Disclaimer: (See previous chapter)
Beta: shadow101202
A Vampire's Ocean Gem: Keeping a Bloody Secret
Kagome stretched her body out in a cat-like motion, arching her back until it gave a satisfying crack. She gave a sigh of contentment and a lazy smile spread over her full lips. The miko could finally rest without having to worry about being attacked by youkai, bossed and pushed around by an overbearing hanyou, keeping a taijiya from killing the man she was in love with for being a lecher, or an undead miko trying to steal away her soul and life force. She was free.
The wind picked up and blew her long bangs out of her face, revealing the sparkling blue six petal warrior miko symbol tattooed into her flesh. She closed her eyes and took a deep slow breath through her nose, savoring the serene feeling that coursed through her and let her senses be cloaked in the wonderful aroma of flowers around her. Kagome loved this time of the season. The sakura trees were in full bloom and the pink and white flowers always smelled heavenly. Her eyes opened in a half dazed state and she let her mind empty for a moment and just silently watched the playful dance of the petals. There was a group of concentrated dark blossoms that ignited a thought of Sesshoumaru from her voided mind before she was lost to sleep.
The raven haired miko found herself back in the Sengoku Jidai, but something was off. Her clothes felt soft and silken against her skin. Looking down she saw that she was dressed in a pretty white kimono with red honeycombs adoring the sleeves, the obi was a deep and dark crimson, and her feet were encased in black leather boots. If she didn't know any better, Kagome would have thought she was dressed in the daiyoukai of the west's haori.
She spun around and looked for a familiar sight, but was disappointed when nothing looked even remotely similar to anything she would have remembered. The lush green leaves of the trees rustled with the wind, the grass whispered with the voices of the insects, and the many different colored flowers danced. The scenery was so breathtakingly alluring. She looked back down at the sleeve of her kimono, studying the red honeycombs decorating it. Glancing left and right to make sure that she was alone, before Kagome raised it to her cheek, nuzzling the soft material slightly. She sighed.
"You look appealing, Miko." claw tipped fingers slipped through her long dark hair, scratching her scalp soothingly. "This kimono suits you."
Kagome gasped at the sound of the deep tenor voice of the newcomer. She shifted on her heels and saw the shiny black metal chest plate, the blue and yellow sash, and the white haori and hamakas - both decorated with red honeycombs. When she saw his face, his name left her lips in a soft whisper. "Sesshoumaru..."
The daiyoukai gave her a small almost there smile and raised his right hand, revealing the item he held. It was a single red-magenta Zinnia and he tucked it in her hair, right behind her ear. "Now, you are complete." When those words left his lips, his arms wound around her lithe waist and pulled her close, resting her head on his shoulder. All was quiet for a long moment as Kagome tried to process what had just happened and Sesshoumaru waited for her in nearly endless patience trying to prolong the intimate contact with her.
"Sesshoumaru...what...?" her voice quivered out in the softest of whisper. She tried to move back and search his face but his arms tightened around her. She caught a glimpse of his molten golden eyes before he hid them behind his magenta striped eyelids.
"This one had lost his heart, dear Miko..."
"What?" 'What do you mean? Why are you telling me this? Why are you acting this way?'
Sesshoumaru pulled back and locked his heated yet soft eyes with hers. He gazed at her for the longest time and slowly his hand move to caress her left cheek with the back of his fingers. Kagome watched his lips move,"...To you."
He said it so softly that she almost mistook it as her imagination acting up in the heat of the moment. "What? Why? How?" the words escaped her lips out of her control,
"Because you are you."
Heavy tears fell down her cheeks. Shock, happiness, confusion and many more minor emotions all coursed within her simultaneously. Her breathing was labored as she tried to focus on stopping her tears.
"I can't...breathe..." She told him. Her eyes still locked with his as her hands gripped tightly on the fabric of his haori. "I...you, why now? Why didn't you tell me sooner? Why did you wait until I was unable to reach you? You... you... PLAYER!" she sobbed into his chest as she was no longer able to look at his guilt-laced eyes. "Why did you come to me in this fake reality and make my heart quiver?" her voice was so soft even to her own ears. She could hear the erratic beating of his heart just under her ear as well as her own upbeat drumming heart within her. She heard him gasp ever so softly but it registered so buoyantly in her ears and she cried even harder. 'He loves me.'
"Please forgive this one. He has wanted to tell you for a long time, but his honor wouldn't allow it." Sesshoumaru whispered into her hair as his hands rubbed soothing circles on her back. "For you, little one, are ningen and I, Sesshoumaru, am youkai. Beings that are meant to never intermix."
