Check my profile for details, disclaimers, warnings, middle finger to the grammar nazis, and additional information.
Chapter 45: Edible Arrangements
Kagome's feet beat heavily against the marble floor as she walked towards the elevator leading to Sesshomaru's restaurant. The car ride over was maddening as she rushed to speak to everyone and Facetime those briefly that needed a few words from her. The moon hung high in the cloudless Paris night sky, shining down a soft glow upon her face as she looked out at the passing scenery of eclectic lights and historic French architecture. The streets, parks, and rivers were a glow. People strolled by; soaking up the moon's rays. Now she waited impatiently for the elevator to reach the top. It barely came to a stop before she ripped out of the doors and yanked at her sullied chef's coat finding it suddenly detrimental to the amorous greeting she wished to bestow upon her Inu-companion. Her heart was beating frantically in her chest as she all but raced towards the doors that would lead her inside of his place.
Kagome passed by a few of his crew members that were raucous and celebratory as they passed her; caught up in their own excitement and reprieve of the end of restaurant week. Some waved…others bowed slightly… a few called to her in various congratulatory youkai howls, growls, and high-pitched adulations. She returned their praise and urged them to be safe during their no-doubt long festive night out. Kagome shook out the bun in her hair and tried to shape the voluminous waves in hopes it would make her look more attractive and less exhausted. Some of his staffed whistled teasingly and clapped at her display. The courage she carried with her, lifted her smile higher and complimented the sporty blush that dusted her cheeks at their acknowledgement. Kagome was not just here for business anymore. And everyone that found themselves in Sesshomaru's and Kagome's orbit knew it. Her aura flickered playfully at a few she developed bonds with as they whooped and hollered more. She walked the familiar pathway with excitement filling her own blood vessels at seeing…him.
Sesshomaru leaned casually against the bar in the somewhat darkened restaurant as she locked eyes with his. The almost nonexistent lighting provided the ambience, leaving the Iron Lady to bask them in her brilliance through the large clear windows. A few chairs were flipped over and resting above tables. Tablecloths were gone leaving everything bare around him. She came to a stop at the reception counter as she clutched her purse close to her sides suddenly feeling her mouth fill with cotton. Sesshomaru was dressed in simply black pants and a crisp black shirt that looked as if he was not just in the throes of a day long rush of food preparation. The soft glow of lights coming in through the window basked his pale skin in an ethereal glow. The shadows of the space highlighted the contours of his sharp features from his nose to the magenta markings along his cheeks. His long silvery hair was tied loosely behind him and his bangs still hung elegantly framing the crescent moon on his forehead.
Damn it is just not fair!
Kagome tilted her chin up and marched her way towards him. His left eyebrow lifted at her approach with a humorous tilt to his thin lips at her determined yet enthused expression. Her natural soft scent of lavender mingled with that of grilled meats, sweat, fire, salt, and earthy spices. An edible arrangement if he had ever scented one. Her dark hair layered wildly around her head and shoulders as her eyes blazed with a look of happiness and longing. She looked dangerously wild and his fingers itched to reach out and hold her. He refrained wanting to know what she would do as she came closer speedily.
Kagome smiled upon seeing his expression turn to open unguarded confusion as she approached swiftly. The smile turned into a Cheshire grin before she reached his side and placed her purse on the bar. She let the bag go and turned to gaze up at him. With quick motions she reached out to put one hand along his chest and the other to slide upwards along his neck. His hands reached out quickly as well and held her along her hips, pulling her close to his front. She stared happily into his gaze before nodding to him encouragingly. "If you're looking for permission, now is the time you-"
Before she could finish, his lips slanted over hers quickly in a heated kiss. His posture had change to meet her petite frame as she stood on her tippy toes to greet him. Strong slender hands ran from her hips to her back and back again as he claimed her sweet mouth and sought dominance. She tasted of sweet and savory delights that had his mind sorting through the evening offerings with her name in the middle. Her scent spiked to that of lusty reverence and desire that grew strong as he continued to steal her breath from her lungs. Her lips moved against his, with her own fingers managing to climb their way towards the base of his skull with the right hand. His strong shoulder blade was gripped with the other. Her fist balled his shirt into her fist trying to push his larger frame into hers as if to absorb or be absorbed. Sharp fangs came out and pulled roughly on her bottom lip as his tongue massaged the bruised flesh and prodded her teeth for entry.
