Day Four

While Kagome was still reeling from the shock of having not been mated, she was finding herself slowly becoming accustomed to the manners of the Daiyoukai's grand estate. He personally gave her a tour and explained how to navigate the home easily, he ordered a tailor to outfit her for the length of her stay, and they ate their meals together in a comfortable silence. At first Kagome was unwilling to accept his gestures of kindness- she did not understand why he went to such great lengths to make sure she was comfortable with his presence. She was certain it had to do with his seemingly bi-polar tendencies as of late, and while she meant to stay at her promise of being his friend, what he made a point to hide from her worried her immensely.

When in the presence of others, the Sesshoumaru she knew in the past returned- and the frigid lord kept himself in check very well. But it seemed the moment they were alone, the dam would crack, and he allowed her to see everything he felt openly. But why? Why her, and what had happened? Why was his control slipping?

Her mind couldn't help but to go back to earlier in the evening. The tailor was basting a bolt of sheer ro weave over her juban under kimono for measurements when he had entered. For some reason, he had business earlier in the day and this was their first meeting of the day. The tailor took the hint and left them. Kagome looked up at him and bowed. "Sesshoumaru-kun."

He looked at her for a moment, a bit of pride in his heart at seeing the woman before him. 'This Sesshoumaru enjoys her calling me by that endearment greatly.' He mused as he admired the vision in the high quality summer weave. "Kagome-chan. Are the fabric selections to your liking?"

She blushed, and turned from him. "They wonderful, but are you sure? I can wear my miko garb, really. This stuff should only be for ladies." It was then she heard him say the most disturbing phrase yet.

"No matter your thoughts, Kagome-chan, I have faith you would make the most noble of ladies. Therefore, these garments do befit your status, and I hope they bring you comfort."

Kagome eyed him suspiciusly before answering timidly, "Sesshoumaru-kun, while appreciate your compliment, I am not a lady." She watched he turned around, biting her bottom lip nervously as she prodded, "Sesshoumaru-kun...is this in reference to your proposal the other night?"

Damn. He had hoped to avoid that a bit longer. He was aware now he had been lucky when he suggested it- she had clearly been in shock over her intended leaving her. Now, not only did she remember it, she was asking for a direct answer. He had to tread carefully in this, or risk causing restirring her desire to leave him once more. Part of him wished to tell her the truth, the complete truth, but he needed more time, and more of her trust. He had just gained her friendship, and he couldn't bear the thoughts of the miko leaving already.

"Sesshoumaru-kun?" as asked again, this time a bit agitated.

"This Sesshoumaru has no doubt in his mind, should you accept his offer, that you would indeed be a suitable lady of the estate. Should you turned this Sesshoumaru down, you would still make a fine lady no matter where you chose." 'Would be mean at Inuyasha's side...right here in what used to be MY home...' he silently added, his form tensing at the thought. Soft growls escaped froom his throat as his mind started to cave.

Kagome's mouth hung open as she stared at him. First, that was a...huge compliment from the formerly human-hating daiyoukai. Secondly, so he HAD offered to take her in- part of her had hoped she was so upset and perhaps imagined it. What could she possibly say to him on that? "Sesshoumaru...what's wrong? There's something you're not telling me...Sesshoumaru...Sesshoumaru! Look at me!" she walked over to him clad only in her white nagajuban, its long soft sleeves flitting behind her, and her long legs peeking out from the soft silk as she moved. Now standing behind him, her hands reached for his arms trying to urge him to turn to face her.

He looked down at the woman, her face a mix of concern of nervousness. Her hands had moved up to his shoulders, so it seemed only natural to rplace his hands at her waist and bring her closer. Only when her body pressed tightly against his did he start to relax, and he leaned down to take a sniff at her hair. Kagome stayed frozen and absolutely still, her pulse and mind racing. 'What...is he doing?' His head moved up slightly, and after a moment of deliberation, he laid a soft kiss on the top of her head. "Kagome-chan, you must excuse me for now. We will dine together later." In a flash, he was gone, and she slumped down into a sitting position, dazed and looking in the direction her had left.

'Something...is wrong here. Sesshoumaru, why won't you tell me?'

His youkai flared out to cleanse her scent from his person as he traveled the skies. His hanyou brother was nearing his estate- a good hour's walk away, he took no chances and threw up a scent barrier around the structure. He would not have his prize taken from him yet under any means. Intercepting his brother, and landed in front of the hanyou, looking down at him with disdain. The hanyou looked back at him, many emotions on his face- especailly confusion.

"Yo, Sesshoumaru, what's the meaning of this? I got a visit from THREE Daiyoukai saying I was the heir. But you aren't going anywhere- so tell me, what the fuck is up with that?"

So they have visited him already. They must be certain he wouldn't pass, then. Even more irritating was the obvious slight- they obviously visited the hanyou in person, whereas with him they opted to use the blasted puppets just to be on the safe side. Infuriating. "Inuyasha, their words were true. If I do not find a mate by year's end, you will become the heir. Only those that intend to carry on the line may hold the throne."

Inuyasha scoffed, "You, die? Somehow I can't picture that. The Sesshoumaru I knew would fight. So go after them and shut them up, permenantly."

Now it was Sesshoumaru's turn to give a low growl in warning. "After five hundred years, the blood of an unmated Daiyoukai will start to poision and burn. Slaying the others will not turn the effects of this fact. It has already started."

Inuyasha's eyes softened a bit- even though they fought, his brother gave him the Meido Zangetsuha, which previously he believed had been their father's sole token of bequethment to him. He knew it had to hurt more then he would ever let on, and he didn't feel comfortable with the idea of his brother and only family passing away. "You are going to mate, right?"

Sesshoumaru's eyes flickered, his words steely and even as he said imply, "That is my intention."

"Well, good! Then there's no problem, bastard. Look, I will be back, ok? But to be honest, I traveled three days to get here, and I've got a pissed off Kagome waiting back at home. We were supposed to mate the other day. So if I don't return, you can assume she "SAT" me to death on that one." he chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. It didn't appear to be working as the Daiyoukai appeared to be looking in the distance.

'He's losing his mind, isn't he?' he thought glumly. "Oi, Sesshoumaru! Mate, ok?" He sighed a bit with relief as the Daiyoukai glanced over at him and nodded once. With a smile, the hanyou lept off, hurrying home towards the mate that was no longer there waiting for him.