Inuyasha couldn't help the smile that was growing on his face. She was beautiful, and watching her enjoy his meal, only made him warm within. The look on her face was so genuine he could die happy now.
"Inuyasha," she beamed, "this is delicious. I never knew you could cook."
"Feh. You never asked."
The rough domineer was back, but he knew she could see right through it. She was good at that. Whenever he was upset, she could see right through his calm mask. It was a skill that saved him more times than he could count. If it wasn't for her, he would have probably died long ago of self-incrimination and doubt.
"Can I try some, Kagome," Sango asked as she took a small bite from the tip of her friend's chopstick. Smiling, she looked to him with amazement. "That is delicious. You should cook more often, Inuyasha."
"Feh." The hits of a blush began to rise just under those amber eyes.
Amber eyes. Her mind drifted to a pair of almost identical golden orbs. Only his, though, showed his inward strength and the wisdom that a man as young as he possessed. She never saw anyone like him before, despite that he was a full blooded dog demon.
Sesshomaru Mizuki. His name alone made him sound strong and powerful. His presence was breathtaking. A man so young, and a man he was. There was nothing, nothing, feminine about him. Ever with long hair and skin that looked smooth as silk, he was definitely a man.
"Kagome," her hanyou's voice spoke close, "are you alright? You're red."
I'm red? What does he mean? Looking to Sango for answers, the word 'blush' was mouthed. She was blushing? Her hand rose to her cheek to indeed feel the warmth laying under her flesh, and she was suddenly able to feel it through the rest of her body.
Was it truly the thought of Sesshomaru that was making her blush? No. It couldn't be. Could it?
"You okay?" Inuyasha asked again.
Looking to him, she couldn't help but see Sesshomaru in his eyes. She knew better, though, not to confuse who the man before her was with the image her imagination brought on. Was she actually going crazy?
"Yes, Inuyasha. I'm fine."
"You know? You worry me sometimes." The words were not what bothered her, but the tone they were muttered in. The frustration and irritation was unnerving.
"What do you mean by that?"
He looked at her from out of the corner of his eye. The simple look only made her temper rise ever so slightly. "You never focus on the world around you and processed to do stupid things, like telling the wolf that you could have lunch with him tomorrow," he actually growled as he stared at her, "and there's no way in hell you're going."
She didn't know how to react. The urge to yell at him was overwhelming along with the desire to strike out at him. Contenting with a…some-what…calm tone, her lunch went flying across the table as she stood over him.
"First," he found himself under her dark glare as a delicate finger jammed at his chest, "I do not go off into my 'own little world' that much. Second," her voice was rising with ever word, "I do not do stupid things. Third," this was when he found himself on the ground, "I will not have you telling me what I can and cannot do. The gulls of you to think you have the right."
The rage in her eyes was unmistakable. To have Kagome angry with you was like having the heavens decide you were now their enemy, and hell would be more than willing to accept you if only they didn't have her to deal with as she struggled to kill you again.
"I don't know where you get off at thinking you can tell me what to do, Inuyasha," her voice was tight and stern as she grabbed the front of his shirt and brought him forwards, "but it will not fly. Now get this through your think skull because I won't say it again," small teeth ground together as she whispered in his ear, "I will not have anyone telling me what to do, not even you. So, don't try it again."
With that, he fell back to the ground. Pushing to his elbows, he watched as she walked away. Perfect hips swayed as the fire and tension in her aura flamed about her. Note to self: don't mess with a miko again, especially not that one.
Falling back down, he missed it as a man darted out of the side gardens to follow after her.
—
"Kagome," the most familiar voice called right behind her.
Stopping, the tension in her body melted away as he came to her. His voice was deep and rumbled ever so slightly. It soothed and excited her at the same time. Never had she heard a voice like his before, and she wanted to hear it forever.
Turning, amber eyes caught hers almost instantly as she watched him come through the door into the hallway. The softer lighting made him seem darker somehow, but not dangerous. It was more mysterious that evil. He was a mystery, wasn't he?
It was only when he was within that last few feet from her did she realize she had been staring. Even now, knowing blatantly that she had been, it didn't matter. He didn't seem to be bothered by it, nor was he acknowledging it. Why should she then?
Strands of his hair laid softly over one shoulder as the rest fell down against his back. Wisps of short bags danced against his forehead to bring your eyes to his features. He was handsome beyond words. High cheekbones, full tangible lips, hard chest and arms: she could only imagine what it would feel like to be held against him, under him, as he covered her with kisses and caresses.
