Okeedokee, here we go with chapter eighteen. Geesh, this story is so much longer than the others. Honestly, this isn't even the half of it. Oh well, that means more for you to read!

I was asked if Sesshomaru was going to start teasing Kagome more often, since he seems to appreciate the way she looks and smells when she is frustrated. The answer to that question is… in this chapter.

Disclaimer: 我不擁有 Inuyasha traditional Chinese.

Assigned Duties

Five wreaths later, Kagome sighed and fell back, her fall cushioned by the lush grass. Closing her eyes, she simply lay there, soaking up the sun.

Her moment of enjoyment, however, was cut short when a shadow fell across her eyes. Peaking through one half opened lid, she huffed when she found Sesshomaru standing over her, giving a rather distasteful look as he stared down his nose at her. Opening the other eye, she stuck her tongue out in a manner she knew was completely childish.

Before she could retract said appendage, two clawed fingers were pinching the tip, making her squeak. "Hey!" she managed to mumble around her tongue. She fumbled around on the ground for a moment until she was up on her knees, head leaning toward his fingers in an attempt to nip him. He wasn't so easily defeated, though, and simply continued to move away as she came closer.

Eventually, she was standing on her tip toes, her captor refusing to give her any slack as he continued to grip her tongue. She growled a little, the sound coming out as more of a gurgle than anything. It was then she saw his lips twitch into a tiny, almost indiscernible smirk. The bastard must have been having the time of his life.

"Thethomawu, you le go thith inthtant!" she garbled angrily, attempting to kick him in the shin. The action, however, caused her to lose her balance and tumble backwards. She saw his little smirk widen and felt his fingers relinquish their hold on her. Squealing indignantly as she fell onto her bum, Kagome glared up at the taiyoukai and suckled her sore tongue.

Rin, by now, was in a state of hysteria, her girlish giggles never ceasing. "Kagome-chan… you… you looked… like a fishy!"

The young miko imagined how it must have appeared, the feared demon Sesshomaru dangling her by her tongue, much like a fisherman would hold up his catch by the lip. The image of him standing there on a dock came to mind, clad in a grungy pair of hip waders and plaid shirt, fishing hat sitting atop his head. In one hand he held his fishing rod, the pole standing vertically as though to support some of his weight. In his other hand, a large, rather angry looking fish was dangling, one that looked an awful lot like she would… were she a fish.

Mirth was imminent. She literally fell backwards laughing, holding her sides as she continued to chortle. By the time she was finished there were tears in her eyes, her cheeks a charming shade of red.

Rin snickered a little. "Kagome-chan is silly."

"Indeed," Sesshomaru mused plainly as he quirked a brow at her.

Now completely laughed out, Kagome sniffed a little and mumbled, "Whatever, you're such a dork."

His reply was a mock grumble that sounded suspiciously like, "Immature whelp."

In her shocked state of indignant fury, she spat the first thing that came to mind. "Wiener!"

Pausing in mid step, Sesshomaru asked in an unbelieving and slightly frustrated tone, "Wench, did you just call me a… wiener?"

All beliefs of having been laughed out before were now laid aside, for she couldn't help but burst out at the sound of something so immature and completely uncharacteristic coming off of Sesshomaru's tongue. It was down right hilarious to hear him say something as crude and stupid as the word 'wiener'.

Frowning, Sesshomaru let out a short bark, one that had absolutely no effect on the hysterical girl before him. "Woman," he snarled, "you will refrain from insulting or making fun of this Sesshomaru!"

Sucking in deep breaths of air, Kagome managed to calm herself enough to look up at him and whispered an apology. It wasn't that she was ashamed, but she knew that, had she attempted to use a regular tone she would have started giggling again.

Sweeping any emotion from his face, he grunted in response and beckoned Rin to his side. "You are to report to my study, Rin, Jaken is waiting there. It is time for your lessons."

Giving him her best puppy dog face, Rin whined, "But Sesshomaru-sama, Jaken-sama is so boring! His lessons make Rin want to fall asleep!" When her Lord gave her a disapproving look, she scrambled for yet another excuse.

Suddenly, an idea popped into her head. "Can Kagome-chan be Rin's teacher? Rin knows she wouldn't fall asleep if Kagome-chan were her teacher! Besides, she's smarter than smelly, old Jaken-sama."

