InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Elsewhere ❯ Chapter Twenty ( Chapter 20 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha nor do I profit from this.


“What ravages of spirit
conjured this temptuous rage
created you a monster
broken by the rules of love
and fate has led you through it
you do what you have to do...
And I have the sense to recognize that
I don't know how to let you go
every moment marked
with apparitions of your soul
I'm ever swiftly moving
trying to escape this desire
the yearning to be near you
I do what I have to do”

- Sarah Mclaghlan, Do What You Have To Do


Chapter Twenty

As he opened the door to Aki’s room he could hear the regulated sound of her sleep-time breathing. He slipped in soundlessly and watched her for a bit like he used to do with Rin, wondering how in the world she could feel at peace in his presence. He nudged her a bit with his clawed hand.

“Aki,” he said quite audibly. She woke quickly and sat up straight rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She rested her sleepy gaze on him in wonder and smiled.

“Yes Sesshoumaru-sama?” she questioned with devotion dripping from her words, he almost smiled.

“I do not mean to wake you completely, I need to ask you for great favor,” she smiled, ready to serve her hero. He continued.

“Kagome will be staying with us for a number of days, I need you to keep her company and stay with her while she is here,” Aki nodded vigorously. She liked the girl that visited Sesshoumaru-sama on occasion, she was very excited to know more about her.

“You may go back to sleep,” he finished. He left her room and closed the door soundlessly behind him. Now to put Kagome in her quarters. He made his way back to the kitchen. Kagome was still seated looking out the window in deep thought.

“Follow me,” he ordered. She jumped at his words then stood to follow him. He led her to a small room at the end of the first wing on the left. He opened the door and she looked inside. The walls were decorative with floral scenes and a small futon situated in the far corner. “You will sleep here until you can return,” he said flatly then turned to walk silently away. What, did she expect to sleep in his room? She almost laughed but sighed instead while walking slowly into her new living arrangements

As he made his way into his own personal space he thought a moment about locking her door. He clenched his teeth and growled. Why is this happening? Why did his pride have to suffer this last conquering blow? Having her on grounds was appeasing enough for now. He could only pray to the mocking gods that she would respect his request. These days were now grinding on his mind, his nerves, emotions…

He felt like surrendering, giving up on his pride. Allowing the girl to break him. He should have been more careful. He should have paid better attention to her in the feudal era, her effect on Inuyasha should have warned him of this. He couldn’t bring himself to imagine the snap, the twisting of his very being if this took him. A picture of Inuyasha at the well again filled his mind. He would never be laid low. This would not be his fate.

He tensed slightly and began to remove his clothing. He looked to the bed. Still he was tempted to sleep there, the sheets remaining since she left him that day. The day that proved to remove the last thread holding the fabric of his mind. He sighed then crawled hopelessly into the waiting arms of her lingering scent and to sleep.

.

She looked around the small room. This would be comfortable enough. There was a lamp on a little table in the far corner giving the room it’s only light. She sighed and sat on the futon. A small bump on the wall told her that her ‘guardian’ was most likely sleeping next door. Yes, very asleep.

She jumped up ready to investigate. Being roused in such an alarming manner meant she probably wouldn’t be able to rest again for a bit. She opened the door carefully looking down a dark hall. When she felt the coast was clear she crept quietly to the next door and opened it.

She saw Aki sleeping very soundly in a room much like her own and closed the door softly. Suddenly she remembered her bag in the front of the house and went to retrieve it. It was bewitchingly silent all through the house. She spotted her bag but still felt adventurous. Was he asleep?

At this time she had two choices. The first to be respectful of a cranky and powerful Youkai's wishes. The second, well, since when had she been afraid to confront a cranky powerful Youkai? She crept down the hall to his wing and hesitated. There was no sound from sleep or wakefulness. Being what he was she knew he could sit silent for hours. But who would it hurt to peek? She continued on, her bare feet making little sound.

There he was, sleeping in the large bed this time. She could make out the whiteness of his bare skin in the dim light. Something tugged at her, almost pulled her to creep closer. She inched forward.

