Kagome's P.O.V.
Kagome awoke the next morning feeling as rested as if she had slept a week. Lying on her stomach with her arms buried under her pillow as she snuggled into it. Taking a deep breath she smelled a very slight muskiness of dog but she smelled more a combination of roses and vanilla. The scent was calming and refreshing. She so did not want to get up. Wherever she was the bed was the softest thing she had ever slept in and the sheets were as soft as feathers trailing over her waist and legs. Sighing she knew she was awake if was thinking stuff like this. She gave a soft groan as she stretched similar to a dog or cat with her backside rising into the air arms stretched out in front of her and resting on her knees. Rolling over she realized she had an audience. Blushing madly she glanced up at Sesshoumaru who was resting against the wall only to realize he looked to be asleep.
Getting up to investigate she hadn't noticed that her shirt had slipped to one side revealing a little more cleavage then was modest. Taking a look around the room it was breath taking especially the ceiling with the stars. Walking around the bed she brought the comforter with her. Walking up to him she saw that he wasn't making any move to prove he was awake so she decided to give him the comforter. She wrapped it gently around him tucking the edges a little before turning to the screen doors. The painting, she noticed was him in his dog form, was beautiful in detail looking almost real enough to touch. Tracing over the snout she as quietly as possible opened the door and looked outside. The sunlight was dim and slowly growing brighter to reveal the beautiful garden surrounding the room she was in. Taking a few steps she started to examine the nearest bush. It was an orchid bush with a few big blooms on it. Plucking one she held it to her nose and took in its lovely scent.
She wandered around slowly picking a flower here and there till she had a small but gorgeous bouquet of flowers. Smiling at the precious flowers in her hands she wondered how to get down to the other floor because she was getting really hungry. She also began to wonder why she had been in what she assumed was Sesshoumaru's room rather then her own. She decided to sit on the white marble bench till Sesshoumaru got up.
Sesshoumaru's P.O.V.
As I started to wake up I realized that I had fallen asleep against the wall when I hadn't meant to. I had been considering my brothers words when his eyes had gotten heavy and her scent filled had his senses. Before he noticed he had fallen asleep. Now again her scent filled his nose and made him slightly drowsy. Opening his golden eyes he saw his comforter tucked in around him. Surprised he glanced at the bed to see that Kagome was gone. Getting up was a little difficult because his legs had fallen asleep. He took a deep breath after throwing the comforter back on the bed and knew her scent wasn't going stale yet so she hadn't been gone long. Glancing at the window he saw the sun was just cresting the horizon.
Opening the door he took a quick look around but stopped when he saw Kagome sitting on his marble bench with her back towards him. The air current was stronger up here with an actual breeze from the conditioning system and it was gently blowing her hair forward over her shoulder.
He realized that she was still in her clothes from yesterday and they looked a little wrinkled. Wondering why she hadn't gone downstairs he approached her. He watched as she sighed and lifted something to her face. He stopped in his tracks when he saw that she held a bouquet of flowers.
Flashback
Rin was sitting in a silverish kimono on her marble bench holding her flowers. She had grown into a beautiful woman in the past 13 years that she had been with him. Her hair was in a tight braid with her forelocks floating free in the wind. Her legs swaying back and forth as she hummed a little tune.
She looked up to the sky and started to sing. Sesshoumaru in that moment realized that his little girl was grown up. Her song finished on a melancholy note as she looked down to her hand. There upon it was a ring that his cousin had given her. With her other hand she twisted it off and put it close to her face before mumbling, "A beautiful ring but I don't know if I deserve or want it. Oh Sesshoumaru-sama I wish you could understand that I don't want to leave. You have been the only family Rin has known." Placing it back on her finger she sighed and picked up the flowers she was probably going go place in the vase in my office. Her head down in thought he stayed in her way until she bumped into him. Startled she glanced up and her face turned into joy as she said hello.
"Rin is it true you don't want to leave?" She looked stricken and took a step back as her eyes filled with tears. Turning her head she nodded.
"Why do you believe you must?"
"You have given permission for Rin to mate and she must go with her mate." she said quietly.
"Yes, I have given my permission for you to mate but I never said you have to leave." his tone was sure.
"Yoshimitsu does not want to be here. He said we were going to his home." her voice quivered a little.
"Rin this Sesshoumaru will only say this once if you do not want to leave I will not allow him to take you. You are not mated yet and I can make him leave." his tone hardened at the thought of the boy taking his little girl away.
"Rin loves him and wants to be with him. But I don't want to leave." tears finally spilled down her face as she held in sobs. He took her in his arm and slowly rubbed her back as she cried.
"Then you shall stay. If he doesn't love you enough to stay here then he will leave alone."
"Thank you, thank you father." it was the first time she had ever called him that. He held her closer and whispered into ear before letting her go, "No thanks needed daughter." He turned to walk away when she looped her arm through his and they made their way back to his office. She placed her flowers in the vase taking the old ones to be thrown away.
For the rest of her life she only called him father a few times the last on a few days before she died. She had handed him a small box. It was enameled with a figure resembling his dog form.
"What is this Rin?" Her eyes had a soft glow as she smiled.
"Open it Father." His eyes widened a little as he placed it down on his desk to open it. Inside were dried petals of a rose and several buds pressed to be preserved. Curious he carefully took the rose and held it to his nose taking a small breath. He carefully returned to the box and again asked, "I see dries flowers Rin. What are these for?"
"Those are the flowers I picked the day you first called me your daughter. I had them preserved so I had something to remember the day. I am old now father and I wanted you to have these before I was gone." For only the third time in his life he could feel something building in his eyes. Before he had pushed it away but curious as to what it was he raised his hand to his eye and rubbed one. His hand came away wet and then he knew what it was, "tears." he said quietly.
