Bored

Kagome wandered the gardens listlessly. She was bored. Extremely bored. It was the middle of the afternoon, and she found she had nothing to do. Katsurou was in his lessons, and Rin was somewhere in the expansive gardens, picking flowers for her room. She longed to have some kind of purpose or a job. Servants did most of her usual household work for her. She never imagined that living with Sesshoumaru would be this...comfortable. Looking down at her extravagant kimono, she never felt so...useless.

She felt a touch at her elbow, and she startled. Kagome turned to see Sesshoumaru at her side. How in the hell did he manage to sneak up on her like that? She held a hand to her pounding heart.

"Kagome-dono."

"Ses…Sesshoumaru-sama, you startled me! Don't sneak up on me like that!"

He looked momentarily lost for words, obviously apologizing being none of the options.

"Walk with me." He simply said before stepping around her to continue down the path.

Kagome shuffled her feet along trying to keep pace with him; her geta shoes making soft clacking sounds.

"We have been here for a few weeks now; is anything going to be done about the snake tribe? Are we going to war?" She asked what had been weighing on her mind.

He spared her no glance. "Yes, we are gathering our allies." His mouth formed a hard line. Kagome could tell he was upset. She put her finger to her mouth in thought. "Considering the danger they possess, I assumed you would go kill them all by yourself."

His jaw clenched in irritation. "That is what this Sesshoumaru intends to do, but the war council wishes to find out more information before going to war."

"And you are actually listening to them?" She asked with her mouth hanging open in mock shock. He remained silent.

"Well, that does sound like the most rational thing to do, but I think I would still prefer to go kill as many as possible." Kagome said off handedly.

Sesshoumaru glanced at her surprised. Where had the pacifist miko gone that had once traveled with Inuyasha?

"I mean, I'm sure it is important to not go into battle blind to the situation, but attacking now would sure make me feel better."

Sesshoumaru felt...he didn't know how he felt. Elated? Relieved? Pleased? Someone else felt his frustration. He did not like idly sitting around, perhaps neither did the miko.

"My advisors insisted that I do not go on a killing spree."

Kagome looked up at him. His amber eyes lacked the usual cold glare, and instead held mirth. He was joking with her. The shock of that realization brought a bright flush to her face.

"Well, I'd say that's generally good advice." She quipped back at him.

Sesshoumaru took stock of his companion momentarily. She looked quite regal, with her silk kimono, and her long black hair pulled up with pins. Anyone might guess that she was simply a noblewoman, someone's wife; a frail female. Yet underneath her beauty lay a sharp wit, and strong current of power.

To his utter amazement, he found himself appreciating her company.

"Sesshoumaru-sama, may I ask something of you?" Kagome asked softly. Her bright blue eyes searched his face hopefully.

He yearned to touch her, to pull the pins from her hair and run his fingers through her thick locks. He wanted to feel her soft body against his. How had he gotten to this point? Was he no better than his father? Perhaps the acceptance of their inevitable marriage is what allowed him to be more welcoming to his growing feelings for her. Kagome paused in her stride beside him, looking at him curiously.

"You may ask." He finally answered.

"I am dying from boredom. Is there anything I could help with? A job I could do? I am just used to –"

Sesshoumaru grabbed a hold of her arm. "You are ill?" His eyes were wide with concern.

Kagome put a reassuring hand over his. "No, I'm just fine. I'm sorry I used a phrase that is unfamiliar. I am just used to fighting to survive. Here I am…quite comfortable, but I need something to do, to occupy my mind." She desperately hoped he would understand.

He gave her a long reproachful look, then took her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm. Together they began walking once more.

Kagome's heart sank. Discouragement colored her whole person.

"There is a small mountain of paperwork that needs tending to..."

Her whole face lit up with obvious happiness. Sesshoumaru marveled at her ability to switch between emotions so quickly.

"I would be delighted to help you with that, Sesshoumaru-sama! Thank you so much!"

His gaze softened on her. "The quiet solitude of court life does not compare to traveling the countryside and facing your enemies in battle."

Kagome smiled and squeezed his arm appreciatively. He understood.