Chapter 4 – Gratitude
Sesshomaru paced in front of the athletics building. He had dressed casually in black sneakers and fitted jeans, a dark maroon polo shirt covering his chest, and he had left his hair loose to flow around his form.
He had spoken with Kagome Friday after her club practice and set a time for their outing and told her to wear comfortable clothes, but had kept his plans secret despite her prying questions at the time. His senses were sharp as he fanned out his youki, looking for any trace of her approaching.
He took another step and turned, his constant motion his only outward reflection of his nervousness. He had planned an entire afternoon with Kagome and he was truly excited at the prospect of spending so much time with her.
When his youki came in contact with a twirl of reiki that he would forever recognize, he stopped his pacing and waited for her to enter his view. His breath hitched in his throat as her form rounded the corner from the direction of her dorms.
She wore a simple ankle-length solid light blue dress, the material flowed around her lower half, tapering in at her waist with a silver ribbon that was tied in a small bow at her back, she wore a small white cotton overcoat that was woven in a loose stitch pattern. A small bag hung from a long strap over one shoulder and when his eyes drew upwards along the strap as she neared, he noticed her hair hung in loose waves around her neck and face, the thick locks swaying as she walked.
Deep pools of blue met him as she finally made it to their meeting point and he smiled slightly as he stepped forward and reached for her hand. "I'm glad you came." He said as he gently took her hand in his and squeezed lightly, the warmth of her touch cooling his anxious blood.
Kagome returned his grip and his heartbeat slightly faster as she smiled and spoke. "I'm excited to see what you have planned." Her tone was light and her eyes danced with unhidden joy.
"Are you hungry?" He asked her after a pause.
Kagome nodded slightly. "I could eat. What do you have in mind?" She questioned.
He started to walk forwards, keeping ahold of her hand so they walked side by side down the university path. "There is somewhere I frequent nearby." He said, purposefully keeping the details vague.
Kagome looked over to him as they reached the parking lot. "We're driving there?" She asked and he felt her tense slightly from their connection.
"If that is acceptable to you." He responded to her question. Stopping at the edge of the sidewalk while he waited for her to make a decision. For a moment her eyes flashed with uncertainty and looked to the ground and she drew her lower lip between her teeth. The expression was adorable, but he hated what it represented, she didn't fully trust him or their current situation. He tried to wait patiently for her answer but couldn't help holding his breath.
Her eyes finally met his once more and she smiled slightly. "Ok, I trust you." She replied quietly.
When they stepped forward again, he made a mental promise that he would earn her trust at whatever the cost, but for now he would be grateful for every ounce of it she was willing to give him.
He led her to his sedan quickly and opened the door for her to get inside. He stepped around the vehicle to the driver's side and slipped inside, starting the machine quickly.
As they settled into their seats and strapped their safety belts in Sesshomaru pulled up his navigation system and selected their destination from his saved addresses tab. "You must really like this place… Bokusenous Café… it sounds nice." Kagome spoke from next to him and he noticed the slight nervousness still in her tone.
He nodded smiling slightly and pulled the car out of the parking space. The drive there was quiet and Sesshomaru felt no need to fill the comfortable silence. After the first few minutes, Kagome relaxed and started to follow the navigation screen. As they got within just a few minutes of their destination she looked around through the windows, taking in the apartment buildings and parks.
"We are in a residential area." Her soft words were caught easily by his ears and he hummed in agreement. "Yes, I live nearby. This café was one of my first discoveries after moving in." He explained and Kagome turned and smiled at him. "I didn't know you lived off-campus." Kagome stated, she seemed happy to have learned that bit of information.
His beast curled in his mind, it was restless to feel her touch once more, and he was relieved when he finally pulled off the road into a parking spot in front of a small restaurant on the corner of an intersection. Behind the restaurant was a fairly large park, a small play area for young children could be seen in a far corner and the rest of the park was densely wooded with trees of varying color a walking path weaving through them.
Once the car was turned off, he swiftly got out and went to Kagome's side, opening the door for her as she gathered herself and rose from the vehicle. He was slightly surprised when Kagome seemed to expect when he reached for her hand, curling her dainty fingers within his own. He relaxed again and his beast settled as her touch calmed them.