Kagome lifted her face out of his chest to look up into his molten golden eyes. She has never noticed how bright and intense they looked; now, they shined almost as if they were the sun itself. "What are you talking about?"
The daiyoukai looked down at her for a moment, thinking of the proper thing to say to her. Should he tell her that he, even though he held a great amount of affection for her, won't tie her fate to him? He knew that she was meant to be a mother to many children - children that he couldn't provide for her, since his blood was too powerful. Any child that would come from their union would eventually lose their souls and become mindless killing machines. "Miko...no, Kagome, I, Sesshoumaru, holds affection for you, but he cannot partake in such actions. Youkai and ningen are not meant to have children together. A hanyou is an abomination - a disgrace to both races. The powerful blood of youkai will eventually devour the much weaker blood of ningen, thus the hanyou will lose their soul and become a being that only knows how to fight and kill."
The miko blinked as she took in this information Sesshoumaru provided to her. 'He didn't want to tell me, because he didn't was to condemned me to a life of knowing that if we were to mate and have children, that they would be ticking time bombs just waiting to explode.' she breathed out his name as she took hold of his face in her palms, her thumbs stroking the twin magenta stripes on his cheeks. "I wouldn't have cared. I had affection for you as well, but now I'm afraid..."
"What do you fear?"
"I...now I fear that my heart will never be at ease. I will always wonder what could have been between us."
Sesshoumaru tucked a stray lock of her hair back behind her ear. "This one didn't mean to make you feel such discomfort. He only wanted you to know of his feelings. It is hard. This heart no longer beats for life, but only survival. This one did not desire to burden you with these feelings, but selfish desire made it so that if you were left arrogant then this, Sesshoumaru's mind would perish." Sesshoumaru's eyes were now gleaming with unshed tears. "Suki dayo."
Heavy tears fell down Kagome's face like twins waterfalls. "You're cruel. How could you make me be subjected to this unchangeable situation? What could I have done with knowing that I now hold your heart? What about my heart?"
"This, Sesshoumaru, apologizes. He was selfish to only think of his heart and not of yours."
She pounded her fist on his chest and held on to the fabric of her kimono over her heart with another. "I don't want your apology. I want, I want... Curse this! I don't know what I want."
"Kagome..." his voice caused the miko to snap her eyes up to look into his. "I, Sesshoumaru, don't want you to be confused. He only wishes for you to be happy."
"Happy? I am happy; so very happy to know that you love me. I'm also feeling so many emotions that I don't even want to identify." Kagome gave him a small reassuring smile. "But, even so, you and I are separated by hundreds of years."
Sesshoumaru watched her with curiosity in his eyes. He could scent that she was telling the truth that she was happy to know of his feelings, but she was lying about being truly happy. "Why do you lie, little one? You are not truly happy. You still feel conflicted about something."
Conflicted? The word rang through Kagome's mind. She felt conflicted...but about what? Flashes of golden blonde hair and emerald green eyes appeared before her eyes. They were blurred at first, slowly coming into focus until an image of a beautiful young man dressed in a white uniform was seen. 'Takuma-kun? He's the reason why I'm conflicted?' She hadn't thought of him since before the final battle with Naraku.
The burning feeling in her eyes intensified as more tears fell. "I'm so greedy." She sniffed. "Here I have your heart, this heart that doesn't waver. I know you will not love anyone else as you love me, and yet I..." she pounded on her heart, "This greedy heart of mine wants another." Her throat tightened into a painful hold but she forced herself to continue to speak. "I'm despicable."
"You are not despicable, Kagome. You are ningen. It is normal for such beings to feel as such. While it is true that you hold my heart, this one wants you to find happiness with another. My love for you is honorable." Sesshoumaru wiped away her tears with the back of his left hand.
"I'm not worthy. Sesshoumaru, I feel dirty. This confliction, I hate it. I want to love you. I want to bare your children, to create life between us, but I know logically that will not result in a happy ending. I would condemn our children to a life of becoming mindless monsters just like you said. I want to; I want to love you so much."
"But you cannot."
She shook her head. "But I cannot. In this lifetime, our love cannot be."
"Let's make a vow then."
"Huh?" Confusion filled her eyes as her brows frowned.
"In another life, let's be together."
The pounding of her heart drummed loudly in her ears. She felt like her body would explode within seconds. She saw a three second countdown of a ticking bomb within her mind and her breath was lost. Them? Together in another life? "Can we really?"
Sesshoumaru said nothing, but he gifted her with the most beautiful smile she had ever seen as he inclined his head forward. "Yes, in another life. If the Kamis allow it, Kagome, you and I, Sesshoumaru will be together. So until then, find your happiness with another."
