The castle was buzzing with gossip. All the servents were whispering about their Lord's obvious affection to the miko. Whispers about the sudden appearance of both their Lord's arms. Some gossiped about the budding romance between the former Eastern Lady and the minor Lord, Hiro. All the gossip and Inuyasha was ready to blow a fuse. He grumbled and stomped around the palace, picking a fight with the guards form time to time just to get some of his frustrations out. It was like cupid had too much to drink and shot everyone with love spells. He saw particular servents eye each other with lustful gazes, and he had just about enough of it!
Stomping to the training feild, Inuyasha practiced with some of the warriors, not really caring if he scarred the field with Tessaiga. Sesshomaru glanced out his window and sneered murderously. It's been quite some time since this Sesshomaru has used both his arms in combat. Since the hanyou seems so ready to fight...
He let his thoughts clear as he darted quickly to said hanyou, striking him fast with his own blade.
"What the fuck, Sesshomaru?" came the exhasperated yelp from Inuyasha. He was soured enough as it was, he didn't need his 'brother' making things worse.
"What is the matter, half-breed. This Sesshomaru thought you were looking for a fight," he said simply, only hinting at his slight amusement.
"Keh, can it would ya? I'm not in the talking mood," he retorted with a huff.
"Then don't talk, mutt. Fight," Sesshomaru said with a sneer. At the drop of the word 'mutt', Inuyasha's fur ruffled, so to speak. He charged Sesshomaru head on, fully intent on decappitating him. Truthfully, Sesshomaru wasn't going to ACTUALLY hurt the hanyou. He only wanted to toy with him for a bit.
They continued that way for several minutes, the guards slowly excusing themselves in a hurry trying to avoid the clashing brothers. Though they would NEVER openly say it, it was quite a sight to see the two sons of their former lord brandish each other. With the way the gossip spread around the palace, it wasn't long before a particular sour-mooded miko heard of the fight.
The guards quickly snuffed their snickering and hid their bet money as the preistess flared her aura at them dangerously. "You had better return to your positions and I had better not see a dime exchanged between the lot of you," she threatend. Complying quickly and scurrying away from her sizzling flare, the guards resumed their posts and adapted a stoic expression that would shame their Lord's own. Speaking of said Lord...
"WHAT do you think you two are doing?" she said positioning herself right in between their fight. Although it had started out as just a game, it soon progressed to a battle of wills as the brothers landed apart from each other. They stopped at her arrival, though looked on at each other in disdain.
"I was merely testing out my new appendage, miko. It has been quite a while since I have used it," came Sesshomaru's quick explanation. Though he didn't really need to explain anything to her. He simply wanted to rile his brother all the more.
"Test?" came Inuyasha's growl. "You can test it all you whant when I cut off the other one, you ass-"
"SIT!" came Kagome's shrill yell. "I think you need to SIT and think about what you were about to say and while you SIT and think about it you need to SIT and think some more about starting fights!"
After the ground calmed from the tremors of the hanyou's near demise, Sesshomaru tried very quickly to stifle a snicker.
"And you!" she said turning her fury on him. "I really can't believe this, Sesshomaru. Didn't we just yesterday sit in the council room and openly accept Inuyasha as part of the court? Why are you going around beating on him,
and none of that 'I was testing my arm' excuses. I know you well enough that you are perfectly capable of using it just as well as the day you lost it," she demanded in one breath.
If she had been any other female, her head would have been rolling at his feet. Sesshomaru turned an equally enraged glare at her. "Miko, catch your tongue before this Sesshomaru rids it from you," he warned. He wouldn't allow anyone to speak to him in that way in private, let alone in the open with ears sure enough plastered against the palace walls.
"You tell him Kagome, I told you that bastard was being an assho-" he caught himself just as Kagome opened her mouth for another s-i-t. He pressed his ears against his head and leapt fully out of the crater she had smashed him into.
