Incomplete

- Chapter Sixteen -

"KAGOME!"

Rin's excited squeal tore her from the most pleasant dream she could remember having in a long while. High school graduation, diploma in hand, and her family at her side. Inuyasha was there too, looking human for a change and shy around the others.

"When are you coming back?" he'd groused before pulling her into a warm hug. She'd laughed warmly, wrapped up in his scent and the feel of his arms around her. It was such a nice dream.

Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, Kagome slowly sat up and blinked in surprise at the dark haired girl standing next to her bed with a breakfast tray in hand. The scent of freshly squeezed orange juice, scrambled eggs, fish and rice wafted to her nose and made her stomach rumble. She blushed apologetically and waved off the sound with her hand.

"I guess I'm hungry," she laughed, seeing Rin's wide grin. Setting aside all semblance of manners, she dove into breakfast and the tray was empty in no time. Sitting back, she patted her stomach and closed her eyes contentedly.

"Mmmm mmmm! Delicious! Rin, please give my compliments to the chef!"

"I don't know why you'd want to give your compliments to a Mr. Chef. I made it!" she laughed.

"You made all of that?" Kagome asked surprised.

The girl bowed with pride as she collected the dirty dishes together on the tray.

"It really wasn't that hard. I even went to the gardens and picked some fresh fruit for the juice. Master Jaken always says my cooking tastes terrible, but he doesn't like anything. Did it really taste good, Kagome?"

"Yes, it was delicious, I promise!"

The girl cheered happily and bounded out the door with her tray of dirty dishes in hand.

"I'll be back later!" she called over her shoulder and then disappeared out of sight.

Finally alone, Kagome let out a contented sigh and looked about her new room. It was different than the one she'd stayed in before. This one seemed nicer; the walls and floors were covered with richly woven tapestries and painted screens, each one depicting a mythical creature or traditional tale. The screen that stood next to the wardrobe told the story of the Crane Wife in such artistic detail that it was impossible not to get caught up in admiring it.

Well, at least he has good taste in art, she thought, studying each panel in turn.

Turning her attention to Sesshomaru, she tried to figure out what she was supposed to do now. She hadn't seen or spoken to him since her arrival at the palace when he'd acknowledged her with a brief nod before handing her over to the care of the servants. She wasn't sure what she'd been expecting. Maybe something different... But he was Sesshomaru, after all. She really shouldn't have expected any more. Besides, that wasn't why she was here.

Thinking back on the moment by the well, when those life altering words had left her lips, she felt a knot form in her stomach. It wasn't guilt exactly, and not sadness either. She couldn't describe the feeling. She just knew it was there, sitting like a brick in her gut.

Convinced that her thoughts were far too pensive for morning, she threw the covers off her body and crawled out of bed determined to explore the palace. She padded across the tatami floor to the wardrobe and opened it to find something to wear.

After pulling out robe after robe of rich silk, which all looked far too formal to wear to anything except a festival or a wedding, she finally decided on one of the plainer ones. It was midnight blue silk with just the barest hint of a star pattern running down the back and sleeves. It wasn't her school uniform, but since that seemed to have disappeared at some point during the night it would have to do.

Holding up the various pieces, she looked at the garment doubtfully. There was no way she'd be able to do this by herself. Blowing out a sigh of resignation, she begrudgingly rang the servant's bell to summon help and ducked behind the screen.

Let the transformation begin,she thought with a wry smile.

oOo

Sesshomaru sat in the palace gardens with his back resting against a large willow tree. It was a quiet sort of day and he watched Rin play a game of leap frog with a begrudging Jaken. Even from where he sat he could hear the imp's high pitched shrieks of contempt and indignation. Jaken's talents as a play mate were sorely lacking.

The sudden intrusion of the miko's scent in the air caught his attention. He turned his head to watch her slowly cross the garden towards him. She was dressed in one of the kimonos that had been left in her room. It was a merciful break from the appallingly skimpy attire she usually wore.

She'd chosen the simplest kimono of them all and paired it with a bright green obi around her waist. She'd obviously had help pinning up her unruly hair, but regardless she looked worlds better than she had the day before.

As she neared, tottering uneasily on her geta, he noticed there was a small smile tugging at her lips.

"Mind if I join you?" she asked, wobbling a little before catching her balance.

"It would be best not to sully such a well crafted kimono by sitting in the dirt," he replied and rose to his feet.

The girl blushed deeply with embarrassment and quickly bowed in apology. By the time she righted herself he was already on his way back to the palace. He wasn't in any sort of mood to entertain or indulge her today.

