Cake War

Sesshoumaru watched as his bride piled pieces of roasted chicken and potatoes on to her plate before finally having that glass of wine served to her that she'd been wanting since the very beginning of the event. He could tell she got easily irritated by him reminding her of the social etiquettes expected of someone with her status. Why? Did she think just because it was her special day and she'd found the courage to stand up to Naraku she do whatever she liked?

Her new husband considered letting her believe that for just one evening, but it all changed when she brought up their wedding cake and how she baked it herself. If Kagome got irritated over not being able to pour her own glass of wine she wasn't going to like the consequences of her baking experiment.

"Kagome," Sesshoumaru obviously had no plan in partaking in the feast as he watched her eat with hardened amber eyes, "you will cease making a fool of yourself and this Sesshoumaru."

Kagome couldn't even contain the eye roll she gave in response. Had she been anyone other than his new innocent bride in that beautiful dress she would have been backhanded or worse for such a display of disrespect, but she could only control herself for so long. What had she possibly done to get scolded this time? She couldn't freely get a drink or eat food apparently. Maybe she didn't look very proper sitting at a table with an overloaded dinner plate while he by choice had nothing, but did he truly expect her to starve during a long evening all for the sake of appearances?

"If you're going to be rude and not eat then leave me alone," Kagome tried to tell him.

What really had Kagome annoyed was she was the one that invited him to spend time with her and he wanted to spend it criticizing her again. If she was to sleep with Sesshoumaru that night she at least wanted to know him a little better. She was willing to have him as a partner, but it seemed he now wanted to be the one forcing distance.

"I'm not speaking of the food," his voice still carried a weight of seriousness, "I am speaking of this so-called cake. When you claimed it was made by you do you mean the instructions were given by you, or something more than that?"

So it was the fabled cake that hadn't even been seen yet that he wished to take issue with? Now that was just priceless. Kagome knew her baking a cake would be an issue after all Kaede kept warning her it wasn't a good idea, but she didn't really think Sesshoumaru would care that much. She thought it'd be a nice gesture since after all she'd shared her fantasy of being a baker with him when they first met.

"I can't count the amount of attempts with just two hands," Kagome gave her husband a dangerous smile, "but all that matters is the final attempt. I promise you I made the cake all on my own with Kaede's instruction and I think it turned out well."

The flour Sesshoumaru had noticed on Kagome's clothing the evening before, that should've been enough proof to know she was up to something foul and wasn't just messing with him. Indeed she wasn't going to like the consequences of this. It was best, however, to just have it out now before they retired for the evening.

"You said if I wanted to become a female baker you wouldn't stand in my way," her tone was a naive one as she continued to smile, "so I took my first step."

"Silence," Sesshoumaru kept his voice low to not attract any intention.

He was sitting next to her at the table so wasn't in a position to be too aggressive, but managed to get the point across with his tone and the way he reached for her bare wrist digging the tips of his claws into them.

"These hands," Sesshoumaru lessened his grip as he began taking in the soft silky feel of them, "do not labor and they especially do not bake. You are mine Kagome. Your life is mine and these very hands are mine as well. You do not use them against me."

Sesshoumaru knew what he was doing every time he touched Kagome like that. It was part of the game that he was playing that she could now pick up on. First he would inspire fear in her with his claws before his finger tips would lightly massage her and make her feel warm and protected to lull her into a false sense of security. He was trying to let her know that everything would be okay for her and it was just best she do everything he said. She enjoyed his touch, but she didn't enjoy it that much.

Once she heard his actual words all she could do was blink.

"Use them against you?" her tone was that of a mocking one that displeased Sesshoumaru, "it's not like a brandished a weapon against you or held a bottle of poison. I made a cake Sesshoumaru. I thought you'd like it."

"No you didn't," Sesshoumaru was swiftly trying to snuff out what he perceived as an act of rebellion, "and it does not please me at all. These hands do not knead or bake. You are not a Princess anymore, but you are also not a commoner. If anyone finds out about this the servants will either take advantage of it or be insulted. It is an insult Kagome. You rely on your underlings and your husband for food. Fending for yourself can be perceived by others as evidence you're not being taken care of."

"Well if others chose to perceive such a thing wrongly maybe they should be the ones being scolded. Is it really so bad for me to take care of something on my own? Wasn't that the whole point of me arranging my own marriage ceremony? You said I would get to handle accounts and do important things, so shouldn't you be happy I took matters into my own hands?"

