With Inuyasha and Kagome at the western offices' front door
They arrived around 8 a.m. at the front doors of her soon to be home. Kagome was more nervous today then she was yesterday. Today she was coming not for testing but to actually become a breeder. The words she had told Inuyasha were ever so true. She was scared and not afraid to admit it. She had tried to get Inuyasha to explain what was going to happen but he only blushed and looked away. He mumbled something along the lines of it's a girl thing but it made no sense to her.
After getting off the lift chair Inuyasha grabbed the bags from her hand and headed towards the doors.
"Inuyasha. Why did you just take my bags?"
"You aren't going to need it for a while Kagome so I am going to take it up to Sesshoumaru's home and you can open it there later. You have doctors to see and then we have shopping later today. I hope you didn't eat anything."
"No I was too nervous to eat."
"Good, otherwise they would've had to pump your stomach. You can't go in surgery with food in your stomach." I could have done without the mental image. I groaned under my breath as he held the door open for me.
"Thanks Inuyasha." his response, "Feh!"
"Where are we going?"
"I am supposed to make sure you are placed in Dr. Weaver's care. She is the one who's going to do your surgeries and shots." I whimpered. I HATED shots.
"Do I have to?" I whined and started to mumble under my breath. He growled at me and turned around.
"You are the one that signed the contract Kagome! You are the one that said you were sure! Now this is what the consequences are for your choices! Yes you could not get all this done but then you would still have to bear the houses children and it would stretch your stomach muscles till they couldn't be fixed with out surgery. And you could forgo the vitamin shots but then your body whose lose very important vitamins that you need for your health and for any children." His growling voice held me in my tracks as he invaded my personal space, "You could walk out that door and turn me and my brother into the laughing stock of the city but then you would receive no help from the hoards of reports asking why! You ask if you have to. The simple answer is no but then I would hate to sue you for breach of contract! I told you last night that it would be near impossible to break and you would run out of money before you could see it to the end and then you would be FORCED to carry out your part and receive no money for it. Is that what you want Ka-go-me? If not then quit whining Kagome and be the woman I know you are!" We were nose to nose when he just as abruptly turned away grabbing my arm and leading me down the hall.
Tears had gathered in my eyes at his words and I wanted to yell back but I was too shocked he had remained so calm and it made it seem like he more like his brother then before. To say I was shocked wouldn't begin to cover it. I had never seen Inuyasha calm when he lost his temper. It frightened me when he got in my face about it and I was ashamed of my behavior. I remembered yelling at him in the past to not treat me like a child and here I whined about getting a few shots that were meant for my health. I felt really stupid so I just kept my head down and followed silently.
Inuyasha's P.O.V. Back a few minutes ago.
"Do I have to?" I heard her whine and that was it? She told me she was scared this morning and now she's acting like a child! I turned around and began my rant until I was in her face about it. Her eyes are what made me so angry, those innocent eyes staring at me like they couldn't believe I was saying what I said. When I finished I could barely remember what I had said because I was so angry. It sounded like she wanted out when she told me last night she was sure! I dragged her down the hall and noticed she hadn't said anything by the time I was about to open Dr. Weaver's door.
"What is it now wench?" I received no answer.
"Wench! Answer me." I took a sniff of the air and realized she was about to cry.
"Hey..Hey no crying." Trying to quickly stop the flood of tears before they came.
"Why shouldn't I? You Know, you really jump to conclusions don't you! I hate shots and I am almost more afraid of needles then this entire mixed up life I received! Excuse me if I don't want a fucking shot Inuyasha! And now you went from calling me by name to wench again! Do you know how much that hurts when you say that? You know damn good and well that I'm no whore!" She jerked her arm free and the next thing I knew her hand lashed out glowing pink and I slammed into the far wall.
The wall gave a little behind me and I slowly fell to the floor trying to regain my senses. My youkai was not happy and was barely under my control. The bitch had just struck her master and it wanted to teach her a lesson but my human side knew we had deserved that. She was right I had jumped to the conclusion that because of her fears she was backing out. It never occurred to me she might have a phobia of something. She was always fearless back in the feudal era.
I tightened my reign on my youkai because without the sword I could turn full demon. I slowly got up and wondered briefly why she hadn't come to help me when I realized she had fainted. Sighing at the difficult girl I picked her up and went into the doctor's office.
"What happened to her?" Dr. Weaver hurried over and started to check Kagome before I could get two words out.
"She got upset and used her miko powers to throw me into the wall. She passed out but I think that is a good thing because she didn't eat this morning and now you don't have to worry about putting her under just keep her like that and do the shots and surgeries before she wakes. Call me when she is done because we have to go shopping tonight. Anyway I gotta run and finish a few things." I looked her in the eye as I said the last part and she nodded her head as her assistant gave her a little knock out gas. I turned to leave but not before I issued my warning, "You hurt her Dr. Weaver and you will wish that you were dead. She is important to my house and is the only one me and my brother agree upon so if something should happen it's your neck."
A little while later in the eastern office building across from the Western office building
Inuyasha felt terrible that he had jumped to conclusions that lead to Kagome knocking herself out but at least this way she would wake up and it would all be over. He would probably get an ear full later but he had work to get done. He had made a few phone calls calling in several favors to get out of having to return and set it up.
His sword, laptop, phone, I.D., cash cards, and some more personally need items were on there way by night train. He called his housekeeper and told her he wouldn't be back for awhile and wasn't sure when he was coming home so she was only needed to come by every three or four rather then every two. He silently logged onto his house security system and turned it up to max. Since he wasn't going to be there and set it to send a warning every time someone entered.
Around the city he called up the workers that worked in this office when he was in charge to come and help him out so he could have partial control of each day's happenings but with a crew here he could take off as he liked. He hated pulling them from their other jobs but he paid more then the other jobs they had and they knew him he wouldn't screw them when it came to pay or benefits.
Trying to think of anything else he might have forgotten and coming up blank so he decided to give his brother a call.
Ring...ring...
"Hello Mr. Takahashi office. May I help you?"
"Yeah this is his brother Inuyasha tell him I need to talk to him."
"He's very bust right now can I take a message?" I hated to be answered like that. I was his brother and nothing was as important as family.
"Bitch put my brother on the phone." I snarled deciding getting angry was the fastest way to get what I wanted.
"R-r-right a-away S-sir!" She obviously wasn't used to being cussed at. Boy you would think someone who worked for Fluffy would have thicker skin.
ring...ring...ring...
"WHAT!" a very loud and angry voice yelled into the phone.
"Is that anyway to treat your brother? Anyway nice to talk to you too fluffy. It's just me Inuyasha."
"Oh, it's just you. I have been waiting for you in my office I wasn't expecting a call." I heard a little relief in his voice and wondered who or what was calling that had him so angry.
