Hahahahaha!! I just realized from Sesshoukunbelongstome that the acronym for my pen-name is R.A.T. …as in the rodent…haha, you're awesome Sesshoukunbelongstome! (And I love your name…sniff you stole Sessie from me )
Thank you all for the reviews! anonnie mouse, Inuhoono, .Smart.Ass.Punk. , sweetgr17, and Sesshoukunbelongstome –you're awesome! And extra kisses to mangadreams and Tsuki Shirou who both reviewed both my first and second chapter… You're all awesome and I hope this story continues to interest you guys! 3
Whelps, here's chapter three of "Love's Trial"…some technical notes, later there will be scenes in italics…these are flashbacks…events that happened in the past…just so you know!
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Warning: There will be swearing in this chapter…some not so mellow…so if this offends you, don't read
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Disclaimer: I own nada
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Sesshomaru woke up the next morning with his head once again pounding. He rose and started to curse his alarm clock when he stopped short realizing it was Saturday and that he wasn't even in his bedroom but slumped in his study chair. With a snarl of annoyance he took a shower, dressed, and slugged back a few aspirin. He went downstairs and then frowned. Something wasn't right. He entered the kitchen which was empty and untouched since last night. The house was completely silent. Where was Kagome? Still frowning he went upstairs and to her door. He knocked.
"Kagome?"
There was no answer.
"Kagome?"
He opened the door a crack, and then pushed it all the way open. The room was empty. The bed was made and Kagome's new clothes save a pair of jeans, shoes, and a pink t-shirt were neatly folded on top of the dresser. Sesshomaru frowned and left the room. She wasn't in the bathroom and Sesshomaru went back downstairs. Not in the living room. He went back into the kitchen, thinking some coffee might help him think by helping clear the alcoholic fog from his brain. As he reached for the coffee grounds he noticed, for the first time, a piece of paper, which was covered with small loopy writing, resting on the counter. Sesshomaru picked it up and read.
Dear Sesshomaru,
I'm sorry for making you angry tonight; it wasn't my intention. I'm sorry if my questions about you and your daughter were inappropriate, I didn't mean to hurt you. I want to thank you for your kindness to me these couple months. I'm very grateful and I'm sorry for the inconvenience. I'll be leaving tonight and I hope for all the best for you.
-Kagome
Sesshomaru lowered the paper, staring sightlessly into his home. His empty home.
"Fuck!" he yelled.
He was angry but there was no one to blame but himself. He'd taken his anger out on Kagome; he'd driven her away. He stared sightlessly in front of him. He'd been drunk but that was no excuse, if anything that was worse. He was a fucking lush. A violent, weaken drunken idiot. He could see that now. For how long had he indulged in drink without a thought? For how long did he plan to justify his own behavior? How many would be hurt in the process?
"Damnit," he whispered.
He braced himself against the counter and let his head drop limply on his chest. He closed his eyes at the images suddenly shuffling through his mind. Dying Rin in his arms. Kagome in the alley. Kagome's blank eyes. Rin huddled on his porch with the chilly rain falling around her. Rin's bruised limbs. Kagome smiling. Rin's toothy smile. Kagome cooking as though she belonged in his kitchen. Kagome's laughter. Kagome crying in his study.
Sesshomaru gripped the ring on his neck in his hand before slowly removing the necklace. He stared at the ring which he had not removed since Rin had been laid to rest. He put the necklace and ring on top of the note from Kagome and placed them in a drawer.
Sesshomaru paused near the doorway and looked back as he looked Kagome let out a low laugh. She did not laugh long but Sesshomaru couldn't explain how relieved he was at hearing it. Kagome grew silent and Sesshomaru returned to his study.
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However, after he'd closed the door behind him, he smelled cooking food. He walked into the kitchen and set down his briefcase. Kagome stood at the stove with an apron tied over his sweats and t-shirt.
"Smells good," he said. "What are you making?"
"Stew and rice. Is that okay?"
"That's great. I'm not much of a cook."
"I used to cook every night."
Sesshomaru glanced at her face but she didn't seem upset.
"Are you feeling better today?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Yes. Thanks for letting me stay here; it's almost like a vacation."
"My pleasure. You didn't have to cook though."
"I know. But I wanted to. Do you want to eat?"
"Yes."
Kagome dished up the food and they once again sat along the kitchen counter.
It had been a long time since Sesshomaru had had anything but premade meals or takeout and he was surprised how good the food tasted…it awoke a hunger that he hadn't felt in a long time.
"It's very good. Thank you."
