Well here is the new installment chapter I promised for 4/24/03... Hope that you like it... this is basically getting to know all the characters chapter. Please R/R and let me know what you think... And thanks again to everyone who has read part 1 of Lost In Passion...
Angel7669
Chapter 5: Settling In
When Sesshomaru entered the Great Room he found the Southern Lord sitting on the sofa awaiting his arrival. The kitsune youkai still looked to be Kagome's age, but he knew better. Since the kitsune was no more than 200 years his junior, Sesshomaru knew that he would only come if there were a real matter to attend to. Which had the Demon Lord worried, if he was here then there must be a great threat to their kingdoms. Sitting at his desk he looked over at his one time friend, preparing for the news to come. No emotions showed on his face as usual, still in the back of his mind Kagome was there, and when this was done he would return to her.
"So Susako what brings you here to my home so late?" he looked at him directly.
"Well Sesshomaru it seems that the Eastern Lord Enma is planning to declare war on our two kingdoms. I received word of this from Ruka the Great Demoness of the North. She informed me that he approached her for an alliance and she refused such. Yet she did not know much of his plans. But she knew that he was preparing and might soon attack us." Susako stated not moving or showing too much emotion. Sesshomaru could see the thoughts he held through his eyes. Sesshomaru figured Susako knew what such an alliance would do if they had merged.
Sesshomaru continued to talk with Susako throughout most of the evening discussing plans and possible mergers. Jaken hovered outside the door awaiting his master's call at any time.
Kagome lay on the bed still thinking of the kiss earlier in the night. 'Sesshomaru kissed me not once but several times and I kissed him back. Am I really that deprived of attention? Maybe my hormones are kicking in, yeah into overdrive.' She groaned and yet smiled at the idea. 'Well there's nothing I can do about it now, I will just have to wait and see tomorrow of what he says. And if he ignores the fact then I will ignore it also. Besides he probably just hasn't had a woman in a while and I was here.' Still that idea was not appealing to her, to be used again. Inuyasha had used her before, but they had worked through that time. Her thoughts turned to Inuyasha again and the night before.
Kagome got out of the bed and walked to the doors leading to the balcony. The moon was still high in the sky; a faint breeze rustled her hair. 'What happened shouldn't have but they couldn't change it now, besides they were still friends. Maybe being with Inuyasha caused these reactions. No if it did why didn't I react to any of the other guys in the village, some were just as handsome. Oh well maybe I should just ignore it like I thought at first.' She stood there for a long time contemplating her life and all she been through. Her once friends back in the future and her friends her in the past, her life had changed so much in two years. She was now 17 and should be entering college and instead she was here living with Sesshomaru. Maybe college would have been the change she needed, but she doubted that.
Hours later she reentered her room and lay across the bed again in hopes of finally finding sleep that night.
When Sesshomaru and Susako finally departed in was not too long off from morning. Sesshomaru went to his room and sat in his chair once more trying to remove his armor and clothing. Thinking of Kagome did not help matters either and the problems soon to face him from the East. Soon he finally had all of his clothing removed and was prepared for bed. Going to his bed he lay there thinking of what he would do when it came time to leave. 'Rin of course would be ok; the servants would not fail him in that matter, especially with Kagome there. But would Kagome be ok, she could fight but could she command his home?' He told her that when he was away she would be in control of his home. Why he told her such a thing he still did not understand, yet he felt that it was right.
Deciding that this train of thought would be best for another time, he tried to sleep. Kagome was right, even though he was youkai he needed rest some time. Turning over he closed his eyes, and for the first time in months he slept peacefully.
Morning came too fast for Kagome, she was awaken by a curious Rin. "Kagome-sama are you the one Sesshomaru-sama said he would bring for Rin? Rin is happy that Kagome-sama is here." Said the girl with a smile, dancing around the bed.
Kagome could not help but smile at the happy child, she reminded her of her brother when he was younger. Then Kagome thought he was a pest, but now she adored him and his funny ways. Getting out of bed she asked Rin where the bathroom was. Before going there she grabbed some clothing, shampoo and other things she needed. Rin lead her down two corridors, which were rather long, but took no time from their rooms. Upon entering she fell in love with the place. The room appeared to be built around a natural hotspring, which had three pools in the center of the room. Steam rolled up into the air, making Kagome tilt her head to see an enormous roof with an opening allowing the light in.