"I think it's time we all have a talk," she said in a huff. Turning on her heels, she began walking to the palace only to pause without looking back when she felt them still plastered where they stood. "Now," she warned. If looks could kill, Sesshomaru was sure that he'd be standing beside his laughing father in the spirit realm along side with the hanyou. Deciding that, indeed, they needed a 'talk', Sesshomaru grabbed Inuyasha by the gruff of his fire rat top and dragged him towards Kagome. Dropping him like a trash bag beside her, Sesshomaru shot her his own dirty glare.
"This Sesshomaru will wait in his office for this, 'talk'," he said marching with purpose. Kagome bristled at her apparent dismissal and paused to count to ten silently in her head.
Dogs. I could have been sent by the fates to any demon in the world, but I had to be shoved right into a disfunctional dog family. I think out of everyone I miss, Buyo is the one I really wish was here, she thought angrily.
She mimicked Sesshomaru's previous action and grabbed Inuyasha by his collar and began dragging him towards the palace.
"Oi, wench, get 'yer hands off of me!" he whined. Kagome turned and faced him head on and he silently wished he kept his mouth shut. Closing his eyes expecting her to "it" him, he peeked only to be mortified by the most Sesshomaru-like sneer he'd ever seen. She held a pointed finger to his forehead, and suddenly he was zapped and sat at the same time. Pulling himself up from the ground after experiencing a whole new world of pain, Inuyasha trudged behind Kagome like a well trained puppy. Once the two of them were out of site, the guards exploded into silent laughter amongst themselves and collapsed over each other, unable to hold themselves up.
Making her way into the palace, Kagome's fury began to diffuse, only to be replaced by a slight pang of dread. 'Oh man, I really pissed him off, didn't I? she asked herself. Especially after how well their relationship progressed from yesterday, she can only imagine how many weeks it would take to get back on his good side. But she was unwilling to falter. She tossed her nose up defiantly - even though she knew she was wrong - and marched into his study, with a sour Inuyasha still following behind. Sesshomaru startled them both by using his poison whip to shut the door with a loud snap and pointed for Kagome to sit without lifting his glare from her. 'Crap', was all she thought.
Amused, but refusing to show it, at the slight scent of nervousness coming from his little miko, Sesshomaru leaned back into his chair haughtily. "Miko," he said raising an eye brow. She knew what that meant. It was him saying without really saying that he demanded a damn good explanation for the way she spoke to him.
"Look," she began dropping her shoulders a little with a sigh. "I didn't mean to offend you," she said lifting her eyes to look at him. She noticed them soften a fraction, but he remained silent for her to continue. "You have to understand from my viewpoint, I've only been awake for two days. You've had nearly a month to sort out your thoughts since we came back from," she paused a little dropping her gaze, "from Naraku's estate. What ever bad things happened in the past, between the both of you, between the three of us, I just really want a bit of peace. Is that really so much to ask for?" she said with her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. She remaind defiant, refusing to cry. It was just really difficult to maintain her composure and being able to sort through her emotions. She had no clue why she was always filled with so much feelings. For a moment, she felt a trickle of envy at Sesshomaru's seemingly always controled composure. There we go! Another emotion. She sighed and leaned back against the chair she sat on. Glancing at Inuyasha, he huffed and turned his eyes to gaze out the window.
"Miko, this Sesshomaru is the Lord of this house. You have been privilaged with much, after being marked into my pack. You have the right to voice yourself where others do not. But do not over-ride that privilage or I will enforce my rank upon you," he explained. "This is the way of the Inu and the way of 'feudal' youkai, as you call it. Although, this Sesshomaru is quite pleased with how you asserted your rank over the guards. Had I not been in mid fight, I would have liked to hear what it was you said to make them run with their tails between their legs," he said with mirth.
"Keh, maybe if you kept your snout out of my business, you would have," came Inuyasha's short remark.
"Why is it that you two still fight?" Kagome asked looking between the two of them. "I mean, after everything that's happened, can't we just simply put the past where it belongs and move on? We have bigger things to fight, like Naraku and all his minions, including Kikyo," she explained softly. Neither she nor Sesshomaru failed to notice Inuyasha stiffen and his dejected look.
