InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Secret Lovers ❯ Rectifications ( Chapter 24 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: saphira404 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama / Comedy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 08.06.2013 | Pages: 4 | Words: 6.6K | Visits: 266 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama / Comedy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 08.06.2013 | Pages: 4 | Words: 6.6K | Visits: 266 | Status: Work In Progress
Part 24: Rectifications
A/N: Once again a late update. No words can convey how sorry I am for my long absence. I had hoped that summer would allow me to have more time, but school and work are still keeping me busy! As an apology, here is an extra long chapter. I would like to thank all of you guys for still reading this fanfic despite its underserving author.
Disclaimer: Sadly even though I love writing AU stories on my OTP, they don't belong to me. I tried to buy them, but all I could afford were plushies. Oh well better than nothing lol.
“Talking”
'Thoughts'
‘It’s amazing how things can change so quickly.’ Kagura thought to herself. She was standing in her room, her crimson eyes locked on her bed. The same bed where she had spent so many hours lying next to Sesshoumaru, talking to him, making love with him. Just thinking about all that they had shared was enough to make her feel sick. It had almost been a year since the start of their secret liaison, and they might have had some lows, but it had been mostly highs.
‘At least until today. I can’t believe Sesshoumaru would betray me like this.’ She shook herself, and decided to focus away from her self-pitying to move her attention back to what she had aimed to do. ‘I guess I should start packing.’ Even as the words crossed her mind, she was having a hard time finding the motivation to follow through. ‘Maybe I should call Kanna beforehand to let her know about the situation. She might not be able to take me in, and I don’t want to intrude…’
Kagura had been so consumed by her own thoughts, that she was completely taken by surprise when a pair of arms was wrapped tightly around her waist. She went completely rigid, but did not resist when she was pulled back into a strong familiar chest. She closed her eyes, and allowed herself to relish the warm comforting embrace for a few precious seconds before she confronted him.
Sesshoumaru had been looking forward to that moment. The second he had driven away from his father’s house, he had only thought about how he could not wait to be reunited with his lover. He had rejoiced when he had seen her car parked outside the condo, and when he had slipped inside their home, he had reacted upon his first instinct, which was to take a hold of Kagura, and make love to her. He had never been the kind of person who needed to talk to get over things, but some physical release would go a long way towards helping him feel better after the debacle the confrontation he had wanted to have with his father had turned into.
He immediately worked towards fulfilling his goal. Considering how often they had been intimate, he knew all of her weak points. He therefore wasted no time, and immediately leaned forward to gently nibble on the side of her neck; he was aware that the little ministration always drove her wild. This time around she did not elicit any appreciative moans. He knew her well enough to know that she was not responding as she should. He was consequently surprised by her lack of reaction. Nonplused, he decided to target her in another way. His hands trailed up from where they were resting on her stomach to gently cup her breasts. This time around her reaction was immediate.
Kagura had soaked in the pleasurable tingles, and struggled not to lean her head to the side when he was kissing her neck, but the second he touched her breasts, she knew she had to put a stop to it lest her determination wavered. She took a step forward, and broke away from his embrace.
Sesshoumaru frowned at her reaction; she had never rejected his advances before. He sighed and placed his hands on her shoulders to turn her around so she would face him. He had had a dreadful day, and whatever was going on with his lover, he just hoped it would not make things even worse for him.
“We need to talk.” As if to prove his wish wrong, Kagura suddenly exclaimed.
“As if my day could not get worse…” He muttered under his breath. Through the tone of her voice, he could tell that what she wanted to talk about was not going to be good.
Kagura’s expression suddenly changed to reflect the anger she had been masking until then. “Yeah, well I also had a shitty day”. She retorted angrily before pushing past him to stand next to the opened window of their bedroom, which was bringing in some much needed air. She felt as if she was chocking, and needed some distance between them before the confrontation that she was about to initiate.
She braced herself before asking. “When were you planning on telling me that you’re stealing my job from me?” Speaking the words reawakened her anger over his deception. She realized early on that his betrayal hurt much more than her father’s. Had she been honest she would have admitted that she was not surprised that Naraku had sold her out to the Shigenos. After all she knew full well the kind of man he was, but she had never expected the man she loved to hurt her in such a way.
“You’re not denying it?” She then added disgustingly.
Sesshoumaru looked at her quizzically before replying. “If this Sesshoumaru knew what exactly you were referring to, then I might respond.” He had not had a chance to evacuate all the feelings of anger he had experienced earlier when he had spoken with Izayoi, and lashing out at the moment was tempting; he however resisted the instinctual response, as it would only serve to make things between them bad.
She pursed her red lips angrily. ‘How dare he stand there and pretend he has no idea of what I’m talking about.’ She forced herself to take a calming breath before speaking. “Naraku told me about your little arrangement. My dear old dad relished letting me know that from the moment he hired you, it was with the understanding that you would eventually take the position of sole editor in chief of Shikon Magazine. After all that’s happened between us, how could you not tell me?!” ‘He knows how much it meant to me to become the boss of Shikon.’
Sesshoumaru could not believe that this was what had caused her to be this upset with him. Just as he was about to open his mouth so that he could defend himself, she intervened.
“Not to mention that after what Kouga put me through, you know damn well how I feel towards honesty.” She knew she hit a nerve when she saw his eyes shrink to golden slits.
