InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Blessed Curse ❯ The Midnight Snack ( Chapter 7 )

~Blessed Curse~

By: Youkai Yume

Okay, I'd like to take this time to express my feelings on a certain subject. I received a flame saying that Sess and Kagome don't belong together, that they're ICKY and that people like me are twisted for even thinking of such things. THEN they have the audacity to tell me that other than that, it was a good fic. IDIOTS! MORONS! It says on my summary and beforehand that this was going to be a Sess/Kag fic! So if anyone here hates the idea of them being together, or are really that closed minded, THEN GET THE FUCK OUTTA HERE! You don't even belong here in the first place, so why'd you even bother reading it?! Geez! Well, I feel better.

Disclaimer: Mmmmmm. . .No.

Act 7: The Midnight Snack

The room was silent, only the sounds of the two females breathing could be heard. The fire, although seemingly getting smaller, still burned brightly, causing their shadows to flicker on the walls.

Kotori gazed sadly down at the girl that had her face buried into her pillow, completely still. She had long past given up on convincing her to change her opinion on the demon lord, and had only stayed at Kagome's request to keep her company. Sighing a bit, she shifted her weight to get a more comfortable sitting position on the futon.

"I'm sorry. . ." Kagome's voice came softly-and slightly muffled from the pillow. "You must get tired of hearing me whine so much," Kotori turned to look at her, and smiled gently.

" `Tis not your fault, milady. The lord is not exactly the most easy of people to get along with," She soothed. Sniffing a bit, Kagome moved to sit up, wiping away the remainder of her tears before gazing at Kotori, a slight smile on her lips.

"I can't argue with you there. . ." The servant chuckled at hearing this, and Kagome couldn't help but giggle too. Kotori stopped abruptly, staring wide-eyed at the slightly flushed miko.

"Milady! That is the first time that I have seen you smile since you have arrived!" Kagome nodded, running her fingers through her hair as if it were a makeshift comb.

"Well, don't get used to it. With Sesshomaru-SAMA as my gracious host, I doubt I'll be smiling too much," She said softly, sadness laced in her melodic voice. Kotori frowned.

"You should, milady. It makes you so much prettier," She complimented, making the miko blush.

"Um, thanks, Kotori-san. I'll try." The two conversing females were quickly brought out of there pleasant conversation, when the heard a little tap coming from behind them. Twirling their heads in the direction of the tapping, they found themselves staring at the frosty window.

"That's not a tree branch scratching on our window is it?" Kagome asked nervously, as the tapping continued.

"Meow," the sound came weak and muffled from the outside. They looked at each other.

"Unless branches can mewl like a cat. . ." Kotori stared at Kagome as she got up to investigate. As the scratching and mewling persisted, Kagome approached ever closer to the window, and when she finally reached it, her eyes widened considerably.

"Omigosh! Kirara!" She slid open the window immediately, a few snowflakes falling from the sill as she did so. Kagome scooped up the fire-neko youkai, who shook herself to get rid of the snow on its' fur.

"Kirara, milady?" Kotori cautiously approached, examining the bundle of cream colored fur as it snuggled into Kagome's warmth. Spotting the lynx youkai approaching, Kirara let out a warning growl, and stood in a protective position in front of the miko.

"It's okay, Kirara! This is Kotori, a friend," the little cat looked up at her, and gave an apologizing mewl before jumping back onto Kagome's lap. Once there, she hugged it fiercely.

"Oh! Kirara, I'm so sorry I didn't come back out for you! But I couldn't, Sesshomaru locked me in!" She cried out almost hysterically, and the fire-cat could only lick her hand in a soothing manner, reassuring her that she was forgiven. "Kirara, did you see Shippo? Is he okay?"

Her ears drooped, and she mewled sadly, as if begging for forgiveness for not being able to save the kitsune. Kagome absently petted her, shaking her head lightly and holding her close.

"It's okay, it was all my fault to begin with," Her eyes began to tear up again at the thought of her surrogate son, teasing both youkai's noses. Kotori quickly kneeled down, putting a comforting arm around the slightly trembling girl.

"Please milady, tears do not suit you. Please cheer up. . ." Kagome looked blearily up at her, releasing Kirara as she went to warm her fur by the fire.

"Cheer up?! How can I cheer up?" She snapped back, causing the dress maker to wince a bit. Her eyes softened and she hung her head in apology. "I'm sorry, it's just that. . .I don't see a bright side to this. In one day I've lost my son, my freedom, and possibly the chance of ever getting to see my friends or family again. On top of that I'm stuck in a castle with an arrogant demon lord who hates my guts and most likely only wants me here so I can be bait for the Tetsusaiga."