Rin had gotten up and moved slowly to his side. "Sesshoumaru-sama are you crying?" Her hand caressed his other eye taking away the tears. "Oh father don't cry! You never cry." She brushed against his eye again but there were no more. She wrapped her aged arms around him in a gentle hug. "I'll be back one day. Look for me, father." and with that she removed herself from his side and hobbled slightly out the door. He sat there wondering why he shed tears as he carefully closed the box.
From that day forward he placed the box on the front of his desk as a constant reminder of his little one. The day she died he had saved the flowers in the vase and had added them to the ones in the box, her ashes had been spread out upon her favorite flowers as she had once requested. It was the one thing he treasured almost above the sword his father had given him and in respect of her wishes he didn't cry again. He had kept a constant watch out for her with every female he had met but he had yet to find her again.
End flashback
Shaking off the past he continued forward to Kagome's side noticing the shirt was slightly more open then the day before giving a tantalizing view as he took a seat next to her. She finally noticed him and gave him a sunny smile.
"The garden is beautiful. I wish I had one like this." raising the bouquet again she took a deep breath of the sweet smelling flowers. He watched closely as her eyes fluttered shut in bliss and couldn't help but smile. Kagome shared Rin's love of flowers and he was sure any daughter of hers would also. The hope that had begun last night grew just a little bigger.
"It is a replica of Rin's though much smaller. I didn't have the room to do it to scale."
"Rin's? You mean the little girl that used to travel with you in the past?"
"Yes, I took her in and raised her as my own. She mated a cousin of mine and stayed in the palace till the end of her days." he could feel his throat tighten and knew he still missed her.
"That was good of you. She told me how much she loved you on our journey together. She had said that you took her in after something bad had happened to her. She never said what happened but that afterwards you looked after her and made Jaken tend her. She said she loved flowers because they were the only thing she knew of that compared to your beauty. I tried to tell men aren't beautiful but handsome or something along those lines. She would hear none of it, insisting that you were beautiful." she blushed a little I noticed and wondered if she shared Rin's opinion. I said nothing and an awkward silence followed. After a few minutes I heard her stomach growl and saw her face flush.
"Hungry?"
"Yes."
"Then why didn't you go downstairs?"
"I didn't know where they were. I didn't want to go somewhere I wasn't wanted so I was waiting for you to wake up." She was a considerate being at least though I couldn't remember being that way in the past but I shrugged it off as I stood and offered her a hand. She took it and I lead her to the semi covered railing leading down the stairs. For once I didn't have an urgency to get to work like usual. I had so many things I had to do every morning that I always felt rushed but today today was quiet and peaceful. I didn't know how long it would last since something always came up but I reveled in the moment of quiet hoping there would be many more mornings such as this.
Kagome's P.O.V.
Heading down to breakfast I noticed he still held my hand. I was blushing madly but he didn't seem to notice. He led the way to the kitchen and finally let go of my hand. He gestured to a seat and I sat down.
"What would you like?" I was surprised, was he going to cook?
"Are you going to cook?"
"Unless you want to." he said with his old stoic face on.
"Um no, no I was just surprised since I thought that you had servants to cook." 'okay even to me that sounded stupid. "I mean I don't know where anything is so you can if you want."
"I do so hate to repeat myself." Though he sounded frustrated his lips quirked a little.
"huh?" It sounded like he sighed.
"What would you like?"
"Oh. Oden?" I said in a hopeful voice.
"Very well." As he set about his task I studied where he got everything from hoping that I would remember some of this later. It was roughly 35 minutes later when a plate was finally placed in front of me. I stared hungrily at the food but I waited till he sat down. I glanced up and noticed he didn't have a plate in front of him.
"Aren't you going to eat too?"
"My meals are prepared differently then yours. I will have mine in the office later." He said as he poured himself some tea. Giving one last look I dug into the food with relish. I was so involved in eating that I never noticed him looking at me. When I was nearly finished with the plate he finally spoke.
"Do you eat all your food that way?"
"What way?"
"Like you haven't eaten in about a week?" I blushed.
"No. I was just really hungry and this is my favorite food. It's so good that I couldn't get enough." Quickly I finished my plate.
"You will need to know table manners for the presentation. Get yourself a new plate and eat correctly. If you can not I must arrange for a teacher. You will be eating at the presentation and must put a good face to the masses." A little upset that he called my manners lacking I obeyed because I knew it would be a fancy dinner and I did not want to disappoint him after what he had said last night. Besides I still had to prove to him not all humans were idiots. I ate as carefully as I knew how and after my slightly smaller second plate of oden he nodded.
"You only need a little help and coaching for what cues to follow. Very good. Have you any etiquette training at all for dances and formal dinners?"
"Not really. My table manners are the farthest I had gotten because I decided to follow history learning then the court side in my education."
"Well now that will have to be remedied. After the presentation we will probably have to secure the recordings that are usually taught to youkai so that you can learn how one youkai will react to another. It will also help you in any dealings you have with other houses. Some are day teachings that you have to consciously learn like the tea ceremony and the proper bows. Your miko powers and your weapon training will also have to be during the day. After the presentation we have about 6 to 12 months to prepare a full launch into society in which we have to host a ball. Every house breeder is required to know some defense and offense training due to the in party fighting. Breeders can challenge a breeder as you found out yesterday and only if you are pregnant can you turn down a challenge."
My mind was spinning with all that I had to learn. I wish I had stuck with politics now but I had thought I was going to be a regular breeder in this life and had switched. Stupid alter ego. I was all for the training since I had started before with Kaede but with any weapons other then bow and arrow I knew I had a lot to learn. Etiquette I hoped wouldn't be too hard though I had a feeling I was going to want to hurt someone before it was over. I nodded my head as I sat quietly sipping my milk that he had given me.
"There are also several things left to do before the presentation. Is your family available today for the negotiations about their benefits? That needs to be taken care of. Also your wardrobe for work, formal, casual, and training need to be addressed. Along with the rest of your supplies like a mattress and hygiene products."