After a moment of silence, Inuyasha began to speak and shocked them both with what he said because for the first time, he actually directed a conversation to Sesshomaru - a meaningful one. "Our father left really big shoes to fill. You got all the oppertunity in the world to train with him and become the Lord you are. I didn't and don't you look at me like that Sesshomaru, I'm not lookin' for pity," he said spitefully at Sesshomaru's expression. "I'm explainin' that I've had to teach myself everything, how to fight, how to socialize as an outcast, how to think. Since you were born, everyone looked upon you with respect and even though you," he paused as if the words were poison on his tongue, "earned it...I have to prove myself again and again. Any fuck up from me automatically drops me back to stage one, and I have to start all over again." Turning his attention to Kagome, he began again. "I'm...so sorry. All these years I spent running after Kikyo like she was the air I breathe, I simply forgot at how important you were to me. I know that you belong in Sesshomaru's pack, you just fit, ya know? But.." he sight. This was probably the most he'd ever said to either of them in earnest.
"Inuyasha," Kagome said with a soft voice. She glanced at Sesshomaru. They understood what he was trying to say. He missed out. On her, on having his own pack, on his life.
"Don't think that I didn't want to be a part of the court, Sesshomaru. I just wanted to earn it in a real fight with you, where people can look at me with the same respect they see in you," he finally admitted.
Sesshomaru was silent, studying the haunched hanyou. "It seems, brother, that if our father were here, he would be most proud of your admittance."
Both Kagome and Inuyasha shot him a strange look. Was he, congradualting Inuyasha? she thought with a slight awe. "Keh, if he were alive right now I'd clobber him for leaving me high and dry, with only a fang and a piece of cloth," he spat. Truthfully, Inuyasha swelled with warmth at the thought of bringing his father some semblance of pride, and to have heard it from Sesshomaru of all people...
"So..." Kagome began her voice trailing off. "Are you two going to start acting like family?" she asked bluntly.
"Perhaps not right away, miko. But it appears that this is a good start," Sesshomaru said with a firm nod. "Inuyasha, in all the times that we've crossed blades, this Sesshomaru has noticed that you have inherited our father's more brash fighting style. I will pair you with our sword's play instructor, so you may fine tune it to your advantage," he informed. "You, after all, now represent this Sesshomaru and the House of the Moon. It would be most important that you fight as such."
"Keh, there's nothing that old bat can show me that I don't already know. Dad's fang is mine to figure out," he began to argue. Kagome extended her hand and placed it softly over his arm with a smile. She begged him silently to just take the offer. "Oi, fine. Just smudge that look off your face, would ya? I'm so sick of your mood swings," he said dismissing himself and storming out of the study. Behind Kagome's back, he glanced back at his brother with a short nod. Sesshomaru only stared on after his brother, possibilites racing through his mind behind his stoic face.
Kagome sighed and relaxed into her chair. At least that's out of the way. Glancing at Sesshomaru and seeing him deep in thought, she figured she would excuse herself and find something to do.
"Miko, before you leave, there are things this Seshomaru needs to discuss with you," he said. She nodded and rose to shut the door again. Returning ot her seat, she looked on at him, waiting for him to speak. He remained silent and she allowed him time to piece together his thoughts, taking the time to study his appearance. He seemed as collected as ever to anyone on the outside, but Kagome could see the beginings of circles under his eyes. His fingers were clasped together in front of his face as he propped them on the arms of his chair and he flicked his thumb nails together, which Kagome decided was a tick he did when he was being thoughtful. Only in her eyes, did she notice the very slight sense of stress in his aura, and it would be virtually undetectable to anyone on the outside. Maybe all of this had something to do with the pack mark, she decided.
Getting up from her chair, she caught Sesshomaru's glance with a soft smile as she walked with purpose behind his chair. He was curious, but made no move as her hands came to his shoulders gently. He lowered his hands and closed his eyes to her touch. She had guessed correctly at his stress, feeling how tight his muscles were. They remained that way for several minutes, just enjoying each other's company. She felt warmed that she could manage to somehow relax Sesshomaru, the otherwise most stiff Inu Lord. Snickering quietly, she leaned more into the massage, her breath breezing whisps of his hair. He inwardly shivered at the closeness of her body and decided that would be enough, he reached up with his claws and stilled her hands, bringing her around to sit on his desk.
