Blanket Disclaimer: The writer does not own any characters created by Rumiko Takahashi but like everyone else wishes she did. All original characters or concepts are the author's Inuma Asahi De's (with the exception of historical figures).
Chapter Four:
The Captain's Hand
Miroku sat in the Quartermaster's Cabin looking over the ships finances while Sango picked out a petticoat and gown for the next day. Unlike most women she owned two gowns and three petticoats all Miroku's doing of course. Every time they raided a ship that had a female on board Miroku would make sure to bring her back something whether it was a hat, gloves, perfume, make up, gowns, petticoats, jewelry, or shoes Sango always got a little something in the way of maintaining her diminished femininity. Currently the girl was debating between the beautiful red gown she had worn the day before and a subtle yellow gown she was very fond of that Miroku had obtained for her months ago.
Miroku glanced up away from the books he was reviewing to watch her for a moment a smile forming on his face as he took in the happiness that flickered in her eyes as she took one of the gowns and held it up to herself as she looked in a small mirror she had bought for herself with her own shares. She twirled the yellow gown slightly at the hem with one hand as the other hand held it against her body. Gingerly she moved the bottom of the dress side to side in a swishing motion as if trying to get a feel of what the dress would look like dancing. Frowning she put the yellow gown down upon the bed beside her and scooped the red one back up before turning towards the mirror and placing the red one against her chest. After several seconds of staring at herself in the mirror she sighed and switched again the action making Miroku smile.
In all the time he had known Sango he had never really seen her act like a woman choosing instead to cover up her feminine curves and characteristics with men's clothing. She had been that way since she came aboard shy and reserved trying to disappear from the world but now, "Kagome's bringing her back out of her shell." He grinned and leaned back in his desk chair watching the forgotten part of Sango that was very much a girl dance and twirl before him. "I guess she's been with us for so long that she forgot what its like to be with other women." He chuckled just quickly enough that she couldn't hear him. "I'm glad she's enjoying herself even if I do miss her toyboy self." Setting down the book completely Miroku dropped the quill he had been writing with back in the well leaving it forgotten for now. "Which one are you going to wear?" He asked her as he lay back in his chair leaning back on two chair legs as he looked at her curiously.
"I'm not sure." She mumbled as she put a red hat on her head and held up the red gown before sticking her tongue out in distaste. Looking at the small trunk she had opened to her left filled with hats she tossed the red one in before reaching down a grabbing a purple hat. She held it up to her head and turned to the mirror her face screwing up in distaste once again before dumping the red gown and reaching for the yellow. Holding the yellow to her body with the purple hat she sighed turning this way and that before slumping. "The red one is my favorite but the yellow looks so good on me but I just can't find a proper hat for the red." Depositing the purple hat in the trunk she reached for the red gown holding it up on her left side while she held the yellow one on her right. Scowling she turned away from the mirror towards Miroku, "Which one looks better to you, red or yellow?"
Miroku looked at her his eyes lighting on her curvy figure. more than anything else taking in the sight he didn't see very often (clothed at least) with appreciation. "I love you Miss Dresmont," He thought to himself as he gazed at Sango, "I love Port Royal, I love my pretty Sango." He smiled wolfishly before inhaling deeply through his nostrils."If only the men on the ship could see her now half naked and choosing between two beautiful gowns." His wolfish grin turned predatoral, "No they only see her in those heavy coats that hid every little curve and those stupid baggy pants and cumbersome boots, I am a lucky man." He smiled to himself brightly before the grin faded ever so slightly his mind for a moment remembering a time when Sango had not been like this but instead had chose to dress as a man because of the exploitation of her femininity so long ago. It hurt him that she thought like that but still he had never questioned her knowing that she would recover slowly on her own and when she was ready would become herself whoever that person might be. "I think they are both very beautiful."
Sango let out a soft snort and turned away to the mirror staring at herself and the two dresses before her, "But which one makes me look the most beautiful?"
Miroku snorted and stood from the chair making eye contact with her in the mirror as he crossed the room, "The question should be," He said softly as he came to stand before her wrapping his arms around her middle, pulling her back to him as he placed his lips right behind her ear, kissing softly. "Which gown," He whispered softly into her long hair. "Do you make the most beautiful?"
She giggled and turned just her head to look at him placing her lips on his own ever so slightly in a relaxed but intimate kiss, which lasted only a few brief seconds before she pulled away and breathed airily to him, "You can be really sweet, Miroku."
He grinned as he turned her around to face him a dangerous smile painting his face. "The name's Peter." He replied back utilizing the name he used when he didn't want anyone to know who he was; his shore name. Carefully, he kissed her lips savoring them with slow almost innocent pecks before he moved to her chin running his lips down the side of her neck to her exposed collarbone. He practically growled when she hissed from his touch his teeth lightly running against her collar in a tantalizingly playful motion.
"Oh, Peter." She called continuing the game but ended up laughing as his hands came up to run over her sensitive sides.
"Elizabeth." He fired back as his lips once again moved up towards her own capturing them in a heated display of tongue.