Kagome stared after him dumbfounded and then heaved a great sigh.

So much for that idea,she thought.

Frowning slightly, she rested her hand against the rough bark of the tree next to her and turned to watch Rin and Jaken argue. Catching Rin's eye she waved before allowing herself to take in the sights of the rest of the garden. She hadn't had an opportunity to appreciate it the last time. It was truly stunning in the daylight.

Words could hardly describe the vibrant colours and diverse textures that made up Sesshomaru's Karesansui garden. At first glance it seemed so unlike the man himself in every way, but when she looked closer she found elements of him there.

She could see his influence in the graceful Japanese maple, with crimson leaves that shimmered in the afternoon sunlight, and in the ancient Cheesewood, whose limbs stretched high toward the sky. He was there, too, in the moss covered stone lanterns and the delicate white flowers of the Dogwood trees. It was breathtaking how easily all the different parts flowed seamlessly together. It made her realize just how little she knew about him, and how strong her desire was to learn more.

She wanted to know the man who had built this garden up from nothing into a place of tranquil beauty. She'd only ever known him as a killer, but someone who only understood death and destruction couldn't have created this – she was certain of it.

"Whatcha doin' Kagome?"

A breathless Rin ran up to her side and peered up at her eagerly. She smiled down at her and slipped out of her geta.

"Well, I was thinking of dipping my feet in the pond over there," she said, picking up her shoes. "The water looks pretty nice!"

Rin scrunched her nose and shook her head.

"I know somewhere better," she said, taking her hand.

Kagome offered no objections and followed the girl's lead to a small foot onsen a little further down the path. She gasped with excitement and eagerly hiked up her kimono before dipping her feet into the warm water. The naturally smooth stones of the small spring felt amazing beneath her bare feet. Letting out a sigh of contentment, she gratefully sat down on one of the rocks that had been placed at the edge of the spring.

"This is my favourite spot," Rin explained as she hiked up her kimono to join her in the water. "It feels really nice in the winter when there's snow!"

"I bet!" Kagome laughed and slowly kicked her feet around under the water.

I could get used to this,she thought.

Maybe it wouldn't be so bad staying with Sesshomaru for a while. A little time away from Inuyasha might be exactly what she needed. And it would give her a chance to learn more about Sesshomaru, too. If she was crafty enough she might even find a way to convince he and Inuyasha to see eye to eye. It didn't seem likely, but anything was possible. They could use all the allies they could find in their fight against Naraku.

The questions that'd circled through her mind earlier returned with a vengeance. Why had he bothered? Why did he care? It didn't escape her that it was a perfect moment to probe the ever-observant Rin for answers. She seemed to understand him better than anyone.

Giving the girl a thoughtful look, she asked, "Do you know why Sesshomaru brought me here? I mean the first time...after Naraku..."

Rin shrugged and studied her feet under the water.

"Isn't it obvious? He likes you!"

"I don't think Sesshomaru likes anyone," she muttered under her breath.

"Don't be silly, Kagome," Rin chided, giving her a strange look. "Sesshomaru-sama likes Rin and Jaken-sama. Now, he likes you too! Though I don't think he likes Jaken-sama very much anymore. Poor Jaken-sama seems very put out about it."

They turned in unison to look at the green imp who had taken to sitting by himself and staring forlornly at the palace.

"I kind of feel sorry for him," Kagome admitted.

Rin nodded in agreement.

"Me, too. He can't help that he's outspoken and annoying."

The imp turned and glared at them before getting to his feet in a huff.

"I can hear you, you impudent girl!" he shouted, waving his staff furiously in their direction. When they giggled in response he stormed off toward the palace in a fit.

"Sesshomaru didn't seem to like me much today," Kagome thought out loud before diverting her attention to the afternoon sky.

Rin stared for a long while at the palace before answering, "Sesshomaru-sama isn't very nice to anyone on this day."

"Why's that?"

She shrugged and happily kicked her feet in the water. "I dunno!"

Well, that was helpful,Kagome thought, staring down at her feet.

What was so special about this day in particular? The question was on the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed it back down. Something told her it wasn't something she was supposed to know and besides, even a demon like Sesshomaru deserved his privacy. Though, that did make it quite a bit harder to figure him out.

Sighing quietly, she decided it was probably best not to dwell on such things. Turning her attention to Rin, she listened attentively to one of her many stories felt herself relax. Even she deserved a break, even if it was only for a short while.