"I was just trying to see if I forgot anything. I just called my local staff and my other one on the running of everything. I sent for my stuff and Kagome should be finishing up soon."
"Did you remember to call the furniture stores and set up times to visit each so she can pick her things?" As soon as he uttered the word furniture I felt like an idiot because I had promised Kagome to go shopping.
"Shit no I didn't thanks fluffy."
"I let the first one slip because I yelled at you Inu. Remember I told you not to call me that! A side not of warning though now I'm not sure I should give it to you." A little voice of reason said to go along with it because my brother was never one to issue useless threats.
"Okay, okay. What is the warning Sesshoumaru you never give those without reason so what is it now?"
"The reporters somehow got news of our taking a breeder yesterday and I actually had to call a press conference to slow down rumors."
"What! Who let that slip? That information is kept under wraps for a reason!"
"Now that you mention it little brother your right. There is only one person that left my office knowing about it. It seems I will have to fire a secretary."
"How did she get away with that?"
"Just after I finished processing Kagome's contract my secretary called into my office with urgent news that her mate was in an accident and I let her off early." a silent pause as he seemed to be thinking about something, "It never occurred to me that she had the password to log in and check what I was filling out. Maybe this is the spy that I haven't been able to find. Thanks little brother I might get to validate a mauling out of this." click.
"Damn bastard hung up on me. Well damn this really ruins shopping with Kagome. They are going to try and follow us everywhere then." This wasn't good I would probably have to call security but that would just arouse more reporters. Kagome was having a hard enough time adjusting and I couldn't call Sess back because now it seemed he had his hands full. Damn. Life was never easy but this was something they just didn't need. He sighed and gave call to a few furniture stores saying he might stop by never once mentioning now that he had someone coming with him. It seemed like a good thing he hadn't remembered to call because now he was careful and a few reporters would be notified instead of the whole Kami damn bunch. This was going to be a long day.
Kagome's P.O.V.
I awoke groggy and with pain along my stomach and my hip. I was slightly dizzy as I tried to sit up from a semi-soft bed. My throat felt like I had cotton in it and my mouth just couldn't get wet. I slowly opened my eyes and tried to focus. I noticed that I was in a room and a curtain surrounded my bed. A hospital bed I realized when I saw the metal sides. 'Why am I in a hospital bed?' My memory was foggy on what had happened today. I remembered getting up and going with Inuyasha to the western office. 'Oh god he's going to kill me!' I frantically looked around to find him. I wondered if perhaps I hurt him more then I meant to. It was the only thing I could think of.
I threw back the covers and tried to lower the side so I could get out but the noise I made in my frustration finally called attention to me. The curtain peeled back to reveal Dr. Weaver I believe her name was.
"Inuyasha was right if we didn't keep the knock out gas on you do wake very quickly." She pulled a small cart from behind the curtain and there were several things on it but I only really noticed the pitcher. I frantically tried to motion that I needed something to drink and she caught on quickly and grabbed a cup and poured a full glass. I guzzled the glass and handed it back to her signaling more. After the second glass I felt normal enough to try and talk though my throat still hurt.
"Is Inuyasha ok?" I rasped out.
"Oh him. He's fine you just threw him into a wall. The wall suffered more damage then he did. He told us just to keep you under when you fainted to avoid scaring you with your shots and surgeries. There all done now though you had better take it easy for the next few hours."
"He never told me what the surgeries were." My voice improved a little. The good doctor sputtered.
"W-w-what do you mean he didn't tell you! You had an option on one of them."
"He said it was a girl thing but I didn't understand."
"That no good son of a. Never mind. Okay let me start at the beginning then. Women breeders were tired of having to work out all the time to keep from becoming fat so we invented an expander that grows with the child and when you aren't pregnant it shrinks to a very thin strip about a fourth of an inch wide. Because this expands with the muscles the body doesn't store so much weight to fuel the process of developing the baby and growing the skin needed to protect it. After your career as a breeder is done a real quick surgery and it's removed like it was never there, no scar or anything. The expander is durable but some breeders do wear them out but it's really easy to take out and replace it with another." A slight relief poured over me at that bit of news. I was kind of happy now that I was even further into the future where there were such nice things to avoid weigh gain.
"Another one is where we harvest a small amount of your eggs for others who want a genetically healthy child. There also used to inseminate you later after any modifications that your leader wanted done. This way we can choose the sex of the child and some of the characteristics like hair and eye color to name just a few. There are plenty more inside of you to continue your cycles we just borrow the extra."
"We also inject a chemical cocktail into certain organs of your body in the first step of introducing you to the prolong drug. We had to prepare the organs to accept a genetic modification drug otherwise it will lock up your system and kill you."
"Afterwards we gave your body a few vitamin shots and those you have to come in periodically for booster shots. But all that is done now and you didn't have to worry yourself sick over it. In another week or two we will give another prep shot and then the final shot a week after that. It all depends on how your body fast your body changes and adjusts to the drugs." Though she said it slowly for me to process I was still shocked about all that had been done while I was out.
I knew about the prolong but the supposed 'harvesting' of my eggs bothered me on a very personal level. Inuyasha or hell Sesshoumaru had some real explaining to do. I handed my glass and motioned for more water. After the refill I looked up at the doctor and something on my face seemed to worry her.
"Are you alright Ms. Higurashi?" her tone was kind and to tell the truth she was seemed like a pretty nice doctor. I shrugged my shoulders not really being sure.
"Would you like some time alone or should I give Mr. Takahashi a call?" I thought it over for a minute but I needed some time to think so, "Could you wait awhile? I would like to rest some more." a half-truth.
She looked at me closely but I kept my face blank as I could make it. She nodded and pushed the cart next to the bed before closing the curtain. She called out as she was leaving, "I will have to call him within an hour so whatever it is you need to do be done by then." Okay I take it back she was mean. I leaned back into the bed and thought over what I had been told and what I knew of the breeder program.
The whole colors thing made sense because it helped sort out if any got special treatment after being tested like I was. The prolong made sense because we spent our youths giving children to others and a longer life to raise our own a reward of sorts. I don't like the 'harvesting' it makes me feel like I am a piece of land and not a person. I also don't like how they are most likely going to modify them. What ever happened to kami's choice? Not that I could stop them now though. The expander was something I wasn't expecting but helpful and if what she said was true about it being able to be removed without scarring well that made the day a little brighter. The battling of pros and cons continued as I slipped back into a light slumber.
Sesshoumaru's office
After he had hung up on his brother he tried to track down his errant secretary but it seemed she had called in and now he had no way to vent his anger. So he had spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon working when all the sudden the phone rang.
Ring..Riinn
"Hello this is Mr. Takahashi."
