspicious and than others.
"And Kagome?"
Kagome paused and turned back to look at Naraku who leaned casually against the frame of his door. "You're the only one he has ever brought home that I approve of. And I implore you to look up my fiance's practice to…fully understand what you're dealing with." He supplied. Kagome gripped her purse tightly to her and nodded. She questioned the encouragement but the expression on his face was sincere. Maybe he wanted her to know what was going on. Maybe…
"Secrets do get heavy sometimes you know. You don't have to carry all that weight Naraku. People actually care about you." She said uncaringly of the others in the hallway looking at them in curiosity.
Naraku smirked and ran his hand through his thick bangs. "Crazy…my intended says the same thing." He watched her turn to walk off before he called after her again. He watched her pause almost out of sight. "Kagome…If anyone…and I mean anyone makes you feel threatened in anyway…give me a ring." He spoke with his Cheshire grin appearing back onto his face. The sun gleaming through the large windows making him almost seemingly harmless and friendly. "You're family now."
Ok... do what you want.