The warmth was back to her face as she watched him move just a couple more steps closer. Was she truly going mad now? Was her sanity so short that she was beginning to fantasize about strange men? Or…
Was it just for this man that she was loosing control over her body and mind to?
Taking in a deep breath, she gathered most of her control back into herself. "Hi, Sesshomaru, can I help you with something?"
Yes. There was plenty of things she could help him with. He had originally followed her to talk to her, socialize with her, but now he wanted other things.
The look of passion and desire were so evident in her that it left him hard and stiff. She was a goddess in his eyes, and to have something so graceful and beautiful look at him the same way he inwardly watched her, it was too much to handle.
Yet, he must. The last thing he wanted was for her to somehow feel anger or discomfort towards him. He wanted her beyond reason, but he would not jeopardize it. If she so much as thought about leaving him, he would die.
"No, Kagome," he managed after a struggling few seconds. "But if you would like to talk, I am here."
Berating himself, what kind of a comment was that? I'll be here if you want to talk? It was a comment a boy would make, not a man who sought the comfort from the woman he only ever hungered for.
But as the gentle smile touched her lips, the silent criticisms died instantly. "Thank you, Sesshomaru. A friend would be nice right now." She paused for a moment before speaking again. "But would you mind if we didn't speak of what just happened outside?"
Stepping to be by her side, he extended his arm to her. "Of course."
If it wasn't her smile alone that shot warmth through his body, it was the touch of her hand in the crook of his arm. The simple action indicated a world of meanings in youki customs. It was a show of trust, love, and loyalty. It showed to anyone who knew what they were looking at that she belonged to him, and she had openly allowed it.
Breathing deep, they headed down the hallway. The day was half-way through, and he was grateful that he had a couple more hours to be with her. If only she would be with him still after the final bell rang, he would be at peace.
But as it was, he knew the truth and took advantage of her presence as he had it. To have her beside him like this was just a sweet treat to his sanity.
"So," her sweet voice broke the silence about him, "tell me about yourself, Sesshomaru."
Tell her about myself? If it had been anyone else, he was have attacked her, be it violence or not, but she wasn't anyone else. This was her, his Kagome, asking him this question, and he smirked at his reluctance to hurt her.
"What do you want to know?"
Smiling, she drifted her hand down to his wrist, wrapping the arms together. She missed the rumble of satisfaction from his throat and the comfort shine bright into his closed eyes. "It doesn't matter. Anything. I just want to get to know you more."
And I want to get to know the feel of your naked body against mine, my dear Kagome. Was he loosing his mind with thoughts and fantasies of her? God, he was.
"Well," he smirked, relaxing in the knowledge that she wanted to get to know him also, "I like dogs."
That brought out a soft laugh from the girl next to him. "A dog demon who likes dogs. Who would have thought? I was guessing you for a cat person."
"Quiet frankly," he chided ever so slightly, "I do not mind cats all that much. I simply just prefer dogs."
Causing her hip to smack his in a playful gesture, she tsked at him. "Even so, go on."
"No." His mind rolled as he could still feel the warmth of where she had just made contact with his side. "Tell me first, which do you prefer?"
"Dogs or cats?" she questioned. With a nod from him, a delicate finger tapped against her cheek as she pondered. "Just to mess with you, I would say cats, but I like dogs more. Something about them just leaves me feeling safe and protected." Soft brown eyes looked to him as she frowned ever so slightly. "Is that strange?"
Looking into that gaze, anything about her wouldn't seem strange to him. Yet, no, it was not strange. Dogs are loyal creatures by nature. They are also fierce and determined in their efforts to protect what is theirs. He shook his head no to her. She was right to feel that way. He was a dog himself, be him demon or not, a dog is a dog.
"So," she smiled as an ease came over her, "what else?"
Sighing, he dropped his head a couple of inches in a show of false weariness. She saw right through it. "I like traditional Japanese meals, I have a younger half-brother," he paused, waiting for her to pester him on that last comment. When she didn't, he was pleased. "And, I am quiet fond of talking to you, Kagome Higurashi."
Smiling up at him, he was rewarded as she squeezed his arm in hers. "And I am quiet fond of talking to you, Sesshomaru Mizuki."
Their time of peace was ended as the bell rang to signal them to get back to class. It was tolerable, though, because she was with him still. He was in her class, and welcomed the opportunity to continue their conversation without the worry of parting.
