Chapter 31: Scares and More Scares
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Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its characters…
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Sesshomaru dropped Kagome off at the entrance to her work, having to return to his own for the remainder of the day, and she smiled as she waved him away. With a turn, she headed back into the building, her purse swaying idly beside her.
She entered the empty elevator, her lips quirked in a private, knowing smile, and pressed the button for the top floor.
It was a strange thought, to be engaged to Sesshomaru of all people. If someone had told her that in the past she would have laughed at them outright! But now it was different. It had been quite a while since her ventures in the feudal era, and in all honesty she felt ready to settle down. Her adventures left her now feeling older than her age dictated, making her what others deemed as an 'old soul'. While she knew that to others their marriage would seem premature, since they really only just realized each other's feelings, her bond with him was strong enough that she didn't doubt that she would be happy with him for eternity. It was one of those rare instances where a person knew that they'd found the one, and she'd be damned if she let him get away after all of this time. If anything she kicked herself for not realizing it sooner.
With a silent laugh, she had to concede that Sesshomaru wasn't getting any younger either.
As she waited for her floor she glanced down to the ring, then looked up again, and then back down. She couldn't keep her eyes off of it! And then it would glint in the lighting, sending small rainbows about her and making her smile.
Eyes suddenly widening with realization, Kagome quickly pulled the ring from her finger.
Surely his mother would immediately notice the shiny, sparkling bauble! And then she would recognize said ring and no doubt interrogate her! And then she would know for certain! That could not happen. Not yet.
She reached around for the clasp of her necklace and slipped the ring onto the chain, letting the ring fall down into her shirt for safe keeping. Breathing a little easier, she watched the numbers ascend.
Once she arrived onto her floor she stepped out lightly, her eyes searching for the Inu matron. When she didn't see her immediately she sighed a little in relief and went to her desk, setting her purse underneath it.
"You have returned late," murmured a voice very nearby.
Kagome jumped in her seat, a hand coming up to her rapidly beating heart as she turned to the female.
"I'm sorry Milady! L-lunch ran a little late!" She spoke quickly and stumbled on her words horribly in her nervousness. She just knew that she'd end up giving herself away in some way or another!
The other woman watched her as she circled around to the front of her desk, and Kagome felt once more like prey being circled by a wolf. Or in this case a dog.
"Hn. I suppose you are not entirely to blame." The Inu fiddled with some of the items on Kagome's desk for a moment before looking up once more. "My son has always excelled at attracting females. There was never any lack of them."
Kagome wisely said nothing.
"They all wanted one thing or another; his lands, his fortunes…his body." With that last part of her statement she narrowed her gaze on the blushing miko. "I trust you have good intentions?"
Kagome wanted to snort in laughter but reigned it in. Had she just asked if she had good intentions towards her son?! It was laughable! If she should be concerned about anyone, she should be concerned about her right?
Clearing her throat, she sat straighter under the scrutiny.
"Of course! I've known your son for many years, Milady, and I can assure you that if I'd ever desired his presence for such shallow reasons it would have been in the past when I was young and immature. And I promise you the thought had never crossed my mind even then."
"Never? Did you not find my son desirable in his youth?" She sounded slightly offended.
"Well, of course he was attractive but I don't only look at the way someone looks," she corrected quickly.
"So he was deficient in another way?" Her voice lowered in pitch, making Kagome begin to panic.
"No! No! He wasn't deficient, I just had other matters to distract me! Honest!" Kagome leaned forward on her desk, her eyes pleading for the other to understand. "I've always known that there was something there under the surface, something that no-one else noticed or even wanted to see in him. I assure you, I have always found him attractive, and I was intrigued by him even if he had tried to kill me the first time he met me…It's just that I had a job to fulfill, a mission, and there was also Inuyasha…"
"Ah yes…The hanyou."
Kagome stiffened a little. She didn't particularly want to think about Inuyasha. She'd only mentioned him because he did indeed play a vital part in her reasons for being in the feudal era, and she had been in love with him for quite a long time before she was left on the other side of the well.
"What happened with the hanyou?" The inu was inquisitive.
"I…was left on this side of the well. Trapped. I couldn't return."
She nodded her understanding, but she obviously wanted more of an answer.