She gave a shaky smile and more tears leaked from her eyes. "You make me such a crybaby, Sesshou. It feels like you're proposing to me. My heart keeps on beating out of rhythm and I feel like I would explode in a matter of seconds. You make me want to commit murder and suicide just so I can accelerate and skip this life just so I can hold you to your promise right now."
He frowned down at her. "You will do no such thing. I will not allow you to take such measures to let us be together. I want for you to stay safe, protected, and loved until I can take that place. So, promise me this, you will live this life to the fullest, love to the fullest, and regret nothing. Promise me."
"I...I...Sesshou, why are...wait! Did you just break out of your use of third person?" Kagome blurted out.
The daiyoukai blinked, his eyes remaining closed and Kagome could feel his chest vibrating beneath her palms. Then she heard it. The smooth, deep, and throaty sounds of his chuckles. Her face flushed red with frustration. What was so funny? She merely stated an observation.
"My apologies. You can be such an enigma. I dare say that I find this trait of yours adorable."
"Adorable." she whispered, mostly talking to herself. 'Next thing I know he will say the word 'kawaii!''
She was tempted to demand: 'Who are you and what have to done with my Sesshoumaru!' She could only look at him with an incredulous look on her face. Then it finally registered in her mind that he told her she was adorable and she flushed red. Now that she knew that he loved her he was making her blush like it was a normal thing to do. Kagome looked up at him to find him gazing down at her, an unreadable expression in his amber-gold eyes. "Sesshou, what are you...?"
"Kagome, may I?" he tilted his head down so that their foreheads touched. "Be graced with your kiss?"
"Uhm...I..." she bit her lips and lowered her eyes. What should she say? This would be her first kiss...wait. No. Second kiss... A voice inside her head told her to say yes, but another said that if she did she would only want more. The two voices echoed through her head, both trying to overlap the other until she shouted for both of them to cease. She made her decision. "Yes, Sesshou. You may."
No sooner than those words left her throat, firm yet petal soft lips descended upon her own. The heat of them searing her mouth as Sesshoumaru unleashed his passion, and she returned it with just as much. Kagome lifted up on her tip toes so that she could wrap her slender arms around his neck, trying to bring him as close to her as possible. Kami-sama, she wished to be with him, but as Fate would have it, this tender moment had to end. Sesshoumaru knew that she couldn't go any longer without air and broke away from her lush mouth with great reluctance.
"Suki dayo, Kagome."
"Su…su…suki yo, Sesshoumaru." Kagome gave him a beautiful, loving smile as she hugged him tightly. The wind picked up then, blowing their hair so that the silver and raven locks were intertwined. In the back of her mind, Kagome felt that she was to wake soon. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes again but she forced it(them) back. She smiled, trying to tell him so much of her feelings in that one smile as she could. "In the next life, I promise to find you and never let you go again."
"I promise too, Koi."
Kagome felt herself being pulled away from Sesshoumaru and a pained whimper escaped her lips. She didn't want this moment to end, but it was to be. "Goodbye..." and she was yanked back into the realm of reality.
Crystal blue eyes snapped open as the miko sat up abruptly. She grasped the left side of her chest, where her fast beating heart thundered. Her eyes slid back close as she tried to recall the dream, the words Sesshoumaru said to her, the kiss he bestowed to her lips and the warmth he shared with her made her hum in approval. Sesshoumaru...I cannot wait until we can be together. I will uphold my promise to live life to the fullest.
"Kagome? Is that you?" a vaguely familiar voice called to the miko. A voice she hasn't heard in such a long time. Then it happened. Doki. Her heart skipped a beat and liquid fire pulsed in her palms.
"Takuma-kun..." Seeing him here in this flower filled scenery made her imagination go wild. He looked like the prince of the summer court. His European features and bishounen appearance made him the perfect candidate for a Faery Prince.
"All he needs now is a crown." she thought, unconsciously speaking out loud.
"I'm sorry?" A confused look crossed his face and he tilted his head in wonder.
She could not help but to blush. Kawaii. She must have remained silent for too long as a frown now marred his features. "Ah, nothing, it's nothing." she laughed nervously.
He smiled charmingly at her. "I almost had mistaken you for a wood nymph, seeing you sleeping so peacefully among the flowers."
Kagome could feel her cheeks heat up at the small compliment. Takuma always seemed to know what to say to make her flush a bright red. She sighed wistfully as flashes of Sesshoumaru traveled through her mind briefly, but for some reason they were replaced with images of all the times she had seen Takuma. She looked up at him and saw that he hadn't changed a bit from the last time she saw him. His long golden bangs still fell over his eyes in a casual manner; his pale skin was flawless as ever, those deep emerald green eyes were still as enchanting and beautiful. He was still the same breathtakingly alluring young man she had saved a month ago.