"Well for the mattress can't I have one like yours? I felt like I had slept for a week. I feel so much better." There was actually a reddening of his cheeks. Curious and flattered that I could make him blush I waited for him to say something. I didn't have to wait long before he swallowed audibly and cleared his throat.
"No. you can't have one like mine." I cocked my head to the side.
"Why not?" I would swear his cheeks darkened. A sudden voice burst out laughing and I turned to see Inuyasha holding his sides leaning precariously against the wall.
"What's so funny! Why can't I have a mattress like Sesshoumaru's?" Inuyasha lifted a hand from his side pointing at Sesshoumaru still laughing. Sesshoumaru's face was wiped clean of emotion and he growled low and dangerous at the Hanyou. I wasn't sure if they were talking but Inuyasha suddenly wiped the tears from his eyes and answered my question finally.
"You can't because its one of a kind. You see it's made from ...humph." In a blink of an eye Sesshoumaru was out of his seat and his hand covered Inuyasha's mouth. His chest was vibrating visibly with a clear note of threat in it. My curiosity was peaked and I really wanted to know. Deciding to play sneaky. I got up and went behind Sesshoumaru and wrapped my arms around him. Almost instantly he stopped growling and stiffened in my arms but he didn't push me away.
"Please, pretty please may I have a bed like yours Sesshoumaru?" I put a slight whimper in my voice and rubbed my cheek against his back. I felt him take a deep breath and let it out slowly. His hands moved to cover mine as he pulled them apart and then turned so he was facing me looking into my eyes.
"Is that what you really want?" His voice seemed strange but I couldn't place it so I nodded not breaking eye contact. He brought my hands to his chest and said, "Very well. It will take a few days though. You might have to sleep at home or you are welcome to the couch."
"She can sleep on my bed Sess. I will get some sheets today when we are out." He didn't say anything more when he raised my hands to his lips and gave each a light kiss and left the room. I was too stunned by the action to move.
Inuyasha was looking at me with concern but I was too spaced out to notice. I was just trying to figure out what the look in his eye had meant. Finally I snapped out of it and asked Inuyasha the question that was bugging me.
"Inuyasha why was he blushing and you laughing when I asked for a bed like his?" he gave me a cocky smirk with a twinkle in his eye as he said, "Because he could never sleep on a regular mattress or futon with out tearing it to shreds in his sleep. So he came up with the idea of transforming into his real form and having someone brush and trim his fur. He then had it weaved into many sheets that were sown together and in-between each layer it's strategically stuffed to make a full mattress. You asked him to trim his precious fur for you and agreed." he was laughing again when he finished.
I was rooted to the floor. Now the smell made sense this morning when I smelled dog. I accidentally mumbled the last part of that thought out loud and Inuyasha burst into a bigger laughing fit. Mortified at what I had said aloud I ran out of the room.
Sesshoumaru's P.O.V.
For some reason, unknown to my conscious mind, I had held her hand all the way to the kitchen. The conversation was a tad interesting and I learned how much she needed to for the formal dinner. This thankfully wasn't as bad as I had feared. There was just still so much to do and the days were starting to blur together. He had to remind himself that she had only been back in their lives for three mornings including today. It just seemed so much longer like she had always been here. I guess my brother was right in another instance she weasels her way under your skin so quickly that he couldn't figure out when it had happened.
When she had asked for a mattress like his he could feel his face warm. He was rarely embarrassed but the innocent way she had asked her question and that he knew, that she knew, not what she was asking, made him blush. It would be the evil fates desire that his brother should awaken and arrive just at that moment to witness one of the few times he was embarrassed. Having to listen to him laugh was nerve grating. I watched as he tried to point and say something that wasn't coming out. After he got some control and said, "You can't because its one of a kind. You see it's made from ...humph." I had gotten up and placed my hand hard over his mouth. I was angry so very angry and I was voicing treats in Inu when I felt two arms wrap around me.
"Please, pretty please may I have a bed like yours Sesshoumaru?" I took a deep breath and I felt my body stiffen in her arms when I realized what she was doing, rubbing her face into my back. To an Inu what she was doing was calming and I felt my anger go. I let out my breath slowly as I moved my hands over hers and pulled them apart. She gave no resistance and I turned in her arms looking her in the eyes.
"Is that what you really want?" I watched her face carefully as she nodded. I wasn't sure why but I gave in. I had decided last night to court her gently in a little bit of the human way and Inu way. I hoped in the end to have her willing to help me in spring and at least have a working relationship with her. She would be the one taking care of the kids since Inuyasha and I have so much work and she could easily make them hate me if she didn't like me. "Very well. It will take a few days though. You might have to sleep at home or you are welcome to the couch."
"She can sleep on my bed Sess. I will get some sheets today when we are out." I wasn't happy with the idea of her going home either. His offer was acceptable so I gave her hands a light kiss and got ready for work. I had only had a bed made a few times but I still had the name and number of who made this one. I planned to give them a call when I reached my office. I went upstairs to change trying to tune out my brother and what he was probably telling Kagome of why I was embarrassed. Youkai usually don't understand that feeling but it was personal, though she knew not at the time she asked and caught me off guard. I would have to be a little more careful from now on it was just so easy to let my defenses drop in her presence. But I shouldn't get used to it I had a lot of enemies waiting for such a mistake and it would cost me a lot more then I was willing to give up.
Sesshoumaru's P.O.V.
Reaching the stairs I climbed them to my room and took a deep breath again of my garden. Releasing some of the tension I had in my shoulders at the sweet scent. I needed to hurry and get a shower and change for work for I had spent to long with the miko. When I reached the screen doors I quickly opened them only to be over overwhelmed by the smell of orchids.