"After some time I realized that it had only been puppy love. It wasn't a real, true love. There was no honesty in it and I'd always been left feeling unworthy in his eyes." Kagome looked down to fiddle with her skirt. "I don't think Yasha knew how to be honest and true in regards to relationships. Or at least in regards to me." She looked up once more, a sad smile gracing her features. "In any case, I woke up from that." Her smile became a genuinely warm one. "I regret having not seen Sesshomaru more often back then. I think perhaps we would have been good companions."
The Inu mother eyed her sternly, calculating, before she pulled away and her stance and gaze relaxed. Without a word she went back to her own desk, leaving Kagome completely befuddled.
What?
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Throughout the day Kagome continuously fiddled with the ring, not even aware of doing such. Sesshomaru's mother kept her distance and Kagome didn't argue it, feeling a little abashed at her forced confession earlier. She hadn't told anyone her thoughts on Sesshomaru from the past. Not even her mother. So for it to be pulled from her like that had left her feeling a little vulnerable and self-conscious.
When the end of the day came she left quickly, politely nodding to the Inu without making direct eye contact and then entering the elevator.
It was only when she was back at her apartment and taking off her jacket that she realized that her necklace was gone.
With a wave of panic she frantically felt about her neck. It wasn't there. She jostled the jacket that she'd just removed, hoping that it would drop out of it. Maybe it had just snagged on the fabric? But no, nothing fell from it.
Heart beating frantically, she patted her skirt and then began to dig in her purse. Growing more and more agitated by the second when it still was nowhere to be found she dumped the purse on the wood floor and, kneeling there, rifled through her things.
Nothing.
With a sob she stopped her search; eyes wide, mind blank and hands trembling.
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Feeling particularly pleased that day, Sesshomaru strode to his apartment leisurely. Curious as to what the miko was up to, he subconsciously felt for her aura. And then did a slight double take.
She was panicked.
Quickly, he went to her door and knocked, calling to her.
"Kagome?"
When he received no answer other than a sob he felt himself begin to panic as well. He opened her door and entered, eyes darting about as his nostrils flared. But there she was, a few feet in front of him kneeling on the floor with the contents of her purse strewn about. There were no others in the apartment and he felt himself relax. Slightly.
"Kagome? What troubles you?" he asked as he circled around to stand before her. Crouching, he tried to see her face.
She hid it from him.
Was she regretting her decision?
"Kagome?" He lifted her chin with a knuckle, eyes narrowing at the scent of her tears.
She sniffled before finally meeting his eyes, her expression anguished. Her left hand came up to rest on the hand holding her chin and it was then that he noticed the lack of a ring on her finger. Brows furrowing he focused on her hand, hearing her sob again.
"I lost it," she cried quietly. "I can't find it…Oh Sessh, I can't find it!"
Finally understanding why she was so upset he gathered her into his arms, sitting her in his lap, and tucked her head beneath his chin while he rubbed circles into her back.
"Shhhh."
"I'm so sorry," she moaned miserably. "I put it on my necklace and now my necklace is gone!"
"Do not fret," he murmured into her hair gently.
"But I lost it-"
"And it is replaceable. It is not worth you upsetting yourself."
"It is to me…"
"Kagome-" he began, but stopped himself short when he saw something as he glanced down at her. Smiling to himself a little, he pulled back from her and turned her to face him.
Her eyes met his, and without breaking that contact he slowly smoothed his hand from her hair down her neck and along her collarbone. Her breath caught at his actions and her cheeks darkened when his hand sank lower. She gasped.
"Sesshomaru, this is hardly the time-"
Deftly, he reached into the front of her shirt and pulled out the chain that he'd spied resting in the little nook at the center of her brazier.
Swallowing, she stared at the chain.
"Oh," was her breathless reply.
"Hn."
Slowly, he lowered the chain and the ring looped in it into her awaiting hands.
"Thank the kami," she smiled as she took the ring from the broken chain and slipped it back onto her finger.
Sesshomaru could not help but chuckle at her, only to receive a light slap to the chest.
"Hey! I was scared!"
"You need not have panicked so. Trinkets are not important."
"But this one is to me! It's the first thing you've ever given me…" She traced the ring with a finger. "I don't know what I would have done…"
Smiling warmly at his intended, he pressed a kiss to her temple and pulled her close again.