Kotori shook her head.

"Things are not always as they seem, milady. The lord really isn't as cold and hateful as you perceive him to be. I know it's hard, but please understand that Sesshomaru-sama was not always like this," Kagome raised an eyebrow at her, as if the whole idea was completely impossible.

"And just. . .how was he before?" She asked, unable to hold back her curiosity. The lynx youkai stared into the flames for a moment, entranced by the flickering embers as they danced in the hearth.

"Different. . .when he was young, he was a very sweet, curious child. He used to cling to his mother a lot, from what Nira-san told me."

"So, what happened?" Kagome asked carefully, knowing it was probably a touchy subject-even for his own servants to talk about.

"Sesshomaru-sama's mother. . .she passed away. . ." came the answer. She frowned, and her fingers absently stroked Kirara's fur.

"Oh. . ." Kotori fidgeted a bit on the spot, just before Kagome continued. "How?"

"I'm sorry, milady. But we are not to speak of it. Besides, I believe Sesshomaru-sama should be the one to tell you that." Sighing, Kagome nodded in understanding. It was his business, and she had no right to pry in the first place. The already short-tempered demon lord would probably blow a fuse if he found out she was trying to get information of him from his servants. He might get the wrong idea that she was a spy trying to find his weakness, `Like he has any.'

All thoughts were cut off there, however, when a rumbling emitted from Kagome's stomach. Both Kotori and Kirara stared at the flushing miko, as she laughed weakly in embarrassment.

"Hehehe. . .I'm afraid Sesshomaru took just one more thing from me: My dinner. . ." The lynx youkai could only laugh at her new friend's remark, and moved to get up, dusting off her kimono as she did so.

"Perhaps we can sneak just a little midnight snack," Kagome perked up at the suggestion, and followed Kotori as she went to the door.

~*~*~*~

Aki sat leaning against the marble walls, his eyes steadily drooping as he struggled to stay awake and keep watch of the miko. So far, everything had remained considerably silent, save for the muffled sobs that came from the room. After several moments, the soft, gentle voices of his fellow servant and the girl replaced the silence. It came so lazily into the hallway, that Aki found himself falling asleep at the sound of it.

Finally giving into his heavy eyelids, he allowed himself to fall asleep. But his nap didn't last long, as he was abruptly awoken at the sound of the sliding panel of the miko's room opening. In a panicking frenzy, he scrambled to his feet and hid behind the wall. Peeking around the corner, his beady eyes widened when he spotted Kotori emerging from the room, then turned around to gesture for the girl to follow.

"Are you sure it's safe?" Kagome asked nervously.

"Lord Sesshomaru-sama is probably in his chambers, and if we stay quiet, we shouldn't draw too much attention to ourselves as to get caught. Besides, if we were to starve you, I'm afraid your grumbling stomach will keep the entire castle awake!" She whispered back. Walking down the empty hallways, Kagome followed after the lynx youkai, not aware of the badger that watched with surprise just beyond the corner. `Oh dear! The girl has left her room! If Lord Sesshomaru finds out, he'll be furious!'

With that final thought, Aki scuttled quickly through secret passageways within the castle, hoping to reach the kitchens before Kotori and Kagome.

~*~*~*~

"Well, here we are!" She announced, as Kagome looked on in awe at the palace kitchens. `Fit for a king! Well, this is SESSHOMARU we're talking about here.' Just then, Nira and Jaken came into the room, a surprised look on her face at seeing Kagome out of her room.

"Milady! What're you doing here? You weren't supposed to leave your room!" The neko-youkai exclaimed. Kotori stepped forward.

"We have come for just a quick meal."

"I thought you said you weren't hungry. . ." Nira said jokingly at the blushing miko.

"Well. . .I got hungry," Nira laughed good-naturedly at this, and nodded in understanding. Jaken, however, wasn't as lenient.

"You heard Sesshomaru-sama, ningen! Starve!" He snapped back in his shrill voice. This earned a good bump on his head from Nira, and the little toad whimpered, covering his wrinkly head from anymore attacks.

"Don't pay any attention to him." Nira huffed.

"Don't worry, I don't," Kagome responded, causing the servants to giggle once more-except for Jaken who was glaring daggers at them. It was then that the doors slid open, revealing Aki, panting as he spotted Kagome.

"Milady! You must(pant) go back(pant) to your room(pant) at once!" He wheezed, scrambling over to where Kagome was, and taking her by the hand to drag her back. The others began to protest, well, most of them anyway.

"Finally! Someone who agrees with me!" Jaken said triumphantly, causing Aki to stop momentarily. He threw a distasteful look at the toad before continuing to take Kagome back.