I had been oblivious to the effect of the miko's smell in a small room because up till now I had been in her company and used to the strong smell. But now opening the door I realized what my brother had gone through when he had arrived at my office. It was almost dizzying to the senses.
It also made sense why he had fallen asleep at the shrine if he had this in his nose for any length of time. I could feel my eyes closing and almost wandered to my bed to lie down. It seemed without her presence to keep things lively her smell put youkai or at least Inu youkai to sleep. Maybe I had been a little harsh on my brother then about being able to protect her at night, since it was obvious that even I could fall asleep if not in her presence.
Shaking myself I hurried to pick out a set of robes for the day. Usually I tried to keep my white outfit but I was probably going out to her family's home today and I didn't want to have to change. Opening my closet and I picked out a Royal Blue shirt that looked similar to my old style but was modern and slipped over my head instead of tying it. The sleeves had silver strands woven throughout forming giant Inus racing along the arms and the silver thread disappeared once it connected to the back leaving the torso with just the blue. I went to my dresser choosing a dark blue pair of boxers and a matching pair of pants for the shirt. (Had to answer the boxers of brief question right? Well if I had my choice here it is. wink -)
The shower felt nice on my body soothing the last of my nerves. My hair took a long time to wash and I had to be careful to keep my robotic arm as dry as possible. I missed terribly when I had two arms, it was my own foolishness that I lost it and then my pride that stopped me from catching as it fell into hell, but I made due. Finishing my shower I shook off and dried my hair in a towel. Dressing quickly I made my way back downstairs taking a sniff as I went and was relieved that neither my brother nor the miko was around right now.
Getting in the elevator I pushed the button for my office and went down. The quiet was nice and I enjoyed it immensely after dealing more with company then was my want. I called my secretary to come up and give me today's work load as I gave call to the Youkai woman that had made my bed. For some reason I had a feeling I was forgetting something about her but I shrugged it off.
Ring..Ring..ring.
"Hello Mrs. Modesitt's Shop of specialty Items."
"Hello. This is Mr. Takahashi may I speak to Mrs. Modesitt?"
"Right away Mr. Takahashi. One moment please." waiting I didn't notice I had held my breath.
"Hello Mr. Takahashi to what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Joanne this is Sesshoumaru I need you to make another mattress for me."
"Are you sure I could have sworn my work on your old one should have lasted another 100 to 200 years."
"There is nothing wrong with the one you made for me yet Joanne. I just need another one."
"Is that so? What finally decide on a woman Sesshoumaru? I could include several aphrodisiac herbs inside if you like." Though the woman was much younger then I we had always teased each other about finding a partner but she was too close for comfort this time. I had to get her off the subject. Luckily for me she never listened to the news.
"That won't be necessary. When will you be available to go outside the dome and gather my fur?" A ruffling of pages was heard for a moment then her voice was back.
"I have an appointment opening for tomorrow around 9 a.m. I could get my helpers together by then. I suppose you want this done quickly?" her voice said tersely obviously upset that I hadn't played our usual game.
"I need it done comfortably. It isn't for me and I think they need the special wash because I am not sure they would appreciate the smell like I do." I knew her curiosity would get the better of her sooner or later but as long as she didn't ask me right now I didn't care. She always got sidetracked when you listed the preferences of the one who was going to own the piece.
"You don't say? Wouldn't like the slight remaining dog smell? Okay it's written down anything else?" Listening to the slight scratch of the pencil on paper I could tell her head was to the side holding the phone as filled out the order form. I thought carefully and decided that it would be risky to say this but I wanted special sheets too.
"Actually yes. I need you to design and craft several set of sheets for it all in forest colors and bearing my family crest. I would like it done within 5 days." Steadying my breathing and my nerves for I knew that this might give it away but I wanted Kagome to see everyday that she belong with us.
"Sess this isn't like you. I have never heard you asking anyone for a sheet set with your crest. For a moment I thought you had lost a bet with your brother or someone but this doesn't sound like its going to a male."
"It isn't." Here's to hoping that she won't ask the right question.
"A courting gift then? You actually found a woman and you didn't tell me!" I sighed knowing she put it together.
"Yes." I said simply and allowed her to take it as she would. Her family house would be on the guest list and I knew that she would probably come when she found out I was hosting.
"I have to go Joanne. It was nice talking to you again. Be ready tomorrow I have been taking to much time off and I needed to catch up so until then." I hung up before a million and one questions came through the phone. She would most likely turn on her old T.V. and finally catch up on the news before the day was up. If she wasn't the daughter of the fox kit that Inuyasha raised I probably could have avoided the questions but she was the best and I only settled for the best. Rubbing my head in hopes to stave off a headache at the thought of the upcoming appointment he hoped he could watch her carefully enough to not end up looking like a poodle it took a long time to re-grow his fur. She had some crazy idea it would make his Inu form 'cute'. With one last mental shudder at the thought he got down to work.
Kagome's P.O.V.
Kagome felt like she was in a bad dream, she did not just ask Sesshoumaru for a bed mad of his fur. She hadn't known what she was asking and neither had said anything! Oh they were both in so much trouble. 'I wouldn't have asked for it if they had told me but then again his bed had been so soft.' She wasn't sure how long she stood there but motion finally came back to her feet.
She sat down on the edge of the bed frame and took a look around for the first time since they had added the furniture. She was pleasantly surprised as how royal it looked. The walls weren't your typical flat paint but foe finished allowing shades of green to be seen like you were in a tree surrounded by leaves of varying colors. The dark wood of the seemed like the tree trunk and branches. A finely crafted tree house, ha. Her bed had been placed just opposite the bay window. She still had to get a bench made for it. She looked around for her suitcase but couldn't find it. After looking even under her bed she had an idea occur to her that maybe the building staff might have put it away.
