Paper

Sesshoumaru slid back the door to his study. The prospect of being trapped in his study with his never ending paperwork made him ill. The thought to have sake brought up to his study crossed his mind. He figured it would only work for so long before it became undignified.

"Good afternoon, Sesshoumaru-sama!" Kagome called from behind his desk.

His thought process completely derailed at the sight of her. He stood in the middle of his study staring at her, not knowing what to do. His desk was completely clean of all the piles of scrolls and papers. Next to his desk were several shallow boxes, where the paper had been sorted into. A great sense of relief flooded him. He didn't care if she had done the paperwork or simply set it on fire, either way it was done.

Kagome paused in her writing, brush in hand. Did she upset him? Why was he looking at her that way?

"Sesshoumaru-sama, I didn't mean to...I promise I didn't mess anything up. I had Tortuga-sama help me sort everything."

He felt speechless. He had been mentally preparing himself for this slow torture, only to find that the miko had saved him from it. The poor woman looked at him like a startled animal, caught by a predator.
Kagome watched his every movement, anxious of his potential anger. He kept a rather neutral look about him, as he walked over to the desk and began to examine her handy work.

"You have been responding to inquiries about trading merchants?" He asked as his eyes flitted over what she had been writing.

Kagome set down the brush. "Yes, Tortuga informed me that all trade negotiations must be met in person, and not through correspondence. He showed me how to formally respond to their letters, so you can respond to more pressing matters. You have quite a few merchants begging for your favor, you know."

His mouth turned downward.

"Yes, this Sesshoumaru is aware."

Kagome leaned on her elbow and looked up at him.

"Why won't you allow merchants?"

Sesshoumaru sat down in front of the desk, and propped up a knee.

"There are much more pressing matters."

"Like war?"

"Hm."

"But then, why are they dated several months back? Even last year? Is there a reason you are avoiding them?"

A disgruntled look passed over Sesshoumaru's face.

"This Sesshoumaru was trained as a warrior..."

Kagome leaned over the desk to peer at him. "You weren't prepared for the..." She waved her hand around searching for the word. "...court life?"

He looked away uncomfortable.

"Why not just have someone else do the paper work for you? Perhaps Jaken?"

Sesshoumaru let out a small huff. "Usually it is the Lord's duty to take care of such matters."

Kagome smiled warmly and reached across the desk to touch his hand. His eyes widened at her soft touch.

"I understand how all this can be a bit overwhelming. I know that you think it's your job, but you can accept help. This castle wouldn't function without the work of others. Just appoint someone else to deal with the merchants. You need merchants for economic progress. It will be beneficial to the kingdom in the long run."

"Do not presume to tell this Sesshoumaru how to run his kingdom." He groused.

Kagome sat back in her seat, ignoring his remark. "There's also a matter of these requests..." She leaned over to a stack of papers and removed one. She held it up for him to see. "They are suggestive to say the least."

Sesshoumaru peered at the paper, obviously from a neighboring kingdom. He slid his hands into his sleeves, crossing them over his chest.

"So? This Sesshoumaru is an eligible bachelor."

Kagome snorted. "That is putting it lightly! These lords are offering anything they can to entice you to marry their daughters. I didn't even know you were looking!"

He huffed again. "I have no interest in any of them. Refuse them all."

Kagome sighed and looked at the paper again. "You know I kind of feel sorry for these women. They seem to be nothing more than a bargaining chip."

Sesshoumaru gave a short bitter laugh. "Do not pity them, Kagome-dono. They, too, want to sink their teeth into my wealth and lands."

Kagome looked at Sesshoumaru from across the desk. He was so terribly handsome. It was no wonder that women were throwing themselves at him, yet from the obvious bitterness in his voice, it was clear that he had had bad experiences before. Kagome felt her feelings for him shift. He was the half-brother of her husband. He was the enemy, and occasionally an ally. He was mysterious and dangerous, yet kind when you least expected it. Before he was not a tangible real person to her; now she could see him. Bit by bit, she was learning to see the person underneath the cold facade.

He stood in one swift movement and turned to leave the room.

"This one will handle the merchant problem." He said before he closed the door behind him.

Kagome picked up her brush to resume writing.

"You're welcome." She grumbled to herself.