The way Kagome was talking had Sesshoumaru regretting his training methods. Had it all backfired on him? He was trying to create the perfect wife and instead now had a rebel with twisted ideals. It was good that she stood up for herself against her father, but now it seemed Kagome indeed believed she was untouchable and her actions would no longer have consequences. Things were getting out of hand and Sesshoumaru needed to reign her back in quickly.

"It's unacceptable and you'll never do it again," he told her letting her know he couldn't be questioned in those regards, "you'll show that you can handle staff by insuring this Kaede woman stays silent on the matter as you will tell no one about this cake."

"I was going to tell everyone," Kagome made her position on it very clear, "and I'm still going to. Sesshoumaru it's just a cake and I think it's a lovely gesture to show you and then I am willing to grow for this marriage. That's what the ceremony was about after all. Besides it might taste awful and if no one likes it I don't want Kaede getting blamed."

"I know what's best for you and your status. My word on it is final Kagome. You will speak no more of this cake. It'd be best not to serve it."

He almost said it'd be best not to serve it especially since she didn't even know what it tasted like, but he didn't want her believing she needed to prove her baking skills anyone in response. He didn't want her baking or for anyone to know about it period. It was going to be another one of those compromises she'd have to make for their newfound relationship and he fully expected her to just submit for the sake of having peace for the evening.

No Kagome couldn't just submit. Maybe it would've been in her best interest since it was just a mere cake made with flour and eggs, but if she let Sesshoumaru win this battle she might not have a leg to stand on in future disagreements. She promised to be loyal to him and he promised to protect and care for her. Nowhere in those vows did anyone say anything about not baking cakes, so she wasn't going to be pushed around. If she could stand up to her father than she could stand up to Sesshoumaru. She wasn't going to let her father be right. Her mother didn't die so she could live her life as a victim to another man that wanted her blood.

As long as Sesshoumaru kept his promise and didn't hurt her she couldn't stop him from experimenting with her blood, but he couldn't have what he truly desired while ruining her life at the same time. She'd decided him putting up with her own desires would be his price to pay for using her.

"I'm having the cake served," Kagome told him in a dismissive way before jerking her hand back so she could continue eating, "and everyone will know I made it. What's it matter anyway? I'll probably never see this place again."

Baking the cake in the first place was an act of rebellion, but now she was openly defying him without much regard for the consequences. Sesshoumaru indeed had a problem on his hands. He already knew his reputation to these foreigners was slipping as he'd had to endure Naraku's obvious insults during his stay, but now his new wife was planning on embarrassing him in public? The problem needed nipped in the bud, but he didn't know how to punish her publically. Things were much easier when he could just chain and collar her up in the privacy of his own study.

He was about to threaten to put her on the chain for a good month's time if she told anyone about the cake, but he was interrupted when Sango approached Kagome.

"Lady Kagome," Sango politely bowed in front of the table, "or is it still Princess? Or Queen?"

"No bowing Sango you're a guest," Kagome gave her maid a warm smile happy that she didn't have to hear about Sesshoumaru's disdain of the cake anymore, "and I don't know. Sesshoumaru use to be a prince I guess but not anymore, so I guess I'm just Kagome and that's fine with me."

Sesshoumaru didn't hide his irritation with his tone though his eyes showed disinterest, "Lady Kagome will suit you fine."

"Kings and Queens outrank Lords and Ladies though," Kagome stated the obvious, "so I still don't know why someone as powerful as you would want to throw your title away."

"I did not throw the title away I simply have no use for it. I might be a ruler, but when I desire something or wish to confront another for something they have I will not expect it to fall into my lap because of a title."

He didn't know why it was so hard for everyone to grasp why he no longer put stocks in titles. Naraku ran his monarchy the human way and it seemed to be working for him as it did for Sesshoumaru's father. However, Sesshoumaru wanting a legacy of his own desired a more 'might makes right' approach versus titles and blood line. The only ones who would suffer from his title change would be his future sons. They weren't going to inherit his lands and legacy simply because they shared his blood and title. They would have to earn it, and if they ever became strong enough to overpower him or hold on to his father's lands without incident as he'd been doing than they'd be free to call themselves kings.

"You're my wife," Sesshoumaru clarified to Kagome, "so you are the equivalent of a Queen even without the title. Don't forget that."

