Here is Chapter Six of "Love's Trial."
Please heed the rating and remember that I don't own Inuyasha, Grease, Princess Diaries II, The Prince and Me, Pirates of the Caribbean, or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ;)
X
"Yes?"
"Mr. Taisho? Will you please hold for Mr. Fujimura of Nakaji, Nakaji, and Fujimura?"
"Yes."
Fujimura, his lawyer, came on the line a few moments later. Since they were friends, they spent a few moments on small talk before Fujimura proceeded with the business at hand.
"Sesshomaru, I have been reviewing Kagome's case…"
"And?"
"I'm afraid it doesn't look promising. And, on a related note, Mr. Higurashi's lawyer has been in contact with me."
Sesshomaru, despite Inuyasha's previous information, didn't know anything about the lawyer retained by Higurashi. Excepting the colorful adjectives attributed to him by Inuyasha.
"Who is it?"
"Shikibu Watase. He's a very successful lawyer, extremely ruthless. He's known for getting fathers granted custody, regardless of the father's background."
"Damn."
"Yes. Mr. Higurashi is likely depending on his lawsuit against you to pay for the lawyer. He is sparing no expense."
"The concerned father," Sesshomaru remarked with disgust.
"I think it conceivable that Higurashi is trying to portray himself as just that," Fujimura agreed. "Although I believe his true motives are financially opportunistic as well as vindictive. Sesshomaru, I have been doing research into Kagome and her family, and I have discovered several things which may hinder our own case. And I'm almost certain that Watase will be exploiting them in order to win his."
"What 'things'?"
"First, there is the death of Kagome's mother-"
"How would that damage our case?" Sesshomaru interrupted.
"Patience, My Friend. The mother's death occurred under rather tragic circumstances, and Mr. Watase is likely to argue that Kagome is traumatized, doesn't know her own mind, etc."
"Is that all?"
There was a long pause. "Sesshomaru…" Fujimura hesitated. "Did you know that Kagome was admitted to the psychiatric wing of a hospital, for an attempted suicide, when she was 18?"
Sesshomaru thought he must have heard wrong and it was several minutes before he found his voice. "Are you certain?" he asked in a low voice.
"Very certain. I can not blame Miss. Higurashi, given the circumstances in which she was forced to live, but this could severely cripple our case. Watase will undoubtedly be arguing that Kagome is mentally unstable."
"What will the consequences be? If the court believes that Kagome is mentally unstable?" Sesshomaru forced himself to ask. He dreaded hearing the answer, but he needed to know.
"Mr. Higurashi may be designated as Kagome's legal custodian, for her own protection. He would have rights to all decision-making on her behalf. Eventually this guardianship might be overturned, but it would take time."
Kagome entirely at the mercy of her abusive father…"What can we do?"
"A restraining order is in the process, which means that Kagome needs to be returned to her father by Tuesday-"
"You can't be serious!" Sesshomaru exploded.
"We can fight it, Sesshomaru. But I think, in the long run, that this is best for Kagome. Not returning Kagome would be violating the restraining order, which could harm our chances."
Sesshomaru felt torn between his heart and his mind. But, finally, he sighed and said, "Very well. You know best."
"Thank you. I'm putting my full attention to this case, Sesshomaru. My Friend, I know how important Kagome is to you, and I will do all I can for her."
"Thank you. I will talk to you Tuesday."
"Don't worry too much. On the practical side, Kagome will be appearing in court; it wouldn't do for her father to mark her."
"Very reassuring."
"I know it's not very comforting, but it's true."
"I apologize. This whole business just makes me feel so angry. And so damned helpless."
"I know."
X
"Why is it a good idea to go along with the restraining order?" Kagome asked, the despair in her voice bordering on hysteria.
"I am fairly certain that he is thinking of you," Sesshomaru said gently. "Not obeying the restraining order is against the law; it might hurt your chance in court."
Kagome seemed to struggle silently with herself for several minutes. Then she sighed. "I understand. I just dread it. My father is going to make my life hell."
"I know. Believe me, I know. Letting you go back there is the last thing in the world I want."
Kagome gazed at him and Sesshomaru was once again amazed at what those eyes could do to him. He had never felt this way about anyone. His newfound feelings confused him to no end, but he still would not trade them for anything.
"Sesshomaru?"
"Yes?"
"Can we stay up tonight? Just spend some time together? I'd like tonight, at least. Just in case…just in case things don't work out…"
"They will work out," Sesshomaru said, trying to convince himself, as much as Kagome, that this was true. "But, yes, we can." He smiled at her. "We will watch bad movies and have ice cream."
Her face lit up, though not enough to entirely banish the sadness and apprehension from her eyes. "Chocolate mint?"
"Of course."
Sesshomaru sent Kagome to the living room to pick out movies, while he went into the kitchen. He could not shake his dread at the thought of what would happen if Kagome's case was lost. Couldn't bear to think of the consequences. She was so strong, beautiful, and carefree but if she was sent back…the fragility of her soul would emerge…No, that could not be allowed to happen. Not for anything.
With a sigh, Sesshomaru pushed the troubling thoughts from his mind. There would be enough anxiety and hardship in the days to come. But for now…for now he would cherish this night with Kagome.
Sesshomaru filled two bowls with generous helpings of ice cream before going into the living room. Kagome was just slipping the movie into the DVD player when he walked in.
