Chapter 33: Running

Kagome

I didn't want to face Sesshomaru's many incoming questions. So, I did a cowardly thing, and I ran. I knew running wouldn't buy me much time. Still, I would take what little time I could get. I had no idea where we were going. I didn't give it much thought. I just wanted to get out of there. I was beginning to regret my decision. I had grossly underestimated my situation. I had jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire. I was staring out the window, but I could still feel her eyes on me. It felt like she was looking right through me. She wasn't being subtle about it either. It's like she wanted me to know she was looking at me. Like she wanted me to know. Her interrogation was coming soon. She didn't strike me as someone who would give up easily. I could talk Sesshomaru out of giving me the third degree. That was difficult the majority of the time. However, his mother was in uncharted territory. I'm sure I looked suspicious back at the house. The way I was so eager to leave with her. Now with me fidgeting like this. I'm sure she could see it; the big invisible guilty sign on my forehead. I tried to focus on something; anything else. I started studying the inside of the limo. It was white and very pristine. It matched her in more ways than one. I could have been mistaken, but I was sure the trims on the limo door were gold. I'd felt enough fake leather to know what the real deal felt like. With parents like these, no wonder Sesshomaru had such a taste for the finer things in life. I shifted in my seat and froze almost immediately after. One wrong move and I felt like I might ruin everything I was touching. She chuckled at my reaction. Just what was she thinking?

I turned to face her. "Ma'am-"

"Please, call me Kimi." She said with a smile. "Being called ma'am is for the elderly."

I gave her a small smile. "Okay, Kimi."

It felt strange calling her by her first name.

"Oh look, we're here."

On cue, the limo door opened. I could see her driver standing there. She slid out and I followed after her. We hadn't gone back to the city. We were still in the area where Sesshomaru and I lived. We hadn't ventured out in the neighborhood yet. There were cafés and cute shops. It looked like a street you'd see in a small town. It was quietly tucked away. Everything looked expensive though. I don't I would ever get used to living like this.

"Follow me, my little human. Let us hurry. By the sounds of it, you are famished."

My little human? Should I be offended? Or was that a term of endearment coming from her?

I could feel my cheeks get hot as I held my hand over my stomach.

So embarrassing.

I followed her into the so-called café. It might as well have been an upscale restaurant. Before we could even approach the podium properly someone spoke to us. With two leather-covered menus in hand.

"Table for two ma'am?" he asked with a smile.

Kimi nodded and he led us to a table by the window. The place was spacious and well-decorated. The color scheme was neutral, which I usually thought was boring. Here it was pretty. Now, it was comforting actually. The white flowers tied the browns and nudes together.

"You do you like the décor?" she asked pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Oh! Yes, I do. It's very calming."

She smiled. "Good. In the limo you seemed very on edge." she teased.

The waiter came over to us. "Have you decided what you would like to order?

Before I could speak, Kimi spoke for both of us.

"We'll have a continental breakfast, with a side of extra eggs and bacon. I will have a cup of coffee. A glass of orange juice, and a pitcher of the orange juice as well. In case she would like some more."

He nodded and walked away.

I smiled. "I see where Sesshomaru gets it from."

She flipped her hair over her shoulder and smiled.

"Gets what? His poise? His charm? Or his good looks? Possibly all of the above?" she asked proudly.

I laughed. "While those all may be possibilities. I was referring to his high-handedness. Even though he is getting better at not being that way."

She grinned wide, showing her fangs. "Our species is at the top of the food chain Kagome, and at the top of the demon food chain. That is where we Inudaiyokai reside. High-handedness is in our genes. Most people would be offended hearing such a thing. Good thing I am not most people."

I smiled and fidgeted with the cutlery on the table.

"So, what is it you want to ask me, Kimi?" I asked looking up at her.

"My, my, well aren't you observant."

"I would have to be blind not to have seen the signs that this was coming. I'm just not sure what you want to find out."

"Can I trust you with my son?"

I relaxed in my seat.

Is that all she wanted to know? That, I could answer.

"Of course you can. I love Sesshomaru. More than I have ever loved anyone. I would never do a thing to hurt him."

"Then why are you keeping secrets from him?"

I stayed silent.

"He thinks you do not trust him."

I sighed. "I do trust him. He is one of the people I trust most in the world. It's just what I found out is a lot. I haven't processed it yet. I wouldn't even know where to begin. He could ask me a question and I would draw a blank. He asked me something this morning. I was getting ready to tell him, but I know I wouldn't have been able to finish the story."

"So, meeting you mother. Was that a story to cover what is truly bothering you?"

I nodded.

"I suggest you figure it out quickly mouse. The moment you step foot in that house. The real interrogation starts then. I am simply the buffer."

I just stared off into the distance. "He says you tend to take things, on your own. Is that true?"

"It's true."

"Is that a result of your upbringing?"

I nodded. "When you're used to being alone and doing things alone. It's difficult to rely on others. The people closest to me often have to do things behind my back. or force me to accept their help. It comes from a place of caring though. I appreciate it because I know I need it."

She rested her chin on her hand. "A sweet child, such as yourself. Alone for so long. What a terrible thing."

I shrugged. "You get used to it."

"You have to get used to something else now."

I looked at her confused. "Get used to what?"

She smiled. "Having a family."

A family. It's the one thing that I've always wanted.

The food came, and I did not waste any time. I went straight for the eggs and bacon. I knew they weren't for her. I didn't realize how hungry I was. Until I looked down at my plate. I saw the food was more than half gone. She handed me a napkin.

She smiled. "I think I'm finally starting to see it."

I took it and wiped my mouth.

"To see what?" I asked.

She smiled and shook her head. "Nothing, It does not matter. "She smiled. "You know, I have always wanted a daughter."

I held my napkin up trying to hide my blush. She and Sesshomaru really were mother and son. They had a knack for teasing me too. They were intimidating at first glance, but if they let you in. You get to see a softer side of them.

She was right. I didn't have to do anything on my own anymore.