“Do not dare compare this to Kouga’s cheating.” The last thing he wanted was to talk about her ex-boyfriend, and the way he had betrayed her, so Sesshoumaru attempted to bring the conversation back to where he felt it should be.
“I don’t know what Naraku told you, but nothing was ever set in stone. You can go to human resources and look at my contract if you wish. It does not state that I will follow in his footsteps.” He could tell by her incredulous reaction that she was not pleased with his response. He therefore decided to use another technique.
“Anyways, I may not have explicitly told you about Naraku’s plans when it comes to me and Shikon’s future, but I have time and again advised you not to keep ignoring the callous way in which he treats you… All that was missing was me coming outright and telling you that you would never inherit the magazine.” He had not spoken the words thus far because he had not wanted to cause her unnecessary pain, but now he was regretting not coming out and telling her sooner.
It was her turn to frown and speak in an acerbic tone. “Oh yeah, you’ve been so very helpful Sesshoumaru.”
His frustration was growing steadily. “Kagura, have you not questioned why I would go along with such a plan? It really was never my intention to stay on at Shikon long enough to inherit it. I have other goals...”
She felt like she had unveiled another part of him, one she did not know, nor liked.
“Better goals I take it… I guess measly Shikon Magazine is not good enough for a big shot journalist, and this year’s laureate of the journalistic association’s reporting award.”
His first inclination was to deny, and tell her, ‘You know this is not what I meant.’ but now that reality was staring him in the face, he realized that she was right. Being recruited by Naraku to help boost Shikon magazine had been unexpected. Before then, Sesshoumaru had no experience in editing as he worked primarily as an investigative reporter. His work on the Miko Powder case had only proved to show him just how much he missed working as an actual journalist.
‘Overseeing writings on make-up tips, the baseball league and the regional festivals is not something I wish to do for the rest of my life.’
Even if Sesshoumaru did not dare speak his answer, it was displayed through his facial expression. He could tell that his reaction was hurting Kagura, and that was the last thing he wished.
“Kagura.” He took cautious steps towards her. Instead of walking towards him, she walked past him, and headed towards their bed. Refusing to be discouraged by her actions, he continued on talking. “In truth, I know you could also find a more fulfilling career path. I think you are ready to accept now the fact that you being at the head of Shikon Magazine was just not meant to be, nor is it a catastrophe.” He then added as he vainly tried to justify himself, but mostly take her pain away.
Hearing Sesshoumaru’s lips come out and actually speak out the words felt like being stabbed in the heart. All she could think about was all the hard work she had put into the magazine, and how it had all been for naught. Even worse Sesshoumaru, the one person she loved and respected above all else saw what had been her goal for the past ten years as a joke. In her eyes, the fact that he could belittle Shikon Magazine felt like a slap in the face. All her emotions of the day hit her, and she suddenly felt as if she could not take anymore. Her knees buckled, and before she could stop herself, she unceremoniously plopped down on the bed.
“Kagura…” Sesshoumaru stepped closer to sit next her on their bed. He cradled her head in his hands, turned her head to the side, and raised her face for her eyes to be on equal level to his. “Everything will be alright. We will figure out something.” He then tenderly looped his arm around her shoulders, and pressed a kiss to her temple. He also had had an emotional day, and holding on to her like this was enough to bring a soothing feeling to his own hurts. She allowed herself to lean against him, take some comfort and draw some strength. Feeling his loving embrace was enough to make her waver, but before she could change her mind, she spoke aloud.
“What do you mean we? Do you think I need you to figure out what to do with my life?... I’m not such a failure that I need you to dictate my professional life either.”
He bristled at hearing her words, but nonetheless reluctantly relinquished his hold of her. He did however not stand up as of yet. Kagura was already missing the warmth of his body against hers, but she steeled her resolve.
“I was not trying to tell you what to do, just trying to help…” He grumbled. He was not liking one bit the snappy tone of his lover’s voice.
“I think you’ve done enough.”
“Kagura.” He sighed in exasperation. “You really need to realize that this is an issue between you and Naraku. In truth it has nothing to do with me. We both know I am not to blame for your father deciding not to put you in charge of Shikon Magazine.” He turned his golden gaze on her, and was angered when she would not meet his eyes.
“You could at least have told me!” She clung to her previous request. ‘I can’t believe he was able to hide this from me all along.’
‘This is not going anywhere.’ Sesshoumaru let out an uncharacteristic grunt of frustration before exclaiming. “It wouldn’t have changed Naraku’s decision.”
Kagura did not know if it was him stating once again and in such a dismissive way how she had been passed over by her own father in his stead, or if it was the fact that he could not understand how him refusing to recognize and acknowledge his involvement hurt her, but she felt her rage reach a boiling point.
“You know what, screw you Sesshoumaru!” She fumed, jumping to her feet.
It was only his legendary cool that allowed him to not lash out in return. “You need to calm down, and stop taking your anger out on me...”
She cut him off with a quick retort. “And you need to stop telling me how to feel, and what I should do.”
“I would not have to if you were not acting like a stubborn child.” As soon as he spoke the words, he knew it was a mistake. He was aware that at the moment he should have been focused on trying to calm his lover, instead of antagonizing her by telling truths she would not want to hear; especially not now.