"Ah that so?" came a sarcastic voice. "Anyway boss this is Dr. Weaver your breeder is finished for now and is resting would you like to come down and pick her up?"
"Wasn't my brother supposed to do it?"
"I suppose I could call him but you're closer." came her smart mouth reply.
"Your mouth is going to get you into trouble Dr. Weaver. Yes I will be down shortly to pick her up."
"Very well I shall have her changed and ready to go."
"Very well. Good day Dr." click. Rubbing my temples I tried to stave off the oncoming headache as I picked the phone back up to call my brother. Pushing the buttons with a little more force then usual it began ringing.
Ring..ring.. ring..ring.. 'Where the hell is he?' ring..ring..
"Huh? Hello?"
"Is that you Inuyasha?"
"Sesshoumaru?" His voice was distant as if caught while thinking.
"Yes."
"Why are you calling?"
"It seems the doctor had decided to call me when Higurashi was done with her surgeries and shots instead of you. She said she is resting though she went to get her and make her change so I could come get her."
"Well are you?"
"I will bring her to my office where she will wait for you. So I suggest you get a move on little brother. There is still much to do today."
"Yeah, yeah. I'm finishing up some trade agreements that couldn't wait. I will be there in an hour or so."
"Very well then we will have a late lunch while we are waiting."
"Okay goodbye." click.
The bastard hung up on this Sesshoumaru. I will get him back later I have to finish this and go pick up the girl. Another 15 minutes and he was finally done. After placing it in the proper folder he grabbed what work he had completed and went to the elevator. Stopping at the floor below his he dropped off the paperwork and then continued down to the main floor.
He made his way down the hallway to the recovery room where he saw Dr. Weaver sitting and filling out a chart for someone.
"Is she ready doctor?" Her head popped up and she nodded.
"She's in there." pointing to the door to the right side of her. I walked around her long legs that were stretched out in front of her and opened the door. At first all I saw was the curtain then I could barely make out the bed behind it. Walking up to it I pulled it back to see a very beautiful sight.
She was wearing a silver shirt with powder blue geometric designs and a knee length black skirt. Her shoes matched the skirt. But it was her face that caught his attention the most. Her midnight black hair spilled across the pillow and her eyes were closed with her lashes brushing her cheek. Her pink lips slightly parted to breath gently. I was pleased that she didn't snore. Her hand was curled up by her face while the other draped at her waist.
A picture of sleeping innocence and by Kami it was a beautiful sight. Her smell though tainted a little by the drugs they had used she still smelled strongly of orchids. It was a summer's delight in every sense. Now I knew why my brother had waited for her. Yes she had some annoying qualities but this watching her live and sleep were well worth the aggravations she brought.
Instead of waking her I gently picked her up to take her to my office. I ignored the pointed looks of the workers as I went to the elevator. When I reached my office that is when I carefully placed her on my couch and went to order lunch. I had been seriously considering breaking the contract myself to avoid all the media but my brother had the right idea. : Mine: called my beast and while I agreed she was also ours.
Kagome's P.O.V.
I awoke once more to the smell of food. I felt much better then I had before. This time I awoke on something really soft. My eyes came into focus slowly and I realized I wasn't in the hospital room anymore. Now I was slightly annoyed by being constantly moved around when I was asleep but suddenly a tray was placed before me on the table and I forgot everything as I dove into the welcomed food.
I heard a small grunt but ignored it for the heavenly food. Whatever they had done to me during those surgeries had made me famished. After I was done I took a look around and noticed I was back in Sesshoumaru's office. Slightly mortified at my pervious behavior I gave a shaky smile to him. I received a raised eyebrow.
Sesshoumaru P.O.V.
After I called for lunch I sat at my desk watching the girl as she slept. She had curled onto her side her face towards me and her hand back under her chin. She looked adorable though I never before knew the meaning of the word. I wasn't quite sure how long I watched her before the elevator beeped and the food arrived but I hadn't cared. I stood up to take charge of the food and filled a tray for her. The smell seemed to wake her up almost instantly and once it was placed in front of her she pounced upon it with fervor.
I took my own tray and sat at my desk slowly eating as I watched the food disappear at a very rapid rate. I had heard that the drugs would make a woman hungry but this had me wondering if I should have ordered more. I was about half way through my meal when I noticed her looking around. I watched her face as she realized where she was and who she had ignored. Her face was almost comical in the horror. I silently raised my eyebrow and she smile nervously and fidgeted.
"Ah. Thank you for the food Sesshoumaru. It was delicious." I smirked at her and actually let out a small chuckle. I watched as her face take on a look of amazement and I wasn't sure why. The smirk quickly faded from my face as I spoke.
"Is there something wrong Ms. Higurashi?"
"Iie. I just never heard you laugh before. You were always so stoic in the feudal era." she gave me a sunny smile and just leaned back into the couch.
Now I realized why she was amazed. I had changed and mellowed a lot over the years. I was still the cold hearted ruler of the Western Lands but my so called people skills had improved when I didn't have to worry about striking fear into their hearts. It also gave me a slight warm feeling to know that even after I had tried to kill her before that she would just forgive and forget. I knew she worked with me in the past but there had been a common need and goal then versus what was going on now.
I checked the time as I settled down to get back to work and was surprised that it was almost time for my brother to show up and take her shopping. It occurred to me that she might have a better idea of what she wanted if she saw her room first. I picked up my phone to call Inuyasha.
Ring..ring..rinn
"Hello?"
"Inuyasha are you on your way yet?"
"Huh?"
"Inuyasha you do realize you said you'd be here in 15 minutes right?"
"Shit!"
"I'll take that as a no."
"Its not that I don't want to its just that someone screwed up the train lines before I had my executive take over and several companies are in trouble if I can't reroute the trains to get to the proper factories soon. Also the trade agreements that I was working on aren't worth shit now because of this. So all the work I did this morning is wasted! I have to stay here and work this out. Can you take her? I only made the arrangements under our last name so no one knows whether it's you or me."
"Inuyasha I can't I have too much to do! I have already had to give up my morning to quiet the rumors and tried to find my missing secretary. I was interrupted again to have to pick up Ms. Higurashi and now you want me to give up the remaining of my work day to take her shopping?"
I quickly glanced at her and had to wince when I saw her head was bowed and a quiet sniff told me she was likely to cry.
"I'm sorry Sess but this will seriously hurt a lot of people and I can't walk away when I can help them. You already lost one day just take the girl shopping."
I was angry at him and at her but I knew it would do no good to lash out at them. My youki was seriously in need of relief and this stress was not helping me control it. I growled out a 'fine' and slammed the phone into the cradle almost breaking it. That's when I noticed the quiet sobs coming from the girl sitting a ways from me. Kicking myself mentally I stood up and walked over to her. I knelt down beside her wrapped my arms around her. She stiffened but didn't pull away.