—
The rest of the day flew by too quickly for his liking. The only saving grace was that she had commented about wanting to show him her shrine for their project. To still be with her after the school day ended and to see where she lived also was too perfect.
Standing up, he moved through those last couple of desks to where she stood. Her bag was in her hand while she talked to Sango. The excitement and peace was evident in her aura as she muttered on about something.
Moving closer, brown eyes dart from him with a look he was not familiar with back to the woman before them. "I'm going to grab Shippo on my way home. So, when you see the jerk will you tell him that he doesn't have to."
"Sure thing, Kags, but who are you going with?"
"Sesshomaru," she answered without hesitation, "I want to show him the shrine for our project. With you tell him?"
"Yeah," her friend muttered with uncertainty. "He isn't going to like this, you know? Especially after what happened earlier."
Just as he was marveling in her blissful aura, it was suddenly changing into one of irritation and anger. "He can shove it. I really don't care right now. If he gives you any grief, just tell him to come talk to me, okay?"
With the girl's agreement, he found himself, once again, with her by his side. Her arm was linked in his as she moved to the door with determined steps. The frustration in her shook him to the bone. He didn't like seeing her like this. She was too beautiful to be able to hold such rage, and, yet, she was a woman also. It is true that you do not want to mess with a woman in fear of the wrath that would follow, and judging from what he has seen, she was definitely not one to mess with.
"I see that our new friend has taken a liking to our little miko," Miroku's voice drifted to his ears as they exited.
It was soon followed by the girl's distant answer. "Yeah, and she sure as hell likes him. Too bad that Inuyasha is going to pissed over this."
Inuyasha? He had forgotten about his brother. He had not told her either. What would she say if she were to find out. The hanyou was close to her. That much was obvious. His scent was all over her…
Inwardly rolling in glee, he breathed her in. No. It wasn't his half-brother's scent on her now. It was there, but very, very, faint. No. It was his scent mingling with hers. His scent that covered her as they walked arm in arm, hand in…
How had he not noticed till now that her small hand was entwined in his also. Not just one, either, but two. Her arm was wrapped around his with his hand held pleasantly captive in hers. Her second hand, which was the one that held his amazement most, was placed firmly on his forearm.
Looking down at her, the ease in her movements was unmistakable. She was at peace by his side, and he thanked which ever god brought this beauty into his life. He thanked them for that and the swift ease they had brought them together like this.
He followed beside her as they hit the outside walkway. Taking a mental note of where they were heading, he didn't want to forget it. He was also pleased that he had decided to walk this morning than take his car. From the direction they were heading in, it would take him longer to get back to the school and home than right home.
The sweet sound of a sigh didn't miss his ears. Looking to her, she had her face upward to the sun's warmth with closed eyes. She was stunning. If you would have asked him only three days before that he would be obsessed with a human-miko girl, he would have struck you down for such insanity. Yet, here he was, bathing in the warmth and closeness she brought to him.
God, he was falling fast and hard.
"Sesshomaru," she looked to him, concern and curiosity in her eyes, "what's wrong?"
Lifting his head, he smirked at the woman beside him, and she was most certainly as woman. "Nothing. I am only thinking."
He was amazed at the number of times he has seen a smile on her face. She was always smiling, whether she was happy or sad. It was always genuine too. That simple look brought fire to his veins as his passion for her grew.
"Care to tell me what about?"
Even if he didn't want to, he didn't think he could stop himself from answering her. Just to make her happy, he would gladly suffer through anything. "Only that I am a lucky man to have met a woman like you, Kagome." Even as he said it, there was no embarrassment rising within him.
No, it wasn't him who grew pink with his comment. Looking at her, she cast her head down and to the side, trying to hide her sudden blush. "Thank—Thank you, Sesshomaru."
Smirking, they continued their silent walk to where ever she was leading him to. He didn't care too much as to where their destination was. He only cared that she was securely beside him. If he could only keep her there for the rest of eternity.
"Mama," a voice called out loudly.
Drawing his eyes away from her and to the boy that was running to the white fence, his gaze narrowed as she broke away from him. Bending down, she lifted the full fox demon into her arms.
"How was my boy today?" she beamed at the kit in her arms.
Batting at the strand of her hair now in his face, his glare was almost identical to the one he had seen on her. "Mama, I asked you to stop that. I'm not a kid."
He wasn't sure if it was the gentleness in her actions that rose the warmth of peace in his chest or the motherly character she now carried. Watching her with the kit, curiosity was strong along with the image of her holding one of his pups that same way.