She smiled. It was nice to know that something remained a constant after everything had happened. "It has been a while, Takuma-kun."
Her sudden change in demeanor surprised him. There was something about her smile that itched his curiosity. She's different somehow. A gust of wind blew between them and shifted her hair beautifully. Her long, dark bangs swayed and her symbol of power was displayed before his eyes. Those green orbs widened a fraction of a millimeter when they landed on the shimmering blue symbol. It was a six petal flower, and he has heard of such a marking only once. She has become a warrior .He watched as she moved her hand to catch her hair and shielded the warrior mark from his sight. Takuma then noticed that she was still on the ground, surrounded by the many flowers and a smile quirked at his lips.
"How rude of me." he offered her his hand. "Let me help you up."
She looked at his proffered hand and mentally compared it to a Greek statue in the museum she had seen once. It was too perfect. Her eyes moved back to his eyes, a look of thoughtfulness within the depth of her blue eyes as she placed her hand in his. His movements were perfectly measured as he pulled her up. Her feet stood just on the borderline of his personal space. Everything about him reminded her of a skilled predator. She quietly thanked him but her voice was monotone at best as she was lost in thought. As she began to move away from him her foot was caught in the root of a nearby tree and she stumbled.
Takuma saw this and swiftly wrapped his arms around her to prevent her from crashing down to the hard ground. "Kagome, you must be careful."
"Arigatou, for breaking my fall." The sound of her voice made him notice just how close she was.
Kagome was so close to him that he could smell her sweet floral scent. He could feel her back against his chest, and her steady heartbeat. Takuma felt an ache in his jaw as his fangs pressed on his gums while his vibrant green eyes flashed crimson. No! I will not! He forced himself to calm his bloodlust, but it was so very hard. He had smelled her sweet elixir once before and his hunger had been consuming him ever since. No matter how many blood tablets he'd take, he couldn't erase that sweet scent from his mind. It was forever branded in his memories.
Kagome had to force herself not to tense up at the sudden pulse of almost demonic aura behind her. Her mind jumbled multiple thoughts at high speed. She did not want to think at all. She did not want to know that Takuma-kun was not...human. She was left in a fork-road of indecision. Her life was most likely in danger, but he was a friend. Her death would bring her to Sesshoumaru, but she had promised to live out her life to the fullest. What should she do? After a moment's hesitation she made up her mind. Spreading out her reiki, Kagome would get to the bottom of this puzzle. But, something stopped her.
"Kagome, what do you think you are doing?" a dark silky voice drawled.
Wha? That sounded like...
"Yes, little Miko, it is I, Naraku. You just can't seem to keep yourself from trouble can you?"
At first she was shocked that Naraku is somehow communicating with her, in her head, but the feeling of perplexity quickly dominated. 'Did you just do sarcasm without the bite, Naraku?'
"You wound me. Has all that power you gained from slaying Kikyou caused you to forget?" he then provided her with the images of his cleansing, lingering on the picture of their kiss.
'Alright! Alright! I remember, hentai!' she felt blood pool in her cheeks as her face began to heat up.
His deep chuckles rumbled through her head. He knew that would make her blush. Naraku rather enjoyed seeing the redness on her face. "I saw that the Inu daiyoukai had confessed his feelings to you."
'Yeah, what about it?'
"I wonder if you know the significance of your vow." he said lightly, though she could see the serious look in his eyes. It was only then that she noticed a chibi-Naraku in front of her. Her eyes widen in shock. 'He's so Kawaii!'
The tiny Naraku had large bright crimson eyes, long wavy black hair that was tied into a ponytail, and was wearing a deep purple haori trimmed in gold, much like the young Naraku she had saved. Tiny black wings protruded from his back as he flew around her in circles.
"I heard that Miko. Please refrain from calling me 'Kawaii' because I can still..." the chibi-Naraku disappeared in a puff of smoke; "Transform into my true form." his voice caressed her ears.
"...gome? Kagome!"
Takuma's voice snapped her out of her chat with Naraku before she could see his face again. Thank Kami-sama for Takuma-kun. "I'm sorry. What did you say?"
"I asked if you wanted me to escort you home."
"Ah. Hai, arigatou; although, do you mind if we stop by the tailor so I can pick up my new uniform?"
Takuma's blonde eyebrows lifted. "New uniform?"
"Hai. I sent in an application for Cross Academy and was accepted. I even got assigned as a School Perfect, whatever that means." She raised her left arm to look at her watch, missing the short flinch of Takuma's shoulder and a flash of hard glint of his eyes as he looked at her more closely.
