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Behind Closed Eyes
Chapter 4
A step towards freedom.
They pulled into the parking garage, parked in his reserved space, and turned off the car. Kagome was still deep in thought. Sesshomaru had not offered but demanded she stay with him AND he was going to go with her to retrieve some personal belongings. She needed to tell him no, she needed to avoid this situation that he was pulling her towards. She was grateful, yes, but this was too much. Emotions were high for her right now and she did not need to run into her boss's arms to cry. He must think her pathetic, unable to hold her emotions in place. She would call her mother and stay over there. There were spare clothes in her car for an emergency. She would be fine.
Sesshomaru watched her, wondering if he should pull her from her thoughts. Her eyes were clouded, partially covered by the strands of hair that had fallen from the up-do. He knew he had stepped over boundaries and his callous words had struck her hard. He had made a mistake but he was not a demon who was willing to show emotion. Emotion was weakness, his mother had taught him that. His reasons for his words were true and strong, but this was not the time for him to lay his foot down on a situation he knew barely anything about other than what he had seen.
The words were no surprise to him when she finally spoke, "I am sorry, but I have to politely decline. There are many reasons but I believe it is most inappropriate. Thank you so very much for showing me kindness in my moment of faltered emotions."
Car doors opened and they both stepped out, he did not know what to say so the silence continued. She ensured him that she would follow up on the reports and continue to push them forward in their trial runs before handing him the folder and exiting the elevator. He said nothing, continuing his normal façade. When the elevator doors opened again, he was on his floor being greeted by his assistant.
"Sir! You have a meeting in fifteen minutes," the toad demon spoke with a scratchy voice. "Here are all of the documents you will need."
"Jaken, make a call to the movers and have them on standby over the next few days," Sesshomaru took the papers and dismissed the other demon.
Papers in hand, hit a button on the elevator and made his descent to Kagome's office without waiting for a response, Jaken would take care of his request. Request. I do not think I have made a request in centuries. It has only been demands. He had forgotten completely about his need of her facts for the merger. He was meeting with his father and the chairmen of the Tengu Corporation to talk about the merger. Karasu, the owner and head chairman, had called for the meeting early this morning even though projections were not complete. Sesshomaru knew they were walking in with only half sight. It would seem the Tengu Corp was looking to merge with the Morikawa brothers instead, even though the offered money was less. What was the appeal of those Hanyou brothers?
The elevator doors opened and he walked towards her office, ignoring Kagura's demand for his attention. Her door was shut and without a single thought he walked through the door, picking up the end of the conversation "—place to stay. Call me, mom, when you get this message."
She turned in her chair at the opening of her door, "Kagura, I believe I asked for no interruption until—"
"I am sorry for barging in," an apology, how very unlike him.
"Mr. So'unga!" She stood from her desk, "I am sorry for the disrespect. How may I help you?"
"I need to see what our investigators have found about the meetings between the Tengu and the Morikawa."
"You should go to the security head, I believe he was the one assigned to—"
"Kagome, I need the information that was given to you about their research department."
"Yes sir," He had spoken her name and her heart jumped. When had that happened last? "It would seem that Naraku and Onigumo Morikawa are expanding their medicine department to include botany and have been studying the environment of the surrounding mountains."
"Thank you. That is all I needed. The meeting this afternoon is still relevant." He turned to leave, attempting to hide the very miniscule emotion that had shown when he spoke her name. She was not ready for his secret, he knew that with more certainty that the sun would rise tomorrow. "Ensure Kagura does not find out, we cannot have her run back to her brothers." Then he was gone and her door was shut once again.
He raced to his office, knowing he was running short on time. He had seven minutes to get to the meeting room. Inside of his office with door closed, he sat down behind his desk. Sighing heavily, he called down to one of the departments a few floors below him.
"Good afternoon, graphic design, how may I help you?" The sweet musical voice sung through the phone.
"Masuki, I am looking for Inuyasha."
"Mr. So'unga! I am sorry for the disrespect." She took a breath, "He has not stepped into the office as of yet. Neither has Miroku."
