InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Blessed Curse ❯ The Smile ( Chapter 10 )

~ Blessed Curse ~

By: Youkai Yume

CF: {pokes story} Hmmmm. {story tiwtches} Yup! Yume-sama! Blessed Curse is still alive!

Yume: {looks up after sobbing heavily into hankie} Really? It's not dead?

CF: Nope! {beeping sounds from machine} Oh no! Not for long! YUME!

Yume: No! I won't let it die! {pushes through with shockers} CLEAR!

Disclaimer: {plugs hands in ears} LALALALALA! I CAN'T HEAR YOU!

Yume: p.s. This chapter will be short, gomen!

Act 10: The Smile

It was strange how she started looking at the impassive demon lord in a new light. Sure, he was still as cold as ever to the poor girl, but she had also noticed that his icy stares were devoid of its' usual frost. Kagome vaguely wondered, that perhaps the demon lord was beginning to change. . .

`Nah,' She thought with a sort of amused grin and a shake of head; raven tresses falling over her shoulder as she did so. Kagome had to keep reminding herself that it was Sesshomaru, the same taiyoukai who had glared at her with golden indifference since day one.

Besides, it seemed very unlikely that he'd change his merciless ways just because of that whole incident when she ran away, could he?

"What's Kagome-neesan thinking about?" She snapped out of her thoughts upon hearing the child's giggling voice. She watched as Rin's cinnamon eyes probed her form curiously.

"Oh, just stuff," Kagome answered with a nervous smile. Rin nodded, and continued playing with Kirara. She smiled, glancing around the room. She figured more or less it was one of the living rooms, as it was more homely than the others, but still equally as intricate.

It was nice. . .She decided, it was nice for a change. Her usual scenery didn't consist with the walls of her room. Sesshomaru had once again, allowed her to roam around the castle as she pleased---still with the exception of the West Wing, which was still forbidden.

Rest assured, Kagome learned her lesson: Never tick of taiyoukais that can kill you in ten seconds flat or less! The West Wing remained untouched. Something still nagged her, however. That armlet in the glass case.

`It was so beautiful. . .' Kagome mused. But whatever would Sesshomaru want with it? It obviously was a female accessory. . .She couldn't help but remember his sudden possessiveness over it.

"Do you realize what it would've meant if you had put that thing on?!" His angry voice echoed over and over again in her mind. `What would it have meant?' She couldn't help but be curious about it. How important could the little trinket be if it was enough to set Sesshomaru into a fixed rage?

Kagome wasn't sure. She sighed. Despite how scary he was that day, she had to admit that he wasn't all that bad after that. She got to spend some time with him. . .still a bit frosty, but at least she could talk to him in a civilized conversation unlike Inuyasha.

Strange as it may seem, she may have gotten used to the demon lord's company. Company in which, today she could not have. Kagome and Rin were exploring the castle, with only instructions from Jaken to not disturb the Sesshomaru. `Something about documents and papers.' Shudder. She hated anything that sounded remotely like schoolwork.

Rin gave out a small yawn beside her, and Kagome looked at the little girl questioningly.

"Rin's bored! And Rin can't even pick flowers outside!" She pouted. Kagome tilted her head to the side.

"Why not? There are still some flowers left."

"Yeah, but they're all wilty," She complained. "And Sesshomaru-sama won't let Rin out to play because it's all cold and snowy."

"But we can still have fun outside!" Kagome exclaimed. It was Rin's turn to look at her curiously. "Snow can be lots of fun!"

"But Sesshomaru-sama said---"

"Oh, Sesshomaru won't mind!" Kagome insisted, wanting to go outside even for a little while. `I'll deal with his majesty's wrath later. . .' "Besides, I'm with you Rin. I'll take care of you!" She watched as the child scrunched up her nose in thought, then glanced longingly outside to where the snowflakes drifted gracefully down to earth. "We can throw snowballs at Jaken. . ." She added in a singsong voice.

Rin's doubts washed away at the words.