It was another subtle warning for her to get into line and quick, but Kagome decided to dismiss it. She honestly believed she was doing him a favor. He wanted her to act a certain way in public while she had her own standard for him when they were in front of others. She wanted to help his reputation by showing she was okay with him and he wasn't truly a monster all the time. They were suppose to be strengthening each other after all.

"I know I'm not supposed to be here as a servant," Sango continued averting her eyes from Sesshoumaru as much as possible, "but it seems I have to inquire about the gift situation."

"Gift situation?" Kagome rose an eyebrow, "I said no gifts. I can't bring much with me and I don't really need anything."

Kagome didn't want to dwell too much longer on all her possessions being taken away from her, so it was best to just leave it all in the past. Having to rebuild a vast collection of jewels and trinkets wouldn't be in her best interest when it came to healing those wounds, so she had to fight the temptation.

"The staff and the family knows, but the people of the kingdom who heard of the wedding wished to pay tribute. There is a lot of gifts stored in the hall for you to accept or deny."

Kagome let out a groan. She didn't need anything and was trying to show everyone she wasn't as spoiled and entitled as everyone believed she was, but apparently she had to put work into appearing humble.

"They'll all have to be returned," she sighed following Sango over to a side hallway where many wrapped gifts and boxes were stored along the wall, "I'm sure a lot of these people don't know anything about me or thought if they didn't give me something my father would punish them. It's not fair me to take these things."

"We can return some but for some of these it's impossible to know who gave them," Sango shook her head knowing they'd have to spend more time and effort returning them than just keeping them, "it's up to you on what to do."

"I would prefer you to take the option that wastes less time," Sesshoumaru had followed the two women wanting to see how many gifts his bride's reputation was worth, "just leave it all and make it your family's problem."

"That just doesn't seem right either," Kagome didn't know what to do as her eyes traveled to something fluffy and white.

Laying on top of a box was some sort of stuffed animal that looked like a white dog with red eyes. It was definitely a child's toy and made Kagome nostalgic for the small bit of childhood she once had decorating her room with gifts like that until she was told it was unbecoming of someone her age to have toys.

"Not fair," Kagome thought, "Hakudoshi is twice my age and I know for a fact he still has his toys."

"I think this one is for you," she then smiled picking up the stuffed animal and showing it to Sesshoumaru, "seems to have been made in your honor."

Sesshoumaru was curious about the stuffed animal. Since it was white with red eyes it was clearly made by someone who knew of his or his father's true beast form though it seemed to be something sewn up and put together by a child. Did he have secret loyalist in Naraku's kingdom?

"What need would I have for something as juvenile as that?" Sesshoumaru closed his eyes, "make your decision and let's get on with the evening."

"Don't want it?" Kagome frowned looking down at the stuffed dog in her hands, "fine I'll keep it. He's kind of cute. Maybe if I hold on to it your Mokomoko will get jealous."

Sango had no idea what Kagome was talking about or why Sesshoumaru's gaze went from annoyed to seemingly hungry for something that wasn't food. He was thinking about how the stuffed toy needed to be destroyed by his Mokomoko before it punished Kagome for not being loyal.

Sango tried to end the awkward silent exchange by opening a few of the smaller wooden boxes, "There is some nice brooches and jewels here Kagome. You sure you wanna just give them up?"

"They won't give me credit to buy them but they give them away for free?" she shook her head, "too little too late. I'd rather just have my dog friend here. We need to make sure those get returned before father locks them in his treasury. Since Sesshoumaru here doesn't want me wasting any time can you handle it Sango? This is a wedding duty so I'll pay you even if it's done after I'm gone. Can you make an exception for this Sesshoumaru? So we don't have to worry about it."

Now the woman wanted to find compromise? She wouldn't compromise her independence for him but he was expected to let her slide on the financial rules? He didn't want to allow it just to put up some resistance against her beauty and pouting, but he didn't want the gifts to become yet another issue for them to be quarreling about when he just wanted to get her swiftly to his own home.

"Fine but your maid needs to be quick about it," Sesshoumaru let out a subtle growl to show he wasn't pleased, "I take it she will not be joining us on the voyage to Winter Spiral then?"

Sango's eyes lowered to the floor. She had been putting off giving Kagome an answer because she thought Sesshoumaru wouldn't allow it, but she shouldn't have been surprised the demon would give her permission to join his staff. After all he wanted to kill her and it'd be easier to do in his own territory.

"Sango wants to stay here," Kagome said immediately not wanting her friend in an awkward position, "so I'm not going to force her to come. Saying goodbye to you Sango is going to be the hardest. Even harder than a few of my siblings."