A loud groan escaped her before she opened for him and her tiny pink muscle came out to tango with his, pushing his way inside of her mouth. His hot wet tongue danced with her own as his hands moved from the safety of her back and hips to run down cupping the swell of her ass through her black pants. A gasp escaped her mouth and she could feel the heat between her legs grow along with the need for him to do more than just touch her through the proxy of her clothes. Her legs had about given up the struggle and buckled. But before she could tilt, his strong hands lifted her up by the backs of her thighs to rest her body along the front of his waist. Her legs wrapped around him to secure herself, feeling the bulge of his thickness touching her under thigh. His lips pulled from hers before licking her top lip flippantly. His lips then trailed from the corner of her mouth and downward to the sides of her throat where she bared herself daringly to his affection. Her hands pulled him closer as she gasped for air.
"We-we did it!" She managed to speak, feeling his lips and teeth pull and nibble along the sides of her throat. "It's done and now we just wait to see who wants to throw their opinion around."
An agreeable sound reverberated from him before he found his source of delicacy had begun to lean away in his arms. Molten golden eyes took in sultry clouded brown ones that held his gaze intensely. Her hair was wavy all about her and she looked now as if she had wrestled and won a match. Her smile was infectious as she gripped him tighter. Her sex and aura ladled his own lovingly and soothingly, calling him out to be free and unbridled with the heaviness of the last few weeks. It caught him off guard and he found himself wanting to know what she saw in him. What she wanted. And where he fit into her world and the reality she created for herself and their pup.
Their pup.
Thiers.
His eye shot wide at this as he looked at her. How his thoughts had changed since having her in his life. Watching Kagome mother Rin throughout the time they had known each other was something to be poetically written about for the dreamers and romantics. Her unwavering instinctual devotion to the pup was unmatched. Her ability and desire to allow him and his family to come into their lives and create pack among them was something of myths. A pack that was changing by the second as their bond no longer situated just around their pup but around their growing affections for each other. Kagome was an enigma and yet simple in the same breath. A walking contradiction. Her love was as strong as her temper. Her tongue as sharp as it was to dole out insults it was quick to apologize and seek reason. This little onna who managed to strike courage, hope, fear, and devotion in both humans and demons' hearts, now managed to take on the challenge of conquering his own. And she was winning.
Kagome's eyes closed and she leaned forward kissing the tip of his nose for his sweetness. Her face was pink from his attention and her red lips were swollen slightly. Her left hand held onto him while the other played with his baby hairs that rested near his neck. Kagome smiled down at him and sighed in his arms. "Thank you for everything Sesshomaru and Good Evening to you too." She softly spoke as her chest heaved to chase the oxygen she needed. Her brown eyes now glittering like she had found magic.
Sesshomaru tilted his head to the side at her remark and grinned. "Kagome." He acknowledged. "This one heard you were successful tonight."
Kagome shook her head. "We." She emphasized excitedly in his hold. "We are successful. And I'm ready to celebrate…with Rin and you." She bit her lip and looked away slightly. "That is unless you had other…"
"Foolish miko." He muttered as he shifted closer to her body. "There is no other. There is just you and Rin. Strike the fear and uncertainty from your mind." He clarified leaning his forehead to rest against hers gently. "You may have this Sesshomaru…infinitely if you desire." He mumbled, getting lost in her scent.