"Okay!"

~*~*~*~

It was all so tedious, he decided. Papers, scrolls and documents on lands and treaties. . .so very tedious. But it was the only way he could get his mind off of HER. Sesshomaru didn't quite understand it, why he was beginning to get used to her presence. Her annoying, loud, defiant. . .fiery, determined, kind, pleasant company.

He mentally shook himself. How did those descriptions get in there? The demon lord sighed. It was of no use. It was even more difficult to concentrate on his work when she WASN'T near.

Sesshomaru didn't know why, but after he had grudgingly let her treat his wounds on the day of her escape, things seemed different. It wasn't as if he wanted to spend more time with her---by all means, he wanted to avoid the ningen as much as possible.

But Kagome had stubbornly stayed by his side, insisting that she would always be near until his wound would heal. Although he had assured her that he would heal soon enough---even though he was a hanyou, it wouldn't need her assistance.

Like that would stop the stubborn miko. But Sesshomaru would not waste his breath arguing with her. And so, she had stayed with him throughout most of the lonely days in his castle. During that time, he found himself observing this creature known as Kagome a little closer.

She was an amusing girl. . .so optimistic even in the most dire of situations. She tended to overreact over little situations, and would giggle at almost anything she found the slightest bit funny. He was rather annoyed with it at first, but now. . .now he quite liked the sound of her laughter. It seemed to brighten up the castle more.

The shadowed hallways no longer seemed dreary when she walked down them, and the servants seemed happier in their tasks knowing they had Kagome's friendship to look forward to.

Sesshomaru noticed Rin was happier as well. Rarely was the child ever found without the older girl. Never would he admit it, but the demon lord was grateful to Kagome for giving her a sort of sisterly/motherly figure to look up to. `Motherly?' No. Not motherly, he decided.

And then there were times when it was just the two of them. Most of which are when she continues with her treatment on his wounds. Sesshomaru found himself strangely warm whenever she would smile at how his recovery was going. Not to mention, he did not fail to notice how extremely careful and tender she was with him.

Sesshomaru nearly scoffed. It was probably because she felt guilty about running away. `As she should be.' But somehow, that brought no comfort. A part of him didn't want her reason to be derived from guilt. `These emotions. . .' He cursed. `They won't leave me. . .'

The Taiyoukai blamed his human half. The sooner he got rid of it, the better. That is, if he ever would be ever to.

The documents fell from his clawed hands, and he brought fingers to rub his temples. He couldn't focus on his work. Not like this. . .not without her. The other days. . .she was always there, looking over his shoulder and prying into his work. How he wanted to throttle her then, she was sooo annoying!

But Rin was always there, and Kagome knew he did not want to exhibit any violence in front of her. The worst part of it was, she knew! Always smiling her annoying smile that told him that he could not kill her on the spot.

Her smile. . .that was another thing too. Sesshomaru had not failed to realize how sad her smiles were. Whether it may be a mischievous, sly, sweet, annoyed, or even a pouting smile, he could still see the hint of sadness behind them. Again, he blamed the human half. He felt guilty for the cause of that sadness.

The sound of laughter and a rather miserable Jaken sounded outside, and Sesshomaru gave himself an excuse to leave his desk and look out the window of his study.

A delicate eyebrow raised at the scene that met his eyes. His ward and his guest were running around in the snow, pelting his poor retainer with ice-cold snowballs. `Did I not tell Rin it is too cold to be playing outside?' However, looking at their antics again, hearing their laughter and Jaken's cries, brought the beginning of a smile to his lips.

Staring with golden eyes at the miko's form. Somehow, Kagome seemed to fit. . .her sapphire eyes sparkling in mirth and her raven tresses flowing, standing out in the white atmosphere. And then there was the smile she wore---that smile that almost held no sign of sadness.

But he found himself getting fond of that smile, despite how much sadness it reflected. He imagined it must be even more beautiful when not tainted with sorrow. He shook himself once more. He was becoming rather irritated with himself for not stopping these thoughts as often as he used to.