"The tailor should have it ready by now. Shall we go then?" she looked up at him, an expecting look in her eyes.
He smiled down at her and gestured with his arm. "Lady's first."
Kagome raised a brow then shrugged and turned, walking ahead. "You're so foreign at times. You must not have been raised as a Nippon (Japanese) or something."
She heard his deep chuckles and looked back, halting in her steps for a moment as he caught up. "You truly are an interesting person. I can hardly predict what you will say next."
An uncharacterized smirk sneaked onto her lips. "But of course, Takuma-kun. Being predictable is boring. I must have a way to spice up such a dull life. Do you not agree?"
The mischievous sparkles in her eyes made laughter bubble from his chest. He leaned down until they were eye leveled, a smirk firmly on his face. "Careful there, Miss Kagome, or I might just steal you away and make you be the charm of my life."
Feeling playful, Kagome tilted her head just enough to have their lips a breath away from each other's. "Is that a promise?"
"Why, Miss Kagome, are you flirting with me?"
Her eyes sparkled more merrily making him catch a breath in his throat at how pretty she looked. She playfully tapped him lightly on the tip of his nose with her finger. "Maybe." She quickly sprung around and ran off, giggling all the while. She glanced back with a bright smile on her face, the wind from her motion combined with the natural windy air current of early spring made her hair float around her gracefully. "Catch me if you can, Takuma-kun!"
"Such a tempting offer, how could I refuse?"
He had expected an easy chase but she had surprised him yet again. Every time he got close enough to catch her, her movements became like a ribbon in the wind as she skillfully evaded his many reaches. This game of chase was quickly becoming his favorite pass time. He greatly enjoyed the sound of her joyful laughter and the alluring sight of her. He did not notice how his eyes flashed red for a tick of a second as he smiled warmly at her.
Then she vanished.
He did not have time to panic for moment later, he jumped!
"Caught you!"
Her voice was right at his ear while her thin arms were wrapped around his chest. The feeling of her warm and soft body on his back caused blood to pool on his cheeks.
"Wah? I was supposed to chase you, remember?"
"Nope, I decided that you were too slow so, I made you my prey instead. And it looks like you're caught!" She told him cheerfully. She giggled at the flabbergasted and shocked look on his face. "What will you do now, Takuma-kun? Does this make me your master?"
Takuma knew that she was just joking but...
"Takuma-kun," she stretched out his name in a pouting voice. "You must treat me to ice-cream now, because you lost." He felt her hold loosen and she was soon hugging his arm then slid her small hand on his larger one. Soon Takuma found himself being dragged by the petite girl to where he guess was the direction of an ice-cream parlor.
"Hey, I didn't agree to this!" He chastised though there was no heat behind his words. He was more bewildered and somewhat amused than anything else. His resolve withered away like flower petals to the wind when he saw the puppy-dog-eyes on her face when she turned to face him.
"Onegai, Takuma-kun." she begged, adding a cute pout for good measure. When he still didn't answer her, Kagome pulled her ultimate attack. Slowly, she began to move her lower lip until it quivered and she let out a small whine. "O-ne-gai..."
Takuma felt his resolve shatter when those words left her throat. She was just too cute to resist. Sighing, he grasped her tiny hand more firmly with his and flashed her that charming smile of his. "Chocolate or Vanilla?" his inhuman heart warmed when she squealed happily and began to tug him towards the nearest ice-cream parlor.
Kagome's heart was beating abnormally fast even though her face gave nothing away. She felt out of character in how she was acting but she was only trying to keep to her promise to Sesshoumaru. She also just wanted to act like a normal teenage girl, carefree and impulsive. She looked up at the young man next to her, still pondering about earlier. Why did Naraku stop her from finding out exactly what Takuma is?
She shrugged her shoulders. Since they were going to school together it didn't matter. Kagome knew that she would find out sooner or later. Soon they reached the parlor and she shivered slightly when the frigid air blew over her when Takuma opened the door for her. She giggled when he bowed and swept his arm out, prompting her to go first. He really is such a gentleman.
"Hi! Welcome to Hikaru's Ice-cream Parlor!" the preppy cashier chirped, her eyes practically glued to Takuma. "My name is Hotoru, how may I help you?"
Not sure why she felt irritated, Kagome reached for Takuma's hand and pulled him to her side. She gave Hotoru one of her cold, fake smiles and she cheerfully said, "Hi. I'd like a double scoop pomegranate. Frozen yogurt, of course."
Hotoru frowned when the small, dark haired girl took hold of the handsome young man's hand possessively. When they walked in, she had hoped that they were either distant cousins or just friends. Either way, she would nab that guy. "Right. And what about you?" she beamed up at Takuma.