"Silly Miko. You frightened me."
"I'm sorry," she whispered as she cuddled into his larger form.
They enjoyed the little moment they had, and then the door burst open rather suddenly. Sesshomaru released her promptly, and she slid to the wooden floor gracelessly.
"Kagome?!"
Head tilting up, Kagome smiled hesitantly as she smoothed her skirt down.
"It's alright, Ship! I was just freaking out a little, but I'm alright now."
His stance relaxed and his aura decreased visibly, the blue fox fire dissipating from his hands.
"Freaking out?" he asked, much calmer and slightly deflated sounding. He stepped closer and Kagome subconsciously covered her hand.
"Um yeah, just a little stressed out from work." She began to pick up the contents of her purse, shoving it all in carelessly. When her hands were in her purse she quickly slid her ring onto another finger before reaching for the last of her items.
Shippo said nothing as the Inu behind her stood and then offered her a hand, easily lifting her to her feet. She had to resist smiling at him lovingly. They were still trying to keep it all a secret, after all.
"Are you staying for supper?" she asked, quickly changing the subject.
"Uh, yeah, I guess I am." The poor boy looked so very confused and suspicious, but he said no more on the matter and proceeded to take up his customary seat in front of the television.
Fighting a tell tale blush, Kagome deposited her purse on a stool and headed to the fridge to see what they had to eat.
Sesshomaru was quickly behind her while the kit was looking away, a hand on her waist as he leaned into her ear. She turned her head a little.
"I will return shortly," he murmured, placing a silent kiss to her temple once more and heading out the door.
Kagome smiled to herself as she decided on chicken and pasta.
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Kagome and Sesshomaru spent a blissful week hiding their engagement and relationship from everyone, stealing heated kisses and exchanging glances while other's weren't looking. It excited them, and teased them, instilling a hunger in them that they were quickly finding to be insatiable.
After another two weeks they were both finding how it was taking it's toll on them. Kagome was becoming paranoid, and Sesshomaru restless.
The poor miko found herself constantly glancing about whenever they were together, afraid of being caught. It was getting to the point that she would not kiss him or even touch him unless they were alone in an elevator and even then she began to wonder if there were hidden cameras.
This made Sesshomaru anxious and impatient. Even though it had been his own decision to hide it, he was beginning to resent the fact. Why the hell had he ever said that? Sure, they wouldn't have his mother haranguing them constantly about it, but constantly worrying about it was almost worse. And damn he wanted to kiss her, and hold her, and touch her! It was driving him mad, this dance of avoidance.
Storming into his mother's work place, he caught sight of his prey on the first floor and honed in like the predator he was.
With a rumble, he grabbed the startled miko by the arm and pulled her into the elevator with him, pushing the button that would ensure it's soon closure.
"Sesshomaru! What are you doing?!"
He pressed his lips to hers hungrily, a hand burying into her hair.
She pushed against his chest and pulled away, eyes already darting about in her paranoia.
"What if someone sees?"
"I don't care," he rumbled in displeasure.
"But Sessh-"
"No, I tire of this Kagome." His voice was dangerously low as he peered at her closely, the tips of their noses almost touching. His hand still held her hair at the nape of her neck, refusing to allow her to look away.
She swallowed, deep blue eyes boring into his own. She said nothing as she watched him, reading him as she was so very good at doing.
The elevator ticked lightly behind him as if counting down to their impending doom and still she did not say anything. Only when the final number arrived did she finally respond.
With a silent resolve, her lips set in a firm line and he could see the determination in her eyes. As the doors opened at his back, he tightened his hold of her and twisted her over and down into a dip, their eyes never losing contact. Kagome's hands tightened on his shirt, fisted at his collar, and he could feel the Inu in him howl in delight.
Their aura's burning each other's, they met halfway in a scalding kiss before the peering eyes of all those present.
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Kimiko watched, wide-eyed, as her son and her assistant 'made-out' in front of herself and her staff, all of which were present in her office to go over design approvals and the like. None said a word, but many gasped and several ladies turned away blushing madly and twittering like birds, stealing glances at the heated couple.