"I'm sorry, milady, but you being here will get me as well as the others in great trouble," Aki apologized. Kagome face faulted.

"Gomen, I'm just so hungry. I didn't get to eat and well. . ." the badger felt sympathy gnawing at his insides. He looked up at the face of the miko, and his heart melted.

"Aw, what the heck! Nira! Get the others to fix something up for our guest!" Aki said, his voice cheery at seeing Kagome's face light up in happiness.

"WHAT?! Forget about it!" Jaken protested. "She will get nothing!" Aki went over and draped an arm around the toad's shoulders.

"Jaken, Lord Sesshomaru had told her earlier if she needed anything that we were to attend to her! Would you disobey his orders?"

"But Sesshomaru-sama ALSO said to make sure she does not eat unless in milord's company!" Jaken shot back.

"Just look at that face. . ." Aki urged, and forced Jaken to look at Kagome, who gave him the most innocent, sad puppy-dog eyes she could muster. "Could you really say no?" He glared at them, but when Kagome's lower lip trembled, he gave in. She reminded him of Rin, and everyone knew that no matter how much Jaken complained, he was a sucker for little girl.

"All right! All right! She's allowed a piece of bread and some tea, but that's all!" Kagome narrowed her eyes at him.

"It better be a BIG gourmet piece of bread. . ." She grumbled.

"Nonsense! You are our guest, milady. And with a kitchen staff as prized as ours, it would be an insult to serve you something so bland," Aki insisted, ignoring Jaken completely. He pushed Kagome into the dining room, and forced her to sit down.

"Tonight, prepare to have your taste buds delighted! Please be our guest, milady!" Aki said cheerfully, and moved to go into the kitchens. Kagome stopped him.

"Wait, if I am to be your guest, then I want you to stop calling me milady. All of you, and just plain Kagome!" He fidgeted under her gaze.

"I don't-"

"Do it, or I refuse to eat!" Kagome said sternly, although her stomach was growling in rebellion. Aki smiled weakly.

"As you wish, mila-I mean, Kagome," She smiled warmly at him, and watched as he moved behind the sliding panel that led to the kitchens. Kagome waited patiently, and gazed around at the lavishly decorated room in awe. She was so immersed in her observation, that she did not notice the door sliding open.

"Kagome-neesan?" A sleepy voice wafted through the room. Kagome's head turned to look at Rin, who was rubbing her eyes and yawning as she blinked to confirm the blur in front of her was indeed Kagome.

"Rin, what are you doing up this late?"

"Rin was thirsty, so Rin wanted to get a cup of water," she answered. "What's Kagome-neesan doing here?" The older girl smiled warmly.

"I'm a little hungry, so I decided to get a little midnight snack," She looked at the adorable child. "Would you like to join me?" Rin's sleepy façade faded away in an instant as she nodded excitedly.

"Yes, please!" She smiled her wide, toothy grin and sat with a `plop' besides Kagome. It wasn't long before the mouth-watering smell of food wafted into the two girl's nostrils. Kagome couldn't help but giggle when she heard a rumbling besides her own stomach signified that Rin was hungry as well.

As if on cue, the sliding panel opened, and servants came out carrying trays of delicious dishes, some Kagome recognized and others more unusual.

~A.N. Sorry, no dancing silverware in my fic, and I think it'll be waaaay weird to have the servants line up and start doing the can-can. ^_^;~

"Yay!" Rin cried out, and began filling up her plate with various dishes. Kagome giggled, thanked the servants and proceeded to her miso soup. It seemed that no matter how much the two of them ate, more appeared, as more dishes were brought out. Kagome was beginning to feel like it was more like a banquet than just a little snack. . .

Rin didn't seem to mind though, and she was thoroughly amazed at how much the little girl could eat. She looked up at Nira, Aki and Kotori, who were just about to retreat back into the kitchens.

"Hey, wait!" They stopped, and turned around to look at her expectantly. "There's no way I can finish all of this, so why don't you help me finish it?" They stared wide-eyed at her.

"You mean. You don't mind us servants dining with you?" Kotori asked, causing Kagome to quirk an eyebrow at them.

"Why would I?" Rin just stared at the adults, chewing thoughtfully on her food.

"It simply isn't done, to have the lower class of youkai to eat with guests. . ." Nira answered.

"Well, think of it this way, to me you aren't servants, you're my friends! So, it's okay." They looked at each other, hesitating before taking their seat on the table.

"I don't know. . ."