Takuma's eyes were carefully watching Kagome's expression. He was surprised to see her reaction to the girl's interest in him. He felt quite flattered and could not help but think that her frustrated expression was just adorable.
"Ah, excuse my rudeness; a scoop of taro frozen yogurt please." He spoke as he gave the girl a glance before his gaze fell back to Kagome.
The cashier gave a mental scream of frustration. She wrote down their orders and flashed them a smile and stated that she would get right on with their treats.
Once Hotoru had gone behind the server doors, Kagome had finally stopped looking irritated. What was that sudden flare of...jealousy? No. It couldn't be. Could it?
"Ne, Kagome?" Takuma voiced her name, trying to gain her attention.
She glanced up to face him and mentally froze at the amusement shining in his eyes. Then he smiled and she wanted to punch him. The reason why? That smile of his, that charming smile, made her blush because it said: "I just figured you out. You were jealous." And nobody wants people to figure out that they are jealous. She anticipated for him to admit what his grin was saying, but instead he said,
"Pomegranate. Is that your favorite flavor?"
"No, but I just felt like eating it because you're with me." she answered cryptically. Her mind provided her with tantalizing images of Takuma eating this legendary forbidden fruit, the tangy red juice from it dripping down his lips. She felt the telltale sign of a blush shimmering up on her cheeks and did her best to stop it. Kagome's ecchi!
He looked down at her, curiosity filling those bright green eyes of his. Does she not know? Perhaps it was just an impulse. He was about to question her further about why she chose that particular flavor, but the shrill high pitched voice of the cashier burst into the room.
"I'm back!" Hotoru waltzed back into the room carrying both of their frozen yogurts in her hands. She practically shoved Kagome's to her. "Here. A double scoop of pomegranate frozen yogurt."
Kagome eyed the cup suspiciously. She was getting a weird vibe form it. Deciding quickly to just trust her instinct, she accepted the cup and murmured a monotone, "Thank you."
The cashier merely gave her a small nod; before her entire demeanor changed as she gave Takuma what she hoped was a flirtatious smile. "And here's your taro frozen yogurt." glancing back at the young woman she said, "That'll be ¥250 for her and ¥125 for you." she dropped her voice to a low whisper.
Kagome felt that same flare of irritation bubble up inside her. Who does this girl think she is? Can't she see that Takuma was with her! She removed her hand from his in favor of hugging his arm tightly and smiling at Hotoru smugly. Yeah, she knew she was being childish, but right now she didn't care.
Takuma gave Kagome a confused look as he accepted his cup and paid for both of their treats. As soon as he was handed a receipt, Takuma felt a sense of deja vu as once again he was dragged by the hand and soon found himself out of the ice-cream parlor and down the street in a rushed pace.
No words were exchanged for a long while until Kagome finally slowed down.
"Daijobu desu ka, Kagome?" he asked softly.
"Gomen." She turned to face him, her face saddened.
"No, it's fine. Are you feeling alright?"
"Forgive me."
Confused, he was about to voice his question when he watched in disbelief as she threw her cup of untouched frozen yogurt backwards and into the sidewalk trashcan. It was not the fact that she managed to execute such a skilled move but that fact that she just threw away a treat that he brought her, only minutes ago, untouched.
"Why...?"
"It was tainted." Kagome whispered. "That, Hotoru, girl was willing to taint me to get to you. Such a disgusting flavor, so much jealousy and hatred. I will not lower myself to consume such filth."
Takuma's emerald eyes widened at her statement and briefly wondered how she knew such, but then he remembered the glittering warrior insignia tattooed on the flesh of her forehead. How could he almost forget that this pretty young girl was a skilled warrior, one that has been accepted as Cross Academy's School Perfect. He gave a soft sigh; she would soon learn his dark and bloody secret. Maybe...maybe, he should just tell her?
"...kuma-kun? Takuma-kun!"
The blonde shook his head lightly. "Um...hai? What is it?"
"We're almost at the tailor's." Kagome looked up at him, slight worry filling her cobalt eyes. "You were in deep thought. Is something the matter?"
He was about to answer when he noticed how close their faces were. He reflexively took a deep breath to calm himself but immediately regretted it when her intoxicating scent filled him. Takuma locked his jaw closed and clenched his eyes shut tightly as his bloodlust tried to consume him. His grip tightened on his cup of frozen yogurt until thin spider web like cracks formed in the plastic. He heard Kagome gasp in pain and he knew that he was crushing her hand with his. So, he immediately released her.
"Takuma-kun, what...?" Kagome froze when his normally vibrant green eyes flashed crimson. A remnant of past memory of Inuyasha's beast surfaced within the ocean of her mind. She blamed it on impulse and spur of the moment as she placed her hands on his cheeks, leaning up and pressed her lips to his. She vaguely heard the sound of his cup hitting the sidewalk's pavement.