Walking up to the dresser she pulled open one of the top drawers. Sure enough there were her clothes neatly folded but barely filling any drawers she pulled out. She knew that Sesshoumaru was going to be taking her clothes shopping for the presentation and a few other things but she hoped that she could keep what she had to lounge around in here. Riffling through the drawers she found what she wanted to wear today. A pair of comfortable jeans and a t-shirt with a kitten's mouth open like a roaring tiger on it but had the saying above it 'I may be small but hear me roar!' She thought it was cute and placed it over her arm as she walked back out of her room.
Walking slowly towards the main bathroom she wondered where Inuyasha had gone. Looking around she didn't see him so she figured that he went to talk to Sesshoumaru down stairs or upstairs if Sesshoumaru hadn't come down yet. She opened the bathroom door with her head down in thought only to hear a loud "Hey!"
Her head snapped up and there was Inuyasha wearing absolutely nothing standing in the glass shower. Her eyes refused to blink or look away as they were glued to the fine specimen in the shower. She gulped as her eyes went form his head trailing down his body stopping at the waist. She had seen all of him in the past but his body had changed. Before it was a young man's body that he hadn't grown all the way into. Now he was chiseled and so clean cut. His chest was still hairless but around the groin and on his legs was silver-white curls. She wondered if they were soft or springy. Licking her dry lips she wanted to see how big he was and her desire for him grew.
She shifted uncomfortably in her skirt and could feel the tell tale signs between her legs that she was becoming aroused. Finally him moving out of the shower and wrapping a towel around what she wanted brought her out of her daze.
Gulping she realized just what she had been doing and flushed as she turned around. It simply wasn't fair that she couldn't touch yet. She remembered that she had to remain pure till after the presentation. Mentally she yelled at herself for not checking to see if he was still up here by calling out. Not that she really wanted to give up the view she got but it wasn't helping her to stay pure. 'I'm getting as bad as Miroku! Kami what is wrong with me?'
Before she could continue the rant she felt two arms wrap around her from behind. A husky voice whispered in her ear, "Did you like that Kagome? I think you did."
What I hadn't realized as he spoke was that he had quickly raised the skirt and his hand trailed up my thigh and towards my panties. He stopped short of touching me there but I could feel him take a deep breath.
"Yes I think you really liked it." He started to kiss my neck and my knees went a little weak. I couldn't think and I couldn't move as his other hand started up from my waist to my breast. He cupped the left one in his hand and gave a gentle squeeze. My breath hitched at the move and my body started to tingle. I wanted more but the voice of reason in my head told me we had to stop.
I grabbed his hands after a few more moments and pulled them away. I gave a disappointed sigh but he didn't resist as I let his arms go and turned and hugged him close. His arms didn't go back around me and I looked up to ask why. But his eyes were slightly red when he looked at me and I began to worry.
"Are you going to be okay Inuyasha?" his breathing was shallow and I didn't make any fast moves as I pulled away. When I was out of his arms I saw his fists clenched at his side and his eyes had closed. Before I knew what had happened he was gone out the door and it slammed shut behind him. Feeling very guilty at what had happened I knew I had to apologize but I took a shower first hoping that when I came out he would forgive me.
Inuyasha's P.O.V.
I had a good laugh at my brother's expense and that didn't happen often enough. Usually I only got him to see him blush when Joanne or one of the other kits kids got in an embarrassing question. When Kagome had run off I felt bad at making her go but I was still chuckling when I had gotten my clothes and went to take a shower.
The shower was quick but I thought I had heard the elevator and turned off the shower to make sure Kagome was still here. I was about to reach for my towel when the bathroom door opened. I immediately yelled "Hey!" but all she did was look up.
I watched as her eyes widened as she took in my body. I was a little self conscious when she stopped around my waist. I tried to get her attention by waving a hand but I don't think she noticed. Finally I couldn't stand it anymore and reached for the towel and opened the door to step out. She got the message as she blushed and turned around. I had made the mistake though of waiting to long to come out and being in a small room with an aroused female.
My blood boiled at the sweet scent and I could feel myself harden a little. Tying the towel around my waist I approached. My mind was getting foggy and too late I realized that my demon side had taken over. It wrapped my arms around her waist as my youkai side whispered something I couldn't understand. I was fighting my instincts to take her when I finally got through. Opening my eyes allowed me to notice where my hands were.
One cupping her slightly generous breast and the other only a breath away from her nether lips, gulping I was about to apologize but I had wanted to do something like this for so long but now wasn't the time. The aroma almost made me lose it again when her hands grabbed mine and pulled me away. She turned and hugged me as my hands lowered and clenched to my sides.
She must have noticed I hadn't responded and looked up to my face. I wasn't sure what she saw but I could smell her desire start to fade a little with her scent of worry. She carefully pulled away as I closed my eyes to try and regain complete control. I paid her no mind when I finally raced from the bathroom needing to get away or risk actually taking her.
I raced to my room in desperate need of a cold shower. Afterwards I realized that I had left my clothes in the other bathroom. Sighing I made my way to my dresser to pick new clothes.
I hoped Kagome wouldn't sit me for what I did. Yeah she walked in on me but I was the one who touched her. I flopped down on my bed listening for her to come out of the bathroom. Closing my eyes I waited.
Kagome's P.O.V.
In the shower I tried to calm down my heated blood. It was harder to forget the feelings he had invoked then it should have been. I was finally forced to take a cold shower and when the freezing water hit me I finally came to my senses. Turning the water off I was shivering when I stepped out of the shower. Luckily my hair dryer was in here and I made use of it while I air dried.
Humming slightly I smiled to myself as I remembered the lean body I had seen a little bit ago. A slight blush warmed her cheeks as she thought of him aroused but quickly turned her thoughts to what had to be done today.
