Disclaimer: All but the plot to this particular story rightfully belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.
Words: 650
Exploring
In the short time it took to prepare Rin for bed, Kagome had managed to overlook her arranged meeting with the taiyoukai. She instead opted to explore the second floor, letting her curiosity get the better of her. Though the house was of a substantial size, Kagome found the layout relatively easy to understand and was soon peeking into any open door she passed.
One room was exceptionally sizable, but had nothing in it but a large wardrobe and two rolled bamboo mats. Maybe Sesshoumaru-sama's into yoga, she chortled. The room right across from it was undeniably a bedroom, but did not seem vacant. A cornflower-blue kimono was draped over a small stool and a pretty hair pin sat on the vanity. Feeling as though she was intruding, Kagome stepped away and continued her journey down the hall.
She sauntered past Sesshoumaru's room, sparing it a fleeting glance, and mosied into the dimly lit library. Despite not being the most avid reader of her generation, she was still able to admire the collection. The books were old and delicately bound, something she was sure was difficult to come by in this era. If anyone from this time period could step into her city library, she was sure they'd be dumbstruck. Half ensnared in her own thoughts, she had only just barely registered the candle in the hallway flickering. Kagome spun around quickly, suddenly nervous in the unfamiliar space.
"Sesshoumaru-sama," she placed a hand over her chest, exhaling. She gave him a crooked smile as she willed her heartbeat to slow.
Sesshoumaru took in her disheveled appearance. He lifted his chin as he curiously observed the relief in her scent after she recognized him. "I was told you would come to the main room." His gaze shifted to the room behind her, "I see that you are easily distracted."
Kagome grinned shyly, "Anyone would be with all these books." She peered around the dark room before looking up at him. "It's an unbelievable collection!" Kagome watched him as he straightened, just barely, and again looked behind her with the tiniest glint of pride in his eye. She smiled, "Have you read them all?"
"I have little time to read, miko."
"Oh, you can't be that busy."
"Hn."
Kagome sighed and stepped into the hallway next to him, dismissing his clipped responses.
Sesshoumaru watched her scratch her arm, then pat the lap of her stained kimono. "There's no saving this one, huh?" She gave him a sardonic smile.
He gave her a contemplative look. "Perhaps it would serve as a suitable smock in the kitchen," he replied offhandedly.
Kagome blinked at him, perplexed. She followed briskly after the taiyoukai as he strode past her down the hallway. Craning her neck to see his face, she knitted her brows together. "Sesshoumaru-sama, was that a," she wrinkled her nose, "...a joke?"
Through half-lidded eyes, he spared her a quick look but said nothing.
Kagome laughed, incredulous.
"It is late."
She nodded, still feeling giddy about being at the receiving end of a joke from Inuyasha's steely older brother. Not a very good one, but...
Sesshoumaru ignored her grins and glances as they walked, briefly pointing out that the facilities were located on the main floor, as well as a bath. He stopped abruptly at the end of the hall, causing a contemplative Kagome to bump into his back. She muttered an apology with a sincere smile, but huffed when he ignored her.
Sesshoumaru inclined his head toward one of the rooms. "You will sleep here. There is spare clothing in the chest." Before she could mumble her thanks, he continued. "I will send an attendant in the morning to escort you to your meal. We will then discuss... matters further."
Kagome watched him retreat down the hall. Sighing at the ceiling, she slid the door open and ambled in.