Kagome couldn't help the foolish grin spreading across her lips. A feeling of elation spread throughout her chest as she tilted her head up to look at him. "If this is your way of asking for a relationship…you need more emotional counseling then I thought." She playfully chided, allowing her forehead to press into the hollow of his cheek. She leaned her head up again to pepper his jaw in sensual kisses as her hand came up to cup the side of his face. "But, I'll accept your offer."
Sesshomaru searched her gaze and saw the genuine adoration shining back at him. Here she was covered in stains from God knows what and wearing her chefs' uniform which covered all of her up. But she couldn't have been any more beautiful to him in that moment. Her words drifted somewhere in the vacancy of the space as he took her in. His hands came down and rested along her thighs, smoothing the material there and rubbing small circles. He lifted her up higher and turned to place her on the bar. He walked around and reached behind to grab keys and a bottle of verified exquisite pinot noir.
Kagome watched him feeling the heat blaze within her at the uncertain pathway of the evening. Now that everything was out of the way, the nagging thoughts of her conscious nibbled its way to the forefront. She watched him take the keys and slide one off the ringlet. She knew the key he was giving, and her breath hitched in her throat at the important implication of his actions. "Sessho…"
He held the key and offered it to her nonchalantly. "I must close and lock up down here. Go up and I'll be there shortly."
Kagome barely registered her hand moving to grasp the key as emotions bubbled in her chest. The lust and happiness shifted to that of concern and questioning. The key in her palm felt like a brick. Its representation of access to his private life and all he had to offer did not go unnoticed or was taken lightly. Naraku's words and the last few days rushed through her until it left her stomach no longer stirring from yearning but of uncertainty. Her thoughts decided to mingle and mix, causing even Sesshomaru to pause at her sour facial expression.
Her scent changed drastically leaving a tangy coating on the back of his throat. He calculated within his mind if his actions were unwarranted. His growing affection for her misguided for a simple lust of the body to satiate bodily desire. Taking her hesitation and glossy eyes as a rebuke, his face began to take on the guarded stoic mask once again before he could ask her about her changed state.
Watching his face shift, she realized her faux pas. The barrier that had taken months after the initial year of knowing him had begun to build up right before her and block her access to his emotions. She reached out her hand that held the key to grip his in a tight affirmation lock. "Don't do that. Don't shut me out." She quickly mended softly. "I-I care about you greatly and I want this." She motioned between the two of them. "There is just something I should tell you before we go further. I want you to be free. To make these decisions knowing everything." She finished with her shoulders pushed back and the key clutched tightly to her chest.
Sesshomaru stood motionless as he traced every pattern along her eyes and jaw. Her scent bared no sign of a lie or ill-intent. Her eyes held his and the emotions from before still reflected through her now striking gaze. She held his own, waiting for his response. His eyes roamed to their connected hands. Her thumb began creating relaxing circles on top of his. His shoulders felt heavy suddenly as he braced himself for whatever she had to say. "Continue."
Kagome swallowed and began to spill everything she had learned and done before him. From going off to see Naraku to the plans she uncovered that he had done. She left no detail out. He stood silently and simply listened to her free her chest of the burden she was holding. A burden she carried because she believed she was wrong for diving into his business and dangerous to go see the spider. Their hands stayed connected with his own gripping hers in strength as she told him her truth. He tilted his head to the side to take in the small stature of the woman he held much affection for. Such strength and profound sense of justice for the wrong, cemented her in her duty to set things right. Even at the cost of her own emotional wellbeing. When she was done, she was red in the face and breathing heavily. Her eyes were again glossy as she shook in sadness and relief at having confided her soul and findings into him.
Finally, she ran out of steam. Her eyes found his as if begging for something. His hardened gaze had softened during her rant. But the distance was still palpable. "Look…I'm so sorry for going off and talking to Naraku. But something wasn't right and I didn't want to alert you with false-"
"Kagome." He paused her. She gasped as he lifted her hand while the other sought after its mate to hold them and intwine their fingers. "This Sesshomaru is well aware of what you did." He muttered as he held her hands and locked eyes with her. "Now, let me enlighten you."