Sesshomaru growled before hanging up the phone, his mind set on disciplining his brother. His irresponsible behavior will cost him his job. Blood means nothing in business. He would have to tell his father and he knew his father would be soft on Inuyasha. Never seeing the appeal of kindness, especially in work, he began to wonder if he should tell his father. Inuyasha was going to cause Miroku to lose his job as well.
Deciding not to call his brother's cell phone, he picked up the papers from his desk to add to the ones Jaken had handed him and proceeded to the meeting. The board room doors were open where the four Tengu were already seated in black chairs at the long desk with Azusa, the head of So'unga finance department. Sesshomaru found his seat near the head of the table and listened to the light conversation going on in the room.
"Good morning Mr. So'unga." A deep voice spoke to him. "We did not hear you come in"
"Mr. Karasu," He acknowledged the crow demon as his amber met the color of a deep ocean. "Pleasure as always."
The Tengu were known to have poor hearing and relied heavily on their eye sight to make their way through life and to avoid other demons. They were normally shy and stayed in their mountains but over the last seventy or so years, they had found their way into the cities and attempted to start companies for medicine and botany. There was talk that their mountains were dying and this research would save their villages so there could be a return to their lives. However, the companies were dying all over the country from lack of research funds, poor marketing, and non-existent sales. All over Japan, the crow demons were selling their companies.
Sesshomaru had never taken the time to look into the other companies, they were small and had failed within a few years of beginning. He had also never visited their mountains or taken the time to understand their reasons, he was far too busy in his father's company. Maybe this is where I have gone wrong. His continued thoughts on the other company led him down a dark path. His father could be out of billions of dollars if this merger fell through.
"Mr. Karasu," the surprise of Sesshomaru speaking out caught everyone's attention. "Before we begin, I am curious; what are your clan's guidelines on visitors to the villages?"
The silence was so great in the room that Sesshomaru was straining to hear their heartbeats. Was the surprise of his question enough to send everyone into cardiac arrest?
"Only a select few outsiders have been inside of the villages in hundreds of years." A small female spoke out timidly, "The last visitor was a miko who was traveling to all of the villages to help the sick more than 60 years ago."
"Houko!" Karasu let out a surprised exclamation. "Mr. So'unga, what has brought upon this curiosity?"
He had to choose his words tactfully, this was thin ice for the birds. "With your permission, of course, I would like to visit a village of your choice so that I may see what would benefit the mountains and how I can help to build back up your clan's prosperity."
"I seem to be confused." Karasu was stone walling Sesshomaru, matching his emotionless expression. "Yes, we are saying that this is a merger but the reality for the outcomes of our discussions, So'unga would be buying out Tengu. The only outcome for us is money, no long term benefits from your company."
" That has been our discussions up to this point, but it would be more beneficial to us both if we can come to a term of agreement on how we can help you and bring current and future prosperity to all of your clans."
"What my son is trying to say, is that we would like to help your clans become healthy and strong once more," The voice from the doorway drew all attention. His assistant, Ayame, stood a few steps behind him.
"Father," Sesshomaru acknowledged him and everyone else followed with polite greetings.
"Taisho So'unga." Karasu stood and offered his hand. "I am glad we are able to meet with you in person finally on such a short notice."
"Come, let us talk." He motioned for his assistant to go to the other side of the room as seats were taken and folders distributed. "If anyone is in need or want of anything, please motion to Ayame. She will accommodate all."
"Mr. So'unga, your son would like to take a trip out to the mountains to try to ascertain the extent of our needs." Another, younger crow spoke up.
"I believe that he has made a very valid and important point." Taisho continued, "If we were to continue the original terms of the merger, we would lose out on too much information and in years to come neither of us would truly benefit."
Sesshomaru took that time to speak up, "If you are willing, Mr. Karasu, we should take the time to write another agreement that would include benefits for you as well. The first option we should consider is including members from your board onto our board to keep everyone informed of decisions. Your employees will also be accommodated just as we had agreed before."
The crows looked to one another, Houko speaking up this time. "I think it would be wise if we had the opportunity to talk about this privately."
