Day 8 of the Fandom Pride Parade: Violet, Spirit, Celebrate

Her phone had rung so many times that she'd turned it off. The staccato of the vibrations had changed every now and then, and Kagome idly wondered who he'd reeled in to track her down.

No one else could do her job, and she knew she'd left them in the lurch, but aside from the possibility of the guests not getting along, she hadn't been needed tonight. Everything had been planned and organized ahead of time, so as long as everyone did their job, the night would've gone perfectly.

Kagome ground her teeth together. How she hated that word. Everyone used it to describe him or his food, and while she wouldn't argue the latter, Sesshoumaru was far from perfect. Certainly better than before, but still lacking regarding social interactions.

Though, really, he had that down pat, too. That was part of the problem. Or the whole problem. He'd been so single-minded back then that it was surprising he was so loose with his affections now. Kagome couldn't count the number of times she'd had to refuse a customer because they'd gotten it in their head the attention he'd lavished them with during a previous visit didn't mean they were in a relationship.

And he never saw anything wrong with it, either.

Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. The emotions were still close to the surface, and burying them was the only option if she planned on grabbing her stuff tonight. She'd stayed away long enough that the event would be over, but there were any number of employees that could've stuck around afterward—including the one she needed to avoid at all costs.

He would demand an explanation, and she just didn't have it in her tonight. Considering how quickly she'd left, he might end up garnishing her wages as well, but she could take the hit. Maybe she'd treat herself to a mini vacation before looking for a new job. She hadn't taken time off since she started working with Sesshoumaru, so her bank account could afford it.

That perked her up a little bit, settling her nerves as she grasped the door handle and slipped inside. Most of the lights were off, the streetlamps filtering in through open windows, but she still had to cross the main floor to get to the back room.

She shouldn't be worried about it. No one but Sesshoumaru had been given any information about why she'd left, and even then, it hadn't been much. And he'd probably left as soon as the event concluded, leaving everyone else to clean up. Maybe she'd already been replaced.

The thought had her clutching the front of her jacket, old insecurities resurfacing. It shouldn't bother her—she was the one who'd quit—but the fact that someone could have her job by as early as tomorrow hurt.

Trying not to let it seem she was sneaking around, Kagome headed toward the employee lockers. There wasn't much in hers, but it was better to make a clean break.

The scraping of a chair against the floor had her whirling around, hand still clutching her chest. Amber eyes stared at her from across the room, Sesshoumaru's elaborate updo still intact. "You came back." He seemed oddly surprised, the slight clenching of his hands belying his relaxed posture.

Kagome swallowed slowly. "Just to empty my locker," she replied.

His hands clenched again. "You fully intend to leave, then?"

It sounded like so much more than it was, but she nodded. "It's what's best."

"For whom?" he challenged. He'd barely moved, but she felt like a cornered animal staring down the eyes of a predator.

She tore her gaze away, hand still on her chest as she straightened her shoulders. "How did dinner go?" Maybe if she got him talking about the event, he'd stop staring at her like she'd betrayed him.

"You would know if you were here."

So much for that.

Sighing softly, she stuffed her hands in the pockets of her jacket. "Me being here wouldn't have made a difference."

"Do you still think so little of yourself?" He finally got to his feet, the movement fluid and calculated. Kagome's feet remained rooted to the floor. If she moved, she'd flee, and for some reason, she didn't want that to happen. She'd only run from him once. She wouldn't do it again. She'd walk away with her head held high and no regrets.

She hoped.

"Like I said, it had nothing to do with me—"

"It had everything to do with you," he growled, suddenly looming over her. Kagome took an automatic step back, staring up at him in surprise.

"What are you talking about? I didn't even need to take people to their seats. All you asked me to do was make sure things ran smoothly!"

"And then you left."

The accusation was more of a sneer, fangs snapping in her face, and Kagome regretted coming back. She should've gone home to lick her wounds so she could begin to forget. But his imposing nature awakened the young teen she once was, and she raised her chin. "I had to."

His expression gave nothing away, though she could feel the pulse in his youki. She couldn't remember the last time he'd lost control—or at least released a spark. As handsy as he was, it was always tightly contained; his high level of anticipation for all possible outcomes had come out of his time as a warrior.

It was different now, focusing on predicting flavour combinations and customer reactions, but the skill had never gone unused. His power, though…

If she'd been stronger, she might've asked him about it or even reached out with her reiki, but every moment spent in his presence was making it harder to leave, and she couldn't come back here. She couldn't finish each shift with her heart broken all over again.