"Huh?" She asked with a tilt of her head in confusion. Her eyes searching his as he smirked. Her lips stretched into a frown as her patience began to wane.
"Naraku called me and told me you were visiting. He also shared with me the conversation you had." He stated with a twist of his lips as Kagome gaped like a fish. "Normally, Naraku is secretive and keeps his comings and goings private. But...he likes you. He says you are confrontational, demanding, deceptive, and rather loud when you want to protect people. All in all, he thinks you are a good thing." He huffed as Kagome's face turned red.
"That jer-"
"As of yesterday, my mating contract is void." Sesshomaru spoke watching Kagome gasp and snatch her hands away. "The Utomi's get nothing. My wealth and pack are safe from the Utomi Clan."
"But it's not in the news…I didn't see…" She racked her brain hard and remembered the reporter from earlier asking her about something with Kaguya but she didn't even let him finish. Her mind was also trying to figure out how this all came about.
Sesshomaru took her hands and pulled her palms open. He stared at the small space in her hands. A subtle hum rested beneath her flesh alerting him to how volatile she could be against his kind. Yet, she has only used every inch of her to protect and defend everyone who she has come to trust, love, and care for.
"Naraku found a way." He muttered looking sideways into the depths of the iron lady.
Shiny black leather Gucci loafers padded the waxed white marble floors as people ran a mock around him. Red Beats by Dr. Dre sat over his ears as he blared rapper-singer Drake's Headlines lyrics in his ears. A song his fiancé would rap to him playfully as he got ready for work. He smoothed the satin violet tie of his black suit down as he walked around the large space with a savvy grin on his face. His long hair was tied in a sleek ponytail that swayed behind him. The beat of the base giving him rhythm to walk through. He checked his watch for the time and nodded at his own timeliness. A swagger to his step was seen by everyone who knew the spider demon and moved quickly out of his way.
A briefcase was held tightly in the other that swung at his side. His laughing eyes were covered in dark shades as he watched amused at the scene before him. Several council members were talking in hushed voices as a few members of the Utomi Clan yelled in outrage. Notably the father whose face was flushed pink in outrage. His youkai flaring his chubby short body as he spewed threats and orders demanding justice. He took off his headphones and folded them gently in his hands. He came to the offense chair and table where he sat them down not bothering to put them away.
"What the hell is this, you puppet!" Mr. Utomi spewed at the wrinkled paper in his hand as he made to move towards the spider.
Naraku took his sunglasses off quickly and narrowed his eyes dangerously at the demon. "Watch your mouth, Mr. Utomi." His aura briefly flared warningly catching everyone in the room at the seriousness in the threat he gave to Mr. Utomi without using words. "Or you may find yourself in another situation your ass can't get your mouth out of."
Naraku's grin returned slowly as Mr. Utomi sputtered and continued to yell nonsense. His claws placed his sunglasses onto the table. His phone vibrated in his pants pocket and he quickly reached for it. He checked his phone noting the many messages but only responding to a few. He turned the music off before seeing Marie's name pop up on his screen wishing him the best and once again asking him if she should be there with him as support. He read through her Spanish words of love, encouragement, and promises. The grating voices around him dulled as he sent a heart emoji to his intended and winky face knowing a blush was no doubt coloring her brown skin at his privy message.
"Alright, court's in session." An elderly bird demoness rang loudly as she banged the gavel. Her bright red feathers bristled as she looked around.
Naraku looked up to see everyone rushing for a seat. Reporters were outside flashing their cameras and lights. The doors slowly closed in their faces as silence fell over the room. He could see in the crowd the familiar faces of Kikyo dressed in a killer red suit. Her hair neatly hung behind her back. She looked cold and ruthlessly across the way at the Utomi's and the Yomi's that sat in the crowd as well. His eyes caught the attention of the other Lords and Ladies including Lady InuKimi who sat stiffly next to Lord Inutashio. Both of them leaned in and whispered to themselves with a look of seriousness.