Sango smiled into his mouth allowing him several seconds of exploration before she pulled herself away. She breathed heavily for a moment her eyes sparkling with passion but also with something else.
"Sango?" He questioned as he caught his breath and tried to cool his already aching body.
"I just had an odd thought." She mumbled before biting her lower lip distractedly. "About the Captain."
Something in her words brought Miroku down from whatever high she had caused his hands falling away from her waist as he took a healthy step back so as to not be tempted to ravish her until the conversation was over. "You mean the Captain and that girl, Miss Dresmont?"
Sango looked up at him for all of a moment before shrugging absently and fidgeting. "Yeah there's just something, I don't know," She trailed off for a minute her eyes darting around before she sighed and looked him in the eye. "I can tell she's attracted to him."
"How?" Miroku's head snapped up at the words.
"Well," Sango intertwined her fingers together subconsciously nervous. "She keeps looking at me."
Miroku raised an eyebrow. "I'm confused." He said and then smiled at her suggestively. "Suppose we talked to her about her glances and the possibility of me watching her and you—,"
Sango practically growled as she snapped her head upwards to look at him with frightful glare that made him hesitate and laugh nervously. "You know nothing about the way women think." She groused before turning and walking towards the bed plopping herself down on the soft mattress as she moved her gowns out of harms way. "She's looking at me because she's jealous and guilty."
"What does she have to be guilty and jealous about?" He questioned with a quirked eyebrow as he followed her picking up the gowns from the side of the beg she had shoved them before carefully draping them over the back of a nearby chair so they wouldn't grow wrinkled.
"Her feelings." Sango looked at her hands. "She feels guilty for having those feelings about a married man especially when she knows his wife." She sighed darkly and placed her hands in her lap staring at them as she pulled at a hangnail she hadn't quite managed to remove just yet. "And she's jealous because I have the man she has feelings for."
Miroku turned to her as he arranged the last gown and took a deep breath, "What do you think," He started to question as he walked back towards her plopping himself down on the bed beside her. "The Captain is feeling?"
"Didn't you talk to him?" She questioned slightly surprised. Usually the two men talked about almost everything. They appeared to know all about each other even mysterious things that had alluded Sango during her time in aboard the ship. Secrets that none knew except Miroku.
The Quartermaster shook his head and placed his head in his hands. "He went straight to his quarters," He spoke into his fingers muffling his voice. "Locked the door and everything."
"Has the Captain ever acknowledged a girl before?" Sango questioned thoughtfully as she twirled her finger in a strand of hair.
"Never like this." He replied before lying back on the bed staring at the ceiling.
Sango nodded and bit her lip in thought. "Is he into girls?"
Miroku's whole body shot up and he looked at her with visible laughter on his face. "Man he's good."
"Good at what?" She said in a huff crossing her arms over her chest.
"He never wanted you to see his conquest." Miroku said with a lopsided grin. "He didn't want you to feel uncomfortable around him."
She pursed her lips at the words and crossed her arms over her chest. "His conquest?"
"You know," Miroku gave her a strange imploring look hoping she would catch on.
"No," She said while trying not to laugh. "I don't."
Miroku rubbed his face with his hands before sighing deeply. "The girls he's fucked, Sango."
"Oh." She said in a small voice as realization hit her. She never really thought about the Captain having a sex life. He was like a father to her or a brother. He had taken her in and loved her in a platonic way let her dress as a man, let her do as she pleased, even let her yell at him, let her fuss over him, he pretty much gave her total freedom, which was more than she could say about any other place she had ever lived. And besides the constant jokes between them about sex he had never once touched her inappropriately or even come onto her in a serious way. And as for other women, she had never once seen him with a woman in any way other than simply being friendly. Most of the time he appeared to avoid them like the plague.
Miroku scratched the back of his head, trying not to make eye contact with her as he spoke. "He didn't want you to know," He glanced up at her shyly appearing uncomfortable. "Because of the circumstances."
"I see." Sango's eyes turned down cast and she felt her chin wobble as a wave of emotion hit her.
Without a word Miroku pulled her to him and hugged her tightly. She snuggled her head into his shoulder and breathed him in an attempt to reassure herself. They stayed that way for several minutes intertwined in each other as Sango received the comfort he had provided her for years, since he was a fifteen year old boy. She smiled at the thought: she had met Miroku when he was only fifteen. He had been smaller then, a good two heads under the Captain, but he had beautiful determined eyes that had intrigued her from the first time she had ever really taken note of them and even now she truly believed that it had been those striking black eyes that had originally drawn her in and made her begin to heal.
She closed her own eyes at the thought and wrapped her arms around his waist. She was about to allow herself to simply drift off when something dawned on her. Her eyes popped opened and she pulled away from Miroku, looking at him with sheer surprise. "If he's doing this in front of me then he must be—."
"Really interested in her." Miroku finished for her with a nod. "That's what worries me. This is not a passing ship but," He drew his arms around her shoulders hugging her gently as he frowned. "Even if he wants it to be something more than that he might not have a choice."