Turning her back on him, she walked back toward the door. "Forget it. You can throw out whatever's in my locker or give it to your next hire."

There was another spark. "I have never known you to retreat," he bit out, and she flinched.

"There's nothing to retreat from!" she hissed. "Things change, and people move on. I can't work here anymore." Arms shot out, keeping the door shut and trapping her between them. Kagome didn't turn around. "You should focus on promoting your new dessert," she said softly.

"It was not served tonight."

That finally got a reaction out of her, eyes wide as she stared at his hands. "But you've been planning it for months!"

"You were not here." His tone was so matter-of-fact that she whirled around, tempted to do more damage than a physical blow.

"Why does that matter?" She caught a hint of victory in his eyes before his fingers wrapped around her wrist, and she was dragged toward the centre of the room. He shoved her into the same chair he'd been sitting in before disappearing into the industrial fridge through the kitchen.

Her mind spun as she sat ramrod stiff, nails digging into her palms. This was her chance. She could escape while he was distracted. She knew the dessert required assembly, but if all he wanted to do was show off the new item, so be it. She'd force herself to sit through his explanation, taste it if he demanded it, and then she'd leave.

Then she'd be free.

Several minutes passed, the slight clinking from the fridge and her breathing the only sound. If this was how long it took to put it together, it was no wonder he hadn't served it. The customers had probably started to get antsy.

"Stop it," she whispered. She didn't work here anymore. It didn't matter if the dessert failed or someone complained. It wasn't her business how successful he was. She kept her eyes focused on the table, grateful he'd chosen a seat by the window. She could stay in the corner and start forgetting what the dining room looked like.

He returned with not one but two covered plates. Kagome frowned but wasn't given the chance to question it, delicate claws lifting the lid to the first one in front of her. The combination of chocolate and green sponge cake was immaculate, making it look like moss growing around a familiar well.

She finally looked up at him, but he simply handed her a spoon, motioning to the dome that sat atop the well. He'd been so excited to use ruby chocolate in the design, fighting fang and nail with the person who'd discovered it for the rights to bring it into the restaurant. It had a slight berry taste and wasn't her favourite, but the colour was a beautiful contrast to the rich mousse and cake underneath.

He tapped the top of the dome, and the tempered chocolate broke, sinking into the well as whatever liquid concoction he'd filled the dome with melted. It swirled into the well like magic—her magic.

"It's beautiful," she breathed. He'd truly outdone himself this time. Anyone would be over the moon with serving this. Her spoon rose to taste it, but he pulled the plate away.

"That one is not yours." His voice had an odd lilt as he moved the other plate in front of her.

"I don't understand."

"That much is clear." He sounded both smug and exasperated, and Kagome tried to push herself away from the table, but his hand caught the back of it, preventing her from escaping yet again. "That dish is what would've been served to the guests. But only after you'd had yours."

He lifted the second lid, and she stared at the exact same dish. "What is this?"

"Yours."

Kagome rolled her eyes. "It's the same."

"It is not."

Pursing her lips, she raised her spoon, wincing as she cracked the top of the dome again with more force than the first one, worried whatever point he was trying to make was all for not. But instead of sinking into the well like the last one, the outer shell crackled and shattered, revealing an intricate web of caramelized sugar.

And a ring.

Her spoon clattered against the floor, blood draining from her face. No. No, no, no. There was no possible way he was asking that.

She must've said as much out loud as Sesshoumaru's voice cut through the haze that threatened to keep her from breathing. "I have not technically asked the question yet."

She tried to get out of the chair, but his hold remained firm. "You can't be serious!"

"Why not?" He seemed genuinely confused, and the tears she'd been holding back finally overflowed.

Shoulders shaking, she buried her face in her hands. Her mind had gone blank. There'd been no indication he felt anything other than pack mentality for her. But even that, she'd always seen that as an obligation. Paired with how he flirted with everyone, she'd never once thought she was special.

"Is this a joke to you?" she asked, finally getting enough air in to form the question. She didn't need to look at him to feel his outrage. It sizzled around them, lifting her now loose hair off her shoulders, and she turned on him, her own temper spiking. "Don't you dare get angry! You've never told me you wanted anything other than what we have!"

"I have always treated you differently," he argued.