"This Sesshoumaru will not say this often Kagome but I am sorry. Early this morning was fine but when I watched the morning news I noticed that some how the press got hold of the story of my brother and I finally taking a breeder. I had to call a press conference to suppress the rumors and had to deal with very personal questions that I wouldn't have answered even if I had done some of them. I believe it was my secretary that sold it to the press but when I went to find her she is missing. This Sesshoumaru works very long hours and a day spent with these interruptions and stress causes my youki to get out of control. Inuyasha was supposed to take you shopping for your furniture for your room but now someone's mess up has several companies in jeopardy." I gave her a gentle squeeze and the next thing I knew I felt a gentle power caress my youki and my beast almost immediately calmed and responded with a quiet purr of approval.
I looked up and noticed that she was glowing a very light pink. For a moment I wondered if she was going to try and purify me but that was gone sooner then it came when it faded. Her eyes showed tiredness that I hadn't expected but following it she smiled a heart stopping smile and was puzzled as to the reason.
"Your 'contented growl' sounds so similar to Inuyasha's. Though I still say you guy's purr." she said it with a teasing tone and I knew she hadn't meant it as an insult. I gave my mental beast's cage a once over and in my minds eye it was curled up in the corner gently wagging its tail. I couldn't believe it she had pacified my beast with her powers. I felt like I had rested well for over a week with no work. I hadn't felt this good since the last time I was able to run the length of Japan before the cities were built.
"Thank you." and I was grateful. The immediate stress relief left me feeling 'as good as new' as the human saying goes. I stood up and offered her my hand which she took without hesitation.
"I have to tell my other workers that I am leaving but then we are going to up to allow you to choose a room and then we are heading out shopping. Sound good?" I had no idea why I was seeking her approval when I only had to order her but it just seemed important and for the smile I received it was well worth two more words then I would have spoken.
I lead her to the elevator and pushed the button for the floor below mine. We stood in comfortable silence and when the doors opened I pulled her gently along with me. I walked up to my executive junior president of the breeder program.
"Jon. I need you to take over for the day. It seems my brother can't make it to show Ms. Higurashi around so I am taking it over. The contracts that you need to review are on my secretary's desk and the two lawsuits just need paper work processed and the other paper work for the remaining non breeders needs to be sent out so the doctors can call them in." He gave me a short bow and I nodded my head slightly as I turned around and lead Kagome back to the elevator.
I typed in the code for the top floors, showing Kagome the combination, and waited with Kagome at my side. I took a deep breath and in this confined space her smell was almost over powering. I held my thoughts together as we reached my floor and I began to show her around. I watched her out of the corner of my eye as her face took on a series of amazed looks. She held my home in a certain respect that I couldn't figure out. I didn't know what she found so amazing but I felt pleased none the less.
Kagome's P.O.V.
I had felt like a burden when he had been on the phone with Inuyasha but his apology was very unexpected. To know that I meant enough to him to apologize amazed me. It was more then I had hoped for. That he'd asked me if what he had planned was okay made me smile and feel very special. To know that he was going to take the rest of the day off just to take me shopping when I could have just sent for my stuff from home left me speechless. But it was his home that took away my breath and left me feeling awed. His entire building was a marvel to be in with the mosaics in the hallways and the crescent moon brass walk way.
The rooms were grand with impeccable taste and style. The colors flowed room to room. The antiques of most likely priceless vases and pottery sat upon display cases and Roman pillars. The floor I hadn't noticed before but was a handsomely done hardwood. The bedrooms had American style walls, meaning they were solid and nearly sound proof, while the rest had the beautifully painted screens. The scenery and the animals seemed alive and about to move in the wind or scamper away.
The dinning room had a traditional low table and cushions with real lanterns. The kitchen was modern and very western (American) with the counter tops of green marble with a sparkling gold like color running various lines. The cherry stained cabinets with all modern appliances. The living room had a low seated set of a couch and two recliners with a plasma 52 inch screen on the far wall. It looked like someone actually play video games and I smiled secretly. He led me to his study and it was very English with the leather and the solid old oak desk. The lights here were electric because of the enormous amount of books. He had a small laptop on his desk and several small filing cabinets behind it. Next was the first bathroom and I felt like I had gone to heaven. There was a steam room, whirlpool tub, shower, and off to the side behind a screen I found a replica of a hot spring including the famed mineral water.
I giggled in happiness. In the back was several bedrooms and he had cleared out a few to allow me to choose. The first room was large and done in light reds and gold but to me it was more Inuyasha's style then mine. I closed the door and walked behind him to the next one. The next one was done in shades of blue and violets but again I didn't feel it was me.
The last one was done in emerald green and other forest colors with dark wooden floors and a Bay window. I walked over to the window and looked down into a mini forest reserve. I gasp and clapped my hands spinning around saying "This one please!" For some reason I had the feeling he wasn't surprised but he nodded.
"Take a good look so you have in mind what you want to buy." I took the advice to heart and walked to one wall and started counting steps mentally. It was 21 strides for me across so I walked to the other wall and started counting again. This time it was 18 strides.
"May I ask what you are doing?" came Sesshoumaru's voice breaking my concentration.
"Huh?"
"I said may I ask what you are doing."
"Measuring the room."
"I could have told you the measurements."
"It wouldn't have done you any good."
"Why?"
"Because real measurements mean nothing to me. I have the ability to feel a space. I use my own strides to get a layout in my mind. If I used measurements I would just get confused. This way I measure how big a bed might be and I can count how far into the room it would go and what space I have left. I know it's strange but it's the way I do things."
He only shrugged and looked away waiting for me to finish. I guess he didn't have much to say to the way I did things or if he did he choose not to comment. I measured the window and a few other things and finally turned toward him and said "I'm ready now." He nodded and turned back around and led me to the elevator again.
"Do you know where we are going?"
"Shopping." I got annoyed at his its-so-obvious tone.
"No I mean what stores."
"Yes." I waited but he said nothing more. I ground my teeth trying not to explode. Somehow with just a few words and attitude he was making me angry. I wasn't sure how but I didn't like it. We were doing so well. Anyway I took a deep breath and let it out slowly as I counted to 10 a couple of times.
"Would you care to divulge a few names so I can have an idea of where we are going?"
"No."
"Why not."
"Because."
"Because WHY?" A small chuckle and I realized he was goading me on purpose. He was teasing me! Hold the phone and stop the presses a news flash just appeared across the sky "Sesshoumaru has been hiding a sense of humor!" Okay I know I heard him laugh earlier in his office but this time he was trying to be funny rather then taking something as funny. I stood there mouth gaping as he turned towards me.