After Rin showed her where everything was she left her alone to bathe. Kagome took off her dress she traveled in and stepped into the warm water. Relaxing as the heat eased her muscles, she felt like one with the water. After resting there some time she began to scrub her body and shampoo her hair. Once she was done she exited the spring, dried herself and put on another dress. This one another sundress in pink, with rose prints then a pair of sandals, tying her hair with a pink ribbon.
She emerged from the bath and tried to find her way back to her room, luckily she did not get lost. Entering her room she found Shippou sitting on her bed waiting for her to return along with Rin. The two children greeted her and they talked for a while so the two children could get to know each other. Along with Rin getting to know a lot about Kagome also, asking a lot of questions on why Shippou was her son, any why she was not a demon. Kagome now understood why Sesshomaru wanted someone to teach Rin, she was getting into those inquisitive years and wanted to know everything. Kagome knew that with Rin she would have her hands full, but with Shippou also coming to that time himself would really make it harder. Thankfully he learned a few things with their group and a snicky suspicion that Miroku had told the boy some things he shouldn't have.
After spending about an hour in her room, Rin announced that it was almost time for breakfast and she wanted to pick flowers with them afterwards. Everyone being hungry hurried downstairs going to the dining room, laughing and playing. Already seated at the head of the table was Sesshomaru, Rin automatically took her seat to his left. Kagome and Shippou wondered where they would sit. Shippou problem was solved when Rin announced that he would sit across from her, since those were the children's seats. Kagome looked to Sesshomaru and he pointed to the seat across from him at the other end. The table was not long, meant for six people, it was a family dinning room. The pictures on the ways were of seascapes and forests. There were also a few she could tell were done by Rin. Taking her place, servants appeared from the doors behind SesshoMaru bringing out plates of food they sat in front of them. Kagome smelled the aroma, and instantly felt the pang in her stomach. She realized they had not eaten much yesterday at the party. Glancing to make sure the kids were not making a mess she began to eat also.
The food was delicious and better than she had expected, especially after some of the meals they ate on the road. There was little talk during the meal, except from the conversations between Rin and Shippou. Sesshomaru and herself had remained silent and listened to their exchange. Occasionally glancing at each other, when the children had proven humorous. A little while later Rin and Shippou both announced they wanted to go to the garden and play. Being excused they left, being alone with SesshoMaru right now was not something Kagome wanted. She was still unsure about what happened the night before and if he would say anything. Getting up from her seat she began to leave the room until he spoke.
"Where are you going Kagome?" he asked getting up from his chair going towards her. Turning around she noticed he was almost upon her. Not knowing what to do or say she stood there awaiting his slow approach. He continued to look at her as if he was trying to find the center of her. Stopping no more than inches from her he took her hand.
"Kagome I need to speak to you, come with me to my study." He said still holding her hand and turning to the door. He looked over his shoulder when she hadnt moved and smirked. He could guess what she might be thinking but he would wait and see. Finally she moved to his side and they proceeded to the study.
Upon entering the room, she noticed all the books aligning the walls, some great volumes that she couldn't image reading in her lifetime. He motioned for her to sit on the sofa in the center of the room, that faced the fireplace. He in turn took the chair that was to the left of the hearth. They sat there for a few; Kagome took in more of the room, noticing more pictures by Rin. Some seemed to be portraits of Sesshomaru when he was younger. Then she felt him looking at her and returned her gaze to him. She could tell he was checking her reaction to the room. Yet the air about him also commanded attention, he had something of importance to say.
"Kagome as you remember I told you in my absence you would run my home, since I do not have a mate to do such…" he paused to make sure she understood. She nodded her head to show such. 'How does she always know what I'm thinking, need or want? Yet she is still a puzzle to me. No time for that now I have to explain things to her.'
"Well last nights visitor as you already know, came to tell me about a threat to our lands. Which I might have to prepare for war some time soon. This has yet to be established fully, but I am warning you now of the events to come. Your powers are impressive but still I would like you to be trained more in combat. I know that you started your training with your friends. But were going to be dealing with youkai of more strength than Naraku even had." He paused again to make sure she still followed him. She nodded her head once again, but before he could speak, she decided upon doing so first.