“A stubborn child?” She echoed incredulous. ‘I will show you stubborn!’ She reached up to wipe away the angry bitter tears pooling in her eyes, and threatening to fall freely down her cheeks. ‘I think my earlier idea of going away might be best before I say something I will regret, or we get to a place where we can’t come back from.’ Before she could talk herself out of it, she abruptly headed towards the wardrobe. She reached down in the bottom compartment for her suitcase, and threw it on the bed, right next to her lover. He clearly made out what her plans were, and he was not liking them one bit.
“Oh yes, this is indeed mature. Running away when things do not go as you wish.” He commented as he came to his feet to stand close to her. Sesshoumaru wanted to halt her frantic actions, but he contented himself with following with his gaze a she pushed past him, and started to randomly throw clothes into her suitcase.
“It may be childish, but I need to get out of here before I go fucking crazy!... I need some space, and I need to think.” Even as she spoke, she did not interrupt her packing.
Sesshoumaru had had enough of her dismissive attitude. He reached forward, and placed a hand on her shoulder, which she shrugged away unceremoniously. “We are not done talking.”
This time around, she did react upon hearing his words. She momentarily turned away from her suitcase to sneer at him. “More talk? Coming from you, Mr. Ice King, that’s rich!” After letting out a mirthless chuckle, she added. “Besides, it’s a little too late for talk. You should have told me…”
“And what? If I had told you, how would it have affected things? Would you have not fallen in love with me? Would you have quit Shikon at seeing how useless your efforts were?”
Hearing her hard work deemed ‘useless’ was extremely hurtful to her. Before she could stop it, a tear crept down her cheek. “I at least would have had more options to decide on what I want to do.” She spat out venomously even as she wiped away the evidence of just how heartbroken she was.
Sesshoumaru found incredibly frustrating the fact that she would blame him solely for what had happened. ‘How is it my fault that her father is an asshole who treats her feelings callously? If she wishes to be mad at someone, she should be angry at Naraku, not me.’ He was becoming increasingly angered by the situation. ‘What is she expecting by running away? Does she hope this will fix things?’ It was at this precise moment that the one some called demon and others the Ice King had reached his limit.
“If you want to go, go!” Before he even realized it, the angry and bitter words had come out.
Kagura balked at hearing his words, but struggled not to show how hurt she was. Deep down, even if she was trying to suppress it, she could not help but wish for him to try harder to hold her back.
“Don’t think I was waiting for your permission!” With these final words, she slammed shut her suitcase, and dragged it to the floor.
The young woman stomped over to the door, and without sparing one last glance to her lover, walked away. The only sound resonating through the condo was that of Kagura walking out, and slamming the front door behind her.
As much as he wished to do so, Sesshoumaru would be damned if he would follow after her, or beg her to stay.
His amber stare stayed stuck on the door behind which the most important person in his world had just disappeared. He was hurt by Kagura’s reaction, but was even more angered by the fact that she could so casually walk away from him. Also even if he would love to deny it, he had to admit that a part of him was also disappointed by the fact that he had not had the chance to tell Kagura about the latest developments in regards to his family. She was the only person with whom he could speak about such things.
‘Damn that witch, I already miss her…’ His brain was revolting against the emotions coursing through his heart. The last time in his life he could recall feeling so keenly the absence of another person, was when his mother had died. Even then the mixed feelings of pain and anger had not been this potent.
“How pathetic!” He angrily burst out before going straight towards their liquor cabinet. He picked out a bottle of a whiskey he had received as a congratulatory gift from a fellow journalist upon the reception of his award. After popping the seal, he served himself a first small shot and sipped it. When it did nothing to alleviate the various feelings of anger and frustration coursing through him, in a matter of minutes, he had moved on to a few more, and much bigger servings.
‘What could I have done different? If I had told her earlier on, then I know we never would have started this relationship… and it’s evident that if I had told her after we became involved, she would still have blamed me somehow. I guess I am a more accessible target than Naraku.‘ He reflected morosely on the lose-lose situation he had found himself in.
Just as Sesshoumaru was just about to toss back another generous helping of whiskey, the unmistakable chime of the doorbell interrupted him. Despite himself, he found a grin stretching his lips.
‘Kagura must have changed her mind. It took her longer than expected before realizing how ridiculous her behavior is. I will make her beg for forgiveness before I take her back.’ He thought angrily before slamming down the drink still in his hand. He then walked over to the front door, and threw it opened, ready to be met with remorseful crimson eyes; he was to be disappointed.
“What are you doing here in the middle of the night?” Sesshoumaru asked his surprise visitor as the younger man rudely pushed past him to enter the condo.
“None of your damn business.” Kouga sent him the nastiest glare he could muster. “Where’s Kagura? I brought her office stuff. She should be grateful I packed it all up before Naraku threw it in the trash.” He said even as he walked over to the living room to dump the small cardboard box he had been carrying on the coffee table. “And what the hell are you doing here? Couldn’t you wait to come and gloat about managing to have her kicked out of Shikon?”
Sesshoumaru disliked the insinuations made by Kouga, but he hated more the casual way in which he walked around the condo. He knew that Kagura had already been living there when the two of them had dated, but seeing the other man into what he now considered to be their space made his blood boil. It was with great glee, albeit with a hollow feeling inside his chest due to the recent developments, that Sesshoumaru informed him of the latest development. “I just moved in.”