"There is no need to rush a decision today, take a much time as you need." Taisho smiled brightly to the group of people before him. "Now, let us open the folders and take a look at the numbers and how we would distribute your employees without the possibility of a lay-off."
The sound of papers flipping and moving echoed across the room. The conversation continued, his father and Karasu dominating the room. Sesshomaru turned to look out of the expanse of window, thoughts on Kagome. Thank Kami for Kagome, we might actually win this company over. She gave me exactly what I needed to help draw them back to us. I wonder what she is doing and if her mother ever called her back.
Kagome paced around her office, to the bookshelf and back to the couch. Over to the desk and back to the coffee pot. She had had no time to think before speaking to Sesshomaru and feared it would be useless information. Maybe she could put together a lab form for the botany in the area surrounding of the clans. The research the Tengu had done was completely involved in restoring the life of the plants. Environments can change, that would not be surprising, but the little bit Kagome had seen through the videos of the investigators showed that the land was dying, not changing. When did the death start, was it when the Tengu left the mountains or long before then?
She went back to her desk, going to the computer and beginning to type a memo to the investigators. They need to collect samples. I wish I would go with them. She sent the memos via email to the investigators and printed out a copy to put in the files.
Ring. Ring. Ring. Kagura had sent a call through. I hope it is my mother.
"Scientific research and development, Vice President Higurashi speaking." She answered the phone politely, remembering how long she had practiced that greeting in fear of sounding silly.
"Kaaaa-goooo-me!" It was Sango who sang her name through the phone. "You are not answering your cell phone."
"I'm sorry, I have been busy with work."
"You also did not answer my text message or return my call!"
"I said I am sorry, Sango." She knew her friend was intentionally picking at her. "Yes, we are still on for lunch tomorrow."
"Where are you staying tonight?"
"I am trying to call my mom, but she hasn't answered nor returned my calls yet."
"What about a hotel?"
"Unfortunately, I did not put aside money for a hotel last time we were paid so that is out of the questions."
"I'm sorry, I wish I could help you with that but Miroku is set on us spending the night together."
"You do not have to worry about me, I will be perfectly fine. It is still my house too after all, I can still go there and lock myself in my room." She giggled at the thought of seeming like a child again.
"Well, call me tomorrow when you are leaving work. Same place and same time? I am definitely feeling Italian food!" Sango always seemed happy.
"Yes ma'am. I will see you tomorrow!" They said their goodbyes and hung up the phone.
Kagome tried her mother again, hoping that she would answer. When her hopes fell short and the answering service pick up, she stood from her desk and left the office with the papers for her afternoon meeting. How long will this meeting take? She had forgotten that she had told Inuyasha she would be out late. It was a pointless thought, they both knew it was over and she had said those things to hurt him. She also knew that even with a change of clothes in the car, she needed to stop by the house and grab more of her items and unlock the bedroom door. Maybe I should take up Sesshomaru's offer. It would help to have a hand.
She told Kagura she would return after the meeting and gave permission for her to leave early before stepping onto the elevator. The doors opened again a few floors up and she stepped off, walking to the board room that was assigned for this afternoon. The line of glass forming a window between the room and the hallway was lined with small decorative cacti. She loved the powerful feeling that the tiny plants had and admired them on her way around, noticing the room was occupied. This must be the Tengu. Their features spoke volumes. An oil spill of black hair on each, high sharp cheek bones, straight backs and shoulders in an almost painful posture, but she knew that was from their hidden wings. They had better equipment than Jaken to keep hidden.
The door opened suddenly allowing her to hear part of the conversation. Sesshomaru's father spoke of the merger and the benefits of a new agreement. I wonder what agreement they came to. One of the crow demons spoke about allowing a few people to enter their territory and villages to access the death of the environment.
"I hope this has led us to a brief agreement that can carry over to our next meeting," Taisho spoke, standing to shake the hands of the other members standing in the room. Looks like the meeting is over.
She found Sesshomaru staring out of the window, lost in thought and oblivious to what was going on around him. His nose was twitching just slightly, like he had picked up a scent. The farewells were going around the room and Kagome was beginning to worry that Sesshomaru would be too far gone in his thoughts. She stepped into the room, knowing her disrespect but trying to ensure this company had no bad impressions of the bosses. I am going to get scolded. I'm sorry Sesshomaru!