"You're welcome," she said with a small smile. "I'm glad you like it."
"I'm glad to see you smile."
Kagome looked at him, puzzlement on her face. What had possessed him to say that? He didn't…but he did like to see her smile, it was so gentle and warm and it gave him no end of relief to see the smile in her eyes as well as upon her lips.
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Sesshomaru rolled over and squinted at the clock near his head. 8:30. Saturday. Sesshomaru rolled out of bed and cleaned up before heading downstairs. Even if he hadn't known his way around the house, the welcome smell of coffee would have lead the way. Sesshomaru entered the kitchen and saw Kagome at the counter, her back to him. She was dressed in her new jeans and a pink t-shirt, her long black hair held up in a ponytail.
"Kagome."
Kagome jumped slightly as she turned around. She smiled slightly.
"Sesshomaru. I didn't hear you."
"I apologize. Why are you up so early?"
"I wanted to make breakfast to thank you for this," Kagome explained, gesturing to her new clothing.
"I am glad you like them but you don't have to thank me."
"I know, but I wanted to," Kagome said, smiling up at him.
Kagome…Sesshomaru closed his eyes briefly, trying to think. Where was Kagome? Where could she have gone? Sesshomaru suddenly felt as though his heart had been turned to stone. Home…she would have had no choice but to return to her father.
"No…" he whispered.
He suddenly found his feet and ran up the stairs where he grabbed his keys and then practically threw himself into his car, where the smell of burning rubber was the only sign of his hasty departure.
It took every bit of Sesshomaru's self-control not to run every red light and run over every car in his path. If what could be inferred about Kagome's father was any indication, Kagome would be in trouble.
He had to find her. Sesshomaru didn't stop to think how emotional he was being. How passionate. At the moment, he didn't care, he only knew that he had to find her.
He didn't know where Kagome lived but she had mentioned her friends Sango Natsuo and Shippo Murasaki a number of times. He flipped through the phone book he'd grabbed on his way out. There were three Murasaki's listed but only one Natsuo. He headed to 23rd street.
Sesshomaru screeched to a halt in front of a two-storied green house and almost ran to the door. He impatiently rang the doorbell and paced until the door was opened by a boy about twelve years old.
"Yeah?"
"Is Sango here?" Sesshomaru asked impatiently.
The boy looked at him for so long that Sesshomaru had to keep himself from pushing past the boy into the house.
Finally the boy said, "Yeah, she is. Come on in."
Sesshomaru followed the boy inside.
"Sango!" the boy bellowed. "Someone to see you!"
"Don't yell in the house, Kohaku!" came an equally loud voice.
A tall pretty girl with long black hair made her way down the stairs and looked questioningly at Sesshomaru. Kohaku had wandered off and soon the sounds of a video game with lots of grunting and explosions drifted to Sesshomaru's ears.
"Who are you?" Sango asked. "Can I help you?"
"My name is Sesshomaru. I'm looking for Kagome."
Sango's face immediately grew suspicious and Sesshomaru was vaguely uncomfortable at the hard look she directed at him. How could a girl be so intimidating?
"Kagome? Why?"
Sesshomaru looked at her and decided he could trust her. Sesshomaru didn't trust people readily but the girl had a protectiveness and a directness that he liked. Besides, he didn't appear to have much of a choice…
"Kagome was staying with me-"
Sango's face turned absolutely murderous and Sesshomaru was surprised at just how uneasy he became in response.
Sesshomaru hastily added, "I found her injured and she didn't have anywhere to go so she stayed with me. In the guest room."
"Nowhere to go," she said suspiciously. "She has her father. Were you keeping her there against her will?! What the hell are you trying to pull?!"
Kagome hadn't told anyone about her father. Just him. Why? Sesshomaru felt torn between pain for Kagome and an unidentifiable warmth at her trust in him.
"I think I can trust you, Sango, and I'm worried about Kagome so I'm going to tell you. Did you know Kagome's father deliberately kept her from people, that he's abusive?"
Sango put her hands to her mouth. "That can't be! You must be joking!"
"I am not. You didn't suspect?"
"No. I didn't. I mean I did wonder why I saw her so little after high school…" she suddenly gasped and then said in a pained voice, "I've never been to her house. Kagome. Oh, my God."
"Sango," Sesshomaru said with a gentleness that surprised himself. "I know this has come as a shock but I need to check on her. Where does her father live?"
"Sango closed her eyes briefly before looking him directly in the eye as she said, "5132 Magnolia Blvd."
"Thank you."
