Weeping Willows

By Dragonessclaw

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

Authors Note: Flashback is in bold.

This chapter is dedicated to S3rrenity4193. Thank you for your review and criticism. I went back and changed some things based on what you said. I think it is better this way.

Chapter 26 Reflections & Apologies

Sesshomaru sat waiting at the Amataro Minami 5. .His imitation of a statue would have been perfect if not for the occasional blink of his eyes. He was waiting on Kagome, it had been a month since she had confessed her feelings and Sesshomaru had been putting her off ever since. It wasn't that he was intentionally trying to drag things out but that he really didn't know what he should do.

Sesshomaru wasn't used to being confused and for some reason the one person that he really wanted kept him in that state constantly and Sesshomaru wasn't sure he could deal with that. He had tried the logical approach making a chart to look at the averages on how likely it would be that their differences would not hinder their relationship but that didn't work.

The next thing he tried to just a simple list of all the things that bothered him and just tried to weigh the pros and cons. It worked, but not enough to Sesshomaru likes, since there were many variables involved that could change the outcome. That was when Sesshomaru picked simple avoidance as his tactic. He kept himself busy and made sure to steer clear of any place that would possibly bring him in contact with Higurashi Kagome. It did no good however, as he mind kept sending him flashes of doe like eyes, or the different kinds of smiles and expressions she often wore on her face. Then Sesshomaru decided he would not think about the consequences, he knew there was something special about Kagome and he would be a fool to walk away.

Thinking back on his sire's words actually helped, but of course he would never tell him that. He was Sesshomaru Tashio. No amount of confusion or frustration would hinder him from his course. That is what led him to his current situation. With his mind made up Sesshomaru had called Kagome and set up a time to meet for lunch. It wasn't time for her to be there yet but Sesshomaru was antsy so he decided to leave the house a little early.

As he sat there he thought back on the last time he had seen her.

Flashback

He was waiting for his "appointment" when someone knocked on the door. More irritated at the thought of being disturbed than wondering who would be at the door he swung it wide open, his face set in its infamous glare.

Then his heart skipped a beat as he was greeted with the sight of the last person he wanted to see at the moment. Kagome stood there looking a little unsure as she smiled at him and Sesshomaru had couldn't remember her looking so beautiful. Focusing on his bodily language Sesshomaru fought to keep the multitude of feelings he was experiencing at the moment beneath the calm façade he was trying to betray.

He wasn't ready to speak with her yet so he kept his face impassive to discourage her from talking more than necessary. Kagome still hadn't said anything so not really sure what to do Sesshomaru stood there and waited for her to state the reason for her impromptu visit.

Kagome seemed to consider him for another minute before she began to speak. After she had her say Sesshomaru tried to get her to leave mentioning a prior engagement and it had almost worked. As Kagome had turned around and started to leave Sesshomaru tried not to see the look of disappointment on her face and eyes. Resolving to deal with the matter that was hanging above both of their heads first Sesshomaru took one last wistful glance at Kagome. His chest tightening as the uneasy feeling increased with every step Kagome took away from him. Just as he was closing the door she spoke again. He wanted nothing more than to refuse her request at least until he could get his body, heart and mind in sync and in control but at her soft please he couldn't say no.

He remembered picturing himself as an iceberg, not wanting Kagome to see how her mere presence affected him. With anyone else that would not have been necessary as he remained cool and aloof with most people, but with Kagome it was impossible. Without his full realization she had bypassed all his barriers and had wormed her way into not just his heart but his very soul. That was a problem. Sesshomaru was not one to make a move without knowing where all the pieces were first.

Once she presented him with the plant he was ready to escort her to the door but he paused when she pulled something else out of her pocket. As she handed the small box to him Sesshomaru couldn't help but wonder what it was. His curiosity peaked, Sesshomaru started to open the package, his earlier thoughts of getting rid of her all but forgotten. When he saw what it was Sesshomaru had to fight the smile that threatened to surface and destroy his carefully crafted mask of indifference. One of the things that had attracted him to Kagome was her giving heart. The way she cared for her friends and family was rare among most. She was real and down to earth and when she did anything it was heartfelt and thoughtful. That was when he really started to feel uncomfortable. He wanted her, he craved her companionship but there were too many things out of place. Deciding to put all thoughts aside to concentrate on the task ahead Sesshomaru saw Kagome out the door. Once closed he closed his eyes and took a few deep breathes to center himself. He wasn't used to his body warring with itself and he found it quite draining.