"Mr. Onigumo, this is an urgent matter. Is there any reason why the remaining Inu Clan isn't present for this hearing?"
Naraku smirked and opened his briefcase. "Of course. And don't worry, this will take only a few minutes of everyone's time. I believe we want to keep this matter discreet given the two parties inflicted by this case. No need to cause additional shame." He spoke quickly as he pulled out several files and walked over to the counsel. He handed each one a copy of the report inside and began to pass it out to the other Lords and Ladies on the Demon Council as well. He gave a sneer to the Utomi's as he politely threw their copy on the desk in front of them with a flourish before making his way back to his spot.
Murmurings and hushed shocks reverberated across the halls. He lifted the file up in the air. "I believe it is the best interest of our clients that this matter stays private and among only the Council. Which is why I called for a very quick and impromptu gathering of everyone here." He stated. "As of today, on behalf of the Inu Clan, Tashio Family, and the integrity of this Court, motion for the annulment of the Binding Contract between Sesshomaru Tashio and Kaguya Utomi-" The people in the court broke out in a loud gasp and mutterings. "On the grounds of failure to meet satisfactory agreement in which the contract was binding."
"Order!" One of the Lord's yelled as he looked around and then over to Lord Inutashio with raised eyebrows.
Both Inu Demons looked nonplussed but held grim frowns. The files were opened and the words were soaked in off the paper. Mr. Utomi shouted and yelled among his peers in outraged as his wife began to cry loud tears beseechingly for favor. Kaguya sat stiff and still as she kept her watery gaze down to look in the palm of her clawed hands. Mr. Utomi stood up abruptly with reddened eyes and crumbling the paper in his fist.
Naraku smirked at him and looked bored slightly before he continued on. "As you can see, this agreement was made with the foundational belief that both parties would benefit from the mating. As you can see, the Utomi's would gain exponentially from the Tashio's estate as they have met their end of the bargain with projected earnings and property that quadruples anything the Utomi's can give. I have confirmed financial statements that the Utomi's have not been able to reach their side of the agreement. They have no land, property, or financial backing that correlates that the Tashio's will gain anything from this mating. There is no war and haven't been any since the 1950's and even during that time, when land was lost…the Utomi's offered nothing while Japan was under reform and repair. The Tashio's however, did and have sense remained true to their contract. Their holdings in SONY is lost and their accounts are empty."
"This is an outrage!" Mr. Utomi yelled practically digging his nails in the wood of the banister that separated him from the house floor. "These are petulant lies! As I'm still the shareholder of SONY-"
"Not anymore." Naraku cut in with a smirk before walking over to his briefcase and opening another file. "Not since two days ago when I became CEO and inherited the company and the backings of the shareholders." He expressed with a sly smile as he walked over and showed proof to the court.
"How?" Lady Kimi muttered underneath her breath. Her eyes flitted carefully through the documents before looking to Touga.
Touga sat silently and watched with a calculated glare at the scene unfolding. His fingers brushed his lips as he watched the young demon pull out more proof. His eyes watched his adopted son/nephew with a critical gaze. The deadly intent rolling off of Naraku's aura now. The spider demon was in his prime and reminded him of the many times he had seen Naraku goad an enemy on the battlefield before he led them to slaughter. "Naraku has been working on this I would say before our son was brought into the fray."
"Are you saying our son was used as a tool?" She gasped before looking across the way towards Kikyo who sat still and unmoving. She growled lowly looking at the miko who sat as if none of this information was new. She watched Kikyo's eyes scan the council before making eye contact with her. Kikyo simply smirked and nodded her head at Kimi before looking back at Naraku with a seriousness and calculated expression on her face. "That bitch did it." She muttered with a grin of her own. "I guess Inuyasha can mate her. She's a good one to have for the family."