After a moment of passion, Sesshomaru allowed the girl to stand straight once more, pressing another kiss to her lips before stepping back slightly. She could practically feel the determination in his aura and she had to restrain her smirk.
After exchanging a meaningful look with the girl, he turned, his hand taking up her own smaller one.
His jaws clenched, he strode forward and ignored the others around him save his mother. As was to be expected.
"Sesshomaru?" she murmured, her impish nature betraying her none as her voice remained flat.
He stood before her with Kagome at his side, his head held high and his eyes steely.
"Mother," he began. "Kagome and I are engaged. We have been for some time, and I thought it only right that you should know."
She leaned back against her desk, dismissing the other's in the room with a wave, not even watching as they all hurried from the floor and packed into the elevator.
She said nothing, allowing her eyes to remain emotionless as she stared at them both, absorbing what he'd said. She could practically feel the nervousness in the girl; it emanated from her in waves while her son betrayed none. Finally, she deemed it appropriate to speak.
"Of course you are."
She watched, pleased, as they both went blank.
"I have known of it for ages." She allowed a toothy smirk to appear, more a devilish grin than anything. "Did you really think that you could hide something such as this from me? In my own territory? I thought I raised you better than that, Sesshomaru dear."
His eyes narrowed at her, and his other hand clenched at his side.
"You knew?" Kagome squeaked.
Turning her eyes affectionately to the girl she loved dearly, Kimiko smiled openly.
"Yes, Kagome, I knew. But I thought it fitting to allow you your little ruse." She smirked at her son, eyes narrowing in wicked delight. "To enjoy your fun while you could. Every relationship needs a little excitement, after all."
Kagome blushed a pretty shade of red while her son's eyes widened.
"Do you enjoy toying with the lives of others?" His voice floated to her, strangely docile.
Considering his question, she looked upwards and tapped a clawed finger to her chin.
"Yes, I believe I do." Her golden gaze shifted back down to land on Kagome once more. "Otherwise what fun would life be, ne?"
Kagome practically curled into the Inu at her side at the unflinching gaze of her mistress, her own eyes ducking to look at her shoes.
"And you approve?"
She thought over his words yet again, golden orbs dancing. Before she could speak, though, he was talking yet again.
"I will have her regardless of your opinion, but I wish to know."
She watched as Kagome stood a little straighter and smiled to herself meekly, eyes darting up to the Inu that she loved so very apparently.
"Regardless of what I wish?" she questioned.
"Yes."
"Than what else can I possibly say to you, Sesshomaru?"
"I wish for you to approve, all the same. It would not be so very hard on Kagome then."
All were silent; one pleased, one nervous and the other determined.
"Well!" she snapped primly. Turning to Kagome, she looked down at her strictly but spoke to Sesshomaru. "It would appear that you give me no choice in the matter, as I could no more deny her than I could deny you!" Allowing her expression to melt, she smiled warmly and held her arms wide open. "Welcome to the family, my dear."
Kagome's face broke out into a wide, relieved smile and she allowed herself to be swallowed in her embrace. Feeling the tension leave her, the poor girl began to laugh lightly to calm herself from what she no doubt thought would be a disaster.
"How could I possibly say no to you?" she murmured to her future daughter-in-law.
"I don't know what I would have done if you had!" Kagome's laugh was almost frightened sounding and Kimiko scented light tears in the air. Had she truly scared the miko that much?
Hearing a deep rumble from her son, she pulled away from the girl and allowed her some space.
They all settled into comfortable companionship, each lost in their own happy thoughts, before she just had to break the silence.
"So! What colors are you thinking for your theme? Surely nothing too abrasive I hope? And of course I must be allowed a say on the dress, among other things." She toyed with a lock of the girl's hair. "I do hope your own mother will be co-operative in the planning of this wedding and mating."
Blinking rapidly at the change of subject, Kagome paled.
Kami, what had she gotten herself into?
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A/N: Muahahahahaha! What fun! ;) I know it's been a while, life's been….demanding….but I've had this one sitting and waiting for a while. Every time I read through it something felt lacking, so I just kept waiting. And waiting. But now I've decided that enough's enough. I'm done with this chapter. Time to move on! Lol! So hopefully you all enjoyed it! Lemme know! J I'll be starting on the next shortly!