InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Nothing Left to Lose ❯ A Ghost of a Smile ( Chapter 2 )

A/N: Since this is my first FanFic I'm desperate for reviews. Please please please! Oh, and I don't own anything. Mwahahahahahaha, I own nothing! HA HA HA Ha ha h . . . *sniff*

 

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Sesshomaru walked through the gardens, guarding Rin and mulling over his reaction to the miko.

 

`Rather appealing, to see some strength being displayed. I wonder if she knows what she is starting?'

 

`Where had a thought like that come from? A rude ningen should be knocked into place, not cause a reaction of that sort.'

 

Sesshomaru's eyes tightened. That reaction was for an acceptable female that was courting, not a worthless ningen. Had he been away from the company of acceptable females so long that he would consider a ningen's coarse behavior as courting? His body evidently thought so. Remembering the ningen glaring at him and growling made his pulse quicken. She had acted just as a inu-youkai would when refusing to submit. He had always preferred strong females who would not simply give way to him. They always gave in the end, but the battle . . .

 

“Sesshomaru-sama, a shooting star!” Rin giggled and ran as though chasing the star.

 

`Thank you for the interruption, Rin,' Sesshomaru thought dryly. His thoughts had been circling to a dangerous place. Evidently he did need the company of an acceptable female. Maybe two.

 

“Rin.”

 

“Hai, Sesshomaru-sama!” Rin happily ran back to the demon lord and followed him to the palace. She was having trouble keeping up with the lord, so he swept her up and carried her to the palace. As he passed under the miko's window he saw her gazing at him.

 

Kagome watched as Sesshomaru carried the human child back to the palace. There was no doubt that Rin adored him, and that he most definitely did not hate her. `How had Rin worked her way so deeply into Sesshomaru's heart? He has no emotions except hate, but then he looks at Rin. I don't understand!'

 

Sesshomaru looked up to the window, locking eyes with Kagome. She gulped and snapped the window shut. The youkai did not look happy about Kagome spying on him.

 

Rin was settled into bed with little fuss. The girl was tired and fell asleep with Sesshomaru watching over her. She did not like to fall asleep alone. Once he was certain that the girl was truly asleep, Sesshomaru made his way to his own room. He could hear the miko breathing slowly, obviously asleep. He slid the door open, looking at the ningen. She looked tiny and helpless in the huge bed. Rather like Rin.

 

`A better reaction to the ningen then I had before, but not by much.' A soft sigh escaped the youkai. `Damn her. Even for Rin I will not allow her rebellion in my own home. She is a ningen and will obey me.'

 

Silently he slid the door shut, continuing on to his own room. He could not hear the miko, but he could still smell her. Sesshomaru paced, unable to be still in his own room. After a time he forced himself to be still. Not even this small victory would be allowed to the miko. He would ignore her and have peace in his own quarters. Sinking down to sit at the table in his room Sesshomaru poured a cup of tea. His servants knew to leave a strong pot in his room when he returned with Rin after walking in the gardens. The miko would cause no more disruptions.

 

The moon was high when he heard the miko stir. Curious, Sesshomaru moved to the door connecting their rooms and slid it open. The miko was still asleep, but appeared to be caught in a nightmare.

 

*~*~*~*

 

`Not again. Not again.'

 

Kagome recognized the moment. Inuyasha was holding her in the woods. Kikyou lay a short distance away, her clay body failing.

 

“Kagome, I want to be with you. I want to live with you and enjoy all the things we have missed while fighting. But I promised. I cannot let Kikyou die alone, I promised her that I would go with her. She needs me.”

 

`I need you, Inuyasha!'

 

“I couldn't leave without saying good bye to you. I had to tell you . . .”

 

`No! You can't say it then leave me!'

 

“I love you, Kagome.”

 

In her mind Kagome screamed, `Stop! Stay with me! Inuyasha!' but her body would not obey. She stood perfectly still, watching as Inuyasha leaned down and kissed her, so softly. She had wanted this for so long, but not like this. Not with him leaving!

