Weeping Willows

By Dragoness

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story. They are the product of the wonderful Rumiko Takahashi . Only the story is mine.

Hello again. Thank you all so much for the wonderful reviews. I am so happy you all are enjoying the story. I know I am truly enjoying writing it. Tru Gemini as you already know YOU ROCK! Thank you for staying with me this long you encouragement and help have been invaluable. His Lady thank you soo much for your reviews. I'm sorry about the cliffy. I hope this makes up for it.

Chapter 15 Inutaisho Enters

Three days ago

Sesshomaru walked into his apartment whistling. Last night had been one of the most wonderful nights of his life. He had been in quite a few relationships in his past but there was no comparison with this.

How he wasn't sure but for once in his life he felt content and complete. Whether he had just never met the right person before or that his heart was not open then he wasn't sure. He was only sure that he was lost. Utterly and completely lost. In her.

In Kagome he could see everything he wanted, he could see his future. And after last night he didn't think he could ever let her go. He hadn't planned for them to be intimate so soon but he wouldn't change it for anything in the world.

Getting to know her as he had Sesshomaru was already in love with her. Her mind, her personality, her lighthearted laugh that was magical, like butterflies wings fluttering in the breeze. She also had those deep soulful eyes that held so much warmth and truth. But now that he had tasted her body she was his. He'd let no other near her.

Just thinking about her taste on his tongue and her shapely legs rubbing against his sent residual shivers of pleasure down his spine. Recalling how she felt wriggling underneath him and how her face looked in the throes of passion had his member aching and straining against the zipper of his pants painfully. He could still smell her on him mixed in with his scent , it was so intoxicating he almost hated the thought of taking a shower. Almost, but he was still Sesshomaru and he could not allow his person to be anything but immaculate. Stripping off his shirt as he headed toward his bedroom Sesshomaru stopped when he heard a familiar voice behind him.

"Hello Son," Inutaisho greeted from the couch. "My you're looking less than pristine this morning. Are you just getting in?" he teased with a knowing smirk.

"Father," Sesshomaru acknowledged coldly, "If you needed to see me you could have just called. I do not appreciate you showing up at my apartment unannounced."

Leaning back on the couch to get more comfortable Inutaisho crossed his right leg over his left as he took in his son's appearance.

"Now, now my boy. Is that anyway to greet your sire? After all it has been a couple of years since we have seen each other face to face."

"Yes and I could have easily gone a couple more with no problem," Sesshomaru stated as he took a seat on the couch opposite his father. "To what do I owe this pleasure?" Sesshomaru asked in a slightly warmer tone.

Shaking his head Inutaisho said, "You should just stick to the forward approach my son. False concern does not become you."

"Very well," Sesshomaru stated back to his usual bored tone. "Why are you here?"

Chuckling at the reaction he was getting from his son Inutaisho continued ribbing Sesshomaru.

"Can't a father just come to visit his son without any ulterior motives?

"Now who is the one showing false concern?" Sesshomaru stated in a bored tone. Getting up he turned towards the kitchen. It was obvious his father intended to drag this out and since it looked like he was going to have to put up with the old man for a while Sesshomaru was going to need some coffee. The good feeling he had coming in the door dissipated instantly upon hearing his father's voice and now he just felt tired and irritable.

"Alright, I'll get to the point. You know you are no fun. You could at least snap at me or get riled up," Inutaisho said huffing in annoyance.

"I just wanted a bit of fun before we got down to business but since you are determined to act as though I have so greatly inconvenienced you I will get to the point."

Sitting forward on the couch, his elbows resting on his knees Inutaisho fixed his son with a stern stare. His whole demeanor changed instantly to a cold, detached business man. If Sesshomaru was not used to his father's quick mood changes he would have been taken aback by the transition.

"I have decided it is time to retire," he said in a non negotiable tone.

Sesshomaru froze, the coffee pot hanging in mid air and turned toward his father.

Seeing that he had his son's full attention Inutaisho continued, "As my one and only heir it is your responsibility to take over the family business."

"I have already checked on your contract and as you know it expires in six more months. At that time you will resign and take the reins at Tashio Inc. During this time it is imperative that you start getting ready for your role as C.E.O. You have until one month before that time to obtain a wife. As you know in the business world image is everything and we will not have people thinking you are some playboy bachelor that just got the keys to daddy's company."

"You have already made a name for yourself in the business world. Now you need to present yourself as steady unmovable person. You need a wife by your side to give support from the background. A wife who will able to host parties and mingle with the other businessmen's wives. To one day bear you great heirs."

Putting down the coffee pot Sesshomaru walked back into the living room area and took a seat. He knew this day would come but had honestly not given it much thought. The old man was still running everything just fine and showed no signs of even slowing. Sesshomaru figured he had a couple more years before he would have to take over his father's company. By then there would be no doubt that he was the right choice. The legacy he had built so far would be even more impressive showing he truly was an unbeatable force, not because of who his father was but for whom he was. Once he took over he planned to outshine his father to the point that everyone would be in awe of him.

Running his hand through his hair catching a whiff of her sweet smell Sesshomaru 's racing thoughts came to a halt. A wife? What about Kagome? They weren't sure just where this was going yet. Yes, he could admit that he loved her and had no intentions of letting her go but what about her feelings? It was too soon to push for marriage. Even in a few months it would be too soon. He had not even had a chance to process last night and now here he was trying to decide what the future would hold for them. Things were moving way too fast, and Sesshomaru needed time to think. Right now though, before he could sort this all out Sesshomaru needed to get rid of his father.