Sesshoumaru had said that she needed to call her family to see if they had time to do their part of negotiating. She also had to finish today with her shopping. The mental list of all the things left to do staggered her. The only saving grace was that hopefully Inuyasha would be taking her shopping but after this little incident she hoped she could even bring herself to look him in the eye. And also hoping he wasn't mad.
Sighing she got dressed and threw her hair up in a ponytail before grabbing yesterday's clothes. She still didn't know where they needed to go. Walking out she didn't see Inuyasha anywhere.
"Inuyasha?" I called out. Looking from room to room I continued to call out. I opened the doors of the rooms Sesshoumaru had showed me yesterday and didn't find him. Coming to a door I hadn't noticed before I opened it to see another bedroom. I didn't notice the bed at first because it was behind the door. The room was done in a tan color with grass mats floor. Opening the door the rest of the way I saw a bed with blood red sheets and Inuyasha's body stretched across it. I approached slowly and noticed his even breathing. He was asleep the lazy bum!
I wondered if I should scare him but then I remembered I had to apologize. Instead I climbed onto the bed and laid down beside him so I could rake my fingers through his hair. I stopped to rub his ears and he began to purr. My giggling I think woke him up and his eyes slowly focused on me.
"Hey." he said quietly.
"Hey yourself sleepy head."
"Kagome I.." I covered his mouth with my free hand.
"No Inuyasha. I apologize. I shouldn't have come in without knocking. I had thought you went with Sesshoumaru since I didn't see you. You did nothing wrong." I blushed a little but I had to say it so he didn't get the wrong idea. "I..I..I did enjoy what you were doing but that wasn't the time or place. When I looked up after hugging you I was worried when I saw the red swirling in your eyes realizing that you didn't have your sword. I didn't want to anger you so I with drew slowly. I am sorry." I looked into his eyes and could see he was surprised. I slowly removed my hand and sat up.
"You don't have to apologize; I'm the one that forgot to lock the door. You never gave me permission to go that far. I am sorry too." I smiled at his confession and leaned over and pecked his cheek.
"Okay we're both sorry. So let's go see what Sesshoumaru wants us to do today. I know there is going to be a lot of shopping. He also wants me to call my mom and arrange for the negotiations tonight if possible." I grabbed his hand and drug him behind me to the elevator. In the elevator I finally took stock of his clothes.
Like me he wore tight fitting jeans and I had to use my hand to close my jaw so I didn't drool. He wore a red tank top and his hair loose. I grinned to myself thinking on how many times I had tried to get him into clothes like that before and he had refused to loose his fire rat robes. I knew he would look stunning.
The elevator binged and we got out seeing Sesshoumaru typing away at his computer. We headed over and sat down waiting for him to finish. Without looking up he said, "You both are late. I have been working for near an hour. Do not make this a habit Kagome."
I felt slightly offended but I knew he was right I couldn't afford to make this a bad habit. I also knew that he had said we had a lot to do so I kept quiet.
"Its partly my fault Sess. I well.." He trailed off and I knew that he didn't want to tell him what had happened.
"I can still smell both of your arousals. I have a fairly decent Idea ofwhat happened." I blushed furiously.
"It- it- wa-wasn't like that! He forgot to lock the bathroom door!" I exclaimed.
"Yeah and she didn't stop looking. Not my fault your bathroom is closed off from the vents, her scent drove my youkai side wild!"
We continued on the same vent trying to place blame on the other. Finally his voice cut through our argument.
"Enough! I have made a list of places you are going to go and arranged for attendants to help choose appropriate attire. Inuyasha go retrieve your cell phone while I explain a few things to Kagome."
We were both struck dumb and Inuyasha did as he was told not looking back. I was slightly nervous when I was left alone with Sesshoumaru. I hoped he wasn't mad.
"How far did he go?" he asked as he turned towards me.
"Ah.. A little touchy feely but other than a few kisses to my neck I pulled him away before much else. Why?"
"I have told you that you have to remain pure till the presentation. There will be mind readers there who won't mind looking to see if you are as innocent as we claim. You can not do anything more till afterwards. Your mind does not have a way of showing what day it was when such events occurred and if you have to many more encounters no one will believe that it happened after your testing. (testing refers to when she came to Sesshoumaru the first day)" I knew then how serious it was and I would try my best not to let anything further happen.
"I will try my best Sesshoumaru. I did not intend anything to happen this morning but I will try and not put myself into temptation."
"See that you do. Now I need you to call your mother when Inuyasha returns to make arrangements."
"Okay." we didn't have to wait long before Inuyasha arrived back.
"Kagome your dirty clothes do not go on my bed." I blinked at him not expecting that.
"Oops." I giggled nervously, "I didn't know where they went and after we had apologized I forgot. Sorry." He smirked at me.
"I could get used to this." I was confused.
"Used to what?"
"You are apologizing instead of sitting me." Thinking about it I hadn't sat him once since the first day. This was longest I had gone not sitting him.
"Well your language has been cleaned up. I sat you before because of your bad mouth and saying whatever you had to say in a way that totally embarrassed me in front of everyone!" I Stood up and faced him with hands on my hips and foot tapping. He smirked at me again before ruefully shaking his head.
"Na na nah. You ain't getting me to say it. I know better. The moment I call you wench you'll sit me just to be stubborn."
He crossed the room and I huffed. He had learned to shut his mouth over the years. Damn. We both sat back down.
"Now Kagome call your mother."
"Inuyasha I need your phone." He handed it to me and I dialed the number.
Ring..ring..ri..
"Hello Higurashi residence."
"Hello grandpa can I talk to mom."
"Oh Kagome dear. You need me to come and seal those demons for you?" he babbled on and I tried to get his attention but I finally resorted to yelling.
"GRANDPA! I NEED TO TALK TO MOM!"
"Oh why didn't you say so dear?" I sighed as he called for mom. I rubbed my head and Inuyasha sniggered at me. "You hush Inuyasha or you'll be sat."