Kagome jumped to her feet, the chair crashing to the floor. "You flirt with everyone who works for you! You're constantly touching them and fixing their hair or ties and telling them how beautiful they are. Why would I ever think it was different when you did it to me?" She was shaking now, emotions and power erratic as she searched for something to throw at him. Singeing him with reiki would be too easy.

"Humans do that all the time."

Maybe she'd do both.

"Not in front of someone they care about!" she shot back. "Not to strangers or employees or customers! I would never do that to anyone in front of you!" The last part slipped out before she could stop it, chest heaving as she seethed.

"Out of consideration for their lives," he said, eyes narrowing.

"Out of respect!" Why weren't there any knives around when she needed them? "Because I want my partner to trust me. To the point where if something like that did happen, they wouldn't automatically assume I felt that way about anyone else but them."

He glanced at the dessert, slowly rising from his knelt position next to the table. "Is that why you left tonight?"

Apprehension slid up her spine, but she stood her ground. There wasn't any point in hiding it now. She'd basically laid her heart on the line for him to see. What was a little more heartache? If this was an elaborate way to humiliate her, he was doing a terrific job. And if it wasn't, she'd make his life hell for making her miserable for so long. "Yes."

He rounded the table. "Because you could not stand me being affectionate with the staff." Seeing such a lack of expression on his face with his makeup still intact was odd. She hadn't seen him without at least two colours lining his eyes since they'd reconnected in the modern era. But it had softened his features enough for her to take notice and to continue to notice how much he'd changed over the centuries since she'd last seen him.

"Yes," she repeated. He stood at full height now, and she had to crane her head up to meet his gaze.

He raised a hand, fingers hesitating an inch from her skin. Her breath caught, but she didn't pull away, leaning into his touch as the back of his claws brushed her cheek. "Because you wish to be mine." His tone was so hopeful that her knees buckled, but he was there to catch her, pulling her into his embrace and claiming her mouth.

She grappled for purchase, the fabric of his shirt bunching between her fingers as she arched against him. He tasted like chocolate and sake and something else that had her willingly open her mouth. He growled, an arm snaking around her waist before he lifted her off the ground. Her slacks suddenly felt too tight, seams rubbing in all the wrong places as he pulled her closer.

Whimpering, she slid her arms around his neck, uncaring that her lungs burned for air. He smelled and tasted too delicious for it to be a dream, but on the off chance it was, she wasn't going to waste it on something as stupid as breathing.

Sesshoumaru seemed to have other plans, breaking the kiss to tug at her bottom lip with his fangs. Her body rolled against him on its own, seeking relief. She wasn't sure if it was physical or mental, but she hadn't been able to relax since their altercation earlier. And if the ring was a real offer—

His mouth attached to her neck, and Kagome moaned, tossing her hair out of the way. Fangs scraped before he soothed her skin with his tongue. She had enough forethought to tug on his hair. "Don't touch anyone else."

His grip tightened. "I will not." She sagged in relief. There was no argument, no defensive retort, just pensive agreement before his mouth delved lower. The zipper of her jacket yielded, followed by the buttons to her blouse, and she tried to regain some semblance of decorum. But as her eyes focused, she suddenly realized he'd moved them to his office.

Laughter bubbled up, and he pulled back in confusion, but she shook her head, cupping his cheeks before kissing him again. The edge of his desk solidified beneath her, giving her some semblance of balance before his hands found her breasts, teasing sensitive skin through the lace of her bra.

"I had always wondered if your penchant for intricate undergarments evolved since running around half-naked all those years ago." She would've argued, or at least pointed out his weird fetish, but his mouth clamped onto a breast through the lace, tongue swirling and teasing, and she arched, hands buried in his hair.

He kept her still, only allowing enough space between them to switch breasts. Heat pooled between her legs, and she tried to wrap them around his, needing more friction. He didn't budge, continuing to lavish her chest, and Kagome groaned in frustration, somehow getting a hand between them to grip him through his pants.

He jerked at the touch, claws piercing the flesh on her hips, but she turned her face into his neck, nipping softly. "Are you really going to tease me all night?" she asked, already breathless.

Muscles rolled as he swallowed. "You require reassurance."

She did, but his quiet desperation was a start. "Then make it up to me. Show me what you've been wanting to do to me since I started working here." The spark grew, youki sliding up her legs like a second pair of hands, and when she moaned his name, she felt his control snap.