Sighing, Sesshomaru turned to Kagome, nodding once in approval. The miko was knowledgeable; she would do. "Very well."

As Rin bobbed up and down in excitement, he turned to address the young priestess. "You will be required to teach her to read and write; the basics of mathematics as well as proper literature. Anything else you wish to teach must be approved by myself. At least now you serve a purpose."

"Hey!" Kagome snapped.

Ignoring her, the inu youkai went on, "I will not have lazy ningens getting underfoot in my household. Should I catch you shirking your duties as Rin's teacher, or acting childishly, I will take the position away and give it to someone more deserving."

Huffing, Kagome nodded her head once and took Rin's hand, quickly replacing her icy glare with a friendly look of anticipation. It would be a nice having something to do.

"I wish to speak with you for a moment, miko. Rin, go to the study and inform Jaken of the change. I will bring Kagome shortly," Sesshomaru's deep voice called out to them before they had a chance to get far.

The chipper, brown haired girl nodded vigorously and skipped off, leaving the demon and miko alone.

Gazing nervously up at him, Kagome gulped down a lump that had worked its way into her throat, not certain as to what he wished to discuss.

Sensing her question before she had a chance to ask it, Sesshomaru explained, "We will leave to collect these jewel fragments in four or so days. Until then, you will see to Rin's learning. Such is not a responsibility to be taken lightly, miko. I expect nothing but the best from all of those who serve under my rule. That includes my ward. I will not have her growing up to be a sniveling, idiotic ningen wench. In the mean time, I have matters of war to attend to, and cannot leave as of yet. There are several important issues that require my immediate attention. I ask that you aid the men, as well. Though they are youkai, many have been wounded fatally, and have not the strength to recover on their own. You will heal them."

Standing slightly agape for a moment, Kagome quickly regained her composure when she noticed him glancing at her expectantly. She had never heard him speak so long all at once. Running over the terms, she nodded brusquely. Such an arrangement was agreeable. There was a time for fun and games, and then there was a time to be serious. This, being a matter of life and death for many, was one of those times.

Pleased that she had agreed so readily and without argument or snide remark, Sesshomaru offered his arm to her. "I shall take you to the study."

Shyly accepting, Kagome allowed the tall, handsome, taiyoukai to walk her to the room where Rin was so patiently waiting. She would miss romping in the gardens, but there was time for that later.

Stopping in front of a set of black, lacquered doors, Kagome was about to grasp the handle when a large hand pressed into her shoulder and turned her around. She gasped at the abrupt movement but swiftly regained her straight posture, having stumbled slightly as she was whirled around.

Calculating golden eyes bore down into her own eyes, making her heat up under the intense and scrutinizing gaze.

Taking in her flush form and the scent of her nervousness, Sesshomaru bit back a smirk, replacing it with a look of analysis. "Should you be needed in the medical bay, I will send for you."

The little onna nodded once and moved to enter again when he stopped her for a second time. Hooking a finger under her chin, he lifted her eyes to meet his, seeing his own reflection in her wide, glazed sapphire orbs. "This task is one of importance. Do not disappoint me, Kagome."

He shoved yet another smile down when he felt the beginnings of arousal as well as uncertainty laced with her scent. The poor, inexperienced creature probably didn't even know what the feeling was yet. Deciding to add to the flame, he parted his lips and allowed a hot waft of breath to caress her cheek. His reward was a small, nearly unperceivable gasp, one in which he himself had almost missed.

Releasing her from his grip, he pulled his hand back, making sure to brush a clawed finger across her fluttering pulse. Turning, he walked leisurely back toward the dojo.

Allowing himself a light chuckle, he deliberated idly, 'Yes, soon she will be putty in my hands. Mine to mold, mine to bend. This seems far too easy. Who knew all it would take to win the girl's affection would be a few sweet words and gentle caresses? This is going to be delicious.'

Sesshomaru is such a damn tease… and we all love him for it! Arrogant bastard. Mmm… honestly, I don't know about you girls, but I love a man who has confidence in himself, and even a bit of arrogance can be sexy. I mean, when you like a guy, and he knows he's sexy, chances are that the bed play will be a lot more rigorous, since he's confident in himself. But that's sort of off topic…

Review and I'll give you all a treat!