Sesshomaru opened the door and was almost gone when Sango called out to him.
"Sesshomaru?"
He turned. "Yes?"
"Please let me know how she is."
He looked at her. "I will."
Sesshomaru left the house, climbed into his car, and gunned away.
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Sesshomaru pulled up and looked up at a very normal suburban home. Two storied white with light blue trim. Well kept lawn. The damn house even had a picket fence.
Sesshomaru got out of his car and strode up the front walk. He rang the doorway and concentrated on not breaking down the door.
After a couple of minutes a voice came from the other side of the door, it was Kagome.
"Yes. Who is it?"
"Kagome? It's Sesshomaru."
There was a long silence. "Sesshomaru?"
He heard the sound of the locks being undone and Kagome opened the door.
"Sesshomaru? What are you doing here?"
Sesshomaru found himself hardly hearing her, his gaze locked on her. She was dressed in black slacks and a pink blouse. But what captured his attention were the bruises on her face and arm. She had a livid bruise on her left cheek and three bruises on her upper and lower arms that Sesshomaru realized, with a painful ache, had come from fingers.
"Why are you here?" Kagome asked wearily.
"I was worried about you."
"Worried? I left you a note."
"I know. I found it. But, Kagome, you told me how your father is! Why did you come back?"
"I had nowhere to go."
Sesshomaru couldn't explain the passion, anger, and agony he was now feeling. "You did! You could have stayed with me!"
She glanced at him briefly. "No. I couldn't."
"Why not?" he demanded.
She slowly raised her eyes to him and stared levelly at him. Sesshomaru realized that he was seeing anger in her eyes.
"I want to stay where I'm wanted. I don't want to be taken in out of pity. That only causes resentment. Just how you began to resent me."
"I did want you to stay with me. I am not the type to extend such invitations readily."
Kagome shook her head. "You provided me with a place to stay and necessities for which I'm grateful but you distance yourself from me. Refused to engage in the slightest confidence or sign you enjoyed my company. Nothing to show my presence was anything but a burden you decided to endure."
Sesshomaru felt sudden anger. It was partially due to her stubbornness and inability to see the truth in what he was saying. But some of that anger was directed at himself for seeing the reasons for her conclusions. He'd made her comfortable and then essentially run away from her. He had treated her like an unwelcome guest.
"You were not a burden in any way. And I do care, even if I can't confide right away."
She looked at him and Sesshomaru had to force himself to continue to meet her gaze.
"You care?" she repeated.
"Yes."
"How?"
"I'm here for you."
There was suddenly a spark in her eyes and Sesshomaru realized she hadn't been angry before, now she was angry.
"You came for me," she repeated evenly. "Am I supposed to respond to that somehow? With gratitude? With joy? Well I'll tell you how I'm responding, I'm not flattered. I'm staying."
"How can you be so stubborn?" Sesshomaru demanded.
"Very easily."
Kagome made a move as though to close the door but Sesshomaru gripped it and held it open. Kagome didn't let go of the door and she looked at Sesshomaru, challenge in her eyes.
"Why can't you hear me? I'm telling you I do not want you back out of obligation. I care for you. I-"
"Kagome. Who are you talking to?"
Sesshomaru noticed the fear that filled her eyes, making her look like a trapped animal.
A man appeared behind Kagome and Sesshomaru noticed how Kagome immediately dropped behind her father, her hands wrung and her gaze downward.
"Who the hell are you?" he demanded.
Sesshomaru looked him over. Tall, about six feet, very muscular near stocky build. He had short black hair and cold brown eyes. He was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt.
"Sesshomaru."
"And is that supposed to mean something to me?"
"It will."
Sesshomaru clenched his hands so tightly to control his anger that he felt blood trickling between his fingers.
"Are you threatening me you punk?"
"Its no more than you deserve for what you've done to Kagome."
Kagome's fearful eyes flew to Sesshomaru's face as a look of angry realization settled over the father's face.
"So, you're the one who was keeping my daughter…"
"Daddy, please…"
The father turned to her. "Shut the hell up. I'll deal with you later."
Kagome took a step back and Sesshomaru let out a low growl.
"You'll do no such thing you bastard," Sesshomaru ground out. "You won't lay another hand on her."
"She's my daughter and you have no say."
"You are not worthy to be her father."
"Kagome. Get inside."
Her father gripped her by the arm and began to drag her inside. Kagome winced but allowed herself to be dragged, offering no resistance. Sesshomaru leapt forward and delivered a blow to the father's face with all the force he could. The father fell dragging Kagome with him. Sesshomaru struck him again forcing him to release her.