"He won't." Sango said her eyes sad as she wrapped her arms around him more tightly. "Even if he wants to be with her she can't come with us. She's a lady of society," She laid her head back against his shoulder. "She would want nothing to do with the sea."
"But she seems," He searched for the right word. "So interested."
"Let me amend my statement." Sango lifted her head once more and pointed at Miroku's guns, his pistols, his muskets, and his saber that were hanging on the wall behind them by the door. "She would want nothing to do with the real us." She dropped her hand back to his leg rubbing it as she tried to explain. "Right now she see's us as her equals the second she finds out we're pirates," Her hand stopped moving and a sad expression filled her eyes. "She'll bolt from fear."
"You didn't bolt." Miroku claimed as he watched her.
Sango turned and looked at him her eyes becoming cloudy with memories of the past. "I'm different." Her voice was far away. "I'm a broken woman, thrown away from society."
"You're not broken." Miroku countered softly as he reached up and brushed her hair from her face.
Sango felt tears touch her eyes at the gesture, "But—."
"You're beautiful," He cut her off as he rubbed his hand over her cheek. "You're mine." His whispered as he lowered his mouth to her lips kissing her ever so gently as he lowered her slowly back against the bed. "All mine, beautiful woman." He whispered faintly against her lips as the conversation drifted off turning into only words of sweet nothings as he made every memory once again disappear removed by his words and his lips.
Unknown to them, the Captain had heard every word not because he was purposefully attempting to overhear their conversation but because the walls of a ship are thin and his ears were powerful.
-break-
The large tearoom that Kagome had taken tea in only yesterday afternoon was backed to the brim with nobles taking their supper. The sound of fine china being tapped against by silver forks and knives filled the air as a slight din of conversation created an atmosphere of high society among the white linen table clothes and napkins that were offset by a wide array of colorful gowns and people. The majority of diners this evening were demons whose natural hair colors were just as flamboyant as their clothing ranging from purples to even pinks or greens. One setting of humans could be spotted in the crowded room the table residences notable by their more subdued and standard hair color of black and brown.
Among that group sat Kagome Dresmont her long black human hair done up in a tight but delicate bun hidden under one of her best green hats that matched her favorite green gown. Unlike the first time she had met her dinner company her hoop and stay were both in place giving her a true air of propriety that to those who knew her seemed almost inappropriate. Currently, she was sitting across from the Captain, Sango on her left and the Quartermaster on the Captain's right. They had already taken the vast majority of the rather ample meal, which (unknown to Kagome) the other three diners had not experienced in years or in Miroku's case, ever.
They had started with a course of white soup, moved to one of pigeon (a course Inuyasha had troubled eating with his silverware having desperately wanted to just pull the meat from the bone), and they had even had a course consisting of a variety of vegetables that had been fried in butter and white wine a rare joyous delicacy. Now they were waiting on dessert, which was a combination of candied fruits (something rarely eaten) and chocolate (something that was never eaten because of how expensive it was).
The dishes came around the table and Kagome found herself staring in delight having only been treated to Chocolate once or twice in her life her memories of which were fantastic. The plate in front of her consisted of some citrus fruits, a few candied fruits that the others with her had never seen, and a small dab of the boiled chocolate.
Picking up her small dessert fork Kagome delicately and slowly selected a piece of candied orange dipping it into the chocolate sparingly before bringing it to her mouth with practiced elegance completely unaware that the others were watching her, waiting. She placed it in her mouth and closed her eyes in bliss the unfathomable sweet taste melting in against her tongue as she brought a hand up to cover her mouth as she chewed, "Delicious!" She praised the treat thanking her mother a million times over that she had been allowed a chance to partake in such a feast tonight.
Beside her Sango looked down at her own plate and licked her lips in anticipation. Unlike Miroku and Inuyasha at least to her knowledge, she had had chocolate before, as a child. Dipping a piece of her candied fruit into the mixture just as Kagome had she placed it in her mouth holding her fork just slightly to long against her lips as the taste encompassed her senses. With a loving hum she looked to Kagome and the two women grinned happily at each other. "It's delightful." Sango whispered in her guise as Mrs. Smith. "I haven't had chocolate in so long."
"Neither have I." Kagome replied before placing another savory morsel in her mouth.
Inuyasha watched her as she closed her eyes in delight the look on her face was a look he had actually never seen another living being make. It was a look of peace, a look of contentment; it was a look of someone who was genuinely happy with the moment they were currently living. He looked down at his own chocolate and knew from experience he shouldn't eat it as it was known to not agree with his particular breed of demon. "No sense in getting sick just to keep up a pretense." He smiled at the thought and looked back at the young woman enjoying her treat, perhaps, he could make her smile even wider.
"Miss Dresmont," He addressed across the table softly, "Would you perhaps like my portion?"
Kagome's eyes widened at his voice, "Why would he offer it to me and not his own wife?" She glanced over at Mrs. Smith who was enjoying the treat so much that she seemed to have tuned out the conversation completely. "Um," She found her throat dry as she turned back towards him distinctly uncomfortable. "Captain—I—"
"Damn." He cursed to himself realizing his social mistake. Clearing his throat he gave her his quaintest smile hoping to cover it up. "To share with my wife of course." He quickly added to that smile motioning to Sango with a gentle white gloved hand. "My dear?" He spoke briskly managing to catch her attention by moving his hand a little swifter towards her face but still in a dignified way.