End Flashback

Sesshomaru was brought out of his musings by the sight of Kagome walking in the door of the restaurant. She was wearing a pretty sundress that was pink with white and blue accents. It was an odd mixture but on her it looked great. Her hair was put up in a messy bun with a few strands left out to frame her face and neck. Sesshomaru preferred it left loose and flowing but if it had to be up this was definitely his favorite style. It was cute and not too neat. The few strands left hanging were a nice contrast to her smooth skin and made her eyes seem an even deeper blue than usual. It also gave him a nice view of her long and graceful neck.

Sesshomaru had always had a thing for necks, maybe because for him the special scent of a woman always seemed stronger there at the pulse point. With Kagome, however, it was an obsession. She had such a unique and alluring smell that he had made a habit of bury his head in her neck and losing himself in her smell. She was always so responsive to it that before he knew it he would be licking and nipping his way down her neck and then one thing would lead to another. Remember their time together brought a small twinge in his chest. Things were so different now those times seemed like eons ago.

Noticing he was staring Sesshomaru quickly pulled out Kagome's chair for her and then returned to his seat, picking up his menu to give him something to look at other than Kagome.

Smiling Kagome greeted, "Hi, I hope you haven't been waiting to long."

Shaking his head Sesshomaru replied, "No, I only just arrived a few moments before you. Should I summon the waitress or do you need some time to decide what you would like?" Sesshomaru inquired.

"No," Kagome answered, "we can order now."

Nodding Sesshomaru signaled for the waitress. Once she took their orders and left Sesshomaru took a deep breath.

"Thank you for coming Kagome, I wasn't sure you would. If you hadn't I couldn't have blamed you," Sesshomaru said humbly.

Kagome was taken aback, not only had he apologized but Sesshomaru actually looked remorseful. "Everyone deserves a second chance."

Sesshomaru's eyes widened a bit. That was why he loved this woman. She was one of a kind. So caring and understanding. What an ass he had been. Right then and there Sesshomaru made a vow to spend the rest of their lives making up for the way he had been treating her. If she would let him that was.

Reaching into his pocket Sesshomaru pulled out an oblong shaped box and handed it to Kagome. "I believe it is me this time that needs to present an apology gift."

Smiling slightly Kagome reached for the box and opened it. Inside lay a beautiful silver chain with a heart attached. Tracing the outline of the heart were small diamonds.

It was beautiful, gasping Kagome said, "Sesshomaru, this must have been very expensive you didn't have to.." only to be interrupted by Sesshomaru.

"Kagome you deserve that and more. Please, let me finish. First of all I must apologize for my behavior the last time we met. I half didn't expect you to even meet with me. Understand that I have always been a loner and am a stickler for order. When things don't make sense I leave them alone. You don't make sense to me all the time but I realized I can't leave you alone. Even when I don't see you, my thoughts are with you. I am willing to try, I don't want to lose you because of my stupidity. Will you give me another chance?"

Just as Kagome was about to answer the waitress came with their orders. Once she left Sesshomaru and Kagome resumed talking but the conversation was nothing too heavy, just the two of them catching up on what had been going on in the other's life. They fell into a comfortable flow once the original awkwardness passed neither one wanting to be the first to wander back into deeper issues.

"Well," Kagome said, " I really should be going. Thank you for the wonderful gift. I guess I will talk to you later.

"Wait, Kagome. You never answered my question." Sesshomaru stated hating how weak he sounded. It didn't matter though Sesshomaru would not chance losing her. If that meant he needed to be more open than he would.

Smiling Kagome regarded Sesshomaru for a few minutes before answering. "Sesshomaru of course I forgive you. As far as us trying again we'll see. After all it has been a long time since we last spoke and I can't just make a decision like that on the spur of the moment. I'll call you," Kagome said as she smiled and turned to leave.

As he watched her leaving Sesshomaru had to smile. Of course it would not be so easy. Oh well, he had brought it on himself.

~~~~Fin~~~~~

Again in case anyone forgot Amataro Minami 5- jo branch is a real restaurant. It is a couple of blocks from the Susukino station exit 3. I have never personally eaten there before but it has gotten several rave reviews on both their food and ambiance.