"Leave her alone," Sesshomaru growled.
Sesshomaru turned and walked off, dragging Kagome with him. Sesshomaru opened the passenger door and Kagome slid in without a word. Sesshomaru was just starting up the car when Kagome spoke.
"Sesshomaru."
He looked at her and braced himself for the fireworks he expected to be the recipient of. However, she surprised him.
"Thank you."
He looked at her in silence for a moment before saying, "you believe me?"
"Yes."
"Good. Let's go home."
"Home." She smiled. "I like the sound of that."
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Sesshomaru parked the car and the two stepped inside the house.
"Come," Sesshomaru said gently.
Kagome trailed after him into the kitchen and perched on a stool while Sesshomaru put coffee grounds and water into the pot. He leaned against the counter facing Kagome.
"I apologize if I was a little…Neanderthal-like."
"That's okay. I think I needed it to snap me to my senses."
"Why did you go back to your father Kagome?"
"I thought you didn't want me here and I had nowhere else to go. What choice was there?"
"What about your friends? Sango or Shippo?"
She played with her coffee mug for a moment before looking at him. "How? I never told them about my father. How could I explain needing a place to stay? Explain not having contact with my father? Besides, my father knows them; I couldn't hide."
Sesshomaru wanted to ask her about her decision not to tell her friends about her father but sensed this was a sensitive subject and didn't press the point.
After a silence Kagome asked rather timidly, "Are you sure its okay if I stay here?"
Sesshomaru looked at her thoughtfully. "I'm sure but I feel I should ask you that. Are you okay with staying here?"
"Yes. I feel…safe here."
Sesshomaru nodded, not showing the warmth he felt at hearing this. Given the circumstances of Kagome's life he took this as a compliment.
After a brief silence, Sesshomaru spoke. "Were you serious the other day when you spoke of 'earning your keep'?" Sesshomaru asked, feeling that if she was to stay here that they should get certain things clarified.
"Yes."
"I appreciate the help but I want l you to know that you don't have to do any of it."
"Okay."
Sesshomaru got up and returned with the coffee pot. "More?" he asked.
"Yes, please," she said holding out her cup.
Sesshomaru refilled both cups, returned the coffee pot, and resettled in his seat.
"Oh…"
Sesshomaru looked at Kagome. "Yes?" he asked.
"I just realized. You missed work because of me…sorry."
"Don't worry about it."
"What do you do?"
There were other things Sesshomaru wanted to talk to her about but he decided that they would keep until a later time.
"I'm vice president of a family company. They manufacture software."
Kagome took a sip of coffee before asking, "What kind of software?"
Sesshomaru looked at her with some surprise. Most people upon hearing the word software immediately grew bored or had questions that were obviously probing into the success of the company/him.
"Flight simulations and military training."
"Really? Wow…"
Kagome noticed the look on Sesshomaru's face. "What?"
"It's just a different experience for anyone to actually care what kind of software."
Kagome smiled. "Maybe I'm just more nosy."
"I doubt that."
"You're a vice president?"
Sesshomaru felt himself cringe. He'd thought she was different…what was it about the words vice president that made people see status and dollar signs?
"Uh…how old are you?" She clapped a hand to her mouth. "If you don't mind me asking," she added quickly.
Sesshomaru couldn't help it, he laughed. Kagome grew red and a look of confusion came over her features.
"I'm sorry," Sesshomaru said sobering. "I'm 27."
Kagome gazed at him and Sesshomaru began to feel uncomfortable.
"It's just kinda hard to tell," she finally said. "Then when you said you were vice president and I was curious if you were just young looking." Kagome smiled. "See? I am nosy."
"No, you are not."
She was different after all…
"So," Kagome said. "Will you tell me more about your flight simulation software?"
With a warm feeling in his heart, Sesshomaru did and Kagome listened.
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Whelps, that's it for chapter three…please please review! Please?
Here's a preview of the next chapter…
"Kagome."
She glanced up from the newspaper. "Yes."
He struggled to unstick his tongue. "How did you-well that is…how-would you like to go see a movie?"
She looked surprised but said, "Sure."
"Okay. I'll call and see what's playing."
And Sesshomaru, for all practical purposes, fled. Was he a coward. Since when did he get so nervous and tongue tied and then invent excuses to cover up cowardice? He didn't protest to going to a movie but that had not been his question. Sighing he picked up the phone. He hoped there was something decent playing to distract him from his stupidity.
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Okay…so I'll see you all with the next installment of "Love's Trial"!!