"Yes Sesshomaru, I know that you will want me to be trained in case invasion came to your home in your absence, and I would like it as well. I would never forgive myself if anything happen to my children. I know that you probably did not consider giving me run of your home. But since you agreed to such without my asking. I feel that I should respect your wishes and honor that by being at my best to uphold your trust." She finished running out of words, but knew he understood her.
They looked at each other in silence, for once able to read each other. No words were needed the understanding was there and she knew her training would begin soon. She would be prepared and ready to learn and still take care of her children. He had made Rin her child as well as his, so she took that responsibility seriously just as she had with Shippou.
He was amazed at her intelligence in the matter, even though he realized an idiot could tell what he was trying to say at first. But she had picked up on everything clearly and got straight to the point. He also liked the fact she called her pup and Rin her children. Almost forgetting he told her she would be Rin's mother, but she hadn't and accepted that. She would die for her children and he knew he chose the best person as a mother for Rin. She loved and cared for a youkai child just as she would a human one. Not having anything else to say he got up from his seat and moved over to his desk. He sat there looking through the papers that came when Susako left that morning.
Kagome knew in his way he was done since there was nothing else to say. No duties to discuss because she knew what he wanted and he couldn't tell her how to care for children. Ready to be out of his presence she stood to leave, still feeling a little tired from her short sleep she yawned and stretched her arms. Sesshomaru heard this and looked at her from the scroll he was reading. For the first time he caught the signs of a restless sleep on her face. 'Apparently she did not sleep well, maybe thinking of me' he smirked still not letting her know he was watching. Deciding to speak with her again to see if that was the case he got up from his desk, before she finished stretching.
"Kagome…" was said like a whisper close to her ear, which made her jump. He smiled a little; it was the first time he had surprised her. Turning she saw him no more than inches from her looking at her intently. She could tell what he was going to say and began to voice the matter. Yet he stopped her by raising his hand, and motioning his head to stop.
"Yes I know you already are going to argue with me about it. But you need rest if your going to train and take care of the children" he said and she was about to interrupt again. Yet he stopped her again " I know you think I need rest also but I'm a youkai I don't need rest as often. So why don't you take a nap or something? Just as long as you rest." Then he turned to sit back at his desk once more.
Kagome never liked when he acted like that, the great Demon Lord who commanded everyone. She was mad but tried to hold in her anger, still it was hard. He could smell her anger and knew she was very angry, but tried to contain it. When the explosion he waited for didn't come he returned to his papers. After a few minutes he forgot all about her and their talk and was so engrossed in his reading he didn't notice she was still there.
She stood there watching him, so lost in his work that he forgot about her. Still she was upset knowing that there were important matters at hand. She knew she should leave, and really wanted to but a part of her just stood there studying him. She could see that he looked better than last night, but he was still tired. It was all in the way he sat there, not really comfortable. Even his tail came off his shoulder and twitched from time to time. She sat back down on the sofa watching him over the back of the sofa. Time passed and eventually she nodded off to sleep.
Several hours later there was a knock at the door, Sesshomaru for the first time in hours turned his attention away from his work. Knowing it was Himiko he called out to her, "What is it Himiko?" He never once advised her to enter and so she stayed outside the door.
"Sesshomaru-sama we were wondering if you seen Lady Kagome, she has not appeared anywhere in the house since breakfast." She said quickly not wanting to bother him longer than necessary. At these words Sesshomaru came back to reality hard, where did she go since this morning. He began to worry; maybe she had left or was taken. But he did not want his servants know he was worried.
"Himiko check the guard and form a search around the grounds for her and check the other wings, maybe she is lost." With that Himiko left and gathered the people needed. Sesshomaru got up from his desk and walked over to the balcony doors. Stepping out he could see the guard searching for her already. He could hear Himiko's voice telling everyone his order.