"Ready?" she asked.
"Yes. Here."
Kagome took the bowl from him and the two sat side by side on the couch. Kagome fast forwarded through the previews; Sesshomaru was glad he was not the only one who found them irksome.
Sesshomaru turned to look at Kagome. "Grease?"
"You own it," she pointed out defensively.
He grimaced. "A gift from my daughter."
Kagome glanced at him, saw that he was not sad, and smiled. "Most children buy what they like when they give gifts."
"I believe so. I do not swoon for John Travolta."
"I should hope not. He's not your type."
Sesshomaru poked her and Kagome giggled. Sesshomaru was surprised, upon reflection, that he had not been sad when he had mentioned Rin. Somehow…somehow these days with Kagome had helped to heal him. He still mourned Rin, but now he could also reflect on the time he had had with some fondness, instead of only misery and regret.
He turned his attention back to the movie, praying it was better than he remembered. But they were supposed to be watching bad movies and eating ice cream, and the movie seemed to qualify. The credits were rolling before they spoke again, Kagome very serious.
"Sesshomaru?"
"Yes."
"There's something I need you to help me get tomorrow, before I return to my father's house."
"What is it?"
"It may be a little expensive," she said hesitantly. "But I think it might help us..."
Sesshomaru was confused but determined to help her so, despite the mystery, he agreed.
"Now," Kagome said, her voice brighter. "What should we watch next?"
She scanned the shelves and then glanced back at Sesshomaru, a mischievous look in her eyes.
"What do you have?" Sesshomaru asked faintly.
She giggled and popped in the movie. Soon the opening credits came on and Sesshomaru could not suppress a groan.
"Princess Diaries TWO?"
"You own it."
"Grrr," Sesshomaru said playfully, but could not suppress another small groan.
Sesshomaru nearly jumped out of his skin when Kagome tucked her legs up under her, scooted closer, and leaned against him, her head on his chest. Sesshomaru looked down at her for several moments before hesitantly snaking an arm around her shoulders. Kagome craned her neck up and gave him a smile before turning her attention back to the movie. Maybe the movie wasn't so bad after all…
They stayed up all night watching more movies: The Prince and Me, Pirates of the Caribbean, and (at Sesshomaru's request) Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Kagome had looked surprised at the title but Sesshomaru had explained that he and Rin used to watch it often.
Besides watching movies, Kagome and Sesshomaru had also played several games of Scrabble as well as (at Kagome's request) Hide and Seek. Sesshomaru would have scoffed at the idea in the past that he would participate in this child's game but, somehow, simply being with Kagome changed his ideas of what was "appropriate" behavior. And, to his great surprise, it had been fun to play.
"You count first," Kagome said brightly.
"And what do I count to?"
Kagome looked at him. "Have you ever played this before?"
"No."
"But you're willing to play it with me."
"Yes."
"Why?"
Sesshomaru hesitated before saying, "With you…things I normally would have found distasteful…with you they seem enjoyable and…fun."
Kagome gazed at him and then smiled. "I'm glad. It's the same with me." She suddenly seemed to turn shy and looked at her feet. "I never thought I would have wanted to spend time with a man, to kiss someone or to…to love someone. But with you, I find I want to very much…and I do…"
There was a silence before Sesshomaru quickly lifted Kagome up by the waist. She was not heavy and he held her so she was taller than he.
"Sesshomaru!" Kagome gasped.
He smiled at her gently. "Did you mean that? That you love me?"
She lowered her gaze. "Yes," she said simply.
Kagome gave a small gasp and then laughed as Sesshomaru twirled her in a circle before setting her back down on her feet. He gave her a quick kiss before smiling once again.
"You do not know how happy you have made me. Because I love you too."
She smiled. They kissed quickly once again before pulling away.
"Now," Kagome said firmly. "Count to 100."
"Very well."
At Kagome's playful glare Sesshomaru turned to face the wall, covered his eyes, and counted. He slowly counted and then, feeling somewhat foolish, announced that he was coming. He'd heard her footsteps heading toward the rear of the house and so headed in that direction. He searched through the lower portion of the house before hearing a creak through the ceiling. He headed up the stairs and listened. He headed to the right and peeked in the bathroom. The rug was askew. With a grin he quietly snuck up to the tub.
"Kagome!"
She gave a small squeal and leapt up.
"Found you."
"You scared the crap out of me!"
"That was my intention."
"Hmph."
"Your turn."
They played for several rounds and Sesshomaru, though inexperienced, proved the more skilled. They eventually called it quits and settled in the kitchen.
"I feel rather hungry. You?" Sesshomaru asked.
"I could eat," she admitted.
"Two o'clock is a rather unusual time to eat but what would you like?"
"Um…we could have some ramen…then ice cream," she added brightly.
"Very well."
They prepared their meal and ate in the kitchen before once again retiring to the living room to watch a couple more movies. Sesshomaru stretched out on the sofa and Kagome curled up next to him, her head on his chest and Sesshomaru's arm curled around her. The credits were rolling when Sesshomaru heard Kagome's soft even breathing, looked down, and saw that Kagome was asleep. Sesshomaru couldn't help the smile that tugged at his lips before he dropped a light kiss to her forehead. He reached for the remote and switched off the TV. He then closed his eyes and let himself drift off, finding comfort in the girl beside him.
X
Please R&R :)