"Hello? Kagome?"
"Hey mom. How are you?"
"Fine, fine. What are you calling for? Need some more of your things?"
"No mom. I was wondering if you were available tonight so that the Takahashi brothers and I could come over and do the negotiations."
"Oh heavens I forgot all about that! Of course you can come over but it will have to be later. Around 7:30 or so? I have to work late."
"Hang on let me check to see if that is okay."
"Sure thing dear." I put my hand over the phone.
"She says it will have to be around 7:30 because she is working late is that okay?" I looked at Sesshoumaru. He nodded though he didn't look happy but I told my okay.
"Great dear. What do you want for supper? Or are you having supper there?" I looked at Sesshoumaru mouthing my question.
"Here." he said and I nodded.
"I'll have supper before I come over mom. See you then, bye."
"Bye dear. Don't be strangers!" she said happily before I hung up.
"Well that's all set. What next?"
"You will be taking this list and leaving so that this Sesshoumaru can work." he handed Inuyasha the list and turned back to the computer. Inuyasha and I exchanged looks before I shrugged my shoulders and we stood and left. The day had already been long and when Sesshoumaru said something about attendants for choosing clothes I knew it would be a rough day. Oh well, at least I had Inuyasha.
Kagome's P.O.V.
We stood waiting for the chair to arrive. I looked down at the list and noticed a shop called Mrs. Modesitt's Shop of Specialty Items. I wondered what I had to get here.
"Inuyasha do you know this shop?" I said pointing at the name. He took the list and read it. He nodded his head before giving it back.
"Well what are we getting there?"
"I'm not sure but be prepared for a million and one questions." He wouldn't look at me and I couldn't figure out why.
"Okay" I said uncertain why he would say that.
"It's just since meeting you again I forgot all about him and his daughter." He seemed to be trying to explain but I didn't get it.
"Him who? Daughter who?" I persisted. He sighed and finally turned to look at me.
"Promise not to sit me?" His eyes were pleading and his ears flat on his head. I couldn't say no to that face.
"I promise." He looked at me warily before nodding once again.
"Well after you were taken away Shippo needed someone. Since my brother and I had finally made a cease fire he was raised between the two of us along side Rin. Well After he turned 200 he left to see if he could find any relatives and learn more about his real parents. Imagine our surprise when he returned at the Lord's ball a nobleman. It turned out that his dad was an under ranking noble and with all the skills he learned from you and my brother and me, he moved up. He became the ambassador between the foxes and the Inus." I began to shake. Shippo had been the closest thing I had to a child to date. To know that they both had taken care of him warmed my heart.
"He wanted a family so badly and he had a few aunts and uncles but he mated really young around 350. His family exploded like few youkai couples do and he has about 35 kids. All of them take pride in embarrassing me and my brother at every opportunity. It seems during his time with us he had picked up more from Miroku then I would have guessed except he can keep his hands to himself. He charmed every maid into telling about our youth and he kept the stories in mind and shared them with his kids."
"Needless to say the store owner on that sheet is his second eldest daughter. She hasn't taken a mate yet and other then the 3 youngest the only one that hasn't or at least isn't courting one. She enjoys being single and tormenting me and my brother about getting a mate or breeder. So now that you are back she is going to ask a million and one questions. She has no shame and is the most outspoken person I know. If she finds out that you are the woman that raised her father and turned what would have been an indifferent heart like most male youkai to the warm and loving father she has, well you can imagine."
I sat in stunned silence. My little Shippo had 35 kids? I groaned at the thought. But soon my mind flipped from the problems of the questions to how I could spoil them and tell embarrassing stories about Shippo just like a true mom would. I chuckled to myself and Inuyasha turned a raised brow towards me.
"You said that that they enjoy tormenting you right?" He slowly nodded a wary look in his eyes.
"Well I am the one that took care of him the most right? For five years I had him by my side in his youth. For every embarrassing story he tells about you I can tell one about him. But before that I can meet up with him and get the goodies on all his kids. Then I can get them to leave you alone if I begin a story they don't want you to know." I grinned evilly as I rubbed my hands together.
Inuyasha rubbed his chin in thought and then he began to grin. Together we broke out in evil laughter as we both knew some stories that Shippo wouldn't be proud to let his kids know. He wrapped an arm around me and we sat down in the chair to get going. He gave me a squeeze and left his arm on my shoulders.
"Kagome I am so glad you are back. You can put the twerp in his place since I can't anymore."
"What do you mean? You always used to bop him on the head."
"Yeah but just like Miroku he is so used to it that it doesn't even faze him anymore."
I was getting a little worried with all the Miroku references. Surely my little boy didn't turn into a Hentai? I pushed it aside and began listing what I wanted from the stores. The rest of the ride was companionably quiet.
The first store was for hair care and bath accessories. Being that both were Inu I needed special soaps that wouldn't make them sneeze in my presence. I also needed a few special perfumes that enhanced my scent for the presentation to show that I was pure.
Nothing major happened today as it had yesterday. The human women showed me the selection of perfumes and soaps and with Inuyasha's help I choose some naturally pleasing ones. One woman helped me choose some makeup that I could use without clogging my pores and could be easily wiped off with a special soap. A remarkable little product was shown to me that allowed the makeup to not wear off or be sweated off. The special soap needed only a damp cloth to activate. Marvelous stuff.
I choose a few hair care products that were scentless and made my unruly hair behave as well as shine. It didn't leave my hair feeling weighed down either. I choose a few new hair brushes and picked up other woman's products and we were sent on our way. The price to me was outrageous but Inuyasha just paid and didn't even flinch. I felt kinda bad that he was spending so much and this was just the first store. Then I remembered the price of my bedroom set but I felt better about that being that it was in compensation for the attack on me.
The rest of the day was actually peaceful and occasionally he had the shop attendants send the stuff to the western building. What I didn't notice was that he also sent duplicates of everything to his home until near the end of the day.