A feather light touch of his finger made me close my mouth. "Much better. One would think with your mouth hanging open like that that you would have more experience in pleasing the other gender then your file says."
It took a moment for what he meant set it but once it did I sputtered out, "I have n-n-not done a-any su-uch thing!" I fumed, he knew I had not done anything of the sort and he made a comment like that. I crossed my arms and huffed as we got out of the elevator and walked towards the front doors. I didn't even glance at him I was to angry.
Sesshoumaru's P.O.V.
"Much better. One would think with your mouth hanging open like that that you would have more experience in pleasing the other gender then your file says." I watched closely as the words settled into her mind and once they did righteous furry poured forth. She stuttered out, "I have n-n-not done a-any su-uch thing!"
Of course I knew she hadn't but I just couldn't let that expression go. I mean she was peering up at me with her mouth open like she was trying to say something as her mouth moved but nothing ever came out. The comment just came to mind and she turned away from me in her anger.
When the elevator stopped she immediately started out leaving me behind to gaze upon her. Again a totally random thought occurred to me watching her. She was great having around but it was fun watching her go. With her strides so jerky it emphasized her butt as she walked away and I couldn't help but wonder what it would look like with out clothes. Shaking my head I tried to chase the thought out of my head but it just wouldn't go.
Kagome's P.O.V.
'Oh he makes me so mad! What an arrogant demon. Thinks he's all that does he. Well then I will just have to put my plan back into action. We'll see if we can't teach the dog to eat out of the palm of my hand.' I took a deep breath and closed my eyes for a moment and counted to ten. I walked out of the building and down onto the brass crescent where I stood waiting for Mr. high and mighty to show up.
When he finally showed up he had a few more accessories then when I last saw him he had a cell phone in his hand and was talking in another language I didn't know. It wasn't Japanese or English so I just stood there for a few minutes while he chatted away and then finally hung up.
"Ready to go?"
"Been waiting on you Fluffy."
"Who told you that name?" he growled at me.
"I think I thought it up but if I did hear it before then it was probably said by Inuyasha, why?"
"Never call me that again." he advanced towards me, "Not if you know what's good for you."
"If I don't?" He stopped for a moment as if not sure how to proceed. I got the feeling he was trying to intimate me but I had seen it before and he needed me so I didn't think he could hurt me that much. His eyes slowly refocused and he said very low and very quiet, "You are making fun of your house leader and that usually means punishment," his eyes took on a very wicked glow, "Now you wouldn't want a spanking on live television now would you?"
My hand flew to my mouth to muffle my scream of no. I looked at him in honest horror. I tried to shake the thought out of my head, "You wouldn't dare." his lips pulled back into a real smile exposing his fangs as he chuckled.
"My dear little breeder you don't know what I am capable of. After all I am the slightly sadistic cold-hearted ruler of the western lands. Your punishment would be a trivial matter to me and if it makes you behave then so be it. Make no mistake I would do it to teach you a lesson."
I looked up at him long and hard and realized he probably really meant it. After all he wasn't averse to humiliating Inuyasha all those years ago by showing him up with his sword play though no one was around usually but our group but why wouldn't he embarrass me in front of the entire city. Slightly put off balance I tried to pull myself together. I knew he was right, I didn't know him like I knew Inuyasha. I was tempted to say that Inuyasha wouldn't let him but somehow I had the feeling he would find some convenient project to stick him with while he walked away with me in tow and put before a camera and down before I could even yell his name.
Feeling slightly defeated I made myself stand up tall as I began my plot to further seduce the ice prince. We waited for a chair to arrive and once it did we were off. I was distracted after awhile at the scenery that I hadn't ever really paid attention to before. I racked my brain for how high up we were. A flash of memory from my night time lessons describing the city came to me,
"All cities had to be able to accommodate at least 10 million people though Tokyo has the largest at 18 million. The standard city is at least 3500 feet high and at least 7 miles long and 3 to 4 miles wide. Though the space is compacted upon itself each level is at least 10-15 stories high (meaning 100 to 150 feet tall) the lower levels are built in apartment style homes and each level above it slightly larger and more expansive then the last."
"Near the center of every city are a large amount of parks to make sure all levels get the required amount of sunlight. Usually there are large ponds and even some streams that are allowed to flow though the parks. Every level has security cameras covering almost every square inch to help prevent crime. The tall pillars on the top of every city house wind turbines that come out at night to help gather electricity for the city. During storms a system of lightening rods are raised in hopes that lightening will strike them and not the dome. But even this electricity source is not wasted for heavy cables were designed to hold the power and turn special generators that input it into large back up power sources for the city. This saves the city money if they are lucky to have a few lightening strikes because one lightening bolt can almost power the city for 2 hours."
"the infrastructure of the city is built on a building block idea where the two below support the next this way if any part of the city is damaged the rest of the city doesn't collapse. The structure can sustain over 40 damage and still remain standing. The levels are all open to look down or up upon one another to ease any repairs and to allow sunlight to filter through as it pleases."
I felt a little dizzy with the onslaught of the entire lesson relearned in a matter of seconds but Sesshoumaru put one arm out to hold me steady.
"Are you alright?" there seemed to be a slight concern in his voice. I nodded as I tried to explain.
"I was wondering about the city and I had a flash back to one of my lessons that I was taught at night explaining it all to me. It went through my mind so fast I was left feeling dizzy."
"I heard that happens when you try to think to hard. Just take a few breaths and let it come to you."
I took the advice and started taking slow breaths and the voice in my head slowed down to where I could understand what he was saying. After awhile I shut the voice off as it went into the economics. I turned toward my companion and smiled.
"Thanks that really helped."
"Of course it did." again with that superior tone that I had hated back at his office. I decided that while he said I couldn't call him fluffy he said nothing about not being able to straighten out his attitude.
"Now you listen here Mister. You had better stop with that tone! I realize that to everyone else you have been hiding this so called sense of humor but I do not appreciate being treated like a peasant to your so called lordship. You have offered me a place in your house and I will be treated fairly and with respect as I have treated you! I have done nothing that gives you the right to use that tone." And I would have continued but suddenly he pulled me close until our noses were touching.
"Really? You have been given an honor girl. An honor I can take back. Here I am taking you out to shop on my time and my bill. Here I am giving you a place in my home and in my house. All of it has been offered you have done nothing to earn it. I could have let Inuyasha take you as a mistress and allowed to become a regular breeder. You have treated me with the respect that you had only rarely given me in the past. I expect it from you where you have no right to expect anything from me. Do not let your feelings cloud your judgment girl. I am not nor will ever be as soft as my brother." with that he released me to sit back down and he straightened his clothes and turned away. For once in my life I thought before I spoke. I didn't argue as I would have with Inuyasha.