Sesshmaru glanced back at his desk, then at the fun and games outside. `Perhaps I will take some time off to chide the miko for taking Rin outside in such frigid weather,' He thought. Clawed hands came up to push the frosted windows, allowing the winter breeze to blow into the warm room.

He inhaled the cool air, and gazing down at the others, he saw Kagome catch sight of him. Her eyes widened in surprise, and for one wild moment, she gestured for him to join them. The smile could not be avoided any longer.

Gracefully, the demon lord jumped down from his window, his ivory form just as graceful as the falling snowflakes.

~*~*~*~

Kagome's sapphire irises never left Sesshomaru as he landed onto the snow. He was just as perfect as the winter scenery. Rin stopped her merciless pummel on Jaken to run to Sesshomaru and give him a firm hug.

"Sesshomaru-sama!" She squealed. He gave her an impassive look, then turned it up to the approaching miko. Pulling on her coat, she nervously glanced at him.

"Miko," He started with his usual cold voice. "Do you not realize that frolicking in such weather can bring illness to my ward?" He glanced down at Rin. "Rin, you know I have told you to stay inside," Rin loosened her grip on his clothes, and hung her head.

"Rin is sorry," Kagome narrowed her eyes suddenly, and he recognized the fire that flared within her expressive orbs.

"One, my name is Kagome. Use it, please, Sesshomaru-sama," She replied with a confident tone that impressed even him, "Two, don't be mad at Rin, it was my idea in the first place, and three," She let out a breath, calming a bit. Sesshomaru watched with amusement, waiting for her to continue. "Three, throwing snowballs at Jaken is quite fun, you should really try it sometime," Kagome smiled and added, "Sesshomaru-sama."

Sesshomaru was nothing short of amazed. . .amazed at this girl's defiance, amazed that she could annoy and mock him in such a way, and annoyed at how much he seemed to like the defiance, the annoyance, but most of all the fire that burned in her eyes, blending in with her playfulness and kindness. Yes, she was enough to impress this Sesshomaru.

"Sesshomaru-sama!" The moment was broken when the little green toad started screeching to his master. "Please help this Jaken, the ningens have attacked me with their snowballs and buried me under all the blasted snow!"

He was silenced however when Sesshomaru's piercing golden gaze tore at him. Perhaps it really was fun. . .

"Miko," He started, and his tone softened considerably when she gave him a sort of hurt look. "Kagome, the next time you decide to take Rin outside to play, make sure you inform me first." She nodded. For a moment, Seshomaru considered joining in their merriment. But. . . "And as for your snowball fights, I believe I'll take your word for it."

The ice prince did not partake in such ridiculous games. `Shame,' an inner voice thought. `Would've been fun. . .'

"Sure?" Kagome asked, "You honestly don't want to go back into that stuffy study, do you?" A tug on his sleeve brought his gaze down to Rin.

"Sesshomaru-sama, Kagome-neesan is telling the truth! Rin likes the snow, and Rin doesn't have to pick flowers to have fun!" He raised an eyebrow at both of them. His golden orbs rested on Kagome's sapphire ones, and she smiled her smile. Almost urging him to stay.

It took every last of his restraint to not agree. But he really didn't want to go back to his study. He sighed.

"I will observe your amusement, and see how fun it is from a safe distance," He answered. Kagome giggled then.

"Lord Sesshomaru, was that a sarcastic remark?" She asked him. He stared at her impassively.

"Why do you wish to know?"

"Because it would mean you have emotions," Kagome added with triumph. Sesshomaru shook his head ever so lightly.

"Sarcasm is not an emotion." She sighed.

"No, in your case it may be a way of life. . ." He couldn't help but hint his smile at her.

"Was that a sarcastic remark?"

"Shouldn't you know?" She smiled innocently at him, and he felt that urge to wipe if off of her face once more. But as he continued to gaze at her sad, and yet cheery smile, he couldn't help but feel that urge leave. The smile belonged there, on Kagome's flushed face and sparkling eyes.