"What are you doing?" He turned towards me with confusion on his features.
"Why did you just double the order with one set going to your other home?" A small spark lit his eyes but he remained silent. My hands rose to my hips and my foot started tapping again. He knew what I was about to do so he raised his hands up in a defenseless gesture.
"You won't be forever in Sesshoumaru's home Kagome. In about a year from now he said you could come to live with me. I just wanted things I knew you liked to already be there. I haven't done it in all the stores."
"Which ones?" he blushed a little and my eyebrow rose.
"Er..um" he rubbed the back of his neck as he looked away. Now this was interesting he was embarrassed? A light bulb went off.
"You big pervert! I should string you up by your toes for that but I won't if you take me somewhere." an evil grin came across my face and I knew it was scary when Inuyasha flinched.
"Wh- where do you want to go?"
"After we are done shopping you have to take me to the drum concert in the main park. The Chinese traveling show is in the city and I wanted to go." I knew it would be hell on his ears and it would most likely give him a headache but I had really wanted to see it. Since my mom wouldn't be around till seven thirty I could catch most of it. He reluctantly nodded his head his ears tucked under in defeat. So I grabbed his hand and lead him out checking the store off the list I noticed the next one was Mrs. Modesitt's shop. This was going to be fun!
Sesshoumaru's P.O.V.
My morning was cut short by my appointment with Joanne. I really did not want to deal with her questions. But I logged off and stopped by my secretaries to drop off the work I had got done and give them something to keep them busy until my return. I rode the elevator down and called for a chair. Typing in my destination I sat back and wondered if I really wanted to do this.
I remembered the look in her eyes as she had nodded her head. The look of pure joy on her face when I agreed couldn't be matched. She didn't take it back when she came down later. Shaking my thoughts away I tried to put more thought into why I had done it. Though I had asked for my scent to be cleaned from the fabric Joanne was to make the mattress out of my youki wouldn't come off that easy. Her sleeping on it would mark her deeper then a scent would. Now that thought was pleasing. Justifying wasn't usually my style but again around her my defenses now seemed inadequate since I could no longer ignore her.
Seeing her happy was quickly becoming something I liked to see. Her warmth of spirit was almost like my mom's. It was just so comforting. I wasn't sure how I had missed it in the past but I didn't now.
The 'little' kit should be happy with her return. I wonder of she realizes yet that he is still alive. The chair arrived at the shop and interrupted my chain of thought on the matter. Stepping out I walked towards the door but before I even opened it Joanne came running out and jumped into my arms.
"Fluffy! So good to see you again!" She just as quickly jumped down and then proceeded to punch my arm.
"How dare you not tell me you took a breeder? Father has waited so long for you two to settle down. You have been a bachelor longer then I have been alive he was beginning to think you two had hooked up behind closed doors."
The comment had been said before, by some news stations even, and I was looking forward to proving them all wrong. It still angered me and my eyes flashed a little. I cleared my face and gave her a glare.
"Now, now. You can't help a kitsunes' curiosity its worse then humans. We were all curious as to why you wouldn't even just pay a regular breeder but if what the stations are saying is true then I guess we know why."
I hadn't watched since the first morning and now wondered what exactly they were saying. This was supposed to be a simple agreement and the city, if not the entirety of Japan, was trying to get into it. I growled and decided to up security at my home before they got any bright ideas.
"We need to hurry This Sesshoumaru is very busy and has work to get back to." She huffed and went back inside to gather her helpers. I called for a larger chair and soon took off to the nearest exit. She was persistent in asking questions she should have known the answer to. Finally I had had enough of her droning on.
"Quiet Kit. This Sesshoumaru has no time to entertain you with answers to those outrageous questions. You will meet her in due time. Now let us finish this and let this Sesshoumaru get back to his work. There is still much that has to be done before the presentation."
I turned my head away and watched the city pass around me. A trivial thought about how far humans had come with their technology and their exploding population entered my head. I knew that some of it was inspired by Kagome's wish but my brother had said that her world was more industrialized before. It was good to know that this time my kind didn't die out and that I was still in power. If my father were here he would enjoy amusing himself with the gadgets of this era.
Finally reaching the outer door we stepped outside. After getting far enough away I transformed and allowed Joanne to start. It took longer then I had wanted but once she got to work she shut up. My mind began the long process of adding rough numbers at what this process was costing him. Taking a house breeder was expensive but he had enough money to take several. He decided to check when he got back on his finances. It had been awhile and he wanted to make sure that everything was on the up and up.
About an hour and a half later she was done. Her 10 workers gathered up the fur in large bags and started off leaving Joanne standing by me when I returned to my humanoid form.
"Well fluffy I have to be going since you want the bed done so quickly." We were heading back in and I remained quiet for the moment.
"You never were much of a talker were you fluffy?" Her insistence on calling me that degrading name was wearing my patience thin. I could feel the beast start to rise up. Mentally checking its restraints I finally snapped at the insolent girl.
"You will not call this Sesshoumaru 'fluffy' wench. This Sesshoumaru has been and shall always be of higher station than you. Show proper respect to your elders and those above you. These ideas that you are equal to this Sesshoumaru are fantasy. This is your last warning before you receive punishment girl. Out of respect for your father a message will be sent about your behavior and your pay for this commission docked. Do not try my patience any more today." I growled at the wench before climbing into a second chair.
"By the way wench you shall personally attend my breeder when she stops by today. She will be with my brother. If you ask such questions about her as you asked me, I will find out and I will take the mattress without payment for your insolence."
I pushed the start button and left feeling much better then I had a moment ago. The look on her face at my threat was ego boosting. Kagome hadn't made me become as soft as I feared, which was good to know. My anger spent I looked forward to getting back to work. The day was looking up when I could get the better of that annoying kit.