Her pants were left in shreds on the floor, her back hitting his desk as he loomed over her. There was nothing between them but tension and the last remnants of misunderstanding, and she trailed her hands up his arms, pressing into the creases of his muscles through his shirt. He leaned lower, grinding his length against sodden folds, heat spreading throughout her body.

Her nails dug into his shoulders as she tried to adjust, tried to anticipate being filled, and she started to squirm. He sensed her distress, removing her hands from his shoulders to pin them above her head. "You are safe with me," he said, intertwining their fingers.

She was thoroughly exposed but oddly at ease, finally smiling. "I know." She tilted her head up, and he accepted the invitation, moulding their mouths together as he took her in a single thrust. Kagome's hips arched off the desk as he swallowed her scream, body clenching around the intrusion.

Amidst the tangled tongues, she felt his fangs elongate, and as he bottomed out, she clenched again. She was rewarded with a growl, desk shaking with the force of his jerk. She tried a third time, but he straightened, cheeks slashed with magenta as his hand tightened around her wrists. "Desist."

She sucked in a breath, half-heartedly pulling at his grip. "Why? You clearly like it."

His eyes narrowed, and he nipped at her ear. "Do you?"

She hummed softly, tilting her hips to take him deeper in time with the next thrust. "You'd have burn marks if I didn't." He continued to stare, and she smirked. "Unless you want me to do that."

The crimson returned to his eyes, claws biting into her wrists. "Perhaps next time." She barely had the time to nod before he resumed his pace. His eyes never left her face, taking in every moan and gasp. She would've liked to play it up just to entice him more, but she didn't need to. Every thrash of her head and arch of her back was real, heating shooting through her each time his hips snapped forward.

And she wasn't alone in her reactions. His clothes were still on, but his control was frayed, movements becoming erratic the longer they went on. Rolling her body in tandem, clenching firmly each time he pulled out, and her name escaped his lips in a desperate moan.

Kagome exploded.

Reiki crackled along her arms, setting off a chain reaction with his youki, and Sesshoumaru roared as his release tore through him. The room spun, powers entangling, and she ripped her hands out of his grip, pulling him down and letting his weight settle over her as they both caught their breath.

He tried to adjust his position, but Kagome shook her head. She wanted him right where he was. Her legs were at a weird angle, and his buttons were digging into her chest, but this was the reassurance that she needed. This would keep her from the downward spiral that had started at the beginning of the evening.

She opened her mouth, the culmination of her feelings on the tip of her tongue, but he quickly swallowed them, their noses bumping in the process. She moaned softly, enjoying the way his tongue curled around her, but she gave him a look of confusion when he pulled back. Didn't he want to hear it? Wasn't that the whole point?

"Later," he said, reading her mind. "After I have made it up to you for making you think I would have anyone but you." He looked around his office, scowling slightly. "This was not the right place."

She laughed softly. "I'd rather it be in here than out in the restaurant." His raised eyebrow had her flushing. "Now I won't think of it every time I come to work." She traced the lines on his cheeks. "If you'll still have me."

Sesshoumaru snorted. "I would never accept your resignation." He pressed their foreheads together. "Only the long line of customers prevented me from coming after you."

She could sense his regret, her hands still on his face. "I never expected you to."

"If I had communicated things properly, you would have."

"If you had communicated things properly, I never would've left in the first place." She kissed him before he could retort. "I don't hold it against you."

"You should."

Chuckling, she lay back against his desk. "I'll hold it against you if you keep doing it." She ran her fingers through his hair. "And I don't need the theatrics of an entire room witnessing your proposal."

He pursed his lips. "The flavour combination is immaculate," he argued.

She wanted to tell him that all his flavour combinations were that way but held her tongue. She could bolster his ego later. "Then serve the dessert in celebration of me saying yes instead of the actual question."

Gold darkened to burnt honey as he leaned over her. "Are you saying yes?"

She grinned up at him. "You haven't officially asked yet." Her laughter was smothered by his growl, fangs nipping at her flesh. He never got around to asking until after they'd cleaned up, the ring in his hand instead of an elaborate dessert. And he waited until they were alone in his house, knowing full well it would lead to another more emotional round of them getting naked.

They both managed to shed their clothes this time, and Kagome was able to revel in the sight of the ring on her finger during their bath afterward, letting it catch the light whenever she got the chance.

She might've let him do her nails for the public announcement at the restaurant, their matching designs not going unnoticed by the rest of the staff.