Blinking several times Sango acknowledged his movement with a nod of her head and smiled wide when he handed off the place to her. "Oh thank you!" She said with delight as practically plucked the plate out of his hand and sat it between her and Kagome.
Inuyasha took just a second to glance over at Miroku who had looked up at the distraction. The two men seemed to have a silent conversation that lasted several seconds before Miroku nodded satisfied with whatever had just been resolved and continued to delight in the new found food. He was much too distracted by the flavor he had never experienced before to even give anyone else as much as a look.
Watching the exchange silently Kagome fidgeted in her chair before managing to find her manners once more. "Thank you for your generosity." She said as she looked at the Captain's appeasing look. It seemed like he was waiting for the happiness to appear on her face; like he wanted to see it.
"It is a delight to be so generous to such a helpful girl," He said and moved back when the current waiter brought a glass of wine to him. He took it and nodded towards the man before turning back to them taking a small sip of the red wine in his hands. "Besides, this is my dessert." He added indicating the wine. "I'm not one for chocolate."
Miroku looked at him like he was crazy as he resisted the urge to lick the plate. Sango too felt that same urge when she finished off her own portion turning to the plate the Captain had offered her and Kagome.
"There's four pieces of fruit Miss Dresmont," Her voice was so light and cheery that it automatically put Kagome at ease. "Shall we take two a piece?"
Kagome grinned at the other woman her heart feeling light as she looked down at the plate and forced herself not to lick her lips. "Yes please," She nodded excitedly before catching a glimpse of the Quartermaster who had just sat down his fork but was still looking at the plate with longing and stopped herself just long enough to inquire, "Would you like a piece Mr. Woodson?"
Miroku looked at her quit shocked wondering why a woman of high society would think to even bother a Quartermaster with a glance let alone a kind offer? "What a peculiar girl." He thought as he smiled at her. "She's just so different than what's shes supposed to be. She's," His mind searched for a comparison. "Simply nice and unquestionably sweet." He chuckled silently so as not to discourage her. "No thank you," He said while looking at her with gentle eyes: the eyes of someone's older brother. "But I appreciate the offer."
"You're welcome." She gave him a bright smile before focusing back on the plate, the light in her eyes comparable only to that of a happy child.
Inuyasha sent a glare to Miroku when the women weren't paying attention but Miroku only looked back at him and smirked, knowing that the Captain was jealous of the attention. The Captain growled low in response prompting Miroku to look around hastily, checking to make sure no one was watching him, before he very faintly stuck out his tongue for all of a second. The Captain bit his lip and glared in response, Miroku merely glaring back in return.
"That was a wonderful meal." Sango said as she delicately patted the corners of her mouth bringing the two men out of their death glare contest.
"Yes, it was." Inuyasha agreed and leaned back in his chair. He looked around the room instinct making him once again survey the large number of demons surrounding them. It made him feel a little nervous but it seemed these demons were too into themselves to even notice him in the room. Their noses probably weren't even accustomed to scenting individuals anymore or even able to unconsciously detect different breeds. They would most likely not be able to distinguish the abnormality in his scent when he was sitting among humans, so the likelihood of one of them actually being aware of his blood was relatively slim. "Thank god for small favors." He shrugged as he watched some of the tables begin to clear as after dinner cocktails were taken standing up a dance floor materializing were the tables had been only moments before.
Curious, he noticed a small group of two demons and two humans appear seemingly out of know wheres sitting down at some chairs that had been moved aside to make room for the dancing. Carefully, each member of the small group began unpacking instruments all of which were strings.
"A quartet," He realized as he watched one of the demons take a violin out of its case bringing it out in front of him to tune. Inuyasha smiled at the sight of the instrument, his ears training on it from under his wig as he listened to the demon slowly bring it back into tune. "Being in so much humidity's killed the strings." He noticed with a winced as the demon tried to force the string back into tune.
"As soon as the other diners are finished," Kagome said in a happy almost excited voice unknowingly interrupting Inuyasha's thoughts. "There is dancing if you're so inclined."
"Dancing?" Sango said with such delight that Miroku and Inuyasha almost cringed. She looked back towards the Captain her eyes pleading with exuberance. "May we dance Captain?" She asked her eyes full of hope and expectations.
Inuyasha looked at her and wanted to bang his head on the table there was no way he could deny a woman who looked that happy and yet, he hated to dance he wasn't one for it and he always felt ridiculous dancing among strangers. He glanced at Miroku who was looking at Sango with happy eyes and smiled as an idea came into his head. "Peter, you know I am not one to dance." He looked at the younger man who nodded back. "Why don't you take my place, I'm sure Elizabeth would have more fun with a man who doesn't have two left feet."
