Chapter 10
A/N: Thank you once more for all your wonderful reviews! Hehehehe, and look, ten chapters, yippy! I know it's a slightly pathetic reason for calibration but I can't really help it I'm excited! I had meant to update soon, however it's exam time so I have been slightly preoccupied so I tried to get this up quick so that I wouldn't keep you waiting to long. Oooh and if some of you don't mind reading the poem at the end and letting me know what you think of it that would be great! You don't have to (obviously) but if you have time and don't mind taking a gander that it I would really appreciate what you think. Any who, enough idle chat for now; on with the story!
Disclaimer: I don't own a thing. : ( : (
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As Kagome stood still within Izayoi embrace she glared daggers at Sesshoumaru's smirking face, and a rather unpleasant realization hit her. 'I can't believe this is happening he is going to make me tell them that the assumption they made is a mistake. How am I supposed to tell this woman that I am not Sesshoumaru's girlfriend?" Kagome contemplation frantically as she shifted her attention away from Sesshoumaru "Umm-" Kagome stared to choke out as she was squeezed even harder.
"Honey, I think it might be best if you let Kagome go, remember you are much stronger." Toga reminded gently, as he attempted to draw his wife and mate away from Kagome.
"Oh, I am so sorry dear, sometimes I forget that I am stronger then I use to be," Izayoi told her, her eyes doing a quick scan of Kagome's body to make sure she had not caused her any harm. Once Izayoi saw that she was fine she let her face light up with joy once more. "I was just so excited, Sesshoumaru never finds anyone he finds suitable enough to bring home to us. It is usually only Inuyasha that brings people home, so when I saw you I got over zealous."
Gazing a the woman's elated face Kagome found herself unable to correct the assumption, "That's okay, I don't mind hug in the least. Though I am sorry about surprising you, I thought that Sesshoumaru had told you I was coming." Kagome apologized then remembered she even had Valeo with her. "Oh, and I brought Valeo, I am so sorry I should have asked, you may not even like dogs. And she not exactly one that is easily missed."
"Oh I don't mind at all!" Izayoi laughed merrily taking the leash from Kagome and letting Valeo off the leash, "how can I not love dogs look who I am married to."
Kagome chuckled as she realized just how odd it would be if the woman had hated dogs, it would have been akin to not liking her own mate. "Your right, I had just thought that Sesshoumaru would have let you know." Kagome said, her eyes fixed on Sesshoumaru as she spoke.
"It doesn't matter one bit," Toga announced as he clapped his hands together from a few feet away.
"Yes quiet right, come this way. Dinner will be ready in about ten minuets so how but you come sit down and will get to know one another a bit better before dinner." The woman chirped happily as she ushered the group towards the door way at the back of the foyer, reminding Kagome slightly of Rin.
As they walked into the living room Kagome allowed herself to just stop and take in the subtle beauty of the room. The deep crimson couches were inviting and elegant looking. Every thing was strategically placed, to look as stylish as possible while at the same moment being very efficient. Each couch was within reach of at least one of the three tables; either the center coffee table of two side ones. There were too love seats on angles by a massive high ceiling windows.
While she was viewing the room Toga and Izayoi had taken a seat on the large couch on the other side of the coffee table, with Rin nestled between them. Sesshoumaru took a seat on the nearest couch across from his parents, seeing this Kagome automatically headed for the other couch. Before she had made it two feet Valeo barreled past her and leaped onto the couch, enveloping its length.
"Valeo!" Kagome cried, heading for the couch.
"Oh, you don't have to move her leave her be," Izayoi told her before she could even attempt to move the grinning dog.
"Yes, we use to have a dog that would sit on that very couch every time we were here. It is alright for you to leave her there." Togo told her, trying to reassure the uncomfortable look she had on her face.
"Just leave her and go sit with Sesshoumaru," she was assured cheerily by Izayoi once more.
Seeing that she was stuck, she slowly went the coach Sesshoumaru had claimed. He was seated almost in the middle, with his arm over the back of it, leaving Kagome very little room to sit and still have space between them. Wedging herself down next to the arm rest she gazed expectantly at her hosts while she tried to think of a way to bring up the fact that she wasn't seeing their son. Without blurting it out to them outright.
"So how is the shoot going so far?" Toga inquired of his son, recognizing Kagome's anxiety and wanting to give her a chance to relax.
Listening to Sesshoumaru's answer Kagome sorted through some ideas before settling on the most direct one, 'looks like I am going to just have to say it, the last thing I need is for them to start asking questions. If I get it out there it won't be awkward.'
Unfortunately Sesshoumaru had his own plans, also sensing Kagome's nerves he decided to have a little bit more fun with his ploy. As he answered his fathers question he edged closer to Kagome and slowly slipped a clawed hand into her hair and gently stroked it. Kagome stiffened instantly unable to squeeze herself any closer to the edge of the couch. 'The longer it takes for Kagome to tell my parents the more I shall do to her, it shall be interesting to see how long it takes her; and how much she will put up with.'