"Ms. Higurashi!" Taisho noticed her first. The exclamation caused Sesshomaru to look over, surprised.
She bowed at the waist, "I am so very sorry, I have walked into the wrong boardroom!" Internally berating herself for the poor excuse, she left the room.
She slipped around the corner and into another board meeting room, keeping an eye out for the other members attending this afternoon meeting. Taisho's laugh carried down the hall to her and she realized they were on the move. He was walking the Tengus out. Light conversation followed them and soon dissipated all together. She let out a breath she had not realized she was holding and stepped out of the room, keeping her head angled to the floor.
The wall must have been closer than she realized because she ran into it. At least she thought it was the wall. She stumbled back with a sibilant sound. An arm caught her before she fell to the floor. She was immediately met by emotionless eyes.
"What were you doing?"
"I just walked into the wrong room. I honestly did not mean to, Mr. So'unga." She righted herself and brushed down invisible wrinkles from her skirt with one hand.
"Ms. Higurashi. I would appreciate the truth." Did he always have to be a stone wall? "You are more observant than to make a mistake like that. You are also a horrible liar, I hope greatly that the Tengu did not hear your heart rate increase."
She had forgotten about their sensitivities to the world around them. "I… I… I thought you…" Deep breath. "I thought you did not notice they were leaving and I wanted to try to bring you from your daze." This really will be the end of my job.
"Thank you." He released her arm and left, making his way back to the board room for the next meeting.
Kagome followed quietly behind him, dazed and confused. Did he just THANK me? The world is going to end! She giggled a bit out loud but corrected herself when she saw his shoulders square up. Oops! Two different department heads were already sitting at the table when they walked in. Three more followed. They were all seated quickly, papers passed out by an assistant and the meeting began.
The conversation started with financials, diagrams, and a slide show of progress so far in the development of suppressant bands. Kagome spoke about the American branch's progress and went more in depth than she had for the brief overview with Sesshomaru earlier. She made a point to say that she had spoken on the phone with the lead scientist today and made plans for data collection as well as another trial. They were going to take biological samples from each participant and put fragments of the current tested bands into the samples. All agreed it was a great idea. They moved on to the progress of the noise softening ear pieces for hanyou. The brown haired human next to Kagome was leading that small project under her supervision. Hojo has made great progress.
Kagome stopped paying much attention around the time public relations began speaking about how the youkai economy would be effected during the release of these products. Her mind had wandered to a day dream of days past. She had begun her career as a field researcher, gathering data and specimens. With a degree in biological science, she was sure that was where her career would stay.
However, Inuyasha had introduced her to the field researcher position at the So'unga Corporation. Her hard work had paid off too soon for her liking and she was now stuck in an office all of the time. What I would give to work in the field again. Maybe she would find a new job, somewhere where she could travel abroad and be on the move constantly. The meeting was called to an end and everyone had gotten up to leave except Kagome. And she said I was in a daze.
Sesshomaru stood with the rest of the members and concluded the meeting. "Before the weeks end I will send out notices about starting a new project. We will include Botany in our spectrum and start immediately. The representative board members from the Tengu will be sitting in on our next meeting. Hopefully within the next few months they will sit among us at every table."
He made his way over Kagome to place a hand on her shoulder after the room was clear. "The meeting has concluded."
"Oh my! I am so sorry." A deep blush crept across her face.
"Hey! Sesshomaru! I've got that damned—" Their eyes met. Inuyasha could feel the anger rising, his face turning red. Sesshomaru's hand was on Kagome's shoulder and she was blushing. What had he done to her? "Get your hand off of her!"
"Inuyasha!" Kagome stood up, brushing the hand off her shoulder. "You will not come in here demanding and fuming. There is a fine line drawn and you have been standing on it for too long. Last night you went over and there will be nothing to bring love back. This means that you have no right to speak about any of my actions. Furthermore! You have spent the ENTIRE two years of our engagement sleeping with someone else." She bowed towards Sesshomaru and dismissed herself, pushing her aura out to protect her from any touches.