If Kouga’s blue eyes could have popped out of his head, they would have. “Are you fucking kidding me? How could Kagura do this? What is she thinking?!” He simply could not understand what she saw in Sesshoumaru. He could expect for her to be interested in him sexually, Kouga had heard enough women sigh appreciatively upon seeing Sesshoumaru to realize that a lot of females found him attractive. In fact while Kouga hated the fact that Kagura could have fallen prey to Sesshoumaru, and that the two of them could start an affair, he could accept it. In any case, he had already guessed that the two of them had formed some sort of sexual relationship, but he had no idea their feelings were involved to the point where she would allow the other man to move in her private space.
‘When I asked her to move in together with me, she wouldn’t. She said it would be too much of a distraction from work. Why would she do it with him, and not me?!’ He balked. “Where is she, I have to talk to her, she’s clearly not in her right mind.”
Sesshoumaru had reached his breaking point for the day. He needed a way to work out all the anger and frustration he had accumulated while speaking with Izayoi then arguing with Kagura, and right now Kouga seemed to be the perfect outlet.
One second the blue eyed journalist was frowning while standing in the middle of his ex-girlfriend’s living room, the next he found himself pinned against the wall with a hand crushing his windpipe.
“Kagura is none of your concern any longer. She. Is. Mine… and you would do well to stay away from her once and for all.” He squeezed a little harder on Kouga’s neck, hoping the words would sink in for good. “This Sesshoumaru had warned you once before, and this will be my last warning. Do not come sniffing after what is mine again.”
It was only when he had the faint impression that Kouga was turning slightly blue in the face that Sesshoumaru relinquished his hold on him. As much as demonstrating his dominance over Kouga was satisfying, Sesshoumaru hated the fact that he had lost control so completely so quickly.
‘I guess the whiskey was more potent than I had expected…’ He reflected, his golden eyes resting on the half emptied bottle.
“Are you insane?!” Kouga sputtered angrily. As soon as he was let go, the younger man coughed and massaged his sore throat.
Sesshoumaru rewarded his question with one of his famous blank stares. “No, just protective. If I ever see you panting after Kagura, what I just did will seem like a complete joke.”
His threat was received with a loud gulp.
“Go home to your pregnant wife now, and if I were you, I would forget the address of our condo.” Never had Sesshoumaru seen a man look more like a canine backing away with its tail tucked in between its legs. Without bothering to give Sesshoumaru any retorts, Kouga scurried away. He did pause on the threshold of the front door to give some last words.
“Just tell Kagura to give me a call if she needs… a friend.” The words had barely left his mouth that Kouga left. He did not wish to wait to find out just exactly what Sesshoumaru would make out of his last comment.
Scaring Kouga away any other day would have been enough to bring a bright smile to his lips, but at the moment, all Sesshoumaru could think about was how much he wanted to see Kagura or at least call her. Again his weakness towards her angered him, and he headed back to the bottle he had been nursing before Kouga’s interruption.
“What kind of spell did that witch cast on me?” He wondered even as he downed yet another full glass. The liquor burned him inwardly as it went down, but it in no way made the chill over his heart alleviate, nor did it bring him any satisfaction.
“Damn it.” In a fit of rage, he took a hold of the bottle by the neck, and threw it against the wall. His golden eyes stared as it exploded and shattered. The dark ambered liquid ran down the wall, and pooled along with the shards of the broken glass bottle on the carpet underneath. Observing his handy work only proved to show to him how much he was not in control of his emotions any longer; something he hated above all.
“I will not wait here patiently like a puppy for her to return whenever she feels like it. I have better things to do.” He grumbled under his breath.
With one last look around the condo, Sesshoumaru grabbed his coat form the rack, and walked out. Just as Kagura had done, he slammed the door on his way out.
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“I hope I won’t come to regret this… me and my damn temper.” Kagura thought morosely. During her entire drive, she had resisted the urge to turn her car around, and drive back to the condo where she knew Sesshoumaru was waiting for her.
‘Maybe I should have given him a chance when he said he wanted to talk… perhaps he was going to finally apologize, and acknowledge how much he hurt me.’ A part of her wanted to pick up the phone to call him, but because she was partly ashamed, partly angry, but mostly too proud to make the first move, she had kept on driving.
Despite her doubts, she had stayed on course, and kept driving straight. When she had hopped behind the wheel of her car, she had not been sure where she was going to seek refuge to long enough to be able to cool down, and think about what she should do next.
‘And now, here I am…’
After driving all night long, Kagura had checked in a motel near her destination, and after a failed attempt at taking a short nap, she had settled for an invigorating long shower, then had gone on her way.
‘It’s a good thing Aunt Kaede has always been an early riser…’ She reflected as her crimson eyes swung outside to look at the sun slightly pocking out on the horizon.
“You can follow me. I’ll lead you to her new room.” One of the nurses happily ushered Kagura down various corridors.
Even if she followed closely, Kagura could not help but still feel worried over the sight that was sure to greet her. Once she laid eyes on her ageing aunt, she allowed a sigh of relief to pass her lips. Kaede’s illness may have rendered her frail, and her memory may not be what it once was, but just seeing the warm smile of the woman who had raised her was enough to bring a smile and a sense of ease to Kagura.
“Kagura, is that you?” Kaede asked, blinking furiously. Her eyesight had become greatly impaired, and she was partially blind out of one eye, but it would still be impossible for her not to recognize her dear nieces.