As she attempted to shrink closer against the side of the couch Kagome realized it was futile to try to escape. 'The further away I try to move the closer he'll get. Looks like the only way out is the truth.'
Unfortunately Kagome was not given a chance to speak as Izayoi was firing questions at them, most of which Sesshoumaru answered. The only time the perpetual chatter ended was when a timer went off in the kitchen sending the women scooting out of the room to check her meal. Moments later she was back, "dinner is ready!" She chimed out in a sing song voice. "I just love when we go away on vacation, no cooks, and I get to practice my culinary skills. Come tell me what you think, I'm trying something new for tonight."
'Okay, so I can tell them at dinner.' Kagome thought as she jumped up from the couch away from Sesshoumaru and his affections, that Kagome found herself enjoying to much for comfort.
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It wasn't until dessert, when Izayoi hand out bowls of trifle that Kagome was finally able to get out the phrase she had been trying to say all night. The desire to speak had only increased throughout the meal, as Sesshoumaru had taken the seat next to her. Through the entire meal he had continued with his small 'affections'. When his mother was blatantly asking a question he would occasionally pretend to be so absorbed in Kagome that he would have her ask the question again. Kagome was so flustered that the moment she saw her opening she jumped at it and did what she had been hoping she wouldn't do.
"I think we have given you the wrong impression, I am not going out with Sesshoumaru, I am only work for him." Kagome exclaim hastily, wanting it all out before she was interrupted or let her self back out.
Izayoi hesitated as she placed a delicate china bowl before Kagome, a look of confusion marring her cheerful expression. Then suddenly she beamed once more and Kagome sighed in relief. "Oh, you're still shy about it! I am so sorry I must have made it so awkward going on and on about it. Asking questions, no wonder Sesshoumaru answered them all. Don't worry about it we will speak no more about it tonight. We shall wait until you have been together longer and are more comfortable." Izayoi told her, trying to be reassuring and smiling softly at her.
'Oh crap she totally misunderstood!' Kagome though her small moment of relief vanishing immediately, "No I don't th-" She started, but was cut off.
"No hun, the discussion is closed we shall talk about it next time perhaps." Izayoi told her, and then look towards her mate. "Right dear, not another word out of us tonight."
"Agreed" Toga concurred; grinning at Kagome.
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When they walked into the hotel room Kagome let the annoyance that had been building up all night come out at Sesshoumaru. She had been holding it in the entire car ride and decided that now was a good time to let him have it. "How the hell could you let your parents think that? Not you encouraged it; all evening! Now they think that I am just shy about the new relationship, how am I suppose to face them next time, if this was your idea of a punishment I must say that I was cruel and unusual."
Sesshoumaru simply ignored Kagome's ranting and went into his bedroom to change. Peeved, she glared at the closed door, almost wishing she could burn holes right through it. 'Wow, that jerk, how can he act like that; just ignore things and walk on by!' Kagome fumed. Turning into her room she quickly through on some lounging clothes and came back out to wait for Sesshoumaru.
Dropping down onto the couch she continued her staring match with the master bedrooms door. It was a good ten minuets before Sesshoumaru came out, and not looking at Kagome went to the kitchen.
Quickly jumping to her feet Kagome followed him, taking a seat in one of the kitchen chairs as she asked, "So are you going to answer me?"
Sesshoumaru, a mug of coffee in hand, turned and sat down at the small table across from her. "I found it highly amusing, though I will be honest with you; I had thought that once you told them that you were not seeing me that they would believe you. It must be that for several decades now they have been hoping that I would take a mate, or at least be interested. Though I must say they seem to like you far better then they like Kikyo. The first time my brother brought her home my mother said barely a dozen words to you. Of course the fact that she approved of you so much will make it more difficult for you to convince her that you are indeed not my girlfriend."
"What you're not going to help?" Kagome asked surprised that he wouldn't want to let his parents know. "You do no think that's a little mean to your parents."
"No I believe my father know that it was a fallacy. Though I do not believe he will have the heart to tell my mother otherwise." Sesshoumaru explained.
Kagome nodded, 'least I only have to convince one of them then,' She thought getting up to poor herself a cup of coffee. "It was very nice of them to take Valeo as well as Rin." Kagome commented as she returned to the table, wanting a change of topic.
Sesshoumaru nodded, "They enjoy pets, I was not be surprised when they asked if she could stay with Rin." Standing up he deposited his cup in the sink. "We have a dinner meeting tomorrow night that I arranged today. It is with the owner of another company. He just inherited it and is interested in producing a movie with me, so you will only be working tomorrow morning as you will need to buy another dress for tomorrow night."
"Why do I need another dress?"
"The dinner is not in the city we shall be heading to the west coast, he has business there before hand and asked that we meet him and I have agreed. The press likes to see that various companies can get along so this will be a good time to set up ground work." Sesshoumaru explained and head out of the room not waiting for an answer.