"It was difficult to deal with my… popularity during my first year. I needed privacy." He spoke simply as they began walking towards the café, once again holding hands. She nodded in understanding and didn't comment more on the subject.
Kagome was openly looking around in curiosity, he was used to the entrance of the cafe but knew it was a sight to behold. The front of the building was built into two large trees, one on either side of the building as if they had grown through the structure. They stepped up the few stairs and he held the door open for Kagome as they walked inside.
The interior of the building was made from rustic wood, each table a large stump and the chairs surrounding them resembled lush bushes but were made from some sort of plush fabric. The back wall held a counter lined with display desserts, pastries, and drinks. All of the windows in the restaurant were open to allow for the smell of the nearby park to fill the air and mix with the smell of cooking dough and coffee.
"Wow, it's lovely in here." Kagome said with amazement clear in her tone.
Sesshomaru's chest rumbled slightly in contentment, he was truly pleased that she liked his choice of restaurant. "I am glad you approve." He pulled her in the direction of an open table, the restaurant wasn't packed but there were several families and couples sitting throughout the dining area.
His favorite area was free as usual though, a quaint two-seat table along the wall and directly under one of the large open windows that faced the park. The two chairs were next to each other and faced the window a latticework of twirling vines hiding most of the small area, allowing for maximum privacy. They sat in their seats and Sesshomaru held back his chuckle as the tabletop changed and molded into the form of a menu in front of them, neat letters etched in the living wood.
"The entire restaurant is part of the owner, an old tree demon." He explained as Kagome gently touched the wood that had stopped moving. "That's incredible." She responded before placing her hands on either side of the menu as she began to study it in earnest.
Sesshomaru didn't need to look at the menu, he would order what he always got, he took the time to observe Kagome instead. So far, their date was going well, he had honestly never been on one before. Until he met Kagome, he had never had an interest in women, not even in a lustful sense so he was trying his best to create an authentic date.
Kagome seemed to be enjoying herself, stroking the wood as she read the lines of each item and for a moment, he wished to hold her hand again. He looked to her face instead, taking in the lines of concentration that creased her brow and the way her lips moved as she read silently.
A squeal of joy left her lips as she came across a certain item and her eyes flew upwards to meet his golden gaze. "I know what I want." She said in an excited tone and looked around for a moment. "How do we order?" He could tell she was practically giddy with excitement and he smiled softly.
"Simply say what you want." He told her and she blushed slightly before settling in her seat and facing the table with semi-formality. "I'd like a… rainbow hot chocolate… with extra marshmallows… and an apple crepe please." She spoke quietly and quickly and had he not known Bokusenous's accuracy he may have been concerned about her order being heard or not.
"I'll have a cinnamon tart and a large mug of the house blend, black." He spoke to the air in front of him and a new wave of feelings rushed over him as Kagome smiled at him from across the table and again, he felt the desire to touch her.
He had never been so keenly drawn by his inuyoukai desires but with Kagome, they seemed to intensify tenfold. His simple need for contact felt like a fatal thirst, and he moved in his seat until he could feel the warmth radiating from her body, just barely not touching her.
The silence between them grew slightly tense and Kagome finally spoke. "So, tell me Sesshomaru, why are you so drawn to me?" The question stunned him and he took a moment to consider the most honest reply. Her eyes never leaving his as she waited patiently for his reply.
"I have been consumed by thoughts of you since our first meeting. It would be a mistake not to pursue those feelings." He said finally, hoping that his words would satisfy her.
Blue depths kept his captured and she continued to speak, her tone soft but strong. "I need to know now Sesshomaru, does my being human concern you? And what of your social image? I have been fooled too many times to fully trust that someone like yourself is truly interested in me, and I am not interested in anything temporary." She never looked away, but her tone trailed in something like self-loathing and his ears burned at the sound.
He had never considered her being human an issue, only he was fit to choose the female he was to be with and no other. And the issue of a social image was non-existent, he cared not what onlookers thought of him and he was on a track in life to become a powerful enough man that nobody would question his choice in mate. Even now he was confident that nobody would dare to challenge his claim of her.