"Inuyasha. We need to meet with father." Sesshomaru walked out of the room, leading the way to his father's office. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Kagome waiting for the elevator. Such an interesting creature. His mind back to Inuyasha, he intended to make sure Inuyasha was reprimanded for his lack of ethics in the workplace. Business over blood.
Kagome stepped onto the elevator, hearting beating a mile a minute. The descent began. When she reached her floor she was still taking deep labored breaths, fighting off the adrenaline and trying to calm herself. Kagura had departed for the day, leaving a note on her desk. No messages, thank you for the early day!
She took a seat behind her desk, gathering up a few things to place inside of her purse while attempting to call her mother again. Ring. Ring. Ring. Thank you for calling the Higurashi residence please leave a message, we will get back to you.
"Hey mom. I am starting to get worried. It is 1700 already and you have not called me back. Where is everyone?" She hung up the phone and sighed. She had to find a place to go or make the decision to stay at her place until she could get settled somewhere else.
Sesshomaru made an offer. Maybe I should take him up on it. She knew it was a bad decision, especially with her vulnerability and sporadic current emotions. Eyes closed, she imagined all of the what-ifs for the last time. This would be the last time she saw herself marrying Inuyasha. The last time she dreamed of kids and a white picket fence. Last time she would love him. Behind her eyelids, she could see her past and future playing a movie together. She ended the movie by walking away. Visualizing herself walking out of the house, out of that life, and driving away. Her dream self was smiling brightly, no longer sad but happy behind her stone heart.
Will I stone myself from the world? She pondered before attempting her mother again. No answer. She sighed; she would have to return to the house. All of her papers filed, computer off, and purse packed. She stood and left the office, turning off the lights on the way out. Thank goodness the coffee pot shuts off automatically.
The elevator doors opened and she stepped inside, acknowledging her fellow occupants. Sesshomaru was among them. The elevator stopped a few times, letting occupants onto the car, before finishing the descent to the garage. They all stepped out, mumbling goodbyes. She turned to watch Sesshomaru leave and decided to follow him.
"I'm sorry Sesshomaru." She ducked her head down. "I would like to take you up on the offer, but I need to go home to gather some of my belongings."
He nodded nonchalantly, walking to his car and leaving her there. I guess I will meet him at his house. I wonder if I can remember how to get there. Starting the car after sitting down, she pulled out and headed back to the house. Mentally making a list of what she should grab, she did not even notice Sesshomaru following her. Twenty minutes later they both pulled into the driveway. She was in disbelief. There was debris strewn across the yard and part of the driveway, the office window had obviously been busted through and covered with protective plastic wrap, and her flowered bushes were ruined. His anger will always prevail.
"Come, let us gather your belongings and leave." Sesshomaru surprised her while opening her door to let her out.
"I didn't realize you had followed me, I'm sorry."
"Come. If you want to avoid Inuyasha, we should hurry, I gave him quite a list to accomplish but he never stays late."
That broke her heart even more. "Alright." Today would not be the day that she could walk away with a smile. One day.
They walked over and around the debris and into the house. He followed her to the bedroom where she unlocked the door to let them in. She went to the closet first, grabbing a large and small suitcase as well as a couple suit bags. He said nothing, only finding a wall to rest against and watch her move back and forth filling the large suitcase first. A couple pairs of shoes went in first followed by pajamas and undergarments. She went into the closet and grabbed a few pairs of suit pants and matching jackets to hang in the suit bag. Her skirts went into the larger suit case along with her electronics. She took the small suitcase into the bathroom, loading it up with her hygiene items, make up and any other personal products she would need or would possibly need.
When she came out of the bathroom, her other two suit cases were gone and so was Sesshomaru. Huh. One last look over the room and she sighed. She would be back to get all of her things as soon as she found a place to go.
"Are you ready, Kagome?" He was standing in the doorway.
"Yea, I was just looking over the room." She walked out of the room, locking the door again on her way out. It was probably not the best idea and would definitely not keep Inuyasha out truly but she felt better knowing the door was in between him and his anger destroying her furniture.