There was a breeze out and with it suddenly came her scent. He looked around into the night trying to see her, but realized the scent did not come from outside. Turning back into his study he walked over to the doors. Before he made it there he heard a soft moan, looking over to the sofa, she lay there asleep. Going back out to the balcony he called down to the guard to end their search. Seeing Himiko in the garden he advised her to prepare the evening meal in an hour. Seeing her worried face, he let her know that Kagome had been found. He never told anyone where she was, going back into the study he closed the balcony doors.
Going over to the sofa he sat down on the far end looking at her. 'Even in her sleep she is beautiful. Why do I have these thoughts about a human? Next thing you know I will want to mate with her.' He smirked then growled, knowing he would never do such a thing. 'Why would you not, she is something special just look at her. The only thing stopping you is she wasn't born a youkai. Did that stop your father?'
'Who are you?' ' I'm you of course baka. So don't try to fool me, that's called fooling yourself and you don't consider yourself a fool. So wise up and listen. You want her but you let those old hang-ups about your mother and father stop you. Then you use excuses about hanyou's naming your brother as the problem. The real problem is you, you're afraid to care for someone. But your learning.'
' How am I learning? How can that be?' He asked himself looking more intently at the sleeping woman.
'Just look at Rin, you saved her and it was not that bull shit excuse of testing the sword. You have cared for her for two years now and look at her as your pup. She is human remember and yet you care for her. And now you're starting to care for this human also. She would be a great ally to you and a great mother to your children. Plus she's a miko, your children do not have to be youkai, but deep down you really don't care about that. So wise up and start letting this woman know you care about her, or face the torment of being without her when you drive her away.'
He stopped looking at her, got up and walked to the hearth. Looking over at her again, he began to wonder if he could be caring for her. But would she care for him in return, she had agreed to become the mother of his child. Even though it was an adopted child but she did agree and that did make them Rin's parents. I do have to train her pup Shippou and maybe he could enlighten me some about her. Still he would never resort to using children. With a sigh he knew he had to see on his own being himself, and that he feared might make her leave.
Moving back to the sofa on which she still rested he moved a clawed hand over her cheek. Feeling once again the smooth skin, inhaling her intoxicating scent once more. Letting for once his instincts take control instead of calculating every thing he did. He continued to touch her, along her cheek and her head, letting the strands go through his fingers. She slowly began to stir; he stopped all movement waiting to see her reaction to him.
When she finally opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was molten gold staring back at her. Realizing after a moment that she was staring into the face of Sesshomaru, she began to smile. She didn't know why but it was good to wake up to his face. She was slightly amazed that he was there with her. Thinking he more and likely forgot she there the whole time. Still the feeling she got when she knew it was him she awoke to made her happy. She never in the years she'd been with Inuyasha felt that way, or about any other guy.
Sesshomaru was stunned; he had never been graced with such a smile that was clearly directed towards him. He didn't move though or let the expression cross his face, forgetting that for the moment he was supposed to see if the woman could actual care for him. When she began to rise he moved back from her a little and helped her sit correctly. Then leaning back on the sofa getting comfortable, he just sat there looking at the fireplace. She still had not spoken and he became a little worried that she now regretted that smile.
Kagome was still lost in her own thoughts, looking over the back of the sofa and realizing that she had slept the day away. Still she could sleep a little longer, why she woke up was strange to her. She had the distinct feeling that something smooth but sharp was touching her face. Looking over at Sesshomaru, who sat at her feet, she looked at his clawed hands and began to wonder. 'He was looking at me pretty strange for Sesshomaru, but then again everything he's done since we met earlier this week has been strange.'
Kagome did not know that Sesshomaru was in fact watching her when she looked at him. When she lowered her head and made a face to think about how he been acting, he took it as a sign she was regretting her earlier actions. Sesshomaru didn't like this idea, why this one his inner self did not answer for him, so he was faced to find the answer on his own.
Not knowing what else to do he rose from his seat and held out his hand to her. She took it after a moment, looking at him in shock still. This new Sesshomaru was still hard for her to get used to, she only been there one day now. Once on her feet, he led her to her room and waited for her to enter.
"Dinner will be ready shortly, everyone has been looking for you and no one knows that you were with me. So think up any excuse that you like for now. I'll send someone for you when dinner is ready." He said not looking at her, turning he walked out the door.