"Miko, this Sesshomaru-" he began only to have a hand waived in front of his face.
"Honestly, I thought we were passed this. You refer to yourself as me or I, and you refer to me as Ka-go-me. At least around me," she said with a hopeful glance.
Did the girl need to make everything difficult? He inwardly chuckled. Yes, otherwise she wouldn't be Kagome, would she?
"Kagome, I have been brought to attention about certain things. I would have prefered to not to burden you with anything more in your current situation, but I feel this cannot wait," he began as his mindlessly stroked her hand.
Smiling softly, Kagome understood that what ever he had to say must have been important, concidering how hesitant he was being.
"Just lay it on me like ripping off a bandaid," she said cheerfully. Glancing up at the strange saying from the future, he slightly shook his head and quirked a brow.
"Your slayer friend brought me the most interesting artifact from her village. It is a scroll, and I think what you will find in it very interesting," he said passing it to her. He knew she wouldn't be able to read it, but he recited what was on it since he had commited it to memory. Kagome gasped and looked between him and the scroll intently, listening carefully as he recited.
"Sesshomaru," she whipsered when he finished, "is this legitament?" The last thing the world needed was another jewel as equally powerful as the shikon. And the implication of who may be the unknowing guardian, it was overwhelming, she thought as she acknowledged his previous hesistance.
"Indeed, Kagome," came his answer. The weight of the world seemed to come down on her shoulders again and got up and stood in front of the window to stare outside.
"Does she know?"
"Yes. I have already discussed this with her in private as I am doing with you now. You were still unconcious. We attempted to search for it in her person through aura scrying, but failed. I suspect," he said pausing to get up and stand behind her as he began to mimick her massage on her own shoulders, "that you may be the only one to sense it."
"But wouldn't I have sensed it before? Like I have with the shikon shards? That doesn't make any sense," she thought outloud.
"You would think that, since you are familiar with the shikon. But I am begining to think that this jewel may be completely different than the shikon's energy, thus you haven't been able to sense it since you weren't looking for it," he explained.
"Well, we need to find out, and fast. Before anyone else does," she stated firmly turning around to face him. He looked down at the little onna in front of him. Her hair followed her movement with a slight dance, bouncing on her shoulders as it came to a stop. Brushing stray hair from her face, Sesshomaru allowed his hand to linger there as he bathed in her warmth. Forgetting their conversation for a moment, he bent down and claimed her lips. She instantly relaxed in his hold and complied to him fully. The scars from Naraku were still vivid and fresh, but she pushed them out of her mind with assurance. What he did was a foul trick, selfish and sick. But she couldn't bring herself to feel anything ill towards the daiyoukai embracing her. How could she when such a powerful being as himself openly admitted his desire for her, through words or action. He was different, new. And after concidering how she was violated, she couldn't feel anything other than happiness that he so willingly still desired her. So much happiness, that she finally couldn't hold back the tears that she had been trying to force back in place.
Sesshomaru widthdrew quickly, thinking he did something wrong, only to have her arms pull him back to her. Kagome understood his confusion and nuzzled his jaw as he had done to her before. Relaxing again, Sesshomaru embraced her and held her tight. He could never fully understand the pain she experienced that day, but he sure enough understood his own pain. If he had it his way, he would never allow her away from his person again. But as it were, life didn't agree with his wishes and he pulled back slightly.
Glancing down at her wet, smiling face, he kissed both her eyes and stepped back. Extending a clawed hand, he opened the door to his study. "Come, Kagome. Let us get this out of the way so we can clear some clutter off our plate," he said referring to Miyuki. Kagome nodded and quickly brushed away her tears, taking his hand.
As they walked side by side, they didn't fail to hear the tiny sighs of the female servents as they dreamily watched the two stride through the palace. Gossips started up again, everyone talking about how beautiful the pair of them looked, how perfect.