 

“I have to go Kagome.”

 

`Stop! Sit! You can't leave me!'

 

Kagome could not speak or move. Inuyasha lifted Kikyou into his arms and carried her away, followed by her soul collectors.

 

`Inuyasha!'

 

Her shirt was soaked in blood, everything was going black. She would die alone, Inuyasha was gone.

 

`INUYASHA!'

 

*~*~*~*

 

Kagome snapped awake covered in a cold sweat. `The same nightmare. Why must I live that horrible night over and over again?'

 

The sobs escaped her and she was too weak to fight them. Kagome dropped her face into her hands, rocking on the bed. “Inuyasha. How could you?”

 

Sesshomaru watched from the open door. That hanyou. The miko had been dreaming about that filthy hanyou. From her behavior Sesshomaru could assume that he had betrayed her. Why else would she have nightmares and sob like this? `Stupid ningen, wasting her tears on a fool that chose to die for a corpse.'

 

“Stop that noise.”

 

Kagome snapped her head up, searching for the source of that voice. She found Sesshomaru standing in a doorway that she thought led to a closet. “Why were you in my closet?”

 

Sesshomaru raised one eyebrow. “This is my room, and your sobbing is very loud.”

 

Kagome bit her lip and forced a mask of calm. “I apologize for waking you Sesshomaru-sama,” she forced through clenched teeth.

 

Claws dug into the wood of the door frame at her sarcasm. “Do not try me, miko.”

 

Kagome snapped her gaze away. She took a deep breath and slowed her heart. “I am fine, Sesshomaru-sama. I will not disturb you again.”

 

Sesshomaru turned away, then paused. “Do not waste your tears for a fool who chose a corpse for a mate. It was his mistake to make.”

 

The door slid shut, leaving Kagome alone again. `A fool who chose a corpse for a mate. It was his mistake to make. I suppose, but it still hurts. How horrible am I that he chose a corpse over me? I don't want to feel this way. I would give anything to take that whole night away. I would have found something, anything to make it different! Even if I had to wish on the Shikon Jewel . . . No, I wouldn't have done that. Damn. It doesn't matter anyways, I can't take it back. I may not like it, but this is my life now and I have to live it. Damn, that means the Sesshomaru was right. I'll never let him know, though. He's so smug to begin with. Bastard.'

 

Kagome flopped back into the bed again, grumbling about arrogant demons. The arrogant demon was relieved that the sobbing had stopped and that she no longer reeked of hopelessness, but that grumbling was distracting. Too much like her growling.

 

`There is no peace here.' Sesshomaru retreated to the far end of the palace where he would no longer hear the miko's noises.

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Kagome-chan, wake up! It's Rin!”

 

Kagome groaned and rolled over. “Rin?”

 

“Kagome-chan, the sun is up! Wake up!”

 

Kagome tried to pull the blankets over her head. “Oh, no Rin. Kagome-chan does not wake up with the sun. Come back later.”

 

Rin grabbed Kagome's blankets and hauled them off of the bed. “Silly Kagome-chan, everyone wakes when the sun says so!”

 

`A losing battle.' Kagome sat up and rubbed her eyes. “I'm up Rin, I'm up.”

 

“Yea! Now we dress for breakfast, we do not want to be late!” Rin flung herself off of the bed and into Kagome's closet. At least Kagome assumed that this was her closet. She had thought that the other door was her closet and it had turned out to be Sesshomaru's room. Now she was apprehensive to try any of the doors.

 

“This! Wear this one today! It's very pretty.” Rin dumped a luscious blue kimono on the bed, tripping over the hem. Kagome gasped.

 

“Oh no, Rin, that is much to nice, and it's not mine! I'll just find my own clothes.”

 

“This clothing is more appropriate.” Sesshomaru was standing in the doorway watching Rin wrestle with the kimono. “It was brought to this room for your use.”

