InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Cinderella Stroy ❯ The Dreaming ( Chapter 13 )

Kagome was dreaming, of that she was sure. For one thing, her back did not hurt, and after the beating Yoshi had given her she was finding that very hard to believe. He had been angry of course that Inuyasha had felt the need to tag along, but angrier still that she had not orchestrated some reason for her to leave Yuka and Asano alone for an extended period of time. She had no idea how she was supposed to have done this. She stretched, enjoying the mercifully pain-free feeling before looking around her.

She was in a strange garden. A large pool spanned by round stones connected small islands. The water reflected the full moon. On each island a small open structure languished surrounded by flowers of every kind she could imagine and more than a few she couldn't. She stepped out onto one of the stones and followed the curving path to an island. She climbed the steps and entered the small structure, sitting on the bench that ran the length of the wall to better enjoy the sight and scent of the place. She closed her eyes and inhaled. The heavy scent of flowers mingled with the soft smell of the deep Fall and she opened her eyes.

“Hello Sesshomaru.”

She rose, turning to face him and he nodded in greeting. “You are hurt.”

“I'm well enough.”

“I shouldn't have sent Inuyasha. I am sorry.”

“Don't be, I was glad to have his company. Yuka is learning slowly about me. Without Asano there, I don't think she could have taken what I showed her today.”

He reached over as though to caress her cheek, then stopped, drawing his hand back. “I wanted to apologize for the other night. I was wrong to force myself upon you in that fashion.”

She took a step closer. “No, don't feel bad about it. I…I wanted that to happen, it just startled me. I've never…you were my first kiss.”

He moved closer to her, his hand coming up to cup her cheek. There was less than an inch between them. His words caressed her lips, bringing heat to her cheeks. “I know, I could taste it.”

“Are you a dream?” She was trembling, her stomach doing summersaults as she fought for breath.

“This is a Dreaming, it is more real than any dream you have ever had, but yes, it is a dream.”

“So you are here, and I am here, but here does not exist?”

“This is a place within our minds.”

“Oh.”

Her soft breath against his lips made a tremor run down his spine. “Kagome, I very much want to kiss you again. But I will not do so without your permission.”

“You have it.”

His lips covered hers once more, but this time there was no panic from her. She leaned into him, and gently he opened his lips, guiding hers open with them. His tongue traced the inside of her lips lightly before he pulled back, unwilling to go any further. She looked up at him, wondering when his arm had circled her waist to secure her body against his.

“Sesshomaru…”

He pressed his forehead against hers, his eyes shut as he tried to gather his thoughts enough for words. “I want to see you again, but if I come to you, others may grow suspicious of my absence. Kouga-san is holding a ball in the Northern Lands, I beg you, come.”

“I am not invited.”

“You will be. Kouga asked for a list of everyone I invited.” A smile danced in his eyes. “I believe he wishes to see the Guardian again.”

She returned the unrealized smile. “And he shall. I cannot go as Kagome. I have seen the fate that will befall me if I did that.”

“I would never let any harm befall you.”

Tears touched the corners of her eyes. “Thank you.”

“Please, don't cry. It tears me inside to see you cry.”

“They are tears of joy.”

“Perhaps, but they smell sad to me. You cannot hide this from me, my Kagome. I can scent it on you. Tell me what makes you sad.”

“You and I can never be so long as Yoshi lives and yet I cannot bring myself to kill him or let you kill him either.”

“We shall see, my Kagome. We shall see.”