Warm, he felt that warm feeling once more. So strange. . .so unwanted. . .so why wasn't he stopping it?

~*~*~*~

"Why aren't we going after her? It's been like days now!" Shippo complained. Yes, even Miroku and Sango had to agree. And as they sat in the small hut, eyes fixated on the fire, their gazes had to avert to the hanyou who remained silent.

It was rather vexing at why they weren't coming to Kagome's rescue. And it was rather unusual for Inuyasha to stay quiet about it. He was first to jump the gun afterall, and for some reason, he had come back to the hut with naught but a grim expression and a flat answer.

"We're not going to rescue her yet," was all he had said. They had tried asking him about it, but Inuyasha refused to say anything, and as of late, seemed more secluded than usual. It was most disconcerting.

"We'll make our move when I say so," Inuyasha answered Shippo's earlier question. The look he shot at the whole group told them all to drop it, and drop it they did.

Silver bangs shadowed his amber eyes.

`Make your move when I say so. . .' A low, malicious voice sounded in his head. Inuyasha stiffened at Naraku's echoing command. He hated doing this. . .but it was the only way to get Kagome to come back to him. `She'll come running back. . .I guarantee it.'

End Chapter ^_^

Yume: UGHHHHH! I hated this chapter! So short, and god, their relationship is still only on the tip of the iceberg! I promise that there will be major fluffiness in the next chapter! PROMISE PROMISE PROMISE!

CF: {falls over} CF is pooped! {curls up in tail} Wake CF up when unpooped. . .

Yume: Not unless you wake me up first. . .Please read and review, no flames, and yeah. I am out like a light.

Review Responses:

~Fanfiction.net

inuyasha-luver3; Lady Demi; Peanut Gallery - Alaska's Own; ptbear; Zakari; Jyderman; sess9; MoonlightPrincess; AnimeFan13; lady Shippo; animeactionfan; tao; Mademoiselle Morte; DarkFire77; Noir12; vixon; OnlyInugirl; Wandering Aimlessly; evil ketchup dudette; flare2; Helba; Reaper Chibi-chan; Defafaeth Mechqua; Lady Kaela; trihn; Ameea. Y; kairinu; bloodbunny; I stalk sessy on weekends; Rabid-Inu-Gurl; THANKS FOR ALL OF THE SUPPORT!

Narani the Demoness: Thanks for the compliment! I wish I could be happy with my own chapters. . .

Thesta: you're not just saying that; are you?

KawaiiLil-InuGurl: Um, I guess I've watched the movie so many times that I know it line by line(song and all) lol.

Familai-Ficz: Your welcome, and thanks for the muffins. Hope MM is working for you!

BlackShadow1388: lolz. Beast collapsed! Haha. Thanks for the review!

Kiwi93089: CF is holding a sign that says she rules. Haha. Oh, the fluff, why is it so difficult for me on this fic?!

Mistress Fluffy: lol. For a minute, I was about to put Mistress Bombay! Haha. Anyways, thanks for the compliment. Have you read the latest installment of FMN? I was just wondering. . .

~Mediaminer.org

$eapaul; inuyhakmoon; jeannie; Maliksgirl1125; Sundragon; THANKS TO ALL!

Awaikage: No, no flames yet. It was hard to find this fic?

Striking Falcon: To fluff! {clinks glass} Oh, your game must be fun, but that's not the point! The point is, you should go and make a happy ending to Unexpected Allies! Still emotional after reading it. . .whatever you decide to do, I still love that frigging fic to death! CF, don't blow your nose on those sheets! ACK!

Fenikkusu Ice: Good to hear, hope you liked that chappie, even if I didn't.

END NOTE!

Yume: Gee, I really do feel depressed with this chapter. Gosh, I'm losing it! Arg! Welsh, gotta go, hope you liked this chapter more than I did. . .FLUFF LOTS OF IT YOU'LL CHOKE IN THE NEXT CHAPTER!