To say Takuma was surprised was an understatement. One minute she was looking up at him with worry in her dark ocean blue eyes, next minute his bloodlust was threatening to consume him, and now Kagome was kissing him. Will this girl ever cease to surprise me? Takuma was about to respond to her kiss when a potent fume of intoxicating power entered him. His knees buckled and he felt drunk. His arms circled around her and he pulled her close, hanging on to her like a lifeline in a raging sea storm. His lips moved gently against hers greatly contrasting to the chaotic turmoil inside him. All too soon, the kiss ended, leaving the two teens breathless.
"Kagome." he breathed out, his voice was honey sweet and one of his hand cupped her cheek as his thumb brushed her plump lower lip. "Be mine." He gazed into her silver-blue orbs, his eyes filled with desire, hope and budding affection. She felt the arm around her waist tighten and she was pulled closer possessively.
Butterflies fluttered in her stomach and her heart jumped happily. Kagome felt more blood pool in her cheeks and she suddenly felt bashful. She smiled shyly and averted her gaze before peeking under her lashes and said, "Only if you'll be mine, Takuma-kun." her eyes met his as she spoke his name. The heavenly smile he gifted her made her drown in happiness and she squealed, immediately pouncing on him with enough force to make him fall back, if he were human.
The tall blonde immediately tightened his hold around her when she jumped. He took her by surprise when he lifted her off her feet and twirled them around in a small circle. Kagome tossed her head back as her cheerful laughter spilled forth and soon Takuma's own deep chuckles were intermixed with hers. He stopped spinning suddenly and placed her back on her feet.
"I'm happy." Kagome whispered, more to herself.
"As long as you are happy, then so am I." Takuma brushed his lips over her temple gently.
The miko rested her head against his chest and gave a contented sigh. Maybe she could live this life to the fullest...with Takuma by her side. Sesshou, I will keep my promise and be happy...with Takuma...
Takuma lifted his right arm, pulling up his sleeve, and glanced at his watch. "Ne, Kagome, shouldn't we be getting your uniform from the tailor's?"
"Hm." She nodded, though did not move. She was tempted to get him to carry her there, but she didn't want him to get the idea that she was lazy. Kagome closed her eyes as she had a mental battle with herself. Should I ask him or shouldn't I?
"Just ask him already!" Naraku snapped.
Kagome jumped slightly at the sound of Naraku's voice. She had forgotten he could communicate with her in her mind, thus he could hear her thoughts. Wait a second?
'Naraku? Did...did you see that image I conjured up in the ice-cream parlor?'
"You mean this one?" the chibi-Naraku held up a picture of Takuma biting into a pomegranate, juice sliding down his lips to his chin.
'Ack!'
"...gome, Kagome, we're here." Takuma's voice called her back to reality and saved her from feeling drowned in eternal embarrassment. Her face heated up like raising temperature on a thermometer when she noticed that she was held princess style in his arms just outside the tailor's shop. She squeaked and jumped from his arms and covered her face.
"Did you carry me all the way here?" as soon as the words left her mouth, she mentally hit herself. What kind of stupid question is that, Kagome! Of course he carried you all the way here. Baka, baka, baka!
The alluring sounds of his chuckles only furthered her embarrassment and she groaned. She peeked from behind her parted fingers and hissed, "Takuma-kun, you are so lucky that I like you right now, or I would've hit you."
That only made him laugh harder as he opened the door for her, "After you, Kagome-hime."
"I'm warning you Takuma-kun." Kagome narrowed her eyes at him, seeing the playfulness in his jade colored eyes.
"Yes, milady...ow!" Takuma wrapped an arm around his stomach when Kagome smacked him in the chest, "That kind of hurt."
Kagome walked into the shop, a satisfied smirk nestled on her lips. "It was meant to. I gave you a fair warning."
Takuma sighed. He couldn't deny it. She did warn him twice. Once she had passed by the door, he followed in suit.
The raven haired woman went up to the counter and tapped her hand on the small bell on the desk.
"Ah, Kagome-chan; welcome. I see you brought a friend." She gave Takuma a short glance before turning her gaze back to the young girl. "How are you dear?" she asked, kindly.
"Good afternoon, Mei-san. I'm having a wonderful day, thank you for asking. How was your day? Oh, and before I forget," she turned to Takuma and gently took hold of his hand with a slight pause in hesitation. "This is Takuma-kun."
Mei smiled at the adoring tone Kagome used when she spoke Takuma's name.