 

Kagome stared at Sesshomaru. `Does he ever make noise? I will die of a heart attack if he keeps sneaking around like that!'

 

“I appreciate it, Sesshomaru-sama, but I really don't know if this is appropriate for a simple thing like breakfast.”

 

“You will dress appropriately in this house.” He was gone.

 

“Kagome-chan, don't you like the one I picked?” Rin looked ready to cry.

 

“Of course I do, Rin, I'm just not used to such fancy clothes.” A fake smile covered Kagome's irritation. `And I don't want to do anything he tells me. What an arrogant bastard he is!'

 

“Yes, Kagome-chan wears very strange clothes. This is very pretty though, and it feels very nice.” Rin was curling up in the kimono like a cat.

 

“I suppose this means that I am getting out of bed today.” Kagome carefully stood up, glad that her legs were supporting her today. She doubted that Rin would be able to get her back into bed the way that Takanou could.

 

A silent servant came into the room and bowed. Without a word she helped Kagome out of her sleeping garments and into the kimono and all of the pieces that went with it, carefully arranging the layers for the desired effect. Kagome was seated in front of a mirror and her hair was brushed out and swept up into a bun. A silk ribbon topped off her hair. The servant reached for the makeup, but Kagome jumped to her feet. “No, no, arigato.”

 

The servant looked mystified, but bowed and left. “Kagome-chan, you look so pretty!”

 

“Do you really think so, Rin?”

 

Kagome studied herself in the mirror. She looked like someone else, dressed in royal blue with white and gold flowers. She had never worn something so luxurious. However, the long sleeves were a concern. Breakfast was no place to be trying this look out for the first time!

 

“Rin, if I have to dress like this the least we can do is brush out your hair.”

 

Rin gasped. “Oh no, Kagome-chan!”

 

“Oh, yes! Come `ere, you!”

 

Rin squealed as Kagome tackled her. “Ah, Kagome-chan! Help! Not Rin's hair!”

 

“You will look so cute with your hair done, do you want a bun like mine?”

 

Rin paused. “Rin like Kagome-chan?”

 

“Sure, why not? If you hold still we can have you cleaned up and not be late for breakfast. Don't you think Sesshomaru would like it if you looked nice for breakfast?”

 

“Hai.” Rin plunked down and squeezed her eyes shut. “Okay, Kagome-chan, Rin is ready.”

 

Kagome set to work with a brush, carefully working out the tangles without pulling. When her hair was smooth as silk she swept it up into a bun like her own. Rin even had a bow tied around it in gold. “It's okay Rin, you can look now.”

 

Slowly the tiny eyes opened. “Oh, Kagome-chan, Rin looks like you! Now Rin must change, help Rin!” Rin grabbed Kagome and dragged her to the next room over. “Help Rin dress nicely for Sesshomaru-sama!”

 

Laughing, Kagome scooped up Rin. “Okay, Rin, but now we have to hurry. The surprise will be ruined if we're late.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

Sesshomaru was annoyed. Where was Rin? She was late, and she was never late. Was this the miko's influence? Rin's giggles were coming down the hall. `There she is. That miko had better have a good excuse for this.' Golden eyes swung to the door of the dining hall, glaring at the latecomers.

 

`Who are they?'

 

A quick test of the air confirmed that this was the miko and his Rin, but not as he was used to seeing them. Both were dressed in fine clothing with their hair neatly pulled back. Rin was hanging onto the miko's hand, looking nervous in her new attire. Sesshomaru recognized the kimono as one that he had chosen for her on one of his trips. He had not been surprised when Rin never wore it, but did hang it up carefully and told everyone about it.

 

The two friends made their way to the table, trying to be unobtrusive. Sesshomaru's blank stare made Kagome nervous, but Rin was delighted. “Sesshomaru-sama, do you like Rin this way?” Rin darted over to the demon lord, twirling so he could see her choice in clothing. “Kagome-chan helped me.”