Inutaisho noticed the distracted look on his son's face and decided to remain quiet for a few minutes to give Sesshomaru time to let the information to sink in. He knew Sesshomaru hated to be rushed into things. Sesshomaru had always been methodical in his thinking. He liked to first look at a problem from all angles and then dissect it to figure out the best course to take. In all honesty he had planned to give his son a couple of years notice in order to give him the necessary time but life is not always that kind and time was running out.

Whether his son believed it or not he did love him dearly. He had been harsh and strict with him. Withholding the praise that he realized now he should have showered Sesshomaru with all along but he did what he thought was best. He raised Sesshomaru the way his father had raised him not realizing until much later in life that maybe that was why his relationship with his own father before he passed was so strained. He had only wanted to raise him to be the best. To make sure he would be prepared for the cut throat business world he would be submerged in. Now it was probably too late. Sesshomaru tolerated him at best. The rift between them was so wide now nothing short of a miracle would breach the gap. Any kind of reconciliation would fall short of the other side of the chasm crashing and disappearing into the darkness below.

Getting up to look out the window that overlooked the city Sesshomaru nodded. "Hn, it will be done. I shall start preparations immediately. As far as a wife goes I have someone already in mind, I will speak with her shortly."

Grimacing at the next ugly piece of business to be discussed Inutaisho asked, "You are not speaking of Higurashi Kagome are you?"

Turning to face his father Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes in anger. He should have known the old man was keeping tabs on him. Inutaisho had always felt as though he were entitled to know what was going on in his life. That was another one of the many reasons he left to make a name for himself.

"Yes, what of her?" Sesshomaru said trying to control his anger.

"Nothing, nothing she is a sweet girl." Inutaisho said trying to keep the atmosphere as calm as possible under the circumstances. "All reports on her state she is a great woman. She is hard working, honest, and has no skeletons in her closet that could come back to bite you in the ass later."

Stepping toward his father, his eyes flashing dangerously Sesshomaru asked, "And why, pray tell were you checking up on her?"

"Calm down son, you are about to inherit a multi-billion dollar corporation. Any woman or person for that matter, in your life needs to be checked. I wouldn't put it past any of my rivals to try to throw any kind of monkey wrench in the works that they can."

Seeing the truth in his father's words Sesshomaru stopped advancing.

"My only problem with her is that she may be too sweet and innocent. Do you really think she will be able to stand by your side like you would need her to? Do you think she will be able to function amongst the many wolves that will seek to devour her just because she is with you? Can you stand to see her lose that innocent light in her eyes if she does stay and the harsh reality drains her of her joy?"

"My, my father I don't remember you ever being so eloquent before. What is your angle in all this?" Sesshomaru asked suspiciously.

Going back to the kitchen Sesshomaru passed the coffee pot opting instead for the scotch under the cabinet. Fixing himself a drink he once again took a seat opposite his father.

Sighing Inutaisho leaned back on the couch as he closed his eyes for a moment. "I have no angle I just want you to think about what you are asking of her and honestly examine ,by what you know of her ,the circumstances to see if she can live up to the challenge. Believe it or not I only want what's best for you."

"I was thinking that you could even marry Kagura. She was raised around the business world and would be able to handle all it would entail. There would be no added stress to the marriage and you are already familiar with her so it wouldn't be like you were marrying someone you just met. You also know she comes from good breeding so there would be no questions raised in any of the circles," Inutaisho finished. He looked at his son hopefully. He needed him to understand what was at stake here. He didn't work all these years to make the company what it was for his son to take over and then lose it all. Not because he couldn't handle the business side of things but because of the other families. They would look for any reason no matter how small to cause problems for his son hoping to distract him enough to make a mistake. They were not above attacking his personal life and reputation if it could help them manipulate a situation to their advantage.

Smirking Sesshomaru took in all his father had said. Concerned indeed. He thought to himself. "I guess the fact that she happens to be the daughter of one of the biggest companies next to yours had nothing to do with your choice. Or were you perhaps thinking about that fact that if we were joined in marriage the merger between the two companies would expand your empire even more? You could go out with a bang sort of speak. Letting everyone in the business world know you didn't step down because you had to but because you chose to. You are so transparent," Sesshomaru said with as much venom as he could muster at the moment.

Turning from his father Sesshomaru called over his shoulder.

"You have delivered your message, as I said before I will start preparations immediately. You can see yourself out," Sesshomaru stated as he headed to the bathroom for a long overdue shower. It wasn't going to be as relaxing as it would have been before his father showed up but he would take what he could get. Sesshomaru had much to think on and he had a feeling that the next few days would be very trying.

Hope you like it. Thank you for all the feedback on the last chapter. I will be leaving it as it is. As for the quote "If you love me then love me". It was from Stephen's Kings Gunslinger Series. Book IV: Wizards and Glass. If you have read this particular book I think you would agree it summed up the emotions, desire, the love, and the need of the moment. I have a few more I would like to use. If you liked this game or have a few of your won to suggest let me know. If the majority of you like it I will continue to put one in every couple of chapters or so. Until next time.