His hair was down and fanned around his back and face, shining silver from the moonlight issuing from the window. He looked majestic even in sleep, she noticed that he was still ‘humanized’ lacking his pelt. She couldn’t completely see his face. She needed to.

She stalked up to stand beside him and carefully brush the hair from his forehead, he had not covered himself and was only in underwear. His face was serene and ageless, fiercely beautiful in the moonlight. She wanted to caress his cheek but refrained. Smiling slightly she reached for the bed sheets to cover him. He must have been cold.

A hand shot out to grasp her wrist and she gasped.

“You are foolish for coming here,” he whispered. She could feel her heart beating in her throat. He released her quickly and turned to the side. She could see his chest and face fully now. Her stomach felt weak and she swallowed hard.

“I’m sorry, I was just seeing if you were okay,” she breathed feeling the heat spreading from the pit of her stomach and fought the urge to crawl in next to him. His face was unreadable, especially in this half-light.

“Worry about yourself human,” he growled. There was a long pause. She was breathing heavy. This was exquisitely painful, to stand in the fire of need and trying to turn the other cheek. She made a small sound in her throat almost like a moan. She wished to be anywhere but here now, in this crucible of his eyes and her desire.

“I’m sorry,” she squeaked and did her best to turn toward the exit. His hand flew to her shoulder and turned her around instantly.

“Why do you patronize me?” he whispered, urgently, with many emotions behind his words. He pulled her to his chest. His body was so hot, his skin felt like it would burn her. She whimpered. He didn’t wrap his arms around her, but sat there with her small frame resting against him breathing deeply.

He then whipped around to the far side of the bed and slid out.

“You will leave early. Aki does not need to witness you emerging from my personal quarters,” he stated. She turned to him and nodded knowing he could see in the moonlight. He retired to his futon and she breathed a sigh, slipping the sheets over her.

This arrangement though not what she truly desired was much better than sleeping so far yet so close to the one she wanted to….

What did she want again? She tried to clear her mind but to no avail. She wanted to curl up not beside him but inside him, to hear his secret thoughts and know him like she knew no one could. Especially not her. Tears started to well but she choked them back as sleep began to take her.

As he slowly settled down on his futon the coppery taste of his own blood filled his mouth. He choked back a cough. He had bit his own tongue resisting an all-consuming need. Causing harm his own body he meant to defy. He wouldn’t be sleeping tonight so he lay his on back staring at the ceiling and listening to her breath.

.

He woke to the sounds of laughter and rustling in the kitchen. How did he sleep so deeply? He jumped up and rushed to the kitchen. Kagome and Aki were looking through cabinets and discussing what to eat when they froze to stare at Sesshoumaru standing at the threshold of his quarters in nothing but underwear. Aki went almost white and Kagome began to blush. He had a very concerned look on his face. Aki walked toward him slowly.

“Sesshoumaru-sama you must be sick!” she gasped knowing something had to be wrong for him to rush out of his chambers disheveled and in this state of undress. She was very worried. He looked at her blankly and then back to Kagome. She had turned her back to shield her face from him. She was concerned but humored to the point of crying if she couldn’t let the laugh out.

“Is everything… well?” he asked. Aki nodded absentmindedly.

“Yes Sesshoumaru-sama, Kagome was going to make some pancakes but we couldn’t find the stuff we need…” she stammered. Kagome turned suddenly realizing what he was concerned about.

“I woke Aki up early this morning with the shower… I wanted to make it up to her with some breakfast,” she said training her eyes on the counter top. He nodded and stalked back down his hall. Kagome let out a huge sigh while Aki gasped.

“He must be very ill, I’ve never seen him act like that,” Aki exclaimed with wide eyes to Kagome. Kagome waved her hand and shook her head.

“No, no, he’s probably just not used to having such a noisy house guest and woke up startled by my big mouth,” she laughed a bit but it was contagious. Soon she was gripping her sides trying to keep her muffled hiccups quiet. “He’ll be fine, I promise,” she sighed heavily working to contain her laughter. Aki looked at her like she was crazy then a rosy blush started to sneak up her cheeks and she giggled a bit.