"Listen, I won't tell Sesshomaru-sama, and you won't tell Sesshomaru-sama. I don't' see the problem," They all smiled. The girl's logic was enlightening, and it was the first time anyone treated them with such kindness. Yes, they all liked Kagome, they decided. Think of how much things can change for the better around the castle if she were their mistress. . .That settled it. They were going to get Sesshomaru and Kagome together if it were the last thing they did. If not for their lord, then for themselves.

~*~*~*~

He fumbled with the intricate piece of silver, running his fingers along the elaborate designs and the sapphire diamond that was placed on the middle of the armlet. It had a chain that was missing a piece that hung from the jewel. He sighed.

"Mother. . ." Sesshomaru whispered in the still night. This was the last thing he left him with before she passed on. He remembered her words when she had placed the piece of jewelry in his hands.

~* Flashback *~

"Mother, why are you crying?" An adolescent Sesshomaru approached his weeping okasaan. She had her face buried in her hands, and tears streaked down her ivory face. "Please don't cry, I don't want you to be sad. . ."

"I can't help it, my son," She answered, looking up at the pale moon as its' rays filtered through the window.

"Do you hurt?" He asked, placing his hands on her shoulder.

"Yes, it hurts very much so. . ." she placed her trembling hands over heart. "right here. . ." Sesshomaru growled, his father had done this. Had broken his mother's heart and had taken in a ningen as his mate.

"He'll pay," He breathed angrily, but he was soothed when his mother shook her head.

"No, Sessho, please don't harm your father," she pleaded.

"He deserves to suffer for what he did to you. . ." She shook her head.

"No matter what he has done, I still love him. Please don't hate your father."

"But why?" Sesshomaru asked, confused at how she could be so forgiving. Wiping her tears, she rolled up the sleeves of her kimono, revealing a silver band around her arm. It was beautiful, with a sapphire stone in the middle, decorated with wings adorned on either side of it. A dangling piece hung from a chain on the armlet, and he recognized it to be a fang.

"Inutaisho gave this to me when we met. He told me that as long as I wore it, he would always vow to protect me," she said wistfully. He watched as she slowly took it off. "This fang signifies our pact of love to one another, and as long as I possess it, he is bound to me."

"Mother?" Sesshomaru looked confused as she broke off the fang from the armlet.

"No matter how much I love him, I don't want him to feel like the only reason he is with me is because he is obligated to. . ." Grasping her son's hand, she placed the large silver ring in his hand.

"I don't understand," He said, as she closed his fingers around it. He could still feel it's warmth from his own mother's body heat.

"Please keep this with you, and when you have found someone you love. . .give this to them, so that you will always be bound to one another. Even if you are parted. It'll protect your mate. . ." Looking down at the armlet, he saw the chain where his father's fang used to be.

"I promise, mother. And I also vow to never break such a sacred bond as did father."

~* End Flashback *~

Sighing, he placed the armlet in a case and put it on his table. It seems it would always remain in that case, for he, Sesshomaru, could never love. His mind flew for a fleeting second as the image of a certain miko with eyes that matched the very sapphire stone flashed in his mind. He growled, `Why?' Deciding he needed some fresh air, he stepped outside to the balcony. The winter air caressed his cheek, and he sighed once more.

~*~*~*~

Kagome placed a hand over her full stomach and let out a contented sigh.

"After that `snack' I don't think I'll be able to eat again in a LONG while. How about you, Rin?" She looked down at the child, only to see that she was fast asleep. "Out like a light. . ." Nira nodded in agreement and got up, lifting the child into her arms.

"Please excuse me, Kagome-sama. But I should really get her into bed," She nodded in understanding as Nira left with the fast-asleep Rin, leaving her alone with Kotori, Aki and Jaken.

"I'm going to bed as well," Kotori said, getting up as the table was quickly being cleared away. "Do you need me to escort you back to your room?" Kagome shook her head.

"No thanks, besides, I'm not sleepy yet." Kotori shrugged and left. `And then there were three.' Turning to a disgruntled Jaken and a still energetic Aki, Kagome stood up and walked past them.

"Where do you think you're going?" Jaken asked suspiciously.

"I want to have a look around this place. If I'm going to stay here forever, then I at least want to know my way around," Jaken started protesting at this.

"Absolutely not! We can't have you lurking around the castle at this hour!" He huffed. "Besides, you'll get lost." Kagome pouted, and Aki, being the softy that he was, set out to convince his fellow servant.

"Well then, why don't you show her the way?" He suggested. Aki knew Jaken, the old stiff, loved to show off his knowledge of the castle. Winking at Kagome to follow along, she brightened her smile.

"Yes, Jaken. I'm sure you'd be an excellent tour guide. Why, you must know EVERYTHING about this castle. She smirked when she saw the toad blush a fine shade of orange, and after a bit of hesitation, he agreed.

