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.

Chapter 31

An Uncomfortable Conversation

Sesshomaru finally started to wrap his head around what had happened. His thoughts were racing as he tried to figure out what to do next.

She ran away again. O.k., so maybe this Sesshomaru came on a little strong but it wasn't like I have ever done this before. Maybe I should have explained everything first so she would understand why there was such hurry. Then again I wouldn't want her to think that was the only reason this Sesshomaru wanted to marry her.

Sesshomaru huffed in annoyance. He had to try something different. Obviously this one sided conversation wasn't working and Sesshomaru would rather cut off his right arm than to ask his sire. As much as Sesshomaru hated to admit it he needed help. Bracing himself for the conversation he would have to have Sesshomaru dialed the number.

"Hello," the voice on the other end of the phone cheerfully answered.

"Miroku, we need to talk," Sesshomaru said in a determined voice.

Later in another part of town Sesshomaru was having a difficult time. He was still trying to figure out what happened and what exactly went wrong. Sesshomaru had always been a whiz when it came to dealing with executives and employee's and when they did bother him he just glared. That would usually fix the problem. He had been doing much better with Kagome but he was, though it almost caused him physical pain to admit it, still lacking in the social prowess of relationships. This was something entirely different from all his other relationships and it left Sesshomaru feeling a bit awkward. Hence, the situation he was now in.

"And she just ran away?" Miroku asked for the second time.

"Correct," Sesshomaru answered fighting the urge to roll his eyes.

Miroku was flabbergasted. First Sesshomaru wanted to talk with him. Miroku figured Sesshomaru needed to pass on some message and then he leave. So, when Sesshomaru asked for his help Miroku had to pinch himself under the table to make sure he wasn't dreaming.

Then, Sesshomaru started explaining what happened and Miroku received his third big shock of the day as he learned of not only Sesshomaru's blundered proposal but also Kagome's reaction.

"And did you explain to her why you asked so soon?" Miroku asked.

"No," Sesshomaru answered as though that should be obvious.

"O.k," Miroku said. "I can't help you if you don't explain a little more. These one word answers are not going to get us anywhere Sesshomaru." Miroku gently chided.

Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath Sesshomaru tried to stomp down his irritation at having to go over this again with Miroku. Feeling centered again he started his tale over this time in detail.

/later that evening/

"Goodbye and thanks." Kagome yelled to Sango as she pulled away. Kagome was in no mood to catch the bus especially the way she looked. Her imitation of a drowned rat would cause more than a few embarrassing looks and right now that was something that Kagome could really do without.

As she turned to walk toward her steps Kagome froze as the shadow of a man fell over her. Kagome's heart stopped as she started to turn around terrified she would be confronted by Inuyasha. That would be just her luck. She was just laughing and joking about him and then he turns up on her doorstep.

Whipping around quickly Kagome was confronted by the other subject of her previous conversation. It was then that Kagome released the breath she did not realize she had been holding.

"Kagome," Sesshomaru said in a soft voice. "I know that it is late but I needed to speak with you and it could not wait. I did not explain things very well and would like the opportunity to do so now if you would allow me."

With a small smile Kagome nodded and reached out for Sesshomaru's hand. After a slight hesitation Sesshomaru grasped the offered hand and found himself being pulled towards and then, after a brief pause for Kagome to unlock the doors, into the house. Sesshomaru tried but couldn't suppress the smirk at the thought of his little wife pulling him along.

Shutting the doors behind them Kagome said, "Please have a seat. I need to freshen up I will be back in a few moments," as she gestured to the living room.

Going to the kitchen Kagome washed her hands and set out the tea cups. She put on the tea pot and then disappeared into her bedroom. Sitting down Sesshomaru heard the shower come on. He was secretly glad for the small break; it would give him a little more time to rehearse what he was going to say. A few minutes later the teapot started to whistle. Sesshomaru was about to get up to turn it off when Kagome emerged. Smiling at him Kagome said,"Don't worry I've got it," as she headed for the kitchen, her damp hair stuck to her neck and wetting the back of her shirt.

Sesshomaru could not help but notice how relaxed Kagome now looked. Staying quiet as he observed for any signs he should be worried Sesshomaru kept his eyes trained on Kagome as she finished preparing the tea tray. Once she had everything done Kagome set their cups down and sat back. "Whenever you're ready," Kagome said with a flourish of her wrist.

"Hn," Sesshomaru stated as he cleared his throat. She kept smiling at him and it was making him very nervous. Everything Sesshomaru had practiced flew out his head and he was left just staring at Kagome while he tried to recollect his thoughts.

"Kagome, I realize this must be sudden for you but there is a reason for this. My sire is retiring and as his only heir it is my responsibility to take over the company. One of the requirements is that I am married when I take over the company."

Sesshomaru took a deep breath as he regarded Kagome to see how she was taking the news so far. At her nod at him to continue Sesshomaru stated.

"I had planned to talk to you before now but it never seemed the right time. There are many suitors who would like my hand in marriage, either for the prestige or to combine my company with theirs. However, I have no need to someone who is just interested in what they can get from me.

I must warn you first however, being the wife of a businessman like me will not be easy. It can be a very cutthroat business. There are many that will try to break us apart in order to get me to make a mistake in dealing with the business because of being distracted by our situation. There will also be many unpleasant people you will have to deal with as they are business partners and the like. It is not for the faint of heart. I know this is not you since your inner strength has always obvious, even more so now that you have come to grips with some things in your past. I would however, be remiss if I did not warn you of all the possible dangers and consequences.

Rest assured Kagome, no matter what happens I will be at your side and together we will make a united front that would be impenetrable. I have decided that you are the only one worthy to be by my side and only one that I would allow in such a position. I meant what I said earlier. I accept you as you are and would gladly spend the rest of my life learning all there is to know about you and letting you know all of me. I love you Kagome Higurashi."

Sesshomaru ended his statement by getting down on one knee and showing her the most beautiful ring, with a diamond Kagome would think fake if it hadn't been Sesshomaru giving it to her. Looking her deep in the eyes to show his sincerity Sesshomaru asked, "Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

"Yes," Kagome said as tears of happiness started to flow. After her talk with Sango she had already come to the conclusion that she would indeed marry him. Kagome had planned to see him first thing in the morning and apologize for running out but when she came home and he was here she knew this was the will of the Kami's' that now was the time to tell him.

Sliding off the chair she was sitting on Kagome joined Sesshomaru on the floor and wrapped her arms around his neck. Pulling back Kagome said, "Of course, that is as long as you forgive me for running off earlier," she said facetiously.

Smiling Sesshomaru kissed the tip of Kagome's nose and answered, "There was nothing to forgive. I did kind of take you by surprise."

Before he could capture her lips Kagome pulled back further and said, "And Sesshomaru, I love you too." Kagome was about to say something else but Sesshomaru silenced her by crashing his lips into hers. As he deepened the kiss Kagome no longer knew what she was about to say and no longer cared. If it was important she would mention it later. The two spent the night kissing and hugging. They were not intimate but instead spent the night talking, laughing, and in Kagome's case crying a little as they talked and planned for their future together.

/

Until next time guys. The next chapter will be the final one I hope everyone enjoyed this story as much as I did.