"Of course sir, I would be delighted." Miroku grinned at the Captain silently thanking him as the music began to play. As other gentlemen began to stand to take dance partners, so did Miroku. As was accustomed he first walked over to Inuyasha and bowed asking silent permission to take another man's wife to the floor. Inuyasha nodded back to him in return and motioned towards his 'wife' who was practically bouncing in her seat with excitement. Briskly, he made his way over to Sango pulling out her chair before bowing to her as well and offering his hand. She took it without a second thought and waited for him to offer her the obligatory kiss to the knuckles before standing and picking up the hem of her dress as they walked away arm in arm, leaving Kagome and the Captain, very much alone.
Inuyasha watched Kagome as she looked out over the crowd of women and men now dancing a complicated waltz. She was positively cute as she looked at them her grey eyes bright with intrigue, "I wonder what she's thinking," He asked himself as he gently shifted his wrist in a circle, swirling what little wine was still left in his glass. Behind her, he caught a glimpse of Miroku twirling Sango slightly before catching her and continuing to move in a fast paced trot Sango's face flushed from both their movements and the little wine she had drunk with dinner. "They look good together," He noted as he brought his wine back to his lips and took a little sip liking the soft and supple flavor of this particular Merlot.
Across from him Kagome felt her heart lighten at the sight of the beautiful gowns swishing as the women moved. She had waltz many times in her life but it had always felt stiff and forced to her she had never simply felt happy or relaxed while with a dance partner. Her eyes traveled to the presumed Mrs. Smith and Mr. Woodson watching with avid interest as they moved around the dance floor appearing relaxed as they moved together. In fact they seemed positively radiant while they held each other and danced their feet moving in the swift pattern with relative ease as if they had both done so many times.
Kagome almost felt jealous at the sight but the jealousy turned to confusion when Mrs. Smith dropped her eyes away from the Quartermaster, a blush on her cheeks. She watched the woman's face intrigued by the way the two smiled at each other. It was a smile she had seen many times, the very smile she had seen on her mother's face when she was able to dance with her father.
Inuyasha looked at her as she watched Sango and Miroku and felt completely fascinated by her movements. She was swaying in her chair subconsciously acting out the movements of the waltz without realizing it. Her eyes were shining in the fading afternoon light and he couldn't help the twinge in his heart when her lips curved into a soft smile. Her hair, although up tight in her bun was still somehow just as unrestrained to him as it had been the day before. It looked like a black sea deep at night shining as if it had small stars in its locks. She was beautiful, unrefined, natural, and wholly herself. He had never seen a girl quite like that independent of social convention in little subtle ways. He looked down at her hands as the thought passed through his mind and found himself somewhat saddened to see her gloves in place. It had been intoxicating to touch those hands without the gloves covering her and now it seemed he would never be able to do something like that again.
He licked his lips wanting to feel her one last time before they had to part, "But how?" He frowned darkly and swirled his wine once more as he stared at her bluntly and openly knowing that no one in the crowd would be watching as long as the dancers were moving. "Is it respectful to dance with her now that I denied my 'wife'?" He questioned himself but knew the answer was 'no' even before he fully posed the question. He scratched the back of his head looking at her with intense focus before glancing around. "I already paid for the meal," He told himself as his eyes drifted over the several empty tables that surrounded them, happy that current custom dictated that one should pay before one was served, since everyone received the same thing. "So much better than it was a two hundred years ago." He groused. "Back then I'd be stuck here waiting to pay." His mind halted at the thought. "Hell back then I wouldn't have had the money let alone want to step foot in here." He pursed his lips as he went back to his original thought realizing that not waiting for a bill would allow him a bit of freedom for his next move. "Maybe—yeah," He licked his lips, "It might be a bit scandalous—probably more scandalous than a dance but—," He drowned the last of his wine. "It'll be a lot more fun."
Setting his glass heavily on the table he took a deep breath and looked at Kagome who was still watching the dancers her body swaying as she bounced in her seat to the music.
"Miss Dresmont?" The Captain asked from his place across the table. "Would you care to take a walk with me?"
Kagome snapped out of her dance induced daze and turned around to look at him her eyes bright with surprise. "Pardon?"
"A walk," He reiterated a bit more nervous than he should have been. "Would you like to take one," He cleared his throat before adding as an after thought. "With me?"
"Um—," Her voice was tight in her throat as she tried to take in his words as her heart began to race, the feeling now familiar to her. "A walk?" She knew it wasn't proper, to take a walk with someone's husband and yet—
Kagome looked into his eyes becoming lost in the gentle honey gold depths so radiant to look at as they stared at her. Her heart began to slow at the sight of his smile noticing that he had fangs. She had guessed he was a demon by his eyes alone since humans did not ever have eyes colored gold their most exotic color being green and yet, seeing those fangs made her feel slightly dangerous. It was common to marry a demon but it was uncommon for a demon to look at you like you were attractive. Demons didn't seem to be attracted to humans they stayed among their own kind and humans stayed among their own kind in return only marrying for the benefit of contacts and rarely having children. In fact, if a demon child was born from a human it was always a child of love otherwise the demon would have never let it be bore.