"Very well then, I suppose I DO know everything. . .well come along now! There's no time to waste! There's much to see!" Jaken said with importance, taking the lead. Kagome glanced over to Aki, and they both smiled at each other.

~End Chapter~

Yeeek. I hate this chapter, I hate all my chapters. . .this is one of those not much happens chapters, but please bear with me. I'm sure you've figured out by now who the character roles of the servants are:

Aki: Lumierre(sp?)

Nira: Mrs. Potts

Jaken: Cogsworth

Rin: Chip

Kotori: the giant closet thing whose name escapes me at themoment.

There might be other characters that I'll put in soon, and I'm sorry the romance part is taking so long to get to, but I like to take my sweet time. . .Please read and review, and no flames!

Review Responses:

~Fanfiction.net

AnimeFan13: I'm afraid this story is muy boring, so yeah. If you stay for the entire ride I'd be very surprised.

AnImEfReAk81: I'm so glad you're always there for each and every single one of my stories!

Kaela, the Tiger Demoness: Lies. No you don't. I have such low self-esteem.

Vixon: Sadly, you'll have to wait. Quite long too.

SesshomaruLover: Thanks, you flatter me too much. But none of my stories are actually good enough to be published, and if it did, published where? The closest I get to publishing is printing it out. Lol. Thanks for all the praise! I'm glad you like.

The hitokiri battousai himura: Actually, I don't have the movie, so I'm writing all of this from memory. That's why it sucks. Glad you like it though. ^_^

Tiger: I know, I'm sorry.

Kiwi93089: Really? Am I your favorite author? (blushes) I'm so honored. But I'm afraid I don't deserve such praise, for my writing style sucks. An honest friend told me so, said I was too prose (nonpoetic) in my writing, and that she's better. . .(sigh) SHE'S RIGHT! (sob) But I'm glad someone here likes me! As for all of that poetic stuff, I only try in Demon's Angel. Hehe.

Black Shadow1388: Thanks!

Lady Kagome-Fluffy's gurl: Yes, you're right, and several others pointed it out for me. I will still try, and I myself am not very satisfied with this fic either.

Sanosuke Hidane: lol. Thanks for the suggestion. I've decided to take your advice, but instead of the ring, it's going to be the armlet. Is that okay? It'll come into play next chapter. Thanks loads! And I apologize because this story is probably a disappointment, ne?

KawaiiLil-InuGurl: Practice, my friend. Practice.

DarkPyroPlanet: Thanks for all of the pickles! (yum) And if I don't put in the dancing scene, you have my full permission to do all of the horrible things that you mentioned earlier. Now, after reading Napea's fic, you've gotta admit, she's better. Send HER pickles! Lol.

Mitenshi: You really think so?

Blue-Saiyan-Angel: I'm glad you understand. The romance part takes some time to kick in. But soon. (excellent, excellent)

DarkFire77: Thanks!

Inuyasha-luver3: Um, I think I get it. Thanks for your opinion. I try my best to cross these two universes together. ^_^

Ash-can: I understand, and I'll try.

SilentDark: Brilliance? Me? HA!

Mad-eye mai: Yes, I see what you mean, and I intend to try to make it better. I also plan to go back and edit my chapters so it won't be exactly like the movie. I'm so sorry if it was a disappointment!

Sesshomarulover713: I was thinking about the whole Shippo thing, and as much as I'd love to do that, Shippo has a different role to play in my story. GOMEN! Don't worry, it'll come up.

Bloodbunny: Nice to hear from you as always. ^_^

~Mediaminer.org

ice princess 1185: Okies.

BelleDayNight: Well, my friend. Gaston is Inuyasha, I was going to have Kouga play the part, but it was overdone. Besides, I needed Inuyasha out of the way. ^_^

Tsukitani: Alas, no dancing tableware. (tear) But that's okay, I'm glad you like that whole smiling scene. ^_^

Mistress Fluffy: I'm glad you like how I am portraying Sess, and even though you're lying, it's nice to hear that you like my fic also. (You just won't admit you like Napea's better*glare*) lol.JK.

Western Female Neko: Thanks!

lil'sesshi: Thanks for the review! I love hearing from you.

Trihn: I'll try.

wackoramaco87: Thanks, but you have to admit, Napea's still better. (sigh) I hate being inferior.

END NOTE: Okay, all done with this fic. Now I have to go and write my chapter for "ForgetMeNot," and with any luck it'll be up tonight or tomorrow. Wish me luck! Read, review, and no flames.

~Ja Ne! ^_^