He shook his head as he spoke. "My intentions are honest and I have no concern for any perceived social standing." He cleared his throat fumbling slightly for the right words. "I… find you very attractive if that is your concern." He could immediately see the heat filling Kagomes face as red blossomed across her cheeks.
She fiddled with her fingers on the table and looked down at her hands. "Thank you, I wanted to be clear from the beginning." She still seemed nervous and he could no longer contain the desire to touch her and laid his hand atop her fidgeting ones.
"That is perfectly acceptable, you may ask or say whatever you like." He reassured her; he was beginning to become accustomed to her shyness but wished she was able to be freer with him.
He smiled as their food arrived and Kagome cooed in awe of the young sapling that carried a small tray filled with their order of food and drinks. It carefully placed each item in front of them after the menu dissolved back into a flat tabletop and they moved their hands. The extension of Bokusenou turned and walked away after fulfilling its duty.
"That was adorable." Kagome breathed as she watched their server return to the kitchen.
Sesshomaru didn't bother to contain his chuckle as he took a sip from his hot drink, the rich flavor coating his tongue. "It is quite admirable that he is able to multitask so efficiently." Kagome gave him a confused look before she shook her head and took a bite of her apple-filled lunch.
Kagome finished the last of her drink as she looked out the window. Lunch had been wonderful, although she had been nervous to go off campus with Sesshomaru she was rewarded handsomely for giving him her trust. The café was lovely and they had spent the last two hours talking about their families, degree pursuits, and career choices.
She hadn't been surprised to learn that Sesshomaru would be taking over a portion of his fathers' enterprises after getting a Masters in business, he was three years into the six-year degree. On the other hand, she wanted to be a nurse, and she had just begun her first year. She had also learned a variety of other small facts but the most intriguing information had been about his family, his mother had passed away several years before Inuyasha was born and his relationship with his stepmother and half-brother were strained. Kagome thought of her own family and her heartbeat strongly with the love she felt for them, but she was in no position to butt into his personal affairs.
"That was a wonderful lunch Sesshomaru." She smiled and thanked him. Thinking that they would return to the campus now.
He rose from his chair and set the payment for their meal on the table before he turned and offered his hand to her. "Our outing is not over yet; would you like to accompany me on a walk?" He questioned her.
She looked up to meet his eyes and the swirling emotions she saw in his golden depths had her smiling again and reaching for his hand. "Of course. Where are we going?" She asked as she slid her hand into his and rose from the table.
"Not far." Sesshomaru replied with a slight smile as he led them out of the restaurant and around the building to one of the entrances to the park behind it.
When they stepped inside Kagome shivered as she felt a wave of something wash over her. She looked to Sesshomaru and noticed he was watching her carefully. "The forest is also part of Bokusenou, can you feel his youki?" She relaxed slightly as Sesshomaru explained what she was feeling.
Ever since he had helped her draw on her reiki it had been close to the surface of her skin, reacting to things that she couldn't quite understand. She nodded to Sesshomarus question. "I can, it's… strange." She said, not knowing how to accurately describe the feeling.
"That's good, your reiki is becoming more responsive." Sesshomaru smiled gently at her and began to walk forward again, leading them down a quiet path that bordered a small trickling stream.
She realized then that even during their date he was trying to help her practice her new skill. She felt warmth bloom in her chest and she was truly grateful for his consideration. She concentrated on the warm feeling of swirling energy around her as they walked. She after an hour of walking that they had wandered into a deeply wooded portion of the park. She spotted a bench nestled along the path and pointed to it as she spoke.
"Do you think we could rest for a moment?" She asked, hoping Sesshomaru wouldn't mind.
He changed his direction and moved towards the bench. "Of course." He replied simply and Kagome squeezed her hand in his. She had noticed that he seemed to always want to hold her hand. Perhaps it was an inuyoukai trait, she remembered him saying that inuyoukai communicate through touch and an idea came to her.
Once they were settled on the bench together, she turned to Sesshomaru, her hand still intertwined with his. "Sesshomaru?" She started, becoming slightly nervous.
He faced her and arched an eyebrow in question. "I… want to show you my gratitude." She continued and she noticed that Sesshomaru's face creased with confusion.
"Your enjoyment of today is all that I wish for." He replied and Kagome shook her head.