Inuyasha stood up at Kagome's silence and walked around the table offering her his own gloved hand. She looked at it and then back into his supernatural eyes not knowing what she was doing as she put her hand into his own and allowed him to pull her upwards. Their bodies became instantly close their face's only a foot away from each other as they stood chest to chest both frozen in the eyes of the other.
"Would you," He said so softly she had to strain her ears. "Walk with me?"
"Yes," She answered her voice not in her own control as he smiled at her and took a step in the direction of the front door away from the noise, the music, the dancing, and the safety of Sango and Miroku who were both far too caught up in one another to notice the slowly departing backs of two mismatched individuals.
They stepped out into the dusk light and he looped his arm with her own gingerly before starting off in a seemingly random direction. She didn't know where they were going but she knew it didn't matter as long as she was on the Captain's arm. They passed other people she knew on the Port, some of them looked at her with curiosity, others ignored her completely not caring about the spinster girl now that she was intended. The thought made Kagome wonder why they didn't look at her scandalized? She glanced up at Inuyasha from underneath her long eyelashes as he moved them along the street. "What does it matter?" She thought to herself as she walked a little closer to him. "As long as I'm on his arm does anything matter?"
She closed her eyes, letting him direct her unafraid of anything that might fall into her path simply wanting to enjoy the moment, wanting to feel as if she was walking with her husband, a husband she had chosen, even if it was only for a moment. It was a nice fantasy: walking with a man who looked at her with admiration instead of obligation, a man who looked at her as if she was the most beautiful thing in the world. No one had ever looked at her like that. Everyone thought her the strange girlwho could never be wed, Kagome Dresmont, the dirty Tom Boy who liked to think herself a sailor.
Captain Smith was the first man, the first person really, who had ever listened to her when she talked of the sea, the first man to ever look at her like she was beautiful, the first to ever ask her to take a simple walk. It was a wonderful sensation to have a gorgeous man look at her like she was worthwhile, like she was pretty and interesting.
The sound of waves came to her ears and the smell of salt the combination makingher open her eyes as they came to a stop. He had not brought her far, only across the way from the restaurant where there was a small beach. She smiled at the water and the sound it made as it lapped at the shore. The sun was beginning to set even though they had taken supper at only four o'clock the affair of it had taken a little over three hours, as was common for her class. It was now a little after seven and the sun, because of the time of year, was departing early.
It painted the horizon in an array of different colors, brilliant and beautiful. The music from the restaurant floated across the street to them and Kagome smiled at the gentle waltz now playing entered her mind. The sound of it plus the sea and the surf was almost too much for her senses and she allowed herself to feel unbelievably relaxed, completely content and happy for the first time in more years than she cared to count.
"Do you like the sunset?" The Captain asked quietly.
She turned to look at him and was taken in by a sight she had never experienced before. His eyes had caught in the fading light and appeared to be glowing as he focused on her the sea reflecting in his gaze as his eyes reflected everything around him, taking in the optimum amount of light so he would be able to see at his best.
"Yes." She voiced softly her eyes trained on his own, they were stunning eyes and they were looking at her. "It's beautiful."
He grinned at her and reached a gloved hand up to her cheek taking his knuckles and brushing them over her skin. Her eyes closed her lips opening slightly. He breathed in deep holding the air in his lungs as he tried to gain control of his body as he took in the sight. It was the most amazingly sexual thing he had ever seen. The sight of this beautiful vindicated girl with her head tilted back, her eyes closed, her cheeks flushed from the sea air, and her lips a delicious natural red slightly parted and waiting for something that she probably had never known. He wanted to kiss her right then and there but pulled himself back with another sharp intake of breath on top of the one he was already holding.
"I can't get attached." He thought to himself as he released the air slowly. Her eyes opened, her lips closed, and the feeling dulled in the pit of his stomach. He heard Sango and Miroku's conversation from the night before play in his head and he knew that he had to keep some form of distance. They had been right he couldn't be with her and it was bad for her if he carried on. He couldn't ruin her.
"Captain." She uttered gently the sound of her voice nearly made him go into a full out panic but he stopped himself as the sound of a solo violin hit his ears underneath his hat and wig.
The melody was enchanting almost as enchanting as her eyes. He sighed internally and looked into the striking deep grey pools finding that against his very will he couldn't deny them. "Miss Dresmont." He acknowledged softly as he turned her bringing her away from him briefly before taking her hand into his own his other hand going on her waist. Naturally, she put her hand on his shoulder her fingers gripping the material of his jacket as if it was a life line and she was drowning. He looked at her for a few lone seconds the violin playing in the background a backdrop to his still flaming eyes and then, without bothering to ask permission, he took a step to his left.
She followed naturally and on a slow count they began to waltz to the sound of the violin in the restaurant. It was a slow waltz at first, their feet shuffling in the sand as they moved in perfect harmony. Kagome felt her whole body melt as he pulled her closer the respectful distance they had started with erased with each slow circle they made on the beach and then the tempo of the music changed. They looked at each other briefly before he smirked, literally smirked at her.