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As she gazed out the window, Kagome saw the lights of the city coming closer as they descended. Letting out a soft sigh she relaxed against the seat, so far it had been an uneventful day, and if things went well she wouldn't embarrass her self when they got there. Looking down at the simple midnight blue strapless she was wearing she pondered just how formal this even was going to be. 'I cannot believe that we are flying to Vancouver just to have a dinner meeting. What kind of meeting is it if were dressed like this?' Kagome wondered as she glanced over at Sesshoumaru's outfit.
Doing a sweep from head to toe, Kagome couldn't help but admire just how nice he looked in his black suit. It was obviously tailored to him and expensive. The black dress shirt and midnight blue tie made him appear very dashing. 'Hey, we match!' Kagome thought startled at the idea.
"Umm, are we supposed to be matching?" Kagome asked him cautiously.
"Yes" Sesshoumaru told her not bothering to look up from the notes that he was reviewing.
"Why?"
"Because we are suppose to."
Not liking the answer Kagome continued to question, "and why are we suppose to?"
Growling ever so softly under his breath Sesshoumaru set his things aside know she would persist until he relinquished more information on the topic. "Koga Honda is the one that just inherited the production company he-"
"Wait is this the same Koga that was doing stunts when I first started?" Kagome interrupted him.
"Yes," Sesshoumaru told her coldly, glaring at her for interrupting he continued, "It was one of his fathers traditions that his guests and whom it is they bring, are to match so that if he does not know them he can at least associate. I am assuming that he wishes to keep up with traditions."
With that said Sesshoumaru picked he work up once more but did not resume reading it, instead he put it back into his briefcase and waited as they began there decent. Kagome, turned to look once more out the window, 'wow I think I like him better when Rin is around he seems way less tense when she is, I wonder what is bothering him?' She thought casting a quick glance at him, only to find him with his eyes closed and a slight furrow between his eyes.
Concerned Kagome turned to face him once more, "Is something wrong?"
"No," Sesshoumaru growled, glaring icily at her, "and were there it is neither the time nor place to discuses it." Taken aback Kagome returned to the window to watch as the city grew steadily larger.
As soon as they landed and docked Sesshoumaru led her quickly out to an awaiting limo. Opening the door he gestured to her to climb in before her. Doing so Kagome quickly scooted to the far end of the seat towards the other door, and waited for the lecture she had not received on the plane, the one about not embarrassing him. Since he hadn't dealt it on the plane she assumed it would be coming now.
Instead as they began to move Sesshoumaru stayed quiet. Gazing at her as Kagome once more set her attention out of a window, 'She really is an intriguing creature, the more she is around the more I learn, and the more sides of herself she shows. She seems to genuinely care about almost everything that goes on around her. She is also apt at reading others, which she proved by noticing my aggravation. I may be becoming too comfortable around her, and what worse is that it should be bothering far more then it is. The last thing I need is to start caring for this girl.' Sesshoumaru pondered, so absorbed in his pondering that it took him a moment to notice Kagome gazing at him worriedly.
Kagome opened her mouth to ask a question but before she could Sesshoumaru spoke, "There is someone you must watch out for this evening."
"Oh?" Kagome wondered, her interest peaked, and no longer wondering about Sesshoumaru.
"Yes, Naraku Onigumo, he is a Hanyou that owns Shikon Legend Productions. Do not tell him your full name, he has some what of a shady reputation." This little morsel of information had Kagome sit up a little straighter in her seat and she listened more intently when Sesshoumaru continued, "I doubt that he will do anything while I am around, however should we separate do not talk to him and if you can avoid it try not to be within twenty feet of him. He will immediately pick you out because you are a Miko."
"Alright," Kagome agreed not wanting to meet the man if it boded this much trouble, for she doubted Sesshoumaru would warn her if it wasn't necessary. "And what do you mean Miko, you dad said the same thing too?"
Sesshoumaru shook his head ever so slightly, "Now is not the time to explain that, though I must warn you there are reporters outside," he told her as the car came to a stop.
'It's never the time to talk about anything. Wait, reporters?' Kagome thought slightly panicked, but before she could say anything the door was opened and Sesshoumaru stepped out. Reaching in he offered Kagome his hand. Looking at it tentatively she took and stepped out onto the side walk and was immediately bombarded with flashes and cameras.
Questions were being whipped at her left right and center, as Sesshoumaru wrapped an arm around her and led her to the front doors where a tall man with black hair and blue eyes stood beaming at her charmingly, 'Koga,' she thought, slightly surprised by his sharp appearance. The last time she had seen him he had been dressed like a normal person, not in a snappy black tux. Kagome didn't have time to admire the difference for long because one of the reporters' questions made it to her ears loud and clear.
"Sesshoumaru, you never bring a date to events, is she a new love interest?" A man to Kagome's left asked.
Sesshoumaru who had yet to answer a question responded to this one, "Maybe."
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Hehehehe, sorry I couldn't resist doing that at the end. Any way please let me no good, bad, ugly? Sorry again about the wait, I just finished writing my English final today and still have biology. I hoped you liked it, either way please review!! Thanks : )