"Don't do that, Kygen," she scowled as a little dog demon with short white hair ran up to her. Bending down, she brought him into her arms swiftly and fluidly.
"Yes, mama."
"Yes, you are," she corrected the boy in her arms, "and I wouldn't care if you are fifty-six with a wife and seven kids, you will always be my little baby."
"Mama," he wined out loud. The sudden embarrassment was strong on his face as he curled into her chest.
Laughing softly, she brought her eyes to one of the women that had been standing with the group of kids. "Ms. Higurashi," the teacher smiled as she looked at the kit, "I have never seen a child with such open attachment in my life. Even those that cling to their moms, it never like him."
"Thank you, Shara." Running her fingers through the red mass on his head, she giggled a little more at the groan of mortification from him. "Can I get the papers to sign him out?"
"Yeah," she smiled before turning to go into the small building. "I will be right back."
"Mama," the boy's curious tone drew her to look at him, "who's he?"
Following his gaze, she smiled at the demon almost right behind her. "This is Sesshomaru Mizuki." Looking at him, she hefted the boy up a few more inches into a more comfortable position. "Sesshomaru, this is my son Shippo."
Confused, he stared at the kit for a moment. The harsh glare that would normally come to him was forced down to only show a look of curiosity and recognition. The kit was a full demon. If it was a hanyou, he would be more suspicious that this child was her true born son. As it were, though, he is not.
A small hand was abruptly extended out to him. "Nice to meet you."
He was surprised at the show of respect, and took the offered hand. "And you, Shippo."
Still, he wondered how much of her ran through his blood as a smile rose to his face. "Mama," green eyes looked up to her, "I like him. Can we take him home with us?"
Another giggle came to her at that. "He is not a stray, Shippo."
"Yeah, yeah." His smile rose with ever passing laugh. Apparently the kit liked to see her happy as much as he did. "But his he coming home with us?"
"Yes, you little brat," she teased, ruffling the red on his head. "Now mind your manners."
"Yes, mama." Turning around, she signed on a sheet of paper and wished Shara a nice weekend.
Weekend? He hadn't realized. It was Friday already. It was his first weekend in this city, and he knew nothing about it.
"Mama," the kit's voice drifted to him, "where's Inuyasha? He's normally with you when you come to get me." He watched as emerald eyes narrowed in silent irritation. "Did he say something stupid again?" He wanted to laugh at that, but laughter was just not him. No. Instead, a smirk graced his lips at the accuracy in those words.
"You know him, sweetie," she muttered, hiding the frustration in her words. "He always speaks before he thinks."
"The idiot just doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut," the words were muttered so soft she hadn't heard them, but the bigger demon hard, and he inwardly agreed with the kit. "I like him more, anyway," he indicated Sesshomaru with a finger in his direction. "I hope he sticks around because you deserve someone better than him, mama."
Ruffling the top of his head again, she tapped him on the nose softly. "That's enough now."
"Feh." Arms crossed against his chest, he couldn't help but feel that they were a family walking like this. He had only met the man a few minutes again, and already he was accepting him. The love the demon held for his mom was so obvious it was shocking. She liked him too, and that in itself was surprising also.
Never before had she like someone. She was with the hanyou all the time, but there never was mutual attraction between the two. Inuyasha wanted her, but she didn't want to be with him like that. They were friends and that was it.
Sighing, he looked to the demon beside them. He looked a lot like Inuyasha, but this guy was way more secure in himself and powerful. He liked that, especially if his mama liked him. She need someone who actually cared for what she wanted, and this demon seemed to care a lot.
As they approached closer to the shrine steps, he bolted out of her arms. "I can smell cookies," he yelled before disappearing from sight up top.
Smiling, she simply shook her head. "Go ahead," she looked to the man beside her, "ask away."
He only smirked as they took the first couple of steps up. "He is not yours."
It was more of a statement than a question, but she understood. "No, he isn't. I knew his father well for many years. When his wife died while giving birth to Shippo, we both named him. I helped raise him while Braken was out at work. He died a year later after her death. They had been mates."
That small statement meant everything. When demons mate, it is for life. The practice is uncommon now, but centuries ago, it was expected. When a mate dies, the other will soon follow. The two separate souls join in mating, and one cannot live without the other.
"I promised him that I would look after his son. That was five years ago." She smiled as her hand rose to her heart. "I couldn't legally adopt him until I was sixteen, but he started calling me mama before I knew it." Looking to him, he saw the love she had for the kit in those eyes. "He may not be my son by birth, but he is my son."