His grip tightened on her waist and he pulled her flush against him as he looked her in the eyes as if daring her to deny him. Kagome couldn't think of a reason to, so she pressed herself back into him flushing with heat when he groaned in response. She felt herself grow curious as a look of almost pain touched his face but before she could question, he started to move them again, ending the waltz in favor of a fast polka. Their feet moved in the sand jumping in fours as they sailed in a circle. Their bodies aligned and he ignored the urge that seemed to be filling him as she got closer and closer. Looking for some relief he spun her around and away from him breathing deeply before he brought her back into his arms his body only a tiny fraction color than it had been.
Her skirt swished around her only stopping when he grabbed onto her tightly once again. She felt her heart racing in her chest, "This must be what makes everyone want to dance." she realized as he lead he threw a change in direction. "The chance to feel like this, the chance to move like this, the chance to twirl," She felt a laugh bubble in her chest as he spun her outwards once again in a tight fast circle before bringing her back with such force that she thought for a second she might slam into him. "The chance to jump, the chance to be the certain of a man's attention," She looked up at him as he caught her his face bright with both sweat and a sweet red like wine. "I've never felt anything like this before."
She looked at Inuyasha not aware he was Inuyasha her cheeks becoming red as he moved with her. They were close to each other, undeniably close and yet, Kagome couldn't bring herself to say a thing. It was improper, it was indecent, it was absolutely scandalous and yet, she couldn't deny herself the attention, not now, not after having been the center of a man's universe if for only a second. She closed her eyes and laughed when she felt his hands on her sides lifting her into the air as he continued to twirl them. She clung to his arms holding onto him tightly as her harmonious laughter filled the night air. She had not been twirled like that since she was a little girl being twirled by her father. The feel of the wind rushing around her made her feel light and airy, made her feel like she was on the sea; this man made her feel like she was on the sea.
She could taste the salt in the air, she could feel the wind whipping at her skin, she could feel the slight water from the surf hit her. She smiled brighter as her fingers clung to his arms as the twirl slowed. He brought her closer and closer to him as the circles he moved in became slower and slower, her eyes opened as he did and she watched amazed as his gold eyes took her in, smiling at her so brightly that she swore they were the sun.
Finally, he brought her down completely in front of him but instead of letting her go he pulled her closer to him wrapping his arms tightly around her. She smiled up at him, her chest pressing into his stomach making her feel things she had never known could be felt and then before she realized what she was doing she leaned her cheek onto his broad chest her ears pressing to his heart giggles escaping her every now and then as she took in the pounding sound.
Inuyasha felt her small form against him, felt her cheek on his chest, heard her heart beat in her breast underneath the sound of the heavy panting of her tired form and the soft giggling she made in her happiness. Carefully, he pulled her closer leaning his head on top of hers as he inhaled her natural scent of the sea and flowers his mind almost going completely blank. He wanted to be close to her, he wanted to take more of her in, he wanted to feel her skin underneath his fingers, he wanted to feel her body arching under his touch, he wanted to kiss her lips, her cheeks, every finger, every eyelash, just the top of her hand and yet—
Inuyasha pulled away from her, attempting to make his face neutral. She looked up at him confused her eyes wide and her lips parted with worry. Her confusion made him angry but he hid it well as she flushed in the moonlight. The faint color on her cheeks nearly made him second guess his earlier decision but he knew he couldn't be wrapped up in a girl like this, he knew she would never understand the life he was forced to live.
"Captain?" She whispered and he felt his resolve yield.
"Miss Dresmont." He spoke gently as his heart yelled at him inside his chest.
She looked up at him her eyes hopeful and her expression one of absolute adoration. Knowing she couldn't see him that well in the moonlight he bit his lip and attempted to keep his knees from buckling. He had never in his life wanted to hold a woman the way he wanted to hold her. He didn't want to fuck her or rut her like he usually did with the shore girls; he just wanted to hug her again. He wanted to feel her small form in his arms, he wanted to feel her hair against his cheek, he wanted to feel the way her hips felt in his hands.
He just—wanted to kiss her hand one more time.
Making a split second decision Inuyasha pulled off one of his gloves, moving it to his waistcoat. He stuffed it down inside and then reached his ungloved hand to take her own. He heard her gasp at the sudden contact but ignored it as he removed her glove from her hand.
Kagome had no idea what he was doing until she felt his bare skin touch her own bare skin. The shock that ran through her was electrifying but was nothing compared to the shock she received when he bent down and kissed her hand, his supple moist lips making the barest of contact with the back of her knuckles.
Her heart stopped in her chest her mind went blank and she thought she was going to faint as his soft lips stayed on her skin. Her breath came out in short gasps until he pulled away looking at her as she looked back at him still holding her hand. Kagome bit her lip wanting to return the gesture and offer him the same feeling but she was scared, she was scared of what he might say, of what he might think.
Inuyasha couldn't believe what he had just done and too make it worse she wasn't reacting. He had just fucked himself and he knew it. He knew he had just thrown himself off the side of the ship at the gesture. She was going to kill him—not physically but with words. She was going to go and tell someone and they were going to investigate and he was going to be caught and he would end up like Calico Jack in the gallows. He started to pull away from her in his panic.