The younger woman practically skipped as she walked over to her aunt. She sat next to her, and took the small hands into hers, and squeezed tenderly. “I’ve missed you so much. I am so happy to see you Aunt Kaede.”
The old woman squeezed her niece’s hands in response before answering. “I am glad too… but won’t you be in trouble at work? It is not even vacation time…” As much as Kaede was displeased with Kagura’s decision to work for Naraku, she had tried her hardest to keep her feelings to herself.
Kagura smiled sadly. While her aunt tried to not voice her feelings, Kanna had done enough speaking for the two of them. The journalist was well aware that her two closets relatives despised Naraku, and did not want her to work for him. ‘Well then, they will be beyond happy.’ After taking a deep breath, she finally spoke the words she knew both Kanna and Kaede had been longing to hear for so long. “I quit my job.”
Her aunt’s reaction was instantaneous. Her face broke into a bright smile, which made her look more like her age. It was as if the illness had never taken its toll on her.
“That’s great honey. Congratulations!” Then with a twinkle in her eyes, Kaede added slyly. “Will you and your young man get married now?”
Kagura was taken aback by the question. “Sesshoumaru and I haven’t spoken about marriage...” Deep down she wanted to add ‘yet’ at the end of her sentence, but she kept it to herself for now. ‘Who knows how things will be when I come back after yesterday?’
“Who is this Sessh-person? I meant Kouga, your handsome boyfriend. I cannot wait to see the pretty blue eyed babies you will have together.” Kaede could not have aimed truer if she had wanted to shoot her daughter in the heart.
“Aunt Kaede… Kouga and I broke up.” She kept to the abridged version as she really did not want to go into the cheating she had been a victim of. “I am with Sesshoumaru now… remember, I told you we were moving in together.” Kagura also clearly remembered how unhappy that last piece of information had made her aunt. Kaede was quite old-fashioned, and she did not understand why her niece would let a man move into her condo without getting a ring on her finger first.
Kaede’s face lit up in recognition. “Ah yes, the other editor… yes I remember now.” Being able to push away the fog, and focus back her thoughts was always an accomplishment she was proud of. “Is he here too? Did the two of you come to announce me some news?” Even as she thought the words, Kaede straightened up, and smoothed down her messy long white braid. It was bad enough that Kagura had seen her like this, just out of bed and not ready for visitors, but she would die of embarrassment if her future nephew in-law did as well.
“No… I came alone today. Next time I will bring him.” Kagura managed to speak past the lump in her throat. ‘If he will want to come…’
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‘Who knew a small lie would be able to weigh so heavily on my conscience?’ Izayoi thought as she walked along the nice appointed corridors of her mansion. She had not been able to sleep, and now that dawn was almost there, she went in search of something to help her fall asleep before her constant tossing and turning woke up her husband. She crept down the main staircase, and headed to the study where she had served herself a generous amount of brandy. She had never been fond of alcohol, but at the moment she needed some liquid courage. Just thinking about the confession she had to make to her husband was enough to push her to down another full glass.
“Slow down there! I paid a pretty penny for this flask; you do realize this is some nice stuff, right ? It’s not made to be downed like this.” Touga gently teased his wife as he walked into the room.
He stepped next to her, and served himself a moderate amount and gently sipped on the drink. “See?” He demonstrated by taking another modest sip. “Isn’t this nicer?”
Izayoi smiled at seeing the amused light dancing in his amber eyes, but it was not enough to alleviate her fears.
“I just needed some fortification before I came clean about something…”
The serious tone of her voice, and the sadness in her eyes caused his heart to clench in fear. “What’s wrong?” He asked even as he reached down to clasp her hands in a tight hold.
The reassurance and love in his eyes was all the encouragement she needed. Izayoi took a deep breath before speaking. “Sesshoumaru came to see you earlier. He found out about your plan with Shiyounin Katsuyama, and he was not pleased…”
Touga felt his jaw clench. ‘He was not supposed to find out… at least not before agreeing to take the position.’ He thrust himself out of his thoughts to focus back on his wife. “Was he unkind to you?”
Izayoi was moved that her husband’s prime concern was her feelings. “No he did not say anything that was not warranted, but I believe I might have been the unkind one… I also should have told you sooner about his visit… I just wanted to do what would be best for our family.”
Touga expelled a breath, and after a brief pause spoke. “Do not trouble yourself over it my dear. I know that Katsuyama’s job offer will be too good for Sesshoumaru to pass on. I am sure that he will take it, then when he has relocated you will not have to worry about him showing at our doorstep.”
“I still feel guilty.” Izayoi confessed. “It seems as if we are just paying him off not to be a part of our family.”
Touga could see the truth of her words, and it hurt him beyond words. He had tried on so many occasions to bring in his eldest son back into the family unit, but Sesshoumaru had never taken the olive branch his father had extended, and no one regretted more the situation, or felt more guilt over it than Touga.
“We gave him several opportunities to be a part of this family, and he rejected them. Sesshoumaru is the one who severed ties with us… I think it would be best for Inuyasha, you, me and especially Sesshoumaru if he left.”
As much as she too hated the situation, Izayoi could not help but agree. “I guess you’re right… I do remember how much Kagome and Inuyasha were upset the last time they ran into Sesshoumaru…”
“As painful as it may be, I know that what I am doing is right.” Touga had barely embraced his wife into comforting a hug, that he was interrupted by the door of the study being slammed opened wide.