In that moment several things became clear to me that should have before. I was treating him as I would Inuyasha though I knew this before I realized I wasn't really changing my behavior. I was making assumptions based on what I knew of Inuyasha and not Sesshoumaru. He was known as the aristocratic assassin in the feudal era and he was also one of the leaders of almost half of Japan. He had been raised as royalty and he was not about to speak to me like an equal till I proved myself here in this time I knew he respected me in the past. I made a big mistake and didn't know how to rectify it. I had proven to him to be pure and a willing fighter but nothing he had seen of me made me worthy. I was just a common human to him. Inuyasha knew different and so did I but he didn't and it was him that I had to prove myself to.
I felt very guilty that I was treating Sesshoumaru like a double of Inuyasha, just like Inuyasha for the longest time treated me as a weaker copy of Kikyo. I was never an excellent fighter in the feudal era, though I had finally mastered the bow and arrow and defensive moves, times had changed but I was almost sure that I still needed training in those areas. I knew self defense and mikos were still taught here in the city. It was something that I could ask about and even if it didn't prove me to him then at least I could defend myself. I had to get to know him if I wanted to be able to treat him as his own person and he had to get to know me. I wouldn't be leaving any time soon so the faster I gained his respect the better off I would be. Seducing him would have to be put aside until I knew enough to figure out how to do that. Mentally I sighed at the long way round but this wasn't some one night stand this was in a way my job and he could make my life very hard if he wanted to.
I was silent the rest of the ride. It took awhile for the chair to maneuver the chair the store he had selected but once we were there I couldn't help but feel a little awed. It was a hand crafted wood store and it was thee most expensive store in the city. Only the richest shopped here.
"Sesshoumaru we don't need to shop here. I would be perfectly content with something less expensive." I shuttered to think of the prices in this store. I turned my face up to look at him and only saw a raised eyebrow.
"You expect me to have a piece of furniture that doesn't match the rest? All my furniture has come from here and I refuse to have some second rate pieces in my home. Now you will find something here you like or you will have one built I care not but you will choose." It was so confusing speaking to him at times one minute I am not worthy of notice and the next insists that while I may not match him my furniture does. 'good grief.'
Taking my arm he led me inside as my mind tried to reevaluate the price in Sesshoumaru's home. I had noticed the matching pieces but I had assumed they were antiques. This store had only been around for about 150 years. The price tag on these items was almost more then my mom made in a year breeding and that included the money spent on the doctor's visit and hospital deliveries.
Walking in a lady immediately came up to us. "Ah Mr. Takahashi how nice to see you again. What are you looking for today?" I knew that I wouldn't like this woman she was already simpering to him. She was trying to cater to a high spender but she had no sincerity left. Right then I knew that this might take awhile.
"Kimi. I need you to show Ms. Higurashi around at the bedroom sets. She needs to pick one that matches her taste but that compliments my home. Now remember our deal." and with that he turned to sit on one of the chairs that were set by the door.
The woman now named Kimi turned to me with a look of pure distaste. Now I might be a white when it came to being a virgin but I had dealt way to many times with people like her. Placing a look of young innocence on my face I decided to play a little. I knew that I had to show this woman that I was above her because I had a feeling any children's furniture would also come from here and I needed her to bow to me.
"Kimi right?" she nodded in annoyance with a scowl on her face.
"You know you might be pretty if you didn't scowl and maybe smiled more. After all I am here to spend money and be happy and how can I be happy with you scowling?" I tilted my head to side in my best imitation of a little girl. I smirked mentally at her wince. She couldn't talk back because I was the customer and you never correct the customer. Now this I might enjoy.
Sesshoumaru's P.O.V.
I was very angry at the girl when she tried to supposedly correct my tone towards her. However, after I had spoken she had remained quiet and docile and some how it seemed wrong to see her like that. I was used to women either throwing themselves at me or being meek like she was now. It was then I noticed that she didn't fit into any category I previously had. She had her own way of doing things like she had shown in her room and she had fire to stand up for herself and not hide behind anyone, or at least she hadn't since the battle in my father's tomb. He had respected her a little in the past with her cleanliness and her courage to talk back to him. She had also tried to protect his brother from him though futile she had tried.
He would not admit it to her but he did like her fire and her attitude. She would not back down and would not take anything from anyone if what she said she believed in. He had made her back down which he was surprised he could do. In a way what he said was true it was an honor to be chosen of his house but everything else, like a home and furniture, was part of the contract though he was sure she hadn't read that. However, she was the one to take him up on it and had chosen to be in his house and that was an honor extended to him in return. She could have written herself a contract to any house because of her purity and because of his brother she chose theirs.
She didn't seem to have expensive tastes in the past because she only had what he now knew was a sleeping bag and the hard ground. So when she said she would be satisfied with something less expensive he knew it to be the truth. A small measure of approval worked its way into his heart even if he wouldn't accept her proposal to choose anything else.
He decided to watch her after he sat down and openly smirked when her posture changed to that of a youthful innocence she was long past but she somehow pulled it off. But it was her comment that made him want to laugh. It was said with such sincerity that though the woman might not like it, there was nothing to give away the fact that Kagome could have cared less what she looked like unless you knew her.
A startling thought in itself that he had grown to know her so well in the past without realizing it and in the few days she had been here with him already that he could tell she was putting on an act. He hadn't been sure until that moment how much he had actually paid attention to her both in the feudal era and now. It was troubling to his state of mind but he pushed back the thoughts to watch what his little breeder would do with the stuck up bitch.
Kagome's P.O.V.
When I had finished speaking I saw her stiffen and knew that comment had gotten under her skin. I waited what she said next to see how she would handle it. She stood a little straighter and raised her head so that instead of looking at me she looked like she was trying to turn her nose up at me.
"That may be very well so. However, you will be too amazed at the furniture to worry about whether I smile or not. Now if you would. Please follow me." her voice was seemingly unaffected by my comment and she turned around to lead the way to what I expected to be the bedroom sets. Following slightly behind her I took a moment to wonder what kind of deal she and Sesshoumaru had but since I had nothing to go on then one sentence I let it go for now.
Around the corner she suddenly stopped and whipped around, "You listen here you little bitch! I will not take any of your shit. This is my store and in this place you shall respect your betters. Now hurry up and choose something so I can get your stench out of my store." she hissed really softly and I couldn't help but pop my head up and smirk at her.
"You didn't really pay attention to what Mr. Takahashi said did you?"
"What do you mean?" she was still confident.
"He told you to show me around to find a piece that I liked that matched his home. What do you think that means?" She snarled at me still not understanding and a little wary.
"Now, now Kimi that's no way to treat the breeder of the Takahashi house. What would Mr. Takahashi say if I told him what you said to me?" her face paled a little but she didn't apologize.