"Ah… that's not what I meant." She looked away for a moment, chewing on her lip as she tried to work up the courage to ask for what she wanted. "Last time we were… together… you apologized." She felt her cheeks heat and she forced herself to meet his golden gaze. "I want to show you my gratitude in a similar way." Sesshomaru sat completely still for a moment as he considered her words, she could see the thoughts swirling in his mind from the way his eyes glazed over.
"You wish to know how Inuyoukai give thanks." He said finally pinning her with his golden gaze when she nodded enthusiastically his hand squeezed hers slightly and he smiled gently. He reached his free hand to cup the side of her face, sliding his claws into her hair. "We communicate through touch; gratitude is often expressed through grooming." He gently massaged her scalp where his fingers were and she closed her eyes at the pleasant sensation.
When his hand pulled away, combing through her hair she sighed at the loss of the feeling and opened her eyes once more, only to be met with Sesshomarus smoldering gaze.
"May I?" She reached her free hand out and she was surprised when Sesshomaru released her hand and turned slightly away from her.
"You may touch me however you like Kagome." Sesshomaru said over his shoulder and she could feel her blush intensify.
She steeled her nerves and reached out to touch his long hair, she had asked for this, there was no need to be so nervous. Still, though, her hands shook slightly as she threaded her fingers into Sesshomaru's silver locks.
She gently drew her finger through his silver hair and after a few minutes, she relaxed and started truly enjoying the feeling of his silken hair sliding between her fingers. She combed the strands for a few more moments before moving further up, sliding her fingertips against Sesshomaru's scalp in what she hoped was a pleasant massage.
Kagome felt a slight vibration in her fingers before she heard a low rumbling sound coming from Sesshomaru. Peaking over his shoulder she could see that his eyes were closed and he was breathing deeply. Her fingers moved from the crown of his head down to the base of his skull. The sound grew slightly louder and Kagome smiled, he was enjoying this.
Emboldened by his wordless encouragement she continued to massage his skin, moving from his head to his neck, rolling the stiff muscles she found there gently under her fingers.
"You… are very skilled at this." Sesshomaru said in a rasping tone and a new flare of heat came forth in Kagome's chest. Her heartbeat quickened with excitement as she moved her hands lower, spreading them across Sesshomaru's broad shoulders and kneading the muscle there firmly.
The demon in front of her released a small moan and she slowed her motions; she didn't know where to go from here and slowly her shyness pushed to the surface of her mind. She gave a final small squeeze and pulled her hands away, smiling as Sesshomaru turned and sat normally in his seat again, she noticed the small sigh he released and the way his face was relaxed as he opened his eyes and blinked at her slowly.
They sat in silence for a few moments before Kagome spoke. "This place is really beautiful." She could still feel the warm tendrils of youki curling against her skin, at first, it had seemed strange but she was becoming accustomed to the feeling.
Sesshomaru nodded in agreement. "Bokusenou is a very old demon, his adaptation to modern life has not decreased his abilities." He explained.
Kagome hummed in understanding and she realized something strange at that moment. "Why can I feel Bokusenous youki but not yours?" She looked at Sesshomaru curiously as she reached out and took his hand, confirming her realization when she felt no trace of power against his skin.
Sesshomaru squeezed her hand gently. "I have been keeping my aura concealed. I did not want to trigger your reiki accidentally." He said softly.
Kagome thought over that for a moment. She didn't like it; it was like he was hiding something from her. "Release it." She commanded him before she realized what she had said. "Ah… I mean, please? If I can, I want to know what it feels like." She explained quickly.
Sesshomaru simply raised an eyebrow before nodding slightly. Instantly Kagome felt a rush of heat against her palm, the invisible flame curling around her side where she sat next to Sesshomaru.
She shivered slightly and closed her eyes trying to decipher the feeling with the fledgling control of her reiki. She felt the flame retract and her eyes met concerned gold. "Are you alright?" Sesshomaru was holding her hand firmly and she could hear the worry in his voice.
"I'm ok." She placed her other hand on his knee. "Don't pull it back in, I was trying to concentrate." Kagome explained gently and she smiled as the heat of Sesshomarus youki rose against her skin again.