"I know Lady Kagome," Sango smiled to herself happy for her friend's interference, "we'll talk tomorrow alright? Don't worry about me tonight. It's your night. I'll find out a way to take care of all of these gifts."

Her night. What about him? He thought he'd won his battle when Kagome became his, but Sesshoumaru was being thrown into one silly conflict after another all to keep both of them appeased. He was losing both his control over the girl that he'd just recently established as well as another shot to battle the demon slayer. Was there nothing he could do in that moment to set things right?

"Well with that settled let's go back," Kagome smiled glad that a compromise had been made, "I need another plate and then it's cake time."

Sesshoumaru blinked. She was really testing him wasn't she? That foolish girl. Not only was his all of his pre-wedding preparations backfiring on him but now she was reveling in it. He'd created a monster.

He waited for the demon slayer to take her leave before reaching for Kagome's slender wrist to keep her contained.

"Kagome," his voice was a dangerous one, "forget about that cake and don't go out there clutching a toy like a child. You will get return to form for the remainder of this occasion. No drinking, no baking, and no more juvenile antics. You will make that compromise."

Kagome didn't see it as a compromise. She saw Sesshoumaru's play for what it truly was. His method of training was nothing more than him chipping away at her destroying who she was to mold her into what he wanted. He was doing the thing Kikyo warned her he would do. Turning her into what he perceived as perfection for the sake of creating an emotional distance to protect both of their hearts.

Kagome wanted her freedom, but she saw her small rebellion as something that would benefit the both of them. There was more at stake than simply her fighting against control. The warmth she felt when Sesshoumaru touched her and how he could easily calm her with his displays of kindness wasn't something she wanted to lose so quickly after just discovering it. She saw this whole cake turmoil as a battle for their souls. What she did that day would decide if they could build something from their union or if they were doomed to a loveless arranged marriage where she'd be taken advantage of.

"I'm going to show gratitude for my gift," Kagome declared using her free hand to clutch the stuffed animal to her chest, "and I'm going to present the cake that I made with these hands that belong to you. If it tastes awful we have a back up cake. It'll be fine. This is my wedding remember? You can't stop me."

"Is that so?" he found a simple way to punish her by removing his grasp from her wrist retracting his warmth she was becoming accustomed to, "you wish to begin this marriage by defying your husband? That is the path you wish to walk Kagome?"

If this celebration was taking place within his own castle she could be punished right then and there, but because of where they were things were muddled. There were too many eyes on them. He didn't care for Naraku's opinion of him, but that didn't mean he needed to be burning any bridges of peace. Sesshoumaru didn't believe he needed anyone other than himself at the moment, but what of the future? A good relationship with Havensbrooke might be something he'd one day need from one of Naraku's heirs and he wouldn't be doing himself any favors if he was publically cruel to Kagome.

As long as Kagome wasn't alone with him behind closed doors he was unable to stop her. The girl knew that and thought of herself as invincible. It seemed she was learning how to play the game and Sesshoumaru didn't know how to feel about it as it brought him back to the conflict of what he really wanted.

"It's not an easy path," Kagome declared taking strides back to the throne room, "but a necessary one Sesshoumaru. I asked you what you liked about me and you said the fire behind my eyes. If that's what you want I can't let you drown me out. You're the one wanting to start this marriage off wrong. Not me."

"Is that so?" his gaze hardened as he didn't like her accusation, "then do as you please. However, know this woman, you'll regret the decision. I will not punish you here before all of your family, but you will be punished. Defy me and I'll be forced to correct you as I see fit when I truly have you to myself."

The way he delivered his threat sent shivers down Kagome's spine. That was the desired effect, it was meant to scare her and bow her to his will, but she knew what was at stake here. She couldn't let the both of them down.

"You'll punish me," she murmured, "but you won't hurt me?"

Sesshoumaru couldn't hurt her. He made a promise though now he was wishing that they had defined hurt. He'd never kill her or make the future mother of his pups so terrified of him they couldn't share a bed, but something had to be done if he was going to keep control of her.

"I will never hurt you," he repeated his promise but still kept a tone of foreboding.

"Then it's worth it," Kagome gave a nod trusting him as she proceeded to return to public view where she was safe from anymore of his threats.