Sesshomaru led the way through the house after taking the small suitcase from her. She was surprised by his manners and gentlemanly attitude towards the situation. She never thought he would help her and she was even flabbergasted that he offered his home to her. She took notice of everything as she walked out of the house; the hole in the wall, the doors hanging off of hinges or just completely gone. Inuyasha must have been very angry. Even with the sadness she felt for his emotional state, she was happier to know she would never have to deal with the anger again. Now she could focus on containing her own emotions.
This was a terrible time to be lost in thought, but she could not stop the ocean that over took her. She closed her eyes, braced against the wall. Her heart cried out to her. All she wanted was acceptance and she knew he wanted the same. She had loved him even when society on both sides of the fence shunned hanyou. Never once had he told her she was good at something. Never thanked her for a meal. Never went the extra length to show her affection or even taking the time to bed her. She was still a virgin for crying out loud! Promised to Inuyasha and never taken.
She blamed him for everything wrong with their relationship, but she knew she had faults too. Work overcame her time very quickly and she would stay late, doing work days in advance. She would sometimes even sleep at the office to take calls from the international branches. They had both missed plans made with the other. The difference between the two was that Kagome had never faltered from her loyalty.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" A crash vibrator through her body, Inuyasha's voice booming through the house.
She ran into the living room, Sesshomaru stood there with her bag and Inuyasha had picked up the remaining end table, poised to throw. "He is helping me."
He turned his attention, "WHAT THE FUCK! Why did you bring him!?"
"WHY DOES IT MATTER?! YOU'RE FUCKING KIKYO!" Kagome's chest was beginning to tighten with her increasing anger.
"YOU'RE JUST MAD THAT YOU'RE SO USELESS!" and then Inuyasha hit the floor. A chair laid on top of him, thrown by Sesshomaru.
"Come. We are leaving."
"You…. Can't leave…. Wench" He was getting up. "You should listen to me! I went there to end it. I only want you!"
"It took you too long to figure that out." She walked ahead of Sesshomaru, trying to put him between her and Inuyasha.
Sesshomaru watched her get into her car before he buckled and started his own vehicle. He pulled out first, taking the lead in their drive. She stayed close to him, worried she might get lost. He knew he would not leave her behind, but she did not.
Ring. Ring. Ring. She tried her mother one more time, longing to hear her voice. "Mom, its Kagome... please call me back when you get this... I love all of you! Bye." The call ended.
The drive seemed to drag on when they pulled up to the gate and Sesshomaru punch in the code. Parked in front of the house, Kagome got out to ask where to park. One of the maids came to her and took her keys, obviously going to valet the car. She was surprised when Kagome thanked her genuinely. The bags were grabbed from the Hummer and they made their way into the house. Rin was there to greet them.
"Sesshomaru! Rin is happy to see you!" She smiled brightly.
"Good evening, Rin. Did you have a fun day today?"
"Yes, sir! We played and planted flowers in the gardens!" Rin was vibrating with childish energy.
"I would like to hear all about it as well as how your lessons went with Kaede. I will be down in a moment."
She bounced away, accepting his words and moving onto something else that could occupy her time until he returned. Kagome smirked, following him up the stairs. There was a silent understanding as he continued to carry her bags, never looking back to ensure she was following.
"You will have the room across the hall from mine and next to Rin's. It is the only guest room on this floor." He opened the door and moved to the side for her to step in. "I will get you a key before you retire tonight."
"Thank you, Sesshomaru." She bowed and entered the room.
She was stunned at the beauty of the room. A queen sized bed with silver and black bedding adorned with swirling embroidery of flowers and leaves. The furniture was a reddish cherry. The floors were wood with a large area rug of swirling reds blacks and silvers to bring everything together. The walls and curtains were a similar off white color.
"It is beautiful." She admired out loud.
He was showing her such great kindness. The tears fell then. She had contained them all day and even in the face of Inuyasha. There was no stopping them this time. She made a quick look around the room and found a closed door. Running for it, she locked herself inside and slid to the floor to cry.