"Well if that is the way you want it I guess I'll ask Mr. Takahashi to show me around. Good day Kimi." I said in the most civil tone I could manage. Before I had even finished turning around she grabbed my arm.
"Wait" she hissed.
"You have not apologized for your behavior Kimi. I refuse to have you show me around until you do." I watched as she gritted her teeth in a grimace.
"Fine." she gritted out. "I apologize."
"Now was that so hard?" I knew for women like her it was hard but she said nothing.
"Are you going to escort me Kimi or am I still going to have to get Mr. Takahashi?"
She let go of my arm and gave a slight bow before turning around and continuing on our way. In a side room there were fabulous beds with all kinds of cravings and some with simple wood grain. I took my time and searched the room. My breath was taken away as one finally caught my attention.
It was a beautiful piece of maple polished to shine and on the side cravings of various dogs, foxes, and wolves in play. One side started with dogs and then they moved to slowly playing with foxes till only foxes in the front blending again with wolves on the other side to playing with the dogs on the back. It highlighted the animals using enamel. I feel in love with it instantly and I saw a similar motif on the dresser and night stands toned down so as not to detract from the bed. It would match my room perfectly. I turned to Kimi pointing at it.
"I want this one along with the dresser and night stands."
"You can't afford that." she said and sounded very sure. I knew that I couldn't but before I got upset I remembered that Sesshoumaru said he was paying. Sighing in relief that I wouldn't have to give up the set I simply smiled at her. She narrowed her eyes at me but didn't say anything. Damn she was learning. So instead I said, "Who said I was paying?"
She glared at me. "You may be the breeder but there is no way a leader, let alone Mr. Takahashi, would buy you that."
"Why?" I was simply confused.
"Why? WHY? Because you little nit wit that set cost well over 3 million yen! That's more then most breeders make in a year and you expect me to believe that he's just going to buy that for you?" she was seething and I could see she was probably trying to keep from slapping me. I titled my head up and met her eyes.
"He told me to choose and that he was buying. Why are you so upset?" she screamed and attacked. Surprised as I was I still was able to dodge her first attempt. "You never answered me Kimi."
"Because you little bitch! Before you came along I was saving myself for that house! I was considered for that very position you were given but his little brother decided that he didn't like me. I never knew why they didn't choose me but I have been waiting over a century. He has come to my store to pick out every piece in his home since we opened!" she screamed at me.
I felt a little sorry for her because that was a long time to save yourself for something you might never have. I might have felt sorry but I wouldn't have this she would just have to accept I was chosen and she wasn't.
"Be that as it may Kimi that still gives you no right to attack me."
"It gives me every right! A breeder can be challenged by another worthy breeder. I am still a light yellow and I will take your place." Kimi seemed very determined.
"A light yellow Kimi? You aren't even on the same level bitch so back down and ring up my sale!" I growled at her.
"What do you mean? You can't possibly be better! At least I am a hanyou versus a human!"
"Sure I can wench. I am a pure white. I was offered the position before the little brother ever showed up! They agreed on me and offered it and I took it. You have no right to challenge so back down." she deflated slightly muttering to herself. I was almost sure she was going to back down before out of no where she rammed into me.
I rolled out from under her and ducked behind a wardrobe. Trying to regain my breath I panted. The little whore hit hard. Well we'll see how she likes being blasted. I quickly gathered my power into my hand and waited for her to show up again. I didn't have to wait long before she peeked around the corner and ran to attack again. I raised my hand and released the energy that I had gathered.
It hit her in the center of her chest and she screamed a blood curdling scream. I covered my ears and looked at her fly into the wall. The next thing I knew Sesshoumaru had me in his arms as we watched Kimi slowly change. She was being purified into her human form. I hadn't really paid attention to the fact that she was part demon and now I really felt bad. I hadn't meant to hurt her that much.
Sesshoumaru hadn't put me down when he looked at me. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah she only got to ram into once before I hit her with my energy." I was still a little shaken.
He turned toward Kimi who was fully human now. "Kimi I expected better from you. I do have the right to demand your life for your attack but instead I think I shall take the furniture that Ms. Higurashi wanted as compensation. He turned with me in my arms and asked me to point out which piece I had selected. I pointed to the set I had wanted and he smirked as he nodded. A few fellow clerks were in the room now inspecting the damage.
"We shall be taking that set there for compensation of the attack on my breeder. I want it at the western building and in her room in two hours." he left his number and called his crew at the office to expect the delivery of the set. By now I could stand on my own but he kept me at his side by wrapping his arm around me. I felt embarrassed by the display but I couldn't help but feel comforted in his arm.
We left the store with them mumbling all kinds of apologies and assurances that Kimi would never be his attendant again. I didn't feel any better about what I did but I was saved from being totally depressed when he announced, to their unvoiced question, that Kimi was only temporarily human and would return to her normal self when her youki built back up. Since it hadn't been intentional it hadn't eradicated her demon blood and so left her able to return to normal. Still in the arms of the demon lord he asked me once we were on the chair, "Ready to choose your mattress?"
Sesshoumaru's P.O.V.
I had listened to the conversation when they disappeared around the corner and was ready to step in but she had handled herself well and was proud of her. I allowed the other attendant to distract me with a few refreshments and conversation about how their business was going. We had a nice deal going; I would come and shop only here so they so use it as advertisement and I received almost anything with 45 off the price. I had never been disappointed in the quality of any of the things I had bought. Some pieces like a bed frame had actually survived me throwing my brother on it during one of our fights. After that I had been impressed.
My ears twitched when I thought I heard yelling and then it was quiet again. I began to have a feeling that something was going on but I continued my talk uninterrupted. I learned that the business had had a recent spike in sales and what they were using the profits for until a blood curdling scream was heard. I felt my heart squeeze itself painfully as I jumped up and used my youkai speed to find out where the scream had come from.
Entering the bedroom set room I saw Kagome swaying slightly on her feet and in seconds I had her in my arms. Holding her closely I looked her over and saw no injury so I looked around the room and against the wall I saw Kimi changing. She had a slight pink glow and she was still screaming but had no breath to make it heard. I realized what happened and for the first time saw her human form. She went from her bright red hair to a light brown and her scent changed from a candy like smell to smelling like a bitter apple. The scent just seemed bitter though it was more of a taste then a scent. It was strong and I realized that she used her youkai to make her scent more attractive. He was glad his brother hadn't liked her smell of her in time it would have driven him from his home. He wondered when the last time she'd bathed was when he guessed why her human scent was so strong.
"Are you alright" I asked Kagome.
"Yeah she only got to ram into once before I hit her with my energy." Her words though comforting still angered me. The bitch had no right to attack my breeder. Looking around I saw where we were standing and realized we were in the most expensive part of the store and guessed that they didn't battled long if she had only got one hit in. Getting an evil idea about a perfect revenge against the whore I decided to take the pieces I wanted.