 

“Hai, Rin, this clothing is appropriate, but this is a meal and you must sit.”

 

“Hai, Sesshomaru-sama!”

 

Rin plunked down next to the miko, beaming at the thought of pleasing Sesshomaru. She knew he was happy to see her looking so nice and in the kimono he had brought for her. Breakfast was brought for her and was attacked with vigor. Soon her kimono would not look as fine, but she did not care.

 

The miko looked uncomfortable in her new clothing, desperately trying to keep her sleeves under control. Sesshomaru was amused to see her losing the battle to her clothing. She was eating much more slowly then Rin, trying to keep herself clean. It pleased the tai-youkai to see her so put out with the situation.

 

Kagome wasn't sure, but she thought she saw a ghost of a smile on Sesshomaru's face as he watched her trying to eat. All he was having for breakfast was tea, but Kagome was starving and desperately wanted to inhale her breakfast. She was much too aware of how much her kimono was worth and did not want to get anything on it. Eating was a slow, careful affair when dressed like this. `I can't stand these sleeves!'

 

After what felt like an eternity Kagome was able to finish her breakfast. Rin had finished long before her and had darted out of the room, ready to play. She was alone with Sesshomaru, who was ignoring her. His face never changed as he sipped his tea and watched everything. “May I be excused, Sesshomaru-sama?”

 

Sesshomaru gave her a long stare. “Hai.”

 

Feeling rather like Rin, Kagome made a break for freedom.

 

*~*~*~*

 

After being out of bed for the first time in days Kagome was ready to go back to her room. Her legs were starting to shake and she felt dizzy. Evidently she had not completely recovered yet. In her room Kagome struggled to get out of the kimono. Twisting and turning she tried to get herself untied from the layers of silk. All she managed to do was get herself stuck, a knot keeping her obi tied. She did not know where to find a servant, but she could not lay down dressed like this. She would suffocate! `Where's Rin? She could help me.'

 

Rin was not in her room, or in the hallway. Kagome set off down the hall, poking her head in each room trying to find anyone who could help her. She was tired and wanted to lie down. She was not even aware that Sesshomaru was watching her. The first time she noticed him was when she slammed into his chest and fell on her butt.

 

“Ah! What are you doing there?”

 

Sesshomaru stared down at her. “This Sesshomaru lives her. Why was the miko going into Sesshomaru's room?”

 

Kagome blushed scarlet. “I didn't know it was your room, I was looking for Rin. I need to find the servant who helped me this morning.”

 

Sesshomaru raised that eyebrow. “You cannot get undressed on your own?”

 

The blush darkened two more shades. “Have you ever tried to undo one of these things?”

 

Realizing what she had just said Kagome went from red to white. She held her breath, afraid of what the demon lord would say.

 

The ghost of a smile was back. “Hai. Do you require my assistance?” His voice was completely dead pan.

 

Kagome scrambled back. “No, no, I will mange. T-thank you, my lord.” She struggled to her feet and disappeared into her own room.

 

Once safe Kagome could start to breathe again. `Kami, what was that? Was he teasing me? Since when does he have a sense of humor? And I'm still stuck in this thing!' The struggle resumed. The option of scissors was coming to mind when the silent servant returned.

 

“Oh, arigato! Arigato!”

 

The servant looked even more mystified, but helped Kagome out of the garments with practiced ease. The kimono was put away carefully, replaced by a simple robe. “Ah,” Kagome sighed. “I can move again.” The servant turned down the blankets and tucked her new charge into bed. Shutting the windows so that it was dark, Kagome's savior turned to leave.

 

“Wait! What's your name?”

 

The servant froze, then slowly turned to face Kagome. “I am called Kumo.”

 

“Arigato, Kumo.”

 

Kumo bowed low, then silently left.

 

Alone in the silence Kagome's exhaustion quickly took over. She fell into a deep sleep and did not stir until the sun was low in the sky.