"I see," Sesshoumaru stood there and watched as his bride disappeared into the reception party, "so you've made your decision then? I should be disappointed in you Kagome. I am willing to make compromises for my weak human-like bride and you can't do the same. Is that really true? Are you selfish? If you were why did you bring up what I said about the fire in your eyes? Is this really for my benefit? Hn. I have to punish you then, but at least you've given me a gift. I have to be creative in deciding how to teach you a lesson, and this task doesn't feel like a chore. No. I think I'll enjoy this."

"Gather around everybody," Kagome announced with a smile on her face as a three tiered cake was brought in on a stand with wheels, "it's time for the bride and groom to share their wedding cake with family and friends. Sorry for its lackluster appearance, but since the bride made it herself it's nothing grand. Hopefully it tastes okay."

Kagome should've felt awkward narrating her own wedding like that, but she'd gone all in on her decision to defy Sesshoumaru. She had to do it. She had to show him she couldn't be easily conquered. This was for both of their sakes.

She was met with silence as the eyes of family and friends were upon her. It seemed they couldn't grasp the idea of someone as royal as her sullying her hands with eggs and flour even for a symbolic gesture.

Naraku, however, didn't have much of a reaction. Ever since his last conversation with Kagome he'd been silent and brooding with hate in his eyes by Kikyo's side, so the duties of mocking her and making her feel like a fool fell to his heir apparent Hakudoshi.

The silver haired boy took a couple paces towards the cake and had disgust on his face.

"You baked this?" he sneered, "you? What does an idiot girl like you know about baking? The servants here must be dumber than I thought if they trusted you with a knife."

"You don't use a knife to bake," Kagome was stopping herself from calling him an idiot, "and yeah I did it. It's not that hard after a few tries. It's a lemon cake and it has a royal icing Hakudoshi. You should try it. I promise you'll enjoy it."

"Doubt it," the boy hissed turning his back bothered that he couldn't bring his younger sister to tears with his antics, "can't this stupid girl do anything right?"

A growl. That was what Kagome could hear faintly in the background as it seemed her husband wasn't happy with her being called a stupid girl by someone as foolish as Hakudoshi. She knew she would be punished for all of this, but it was worth it for that simple growl that told her she wasn't alone no matter how foolish she was. Her and Sesshoumaru wouldn't let each other be seen as failures. That was what had been promised after all.

"Hmm," Byakuya came over and examined the cake, "it's not normal but it is a lovely gesture. The bride after all is the one feeding us tonight so why not make a cake? I'm sure it will be fine Kagome."

"You think so?" Kagome had a glow about her as she smiled at her favorite sibling, "glad someone is in my corner. I'll try it first to make sure it's not awful."

Sesshoumaru was directly behind the girl now and noticed how her energy had picked up once she heard his growl. Did she mistake that growl for a show of his support? She was mistaken then. He was upset that his bride had been called stupid by such a pathetic and arrogant youkai such as Hakudoshi, but the growl was meant for the both of them. Kagome shouldn't have put herself in the position to be publicly mocked in the first place. She should have just listened to him and forgot all about the cake, but she just had to push him.

The promise of a future punishment just wasn't enough. She needed brought back down to reality quickly rather than be encouraged.

"I married a girl with the intellect of a kitchen maid," his words stabbed her in the heart as she perceived them as icicles shooting out from behind her, "she'll eat that cake because she doesn't know what's best for her."

That growl had been what gave Kagome the last push of courage she needed and now Sesshoumaru was turning his anger on to her. His last attack in their battle over the cake. Would she fall there? Would she turn to tears and tell everyone it was just a joke to save face before crawling to him and begging forgiveness? No. He took his last stand and she would take hers.

"Or maybe I won't try it," she wore a devious smile, "seems like we have a volunteer. Here you go Daiyoukai Sesshoumaru."

Sesshoumaru could not dodge what was coming his way because he simply couldn't have predicted her final move. Never in his wildest dreams would he think his new bride would use her hands to grab a fist full of cake and icing before turning around and shoving it in his face. His face with his perfect magenta stripes showing his noble demonic heritage was now sullied with cake all because she wanted to be a fool in public.

"Your punishment will indeed be a creative one," was his last thought before staring at her with complete contempt in his eyes.

(End Chapter)

AN: next chapter is just a bit more plot I promise… . I plan to actually reveal the REAL villain of the story next chapter before all of this does return to the background and we get to what you really want. Sesshoumaru and Kagome married life. I don't know if it got off to the best start but battle lines have been drawn now though it's hard for Sess cause he doesn't actually know what he wants.