“Un-fucking-believable! I can’t believe the two of you! You pushed Sesshoumaru away?” Without another word, and in a flash of red, the intruder stomped inside the room. “Who needs protecting? Me?! Keh! I’m old enough to make my own decisions! If I want to have a relationship with Sesshoumaru, none of your machinations will stop me.” After he had found out about the sordid family secrets, Inuyasha had given up on the idea of forming a relationship with his estranged half brother, but his parents’ meddling was making him fast reconsider his decision.
Touga hated the fact that his son had overheard the conversation, and he could understand why Inuyasha was upset with them. ‘But that doesn’t give him the right to act like this.’ Even as he thought the words, he addressed his son aloud. “You are under my roof Inuyasha, and you will watch your tone, and not speak to your parents this way!”
‘Well then I’ll find a place where I can vent without being under his roof.’ Inuyasha’s face turned into a dark scowl. “Keh! Forget it, I’m out of here.”
“Inuyasha! Where are you going?”
He only paused to look at his parents over his shoulders before answering his mother’s query? “I’m going to Kagome’s, I can’t stand being in here right now.”
The last sounds, which were picked up by his keen ears was his mother’s sobs, and his father’s reassuring words to her.
To be continued…
A/N: Phew! That was a long one, and wasn’t so easy to produce. I’m happy to make things move along though as we are SO close to the end of the story. The next one will hopefully come out faster, and its provisional name is Sources.
A/N: Once again a late update. No words can convey how sorry I am for my long absence. I had hoped that summer would allow me to have more time, but school and work are still keeping me busy! As an apology, here is an extra long chapter. I would like to thank all of you guys for still reading this fanfic despite its underserving author.
Disclaimer: Sadly even though I love writing AU stories on my OTP, they don't belong to me. I tried to buy them, but all I could afford were plushies. Oh well better than nothing lol.
“Talking”
'Thoughts'
‘It’s amazing how things can change so quickly.’ Kagura thought to herself. She was standing in her room, her crimson eyes locked on her bed. The same bed where she had spent so many hours lying next to Sesshoumaru, talking to him, making love with him. Just thinking about all that they had shared was enough to make her feel sick. It had almost been a year since the start of their secret liaison, and they might have had some lows, but it had been mostly highs.
‘At least until today. I can’t believe Sesshoumaru would betray me like this.’ She shook herself, and decided to focus away from her self-pitying to move her attention back to what she had aimed to do. ‘I guess I should start packing.’ Even as the words crossed her mind, she was having a hard time finding the motivation to follow through. ‘Maybe I should call Kanna beforehand to let her know about the situation. She might not be able to take me in, and I don’t want to intrude…’
Kagura had been so consumed by her own thoughts, that she was completely taken by surprise when a pair of arms was wrapped tightly around her waist. She went completely rigid, but did not resist when she was pulled back into a strong familiar chest. She closed her eyes, and allowed herself to relish the warm comforting embrace for a few precious seconds before she confronted him.
Sesshoumaru had been looking forward to that moment. The second he had driven away from his father’s house, he had only thought about how he could not wait to be reunited with his lover. He had rejoiced when he had seen her car parked outside the condo, and when he had slipped inside their home, he had reacted upon his first instinct, which was to take a hold of Kagura, and make love to her. He had never been the kind of person who needed to talk to get over things, but some physical release would go a long way towards helping him feel better after the debacle the confrontation he had wanted to have with his father had turned into.
He immediately worked towards fulfilling his goal. Considering how often they had been intimate, he knew all of her weak points. He therefore wasted no time, and immediately leaned forward to gently nibble on the side of her neck; he was aware that the little ministration always drove her wild. This time around she did not elicit any appreciative moans. He knew her well enough to know that she was not responding as she should. He was consequently surprised by her lack of reaction. Nonplused, he decided to target her in another way. His hands trailed up from where they were resting on her stomach to gently cup her breasts. This time around her reaction was immediate.
Kagura had soaked in the pleasurable tingles, and struggled not to lean her head to the side when he was kissing her neck, but the second he touched her breasts, she knew she had to put a stop to it lest her determination wavered. She took a step forward, and broke away from his embrace.
Sesshoumaru frowned at her reaction; she had never rejected his advances before. He sighed and placed his hands on her shoulders to turn her around so she would face him. He had had a dreadful day, and whatever was going on with his lover, he just hoped it would not make things even worse for him.
“We need to talk.” As if to prove his wish wrong, Kagura suddenly exclaimed.
“As if my day could not get worse…” He muttered under his breath. Through the tone of her voice, he could tell that what she wanted to talk about was not going to be good.
Kagura’s expression suddenly changed to reflect the anger she had been masking until then. “Yeah, well I also had a shitty day”. She retorted angrily before pushing past him to stand next to the opened window of their bedroom, which was bringing in some much needed air. She felt as if she was chocking, and needed some distance between them before the confrontation that she was about to initiate.
She braced herself before asking. “When were you planning on telling me that you’re stealing my job from me?” Speaking the words reawakened her anger over his deception. She realized early on that his betrayal hurt much more than her father’s. Had she been honest she would have admitted that she was not surprised that Naraku had sold her out to the Shigenos. After all she knew full well the kind of man he was, but she had never expected the man she loved to hurt her in such a way.
“You’re not denying it?” She then added disgustingly.