Touga's gaze went to look at the miko and noticed upon Kikyo's face as well, her look of disinterest. He leaned over closely to Kimi before muttering. "Careful, your horns are showing." He muttered before watching Naraku work the room.
"As you can see, the court audited these claims over the several years they have been sent and have come back with similar findings. The Utomi's do not have the resources to support their claim at the mating agreement. The Tashio's and the Inu Clan overall would suffer greatly from this union trying to support their financial qualms. And if they did this unknowingly to the Tashio's…" He dragged as he walked over to Mr. Utomi swiftly watching the man be held down by his peers. "Why…that's fraud and leads to a civil case with an investigation of money fraud, extortion, and deceptive trade. Which I'm sure the Utomi's had no intention of doing…right, Mr…Utomi." His voice carried as he leaned forward into the demon's sputtering face.
Everyone gasped and began talking loudly then. Outrage rippled through the courts as Touga stood up with red eyes flashing. Kimi was next to him hissing and baring her claws at the Utomi's as well. Mrs. Utomi's screech echoed around the room from the threat as she stood and retreated to the back where protective guards stood looking a bit lost. Technically, the Inu Lord and Lady had every right to be angry and seek bloody justice but times had changed.
"Well? Is this true?" Touga yelled over the council who tried to reign in the court. His aura flickered dangerously around the crowd.
"Calm down everyone!" Naraku said slyly stepping back and walking towards the bench. "This is why I believe the details of this case should stay amongst us only and that everyone here should be bonded into a gag order." He announced showing another request. "I mean…I'm sure the Utomi's didn't mean any foul play and they are as shocked as everyone else. No need for this to get out and ruin reputations." His eyes flickered over to Kikyo and he walked towards her. She pulled from her lap another envelope and handed it to him carefully. He nodded his head and walked over. "I have signed agreements from members of this court wishing to annul this contract that is unless Princess Kaguya Utomi wishes to stake a claim? Your honor is also being tarnished too as this messy thing goes." He said nonchalantly before walking over to her.
Kaguya visibly bristled in her grey fur coat. Tired rings around her eyes and an ashen face stared back at him. Her gaze flickered to her father who gave her a scathing look as if she should be yelling at the top of her lungs, demanding to be mated regardless. She opened her mouth to speak but was cut off.
"How are you by the way? I know you went to the doctors recently…" Naraku dragged playing carefully the hand he was given thanks to Kikyo. "Quite a stomachache you had. Its good to see you out and making a public appearance…"
Kaguya caught the threat clearly and her eyes widened. She looked at him in horror as he smirked and held up the file with the doctor's name she had seen to get pregnant written on it. She nodded her head and could feel her body breakout in a cold sweat. Her eyes shifted to the Tashio's where they looked ready to leap at any moment and disembowel her and her family. But were they her family? They shared blood but unlike the Tashio's…were they family? She looked to her mother who refused to acknowledge her but carried on crying as if some how she was the victim in all of this. Playing her part well. Her father could care less about her. Forever using her as a pawn in his shrinking empire. What's a princess with just a title and no land?
She straightened her back and made a decision. If they wanted to act, she could act too. And salvage at least her estate. Fuck them. She nodded her head and stood up boldly. She gave the court a bow and stepped away from her family. "Thank you, Mr. Onigumo for your concern and care. I do not want anything to do with any of this. I merely thought I was being a dutiful intended as any respectful daughter does. I don't even understand what these numbers mean but I speak for myself. I do not wish to drag my name or Sesshomaru's through this mess. I'm sure if he was here, he would do the same as he is the most honor bound male I know and a great friend." She spoke and moved further on the floor to stand before the Tashio's. "I want to annul this agreement quickly and quietly if the Tashio's agree."