"How do you do, madam? My name is Ichijou Takuma." He gave her a small bow as he did not want to leave Kagome's side and thought it inconsiderate to kiss the woman's hand in front of Kagome even if it was the standard greeting he was brought up with.
"Oh my, such well-mannered children and how beautiful you two are together. I must say that you've made my day." she giggled behind her hands, eyes shining with joy. She was pleasantly surprised by them especially because she found that they made such a cute couple.
"Arigatou." Kagome murmured shyly, squeezing Takuma's hand while he only smiled and pulled her closer. He finally noticed how he did not go into bloodlust at her close proximity anymore, but decided to push that thought away for later.
Mei watched fondly at the two until she suddenly remembered what Kagome was here for and excused herself to go to get Kagome's order. She exited behind a door that was located behind the registry area.
"It seemed like you know her quite well, Kagome. Do you come here often?"
"Hm? Oh, she's a family friend, a friend of my mother's. She used to babysit me when I was younger. She makes killer cupcakes." Kagome closed her eyes and hummed as she tried to remember the sweet taste of Mei's homemade chocolate hazelnut cupcakes. "They were always so yummy."
Takuma watched as Kagome talked about how delicious the older woman's baking was with great attention, not so much as to what she said but he felt a great sense of fondness just simply watching her. The many expressions she transited through throughout her speech were very entertaining. He thought it was quite cute.
"Do you bake, Kagome?" Takuma instantly regretted asking the question as Kagome's face fell.
"Not really, I can only bake if I use cake mix; which really doesn't make sense to me." She huffed. "One of these days though..." she trailed off with an ultra-cute determined face then turned to Takuma and gave him her puppy dog eyes level 3."You'll volunteer to be my taster, right?"
Her doe jeweled eyes shot right through his heart. He wrapped an arm around her slim waist, pulling her close while his free hand caressed her cheek with the back of his long fingers. "Kagome." He whispered her name lovingly. He leaned down and kissed her cheek slowly his eyes half lid. He pulled back and smiled sweetly. "I would have anything you give me."
Kagome was sure her heart would explode and she would die. She felt so numb and yet so hypersensitive in his arms. It was hard to breathe. She...
"Kagome dear, would you like to try the uniform on before you leave?"
Mei's voice called Kagome's attention and she turned her head in time to see the older woman come out behind the door. She tried her hardest to calm down her flushed face. Turning around completely, though not out of Takuma's hold, she nodded.
"Hai, Mei-san." Taking Takuma's hand she walked up to the woman and took the folded garments. "Arigatou." she thanked the woman then led the blonde to the waiting area just outside the fitting room and set him down on a vacant armchair. "Wait for me okay?"
"Ah, of course, Hime-sama. Always." He brought their still linked hands up to his lips and kissed her knuckles. He smirked when she blushed before letting her go, chuckling when she gave him a glare for his comment.
Takuma made himself comfortable on the plush armchair and let his mind wander off to all that had happened in that last few hours. The moment he caught sight of her in that floral meadow in the park, he knew his day would not be boring. The sight of her had caught him off guard at first. His mind had unconsciously conjured up the fairytale of Sleeping Beauty. He chuckled bemusedly at the thought. It was really too bad that he was no Prince Charming. He was more of a Dark prince if he was royalty. He stood outside the perimeter for a long while and just gazed at her. If he was an artist he would surely paint this very image of her and preserve all of the feelings she created within him into that painting. Sometime along his strange thoughts he had made his way to her side.
"Takuma-kun..." Kagome's soft voice called him back to reality and he looked up to see her fumbling with the red collar tie. The cute face she made as she tried to tie the bow knot caused him to chuckle in amusement. He stood up and made his way to her.
"Allow me, Hime-sama."
Kagome blushed at how close he stood before her, almost toe to toe, his face inches from hers. Her hands tingled pleasantly from the light brush of his fingertips when he took the ribbon from her hold. "Arigatou."
His smile caused her heartbeat to pick up again, not that she minded. Wonderful flutters of butterflies bubbled within her abdomen caused happiness to ripple through her body. She was sure that her aura must be dancing jubilantly. Her heart only picked up more when he gently took her hand and twirled her. When she faced him again, she gave him an expectant look, waiting eagerly for his opinion.
"Hijo ni kirei." (very pretty) he said softly, his voice was like sweet flower nectar.
Mei watched almost hungrily from the sideline. Her eyes were glued on the scene and her face flushed. She also had a digital camera in her hands and had been taking photo after photo of the lovely scene that she would be sure to share with her longtime friend, Nodoka, Kagome's mother. She sighed dreamily.
Ah, young love.
Hope you liked it.
~The Lovely Kaykai-sama
~CrescentMelody