Sesshoumaru looked at her quizzically before replying. “If this Sesshoumaru knew what exactly you were referring to, then I might respond.” He had not had a chance to evacuate all the feelings of anger he had experienced earlier when he had spoken with Izayoi, and lashing out at the moment was tempting; he however resisted the instinctual response, as it would only serve to make things between them bad.
She pursed her red lips angrily. ‘How dare he stand there and pretend he has no idea of what I’m talking about.’ She forced herself to take a calming breath before speaking. “Naraku told me about your little arrangement. My dear old dad relished letting me know that from the moment he hired you, it was with the understanding that you would eventually take the position of sole editor in chief of Shikon Magazine. After all that’s happened between us, how could you not tell me?!” ‘He knows how much it meant to me to become the boss of Shikon.’
Sesshoumaru could not believe that this was what had caused her to be this upset with him. Just as he was about to open his mouth so that he could defend himself, she intervened.
“Not to mention that after what Kouga put me through, you know damn well how I feel towards honesty.” She knew she hit a nerve when she saw his eyes shrink to golden slits.
“Do not dare compare this to Kouga’s cheating.” The last thing he wanted was to talk about her ex-boyfriend, and the way he had betrayed her, so Sesshoumaru attempted to bring the conversation back to where he felt it should be.
“I don’t know what Naraku told you, but nothing was ever set in stone. You can go to human resources and look at my contract if you wish. It does not state that I will follow in his footsteps.” He could tell by her incredulous reaction that she was not pleased with his response. He therefore decided to use another technique.
“Anyways, I may not have explicitly told you about Naraku’s plans when it comes to me and Shikon’s future, but I have time and again advised you not to keep ignoring the callous way in which he treats you… All that was missing was me coming outright and telling you that you would never inherit the magazine.” He had not spoken the words thus far because he had not wanted to cause her unnecessary pain, but now he was regretting not coming out and telling her sooner.
It was her turn to frown and speak in an acerbic tone. “Oh yeah, you’ve been so very helpful Sesshoumaru.”
His frustration was growing steadily. “Kagura, have you not questioned why I would go along with such a plan? It really was never my intention to stay on at Shikon long enough to inherit it. I have other goals...”
She felt like she had unveiled another part of him, one she did not know, nor liked.
“Better goals I take it… I guess measly Shikon Magazine is not good enough for a big shot journalist, and this year’s laureate of the journalistic association’s reporting award.”
His first inclination was to deny, and tell her, ‘You know this is not what I meant.’ but now that reality was staring him in the face, he realized that she was right. Being recruited by Naraku to help boost Shikon magazine had been unexpected. Before then, Sesshoumaru had no experience in editing as he worked primarily as an investigative reporter. His work on the Miko Powder case had only proved to show him just how much he missed working as an actual journalist.
‘Overseeing writings on make-up tips, the baseball league and the regional festivals is not something I wish to do for the rest of my life.’
Even if Sesshoumaru did not dare speak his answer, it was displayed through his facial expression. He could tell that his reaction was hurting Kagura, and that was the last thing he wished.
“Kagura.” He took cautious steps towards her. Instead of walking towards him, she walked past him, and headed towards their bed. Refusing to be discouraged by her actions, he continued on talking. “In truth, I know you could also find a more fulfilling career path. I think you are ready to accept now the fact that you being at the head of Shikon Magazine was just not meant to be, nor is it a catastrophe.” He then added as he vainly tried to justify himself, but mostly take her pain away.
Hearing Sesshoumaru’s lips come out and actually speak out the words felt like being stabbed in the heart. All she could think about was all the hard work she had put into the magazine, and how it had all been for naught. Even worse Sesshoumaru, the one person she loved and respected above all else saw what had been her goal for the past ten years as a joke. In her eyes, the fact that he could belittle Shikon Magazine felt like a slap in the face. All her emotions of the day hit her, and she suddenly felt as if she could not take anymore. Her knees buckled, and before she could stop herself, she unceremoniously plopped down on the bed.
“Kagura…” Sesshoumaru stepped closer to sit next her on their bed. He cradled her head in his hands, turned her head to the side, and raised her face for her eyes to be on equal level to his. “Everything will be alright. We will figure out something.” He then tenderly looped his arm around her shoulders, and pressed a kiss to her temple. He also had had an emotional day, and holding on to her like this was enough to bring a soothing feeling to his own hurts. She allowed herself to lean against him, take some comfort and draw some strength. Feeling his loving embrace was enough to make her waver, but before she could change her mind, she spoke aloud.
“What do you mean we? Do you think I need you to figure out what to do with my life?... I’m not such a failure that I need you to dictate my professional life either.”
He bristled at hearing her words, but nonetheless reluctantly relinquished his hold of her. He did however not stand up as of yet. Kagura was already missing the warmth of his body against hers, but she steeled her resolve.
“I was not trying to tell you what to do, just trying to help…” He grumbled. He was not liking one bit the snappy tone of his lover’s voice.
“I think you’ve done enough.”
“Kagura.” He sighed in exasperation. “You really need to realize that this is an issue between you and Naraku. In truth it has nothing to do with me. We both know I am not to blame for your father deciding not to put you in charge of Shikon Magazine.” He turned his golden gaze on her, and was angered when she would not meet his eyes.
“You could at least have told me!” She clung to her previous request. ‘I can’t believe he was able to hide this from me all along.’