Murmurs and sad sighs from a few came around them. A few ladies from the court took pity and she could see it in their eyes. Her own gaze lowered to the floor to show respect for the Tashio's and baring her neck to them as a sign of remorse. Her hair parted to reveal the back of her neck where if they chose to attack, they could sever her head right off her shoulders. "The Tashio's have been excellent to me and I don't know what to say about any of this." Tears welled in her eyes that were real as she threw a sour look at her parents. They gasped and began shouting before her chin was tilted upwards by a clawed finger. "I am deeply hurt and I apologize on behalf of my family and myself." Her grief and tears were real. She never wanted any of this. She never wanted to do anything but just be free. But she played her part and made mistakes. Now, she would own them and hopefully live to keep her secrets.
Kimi's red eyes glared brazenly into her own. A crackle of angry youkai aura enveloped her. Touga lowered his head and spoke loudly for everyone to hear. "You are not to blame for such folly, child. This was done I'm sure without your knowledge. Rest knowing that you Kaguya still have favor in the West."
A breath was released that she didn't know was being held. She put her hand over her beating heart and looked up with a tear stained face. "Thank you." She muttered as true tears rolled down her face.
Naraku walked over to motion for her to move. He reached for her shoulders and she stood stiffly. His eyes flickered to see Inuyasha come into the room and walk quickly up the aisle to sit on the right side of Kikyo. He held a package in his hand as he sat and kissed the miko on her cheek. Kikyo smiled and reached for his hand to hold it tightly. Inuyasha looked onward as Kikyo whispered to him before a fang revealed itself and his irritation grew upon his face. She patted his knee affectionately.
Everyone talked as the council spoke amongst themselves and the voices in the room grew so loud it was hard to hear anyone. Naraku guided Kaguya to an empty seat on the other side of Kikyo. He placed a paper in her hand and a pen. Through her tears she took it and signed it with her name. A hiccup escaped her as she bit her finger then, and placed it on the parchment paper. Her name and blood sealed the annulment right next to Sesshomaru's signed name and blood marking.
At seeing this, Kaguya began to cry and shake. Naraku took the papers and callously walked back to the council bench to show the signed annulment. Kikyo frowned and enveloped Kaguya into a hug, playing the compassionate miko. Her own history played before the courts and gave her air of Mother Teresa. The woman and miko that knew lost but gained redemption. Her holding Kaguya bolstered that view from the people around them as respect was given. Kikyo nodded her head at Naraku, urging him to wrap it up before her lips came to Kaguya's ears.
"Play the sad victim and disappear for a bit into the States and you will be well compensated. Do not step in to protect your family but remain quiet if you cannot be invisible." She explained softly and patted the shocked Kaguya on the back gently. She carefully slid an envelope onto Kaguya's lap as she held her shaking form making sure no one looked too closely. "You are ok. You are a dutiful and honorable daughter." She spoke aloud for anyone trying to eavesdrop.
Kaguya sniffed and leaned over to look at Inuyasha. Real tears and snot began running from her nose. "I-I'm so sorry." She whispered. "I don't believe in any of that. Half-demons are lovely too. My-my parents they are wrong. And-d they need to be stopped for what they did." She mumbled and began muttering a mess of things as she genuinely cried silently.
"H-hey!" Inuyasha whispered lowly in shock. His ears layed back upon his skull as concern and disbelief took him. "C-cut that out! Stop crying!" He tried to console as he awkwardly patted her back from around Kikyo's grip. No lies were smelt on her person and she was genuinely sorry for her mistakes and remarks. "Cut it out! Make her stop!" Inuyasha said as Kikyo let his hand go and pulled Kaguya into a genuine hug this time. She looked at the demoness's face and could see the girl hadn't slept and was weak. She was really having an emotional breakdown and Kikyo knew all about those.
"Come on." Kikyo muttered and motioned for Inuyasha to grab their things. "Let's go outside and get you some air." She spoke into Kaguya's hairline. "Inuyasha, I'm going outside with her."