She relaxed and felt her own power dancing in a soothing reminder in a ball in her chest. Both energies were warm and calm, neither reacting to the other. "Your youki is warm… almost like a steaming bath." She commented softly and her blush returned suddenly at the mental image of them in a steaming bath together instead of in the forest. She looked away and the hand on Sesshomarus knee drew back into her lap.
Sesshomaru nodded and smiled, and she couldn't help but notice the twitch of his nose before he slowly stood, helping her to her feet as well. "We should begin our return before it gets too late." Her eyes flew to her watch and she couldn't believe it was almost 6 pm. She looked back to Sesshomaru and nodded. "You're right, lead the way." She splayed her hand in front of them and laughed happily. She was still having a wonderful time.
They wove through the tree-lined path and over a small bridge before they exited the forest near the children's playground. There were several families and moms with their children still playing in the area as they walked by, Kagome smiled at the happy picture they all made. "This really is a nice place Sesshomaru. Thank you for bringing me here today." She smiled and spoke as they walked onto the sidewalk that wrapped around the park and led back to the restaurant's parking lot.
As they reached the car she smiled as Sesshomaru opened the door and made sure she was settled before moving to his own side and getting in. She enjoyed the ride home in peaceful silence and wondered slightly which of the towering residential buildings Sesshomaru lived in.
The ride home seemed much faster than the ride to the restaurant and Kagome was slightly disappointed as they pulled into the drop off circle that was in front of her dorm building. She turned to Sesshomaru and was about to thank him again when his hand reached for hers and gripped it firmly.
"May I kiss you?" Sesshomarus' words were clear but soft and Kagome could see the mass of swirling emotion behind his golden gaze and she was drawn in by their allure. She was stunned but managed to nod in acceptance and breathed slowly as he leaned in.
The moment he had scented her arousal in Bokusenous forest Sesshomaru knew he needed to get her back to her dorms.
His beast had been thoroughly enjoying her stroking, it fed his constant desire to touch her to the point that he'd felt relaxed and sated, and he had been enthralled when she had asked him to release his youki. Being able to feel her with every part of his being was an incredible gift, and then the scent of her arousal had hit him on the still air and his beast had jumped at the opportunity. It clawed at his mental cage to answer the call of their female.
His rational mind knew that was unreasonable, he had vowed to earn her trust slowly and that meant returning her home safely, and immediately before he had the chance to lose control with her once again. The moment that she was actually about to leave became too much to bear though and his body and mouth moved without thought.
"May I kiss you?" He was just as stunned as Kagome appeared and his heart leaped in his chest as he watched her nod in approval.
He tried to move slowly as he leaned over the center console of the car, and gently placed his mouth against hers. Her lips pressed back against his and he began a slow dance, enjoying the feeling of her moist flesh sliding against his own. The scent of jasmine and vanilla grew in intensity around him and he inhaled deeply drinking the scent in.
His other hand laid on Kagome's shoulder for balance as he drew his tongue gently across her bottom lip. Unlike the last time, he had tried that move he was rewarded with entrance into her sweet cavern and he swirled his tongue in a wide arch to take in her taste before he pulled her own appendage into a sensual duel.
A cool hand pressed against his cheek accompanied by a small noise as Kagome broke away from their kiss and gasped for air. "I'm so…" He began to apologize thinking he had offended her once again but stopped when her finger pressed against his mouth.
"Don't apologize for that… it was amazing." Kagome said quietly, but her eyes never left him and he relaxed at the truth he saw in them.
Kagome leaned forward and he closed his eyes in bliss as she pressed her lips against his once more in a gentle caress before she pulled away more slowly this time. "I'll see you Monday, won't I?" She asked.
He nodded slowly, still under the spell of her luscious scent. "I always stay after practice." He finally spoke.
Kagome nodded. "I'll see you then." She promised and finally opened the car door and swiftly rose. She stepped onto the sidewalk and closed the door gently, waving before she turned and walked towards her building.
Sesshomaru waited for her to be safely inside before he put his car into drive. His beast seemed satisfied at the moment but he knew that his thoughts would be filled with her until their next meeting.
*** Thanks for reading once again. I have some nice plans for the next update so stay tuned. Leave me a review, please! I love to hear what everyone has to say!