"Captain." She whispered as she felt his hand start to slip away, she felt the only man who had ever shown her true interest slip away. Acting in much the same way he did without thought, she reached for his hand. Pulling it to her she did the boldest thing she had ever done in her life.
She kissed his hand.
Inuyasha's heart stopped in his chest as he watched her, bent forward in the moonlight, those amazing red lips kissing his hand, reciprocating his gesture. "Miss Dresmont." He barely got out, the sound of his voice bringing her back to herself.
She pulled away and looked at him in shock, surprised by her own behavior.
"Captain!" A yell came from across the street. "The dancing is over for the night. It would be fitting to take Miss Dresmont home!"
Inuyasha pulled his hand from hers like wildfire and made his way the short distance to Miroku. "Please take her, I must get back to the ship."
"Sure." Miroku said as he held onto Sango's arm. The Captain began to hurry away only to hear the sound of Sango's disappointed sigh as Kagome reached her.
"I guess we will have to say our goodbyes then."
He turned and watched as the two women curtsied to each other, Kagome's curtsey a little bit wobbly. He wondered if she felt guilty. He knew she shouldn't but then again, Kagome only knew Captain Smith and his wife, she didn't know of the pirate behind the masqueraders mask.
Inuyasha felt stupid, he felt like an ass and a bastard. "What am I doing?" He questioned himself as he looked at the young Miss Dresmont no more than seventeen, engaged to be married, confused because he was giving her mixed signals. "A 'married' man practically courting an engaged woman. I'm the worst kind of bastard there is."
"I'm sorry I won't see you again." Kagome said addressing Mrs. Smith. She felt horribly guilty for what had just transpired, she had kissed a man's hand, a married man's hand, and now she was talking to his wife who was completely unaware. She was a horrible person, this she knew.
"It was nice to have another woman around." Sango said in a soft voice. She really did enjoy her time with Miss Dresmont, it had been nice to talk to another woman when she was constantly contained in a sea of men, no pun intended. "But this is the way of life, is it not?"
"Yes," Kagome agreed feeling something else in her chest other than guilt, a part of her empathized with this older woman. She had no female companionship on the vessel and was probably terribly lonely and unlike other woman Mrs. Smith seemed to be genuinely nice and caring. She didn't brag about her husband, she didn't brag about her petticoats or wealth, she simply smiled and talked with Kagome, like a friend or older sister. "It is sad," she concluded as she looked at the first woman who had ever been truly nice to her. "But true and necessary."
Inuyasha watched the two women and felt even worse, he felt bad for separating them, for taking the only female friend Sango had had in years away. With a frown he lost himself in thought. They were going to be in port for at least another four or five days, why not let them have some time together and maybe, just maybe he could see Miss Dresmont a few more times before they had to part ways forever. It was a selfish thought but for some reason Miss Dresmont made him selfish.
"Elizabeth," He called keeping up with the farce. "Why don't you go out tomorrow with Miss Dresmont? I can't take the time to come but Peter can accompany you and you can have some time to shop and sightsee."
Sango looked at the Captain not sure of what to say. He was very accommodating of her womanly needs but he never brought things like this on. It always had to be her coaxing him to let her do things. "Do you mean that Captain?" She called back to him.
"Of course," He said and started to walk away his heart tangled with confusion but also happiness for his good deed. "You can have the full afternoon together."
Sango and Kagome looked at each other thrilled and began to chatter at the thought of spending more time together. Miroku, however, was not distracted at all. His eyes were trained on the Captain's retreating form, the way the man was hunching slightly, one of his hands scratching the back of his head. Miroku frowned, knitting his eyebrows. Although he could not be sure with his human eyes, he had thought that Miss Dresmont was in fact kissing the Captain's hand when he came out.
Miroku shook his head turning back to Miss Dresmont and Sango, planning on escorting the young woman home. He watched them chatter for a moment, taking in the form of the young Miss Dresmont. She was so innocent, so sweet, he snorted and closed his eyes.
"It was a silly idea in the long run." He concluded as he approached the two women offering each an arm. "After all, what woman would kiss a man's hand?"
End of Chapter
Please Review
Edited for content 7/15/2012
Notes:
Calico Jack was a very famous pirate in the Caribbean who was hung in Port Royal at the orders of Henry Morgan.
Fun Fact: In this fanfiction, Inuyasha actually knew Calico Jack before he died. They were friends.
Dinner in this time at Kagome and Sango's social class was an elaborate affair, usually consisting of several courses and dancing. It could last anywhere from three to six hours. It was also usually done earlier in the day starting as early as noon or as late as four.
Dessert in this time period was usually some sort of fruit, sometimes candied. Chocolate was sometimes eaten also but very sparingly. Most men, in fact, would not eat chocolate if offered but instead would drink an after dinner wine (primarily a red), brandy, or port just like Inuyasha.
Next Chapter: The Affair
Try to guess who's having the affair. Bonus points if you guess correctly!
See you then!
UNEDITED
POST 2/13/2011