He respected that in her. Any woman that would sacrifice her life for a child was a woman worth having. She never stopped surprising him. Even with a child in her motherly care, he only wanted her more.
"He is lucky to have a woman like you in his life, let alone one so willing to care for him with such love." Looking to her, he pulled her to a stop. "I am also lucky to have met you, Kagome."
Softness was not one of the talents he carried. He was always stoic hard. A smile never graced his lips. A laugh never came to him. He was unemotional and uncaring…
That was before she came into his world.
Staring into those beautiful brown eyes, he watched the peace flow within her depths. So many emotions laid within her gaze that it left him warm and blissfully calm.
When her soft lips smiled at him, his heart froze and sped at the same time. It was a sensation he was growing rather use too around her. "Thank you, Sesshomaru. You don't know how much that means to me."
Raising his hand to brush away a strand of hair from her face, he gently tucked it behind her ear. "Do not allow anyone to put you down. A woman such as you should be free and happy in this life. Having someone control you is sinful."
A soft chuckle escaped her, but the gentleness in her eyes never faded. "You sound like a poet, Sesshomaru. If I didn't know better, I would think you came from the feudal era."
To be honest, he was always frond of the past. There was something serine and natural about it that he liked. This time was too busy and noisy.
Yet, staring into her eyes, he too wondered if she came from that time too. There was a sense of comfort and ease to her that seemed out of place here. To him, she should be sitting by a lake with the sun high above her. Someplace tranquil and wonderful.
Smiling, he took her hand in his. "If I truly start talking poetry, will it keep you beside me?"
He wanted to laugh when her cheeks flamed pink. It was only when she smiled with unbelievable happiness did he loose himself to his inward joy and let out a small chuckle.
"If you start talking poetry, Sesshomaru," she teased, "I will send you to the doctor to make sure you didn't hit your head somewhere on our walk."
Instantly sobering, he squeezed her hand a little. "Do I truly seem so serious that you think I cannot be a poet?"
"I don't think you are serious, Sesshomaru," she answered softly. "I just have a hard time imagining you rhyming."
"I can rhyme quite well."
She wanted to laugh at his sudden defense, but thought better of it. The last thing she wanted was to upset him. She could only image what a troubled Sesshomaru would be like.
Contenting with a smile and soft agreement, she went to start back up the steps. It was the hand still in hers that had stopped her movements, but it was, however, the gravity in his amber eyes that froze her still.
"Kagome," swallowing softly, he forced his worries aside, "will you answer the question I had asked?"
She had only known him for a few days, but seeing him in such conflict left her hopeless against her worry. Stepping back down to come closer to him, she watched the glint in his eyes flicker. He was so handsome. "What question was that?"
Forcing back his fear, he hated to admit the pull she had on him, but he needed to know. "If I start sounding like a poet, will it keep you by my side?"
Startled and confused, she had thought he had been playing earlier. Had he actually been serious? Did he want to be with her? She knew she wanted him, but did he feel the same. He must if he's asking me this.
Warmth consumed her as she stared into his amber orbs. To think that he felt the same gave her so much peace beyond reason. In only the course of two days, he had captured her heart and attention. Something that all her other pursuers had not done.
She smiled as her free hand cupped his cheek, washing away the concern on his handsome features. "Sesshomaru," her voice was soft and gentle. Just like her touch he mentally noted, "Even if you didn't know how to be a poet, I would stay with you. Poetry is nothing more than words put together to make a pretty story. That is not what makes me want to be beside you. It is your character and natural belief in yourself that draws me, and there is nothing you could do change how I feel."
How I feel. Those last few words left so much mystery and certainty that it drove him crazy with bliss. She wanted to be with him. She was also drawn to him.
Growling low with delight, he pulled her into his embrace. When her hands wrapped about him, he couldn't help the comfort he took from her touch. To have her against him like this was heavenly. To have her anywhere near him was blissful.
"Thank you, Kagome."
His whispered words made her smile. Lifting her head to look into those warm eyes, she couldn't help but feel that she was exactly where she needed to be. To be in his arms was too right. It was too perfect. This was where she belonged, and no one could take her from him.
"Come." She smiled as he followed behind her, being pulled by her hand in his.
Watching the glee in her eyes, he felt his own emotions moving inside of him. She was beautiful. She was his goddess, and she now was his. She belonged to him, and the heavens be damned before he allowed anyone or anything to take her from him.