"Kimi I expected better from you. I do have the right to demand your life for your attack but instead I think I shall take the furniture that Ms. Higurashi wanted as compensation."
I heard a slight gasp from the attendants who had come in to inspect the damage. I quietly asked Kagome what pieces she had wanted and smirked when I saw that she had chosen the most expensive. I knew Kimi would not like it but she had attacked my breeder for no reason that I could see. When she recovered I was sure that the loss in profits would make her more respectful next time since it would come out of her commissions.
"We shall be taking that set there for compensation of the attack on my breeder. I want it at the western building and in her room in two hours."
I quickly finished up keeping a hold on the girl as I lead her outside. She gave a small yawn so when we were seated I couldn't resist asking, "Ready to choose your mattress?"
Her response wasn't what I would have expected. She gave a bigger yawn and tried to cover it with her petite little hand and turned her face into my shoulder. Assuming she had finished yawning because then she nuzzled her way into my shoulder and declined to give a response.
"Ms. Higurashi what are you doing?" I said it in a stern tone but truthfully I didn't mind. Her eyes turned towards me slightly dazed as if she had actually fallen asleep. A soft "huh?" was heard.
"This Sesshoumaru has asked you what you thought you were doing." Her eyes still didn't really focus as she said, "Tired." and promptly turned her face back into my shoulder. Slightly annoyed that she choose to fall asleep on my person I decided to just take her back home. She had accomplished more today then I had and being human was more then likely truly tired. I reset the directions of the chair to take us back home. I began wondering where she was supposed to sleep since she had a bed but no mattress. The girl was truly a magnet for trouble. 'I suppose this Sesshoumaru will have to give up his own bed for the night.'
Taking a deep breath he again noticed her scent and allowed himself to unwind a little to relax in her calming scent. Reaching home I got out and picked her up like I had when retrieving her from the hospital and walked carefully towards the elevator. Performing a small trick I had finally typed in the code to go to my floor.
When the doors opened I headed towards my room. When I had showed her around I hadn't shown her the staircase in the back that led to my private sanctuary. There was a half floor above the main living one. Here I had my private garden in and exact replica of how Rin had hers. Each plant carefully maintained and flowers plucked periodically to adorn my desk just as she had done every day she lived. It had been our ritual that she would wake at dawn to pick the best blooms and she placed them in a vase she had helped make upon my desk. When I would come into my study she would have fallen asleep on one of the cushions and I would wake her for breakfast. As she grew up she had chosen a cousin of mine as a mate and they had lived in my castle for her remaining years. It had been the best century of his life because her smile had never dimmed. Her voice always rang out in cheerfulness when he entered any room she was in. When I sent her down to breakfast her response of "Hai Sesshoumaru-sama." was always the same. He had taken her death hard when one morning he came down as usual and went to wake her to find her gone. Since that day he had gotten up to get his own flowers but only every few days because his garden though a replica was much smaller then hers had been.
Rin had somehow figured out which smells he favored and designed her garden with only those and her favorite. He had gone across the ocean on business with a distant lord and had seen a rose bush plucking one before his return he had given it to her. It became her favorite whether because she liked the smell the best or because it was the only flower he had given her he never asked. But his garden was a variety of native plants and the rose stood out just like she had. And now he was bringing another female into his personal garden. Rin had liked the miko when they had traveled with his brother in the pursuit of Naraku. She carried the bag the Miko had gotten her everywhere when she traveled. When it could no longer hold anything it was always on the bottom of her new bag. He had thought it foolish but maybe her feeling had gone deeper for the miko then he realized, however, that was a thought for another day.
Opening the door to his bedroom one would immediately see the room was mostly white. His bed had a comforter starting as white in one corner fading out as geometric designs in red took over till the designs faded to a pure red. The bed was low to the ground almost more a futon then a bed. The side table had a book bound in ancient leather and a small lamp. The floor was finely woven grass mats and white walls. The door to his room was a screen depicting himself in his human from one side and on the inside his dog form before his arm was lost. He had saved these screens from his castle that was torn down in the west. His other home had another set. The dresser and wardrobe were finished in a honey color resembling his eye color. Upon the ceiling he had had muralist paint the night sky as accurately as possible of the summer sky in memory of the night he was born.
He placed Kagome on his bed and turned down the sheets and moved her under them. Tucking her in he stood to go to his office to call his brother and see what he had missed in his little shopping excursion. At the doorway he turned to take one last look and couldn't help but think she belonged here in his memory of the past. Her weird clothing had made her stand out then but she would have anyway because of who she was.
He could remember vaguely her and Rin picking blossoms one evening and her teaching Rin how to make a flower crown. They had worn them until the flowers had turned brown before placing them on a sign post on the last leg of their journey to Naraku's castle. Rin had been sent home and it was their way of parting without saying goodbye. The hope of seeing blossoms the following spring and the renewing of life was what they had hoped for after the destruction Naraku had caused.
Rin had been at the celebration in the village in Inuyasha's forest when she had seen her disappear when her wish had been made. She had cried for almost a week but something turned her around. Now that he thought about it she had worn a crown of the same flowers at her mating ceremony. He had asked her why instead of the tradition human headdress and her answer then puzzled him.
Her words had never been lost, "Sesshoumaru-sama why would Rin? Though you have treated me as your daughter since you saved me, I was raised by you. Someone once told me that we are all like flowers or at least humans are. Humans grow, we bloom, and we age but then our children like the flowers come back the following spring. The renewing of life every spring is like the renewing of our souls every lifetime. My life is short compared to yours and I am in the bloom of my life and I will eventually age till I die. But someday I will come back to grow, bloom, and die once more. This is the cycle of life Sesshoumaru-sama. And I wear this proudly in memory of our hopes for spring and that good-byes aren't forever."
Thinking about it now he realized it was probably the miko that had given her those words. She knew that there was reincarnation, being one as she is, and tried to explain to a child the meaning of life and death. How the flowers or in other words people have to pass on to make room for the spring flowers (people) and spring hopes. It was soon to be spring and he had some worries considering this year was his heat cycle but now he had hopes that she would share it with him. A new year to finally have a child of his own and to finally participate in the circle that Rin had told him about. He had longed to have a child for some time, some of it due to his instincts to ensure his pack and some in hopes that his adopted daughter would come back as his real one in the spring. Glancing back to that the woman on his bed he watched her chest rise and fall in her slumber and smirked slightly. He closed the door and turned to his garden and smiled for the first time in way to long. A soft light filled his eyes as he thought of a daughter he hoped to have playing as Rin had. 'Yes, A daughter to spoil again, to watch play again, to protect, and to love.'