“I… I hope, he’s not been himself lately but he looked healthy….” At Aki’s words both girls covered their mouths to cover the sound of giggles. Aki’s blush turned red and she sighed this time. “I’ll get him something to eat and maybe take it to him later,” Kagome suddenly collected herself due to curiosity.

“I thought he had to eat… live things?” Kagome said very quietly. Aki almost turned green and shook her head.

“No, no, he just eats things raw, his favorite is veal,” she walked to the fridge and opened it wide revealing an assortment of white-paper wrapped meats. “See, I’ll take them out and let them get a little warm, he doesn’t like me to use the microwave. It took him a while to let me prepare his meals,” she blushed and looked up proudly at Kagome. “He said that I’m the only person he lets do that,” she smiled and Kagome smiled back.

“Wow, he must really trust you then,” Kagome said and Aki puffed out her chest.

“Yeah, he doesn’t let me clean his room but I water the flowers and clean the rest of the house, he pays me too!” Kagome patted Aki’s head and turned to continue breakfast

“That’s great, how about something to eat for us?” at that Aki pulled a package out the fridge and sat it on a small tray. She turned to Kagome and started helping her.

From the confines of his bathroom he could hear every word that was said in the kitchen. He regretted jumping out without at least covering himself with his bath robe but waking so suddenly muddled his senses. Aki must be stupefied at his behavior. After some muffled giggles met his ears he relaxed a bit. Kagome was now turning his everyday routine upside down as well as his mind. He couldn’t imagine what would transpire in these long days ahead.

After composing himself and dressing casually, he pulled his hair back and readied himself for the battle ahead. As he entered the kitchen area the girls where already sitting at his table eating and chatting. They became silent and looked at him, waiting for something perhaps.

“Good morning,” he said flatly and noticed Aki had prepared his breakfast as it was sitting on the counter.

“Good morning Sesshoumaru-sama, I thought you might like to eat in bed this morning, I was going to bring it in later…” Aki started but he interrupted.

“I will eat in the front room today,” and with that he collected his meal and walked down the hall. The girls exchanged strange glances then continued to talk about plans for the day.

He seated himself at the small table in by the front door, positioned to gaze out the window. He could still hear their conversation and relaxed. It was pleasing to hear them planning and talking casually, like they’d always known each other. This might be easier than he at first thought, but then he remembered that if Kagome was anything it was unpredictable.

He frowned, letting expressions out in private now. Nonetheless he would be here, ever hearing, ever watchful. Things would stay in order and she wouldn’t defy him to his face, or would she?

After their breakfast of mostly fruit and toast Kagome and Aki went out into the garden. Aki told her to stay there and ran out the side door, she supposed to her house. In the daylight the garden was more beautiful than words. She sat by the koi pond and watched the multicolored fish swim to her, hopeful for food. She smiled and breathed deeply, the air was wonderfully crisp yet rich with too many scents to decipher. She caught movement from the corner of her eye and turned to watch Sesshoumaru walk out into the garden.

“I trust you slept well,” he stated not looking at her. He paused to breath in himself.

“Yes… I just woke up pretty early,” she replied almost whispering. Seeing him dressed all in his browns and whites made her feel like she did that first night she came to see him. She realized then, that after everything, she didn’t know him any better.

She had many new troubling feelings and some intense experiences to chew on but nothing substantially him to hold on to. This made her feel endlessly sad, to know his face and skin but never know his mind. He turned to her almost as if he read her thoughts then she felt a sudden burst of youki. He transformed before her eyes, markings appearing, pelt billowing around him, then turned away to walk farther into the garden out of sight.

Aki came racing back at that moment with books and cds spilling out of her arms. “Kagome-chan! I wanted to read you some of my haiku’s and listen to some music…” she continued chattering, laying this assortment of her life on the western garden table. Kagome paid little attention but looked at her and smiled. Her mind was in too many places to be brought back to reality.

He tried to meditate but the endless banter of Aki filled his senses and he just sat listening to her go on and on about writing, favorite music, favorite books, he smirked to himself. At least this time he wasn't being stricken with the multitude of interests this little human had. Then he picked up some whispers and strained to hear the conversation.