Inuyasha nodded his head and helped gather all the things into her bag. He put it next to his chair and moved allowing the pair to move down the row. Kikyo held one file in her hand as she walked a tired Kaguya out of the room through a side door to avoid the public.
"Order!" The feathered demoness yelled and banged her gavel. "We will have order in this court!" She shouted as everyone grew silent. "I see the papers have been signed. But Mr. Sesshomaru Tashio is not present with us."
"Yes, as everyone is aware of…this week is most important for him and his businesses. Due to the short notice, he could not catch a flight here and attend to his business in France. However, his pack and Alpha is here to acknowledge the agreement. Also, since this affects the Inu Clan they are the party needed most at this hour." Naraku explained as he tidied up his papers and files. He placed them meticulously back into his briefcase.
He stood straight again and check his watch. His eyes widened a bit and he smirked. "Now, the signatures needed to annul the agreement are on the statement there. Princess Kaguya Utomi and Sesshomaru Tashio both agree to void the contract. The contract has proof of violation which has been presented to the courts. All that needs now is your signatures and declaration as well as the agreement to keep this all private as we don't want this to tarnish the Utomi's and the Tashio's. Or bring scandal onto anyone's house." He spoke quickly and looked at the Utomi's directly.
Mr. Utomi was all but foaming at the mouth. He sat in his chair practically blistering the wood of the banister. His peers and clansmen talked to him in each ear to keep him calm and to accept the offer. If he didn't, everything would be lost. His eyes darted to the Yomi's who looked away as if not affiliated. Defeat hanging onto his reddened pudgy face that shined on the crown of his balding head. His slits for eyes finally closed and his head nodded. "We do not want this…unfortunate misunderstanding to reach the public. The Utomi Clan also agree to annul and motion with the court." He muttered through pinched teeth. His wailing wife turned up the theatrics as she leaned forward to pat him on the back. His hand came up quickly to stop her, causing her to flinch and settle back into her chair and weep silently.
"Very well…very well…" The demoness yelped as the Lords and Ladies of the court nodded their heads. The South, North, East, and West nodded their heads and stamped the documents to close the session and end the madness. "The ruling be that the Mating Agreement is annulled with sufficient evidence provided to the court of unmet terms. This court rules in favor of the plaintiff and agrees with the gag order. Everyone bearing witness will be bounded by law to never repeat the details of this case. Failure to follow orders and found guilty will be brought upon consequences the Tashio family deem necessary. Dismissed." She yelled and moved along with everyone who seemed to be bursting from the seams at how things played out.
Naraku bowed to the court and turned to his briefcase. He signed a few documents for processing quickly and handed them into the clerk nearby. He packed his things away and grabbed his earphones. He placed them around his neck and reached for his shades. The roar and hushed murmurings of people in the room were blocked out. He could hear his name being called out but he ignored it. His eyes fell unto the Yomi's that sat looking stiff and shocked while murmuring to each other. The head demoness caught his eyes and she sneered a warning. He smirked at picked up his items to make his way to where they were sitting.
"Enjoy the breath you hold." He spoke lowly before moving into the walkway and gracefully walking out. "A spider told me your accounts are rapidly disappearing too. So sad that you prey upon a pup you slander for stability."
"How dare you!" The matron stood up and shook frightfully as she held her coat and purse tightly in her hand. Her green hair and the purple markings on her face the only resemblance she had to the late Hoshiyomi. "You filthy-"
"Don't' worry. Your time is coming too. Except, you will pay for your crimes in blood." The disgust he held for her was palatable and it sat heavy at his core. His words were growled lowly and with an air of finality. As if he was simply stating the weather. "I never forgot." Naraku turned around and put his earphones back on his head. He pressed the play button on the side and smiled. He turned to look back at her and he grinned reassuringly. He loudly sang the rest of the chorus. "They know…they know…they know…"
Ayeeee!