“Sesshoumaru-sama hasn’t read my poetry. I would be embarrassed and my parents don’t really care so I want you to tell me what you think,” Aki whispered in Kagome’s ear, startling her out of silent reverie. She smiled and took a pink journal from her hands and began to read. Much of it was simple haiku’s about nature. She could tell a few were about Sesshoumaru, she giggled and turned to whisper in Aki’s ear.

“I like this one, is it about…?” she pointed into the garden. Aki nodded her head and blushed.

“They are all very good Aki, you will be a celebrated poet one day,” Kagome said with a huge grin. Aki blushed and took the book from Kagome’s hands.

“You don’t mean it, I just do these in my spare time. I’ve been writing a lot since it's summer and so beautiful,” she said smiling. The phone suddenly rang and Aki jumped up to sprint toward it. Kagome was again left to herself and sad thoughts. Sesshoumaru stepped out and looked at her with a slight smirk. She knew he could hear every word but she smiled at him regardless. He walked to the small pond and sat on a stone looking as if he might start a conversation.

“Kagome-chan, it’s your Mother,” Aki said through the door. Kagome swallowed hard and walked into the house. She paused before picking up the phone wondering what she would say.

“Mom?”

“Kagome, what is going on?” came her mother’s worried voice. Kagome almost laughed. She probably thought it was a run away wedding or something impulsive like that, Kagome wished it were that simple.

“I really can’t… I don’t know how to explain it. Just know that I’m safe and happy for now and I’ll be back soon. It’s not anything big or life-changing, think of it like a big sleep over,” Kagome winced at her own words. That was winning the lamest of the lame award for sure.

“Kagome…” her mother seemed at a loss.

“You can call all you want and everything. I’m just going to be here for a while,” she said quickly not wanting to hear her mother’s words.

“Be careful then… are you sure you’re fine?” she said in a very distressed voice. Kagome laughed.

“Yeah, I promise you I am fine,” she said loudly into the phone. “Anyway mom I’m watching a neighborhood kid right now and she wants me to listen to some music,” her mother breathed a sigh. Good, Kagome thought.

“Okay then, call me and hurry home, bye bye,” her mother replied a little relieved. Kagome knew including Aki in the conversation would be a great help.

“Bye mom,” Kagome hung up the phone and turned to find Sesshoumaru standing in the door. He nodded silently and walked back into the garden. The nerve of him, blatantly eavesdropping. She huffed and marched back out to find Aki rummaging through music, finding the perfect song for her hero’s flowers.

Kagome cut Sesshoumaru an annoyed look but he was lounging on a small patch of grass a few yards away with a thick book in his hands. This must be his daily routine, she thought, and it made her smile. At least she would see how he lived day to day.

She sat back the table and listened to Aki go on and on. Then Aki asked a very unwanted question. “Kagome-chan, why are you staying with Sesshoumaru-sama?” Kagome sat up then looked nervously at Sesshoumaru. He was watching quietly, she turned back to Aki.

“I’m just here for a visit, like a vacation,” she said with a small laugh. Aki thought this was very strange, the way she was acting to Sesshoumaru and the fact that they barely spoke. She smiled at Kagome’s answer but the wheels were turning in her young brain.

After dinner Aki took out a set of antique Mah-Jongg tiles and set them up to play. Kagome was thankful for the distraction. She found herself staring at Sesshoumaru when there wasn’t anything to occupy her. Many times he returned the stare. You could cut the air with a knife. Aki quickly taught her the fundamentals of the game and they began to play. Sesshoumaru retired early after watching the game for an hour and Aki started yawning.

“Lets call it a night Aki-chan,” Kagome said with a smile. Aki started to put the game up and Kagome helped. Then both of them headed toward their rooms. Aki stopped at her door and thanked Kagome for such a fun day, Kagome returned the sentiment.

She could hardly wait to get to her room and wait for the quiet of the house to set in. She changed into a tee shirt and some sleeping shorts.

She was feeling increasingly restless. She had an idea, she knew what she would do.
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