‘This is not going anywhere.’ Sesshoumaru let out an uncharacteristic grunt of frustration before exclaiming. “It wouldn’t have changed Naraku’s decision.”
Kagura did not know if it was him stating once again and in such a dismissive way how she had been passed over by her own father in his stead, or if it was the fact that he could not understand how him refusing to recognize and acknowledge his involvement hurt her, but she felt her rage reach a boiling point.
“You know what, screw you Sesshoumaru!” She fumed, jumping to her feet.
It was only his legendary cool that allowed him to not lash out in return. “You need to calm down, and stop taking your anger out on me...”
She cut him off with a quick retort. “And you need to stop telling me how to feel, and what I should do.”
“I would not have to if you were not acting like a stubborn child.” As soon as he spoke the words, he knew it was a mistake. He was aware that at the moment he should have been focused on trying to calm his lover, instead of antagonizing her by telling truths she would not want to hear; especially not now.
“A stubborn child?” She echoed incredulous. ‘I will show you stubborn!’ She reached up to wipe away the angry bitter tears pooling in her eyes, and threatening to fall freely down her cheeks. ‘I think my earlier idea of going away might be best before I say something I will regret, or we get to a place where we can’t come back from.’ Before she could talk herself out of it, she abruptly headed towards the wardrobe. She reached down in the bottom compartment for her suitcase, and threw it on the bed, right next to her lover. He clearly made out what her plans were, and he was not liking them one bit.
“Oh yes, this is indeed mature. Running away when things do not go as you wish.” He commented as he came to his feet to stand close to her. Sesshoumaru wanted to halt her frantic actions, but he contented himself with following with his gaze a she pushed past him, and started to randomly throw clothes into her suitcase.
“It may be childish, but I need to get out of here before I go fucking crazy!... I need some space, and I need to think.” Even as she spoke, she did not interrupt her packing.
Sesshoumaru had had enough of her dismissive attitude. He reached forward, and placed a hand on her shoulder, which she shrugged away unceremoniously. “We are not done talking.”
This time around, she did react upon hearing his words. She momentarily turned away from her suitcase to sneer at him. “More talk? Coming from you, Mr. Ice King, that’s rich!” After letting out a mirthless chuckle, she added. “Besides, it’s a little too late for talk. You should have told me…”
“And what? If I had told you, how would it have affected things? Would you have not fallen in love with me? Would you have quit Shikon at seeing how useless your efforts were?”
Hearing her hard work deemed ‘useless’ was extremely hurtful to her. Before she could stop it, a tear crept down her cheek. “I at least would have had more options to decide on what I want to do.” She spat out venomously even as she wiped away the evidence of just how heartbroken she was.
Sesshoumaru found incredibly frustrating the fact that she would blame him solely for what had happened. ‘How is it my fault that her father is an asshole who treats her feelings callously? If she wishes to be mad at someone, she should be angry at Naraku, not me.’ He was becoming increasingly angered by the situation. ‘What is she expecting by running away? Does she hope this will fix things?’ It was at this precise moment that the one some called demon and others the Ice King had reached his limit.
“If you want to go, go!” Before he even realized it, the angry and bitter words had come out.
Kagura balked at hearing his words, but struggled not to show how hurt she was. Deep down, even if she was trying to suppress it, she could not help but wish for him to try harder to hold her back.
“Don’t think I was waiting for your permission!” With these final words, she slammed shut her suitcase, and dragged it to the floor.
The young woman stomped over to the door, and without sparing one last glance to her lover, walked away. The only sound resonating through the condo was that of Kagura walking out, and slamming the front door behind her.
As much as he wished to do so, Sesshoumaru would be damned if he would follow after her, or beg her to stay.
His amber stare stayed stuck on the door behind which the most important person in his world had just disappeared. He was hurt by Kagura’s reaction, but was even more angered by the fact that she could so casually walk away from him. Also even if he would love to deny it, he had to admit that a part of him was also disappointed by the fact that he had not had the chance to tell Kagura about the latest developments in regards to his family. She was the only person with whom he could speak about such things.
‘Damn that witch, I already miss her…’ His brain was revolting against the emotions coursing through his heart. The last time in his life he could recall feeling so keenly the absence of another person, was when his mother had died. Even then the mixed feelings of pain and anger had not been this potent.
“How pathetic!” He angrily burst out before going straight towards their liquor cabinet. He picked out a bottle of a whiskey he had received as a congratulatory gift from a fellow journalist upon the reception of his award. After popping the seal, he served himself a first small shot and sipped it. When it did nothing to alleviate the various feelings of anger and frustration coursing through him, in a matter of minutes, he had moved on to a few more, and much bigger servings.
‘What could I have done different? If I had told her earlier on, then I know we never would have started this relationship… and it’s evident that if I had told her after we became involved, she would still have blamed me somehow. I guess I am a more accessible target than Naraku.‘ He reflected morosely on the lose-lose situation he had found himself in.
Just as Sesshoumaru was just about to toss back another generous helping of whiskey, the unmistakable chime of the doorbell interrupted him. Despite himself, he found a grin stretching his lips.
‘Kagura must have changed her mind. It took her longer than expected before realizing how ridiculous her behavior is. I will make her beg for forgiveness before I take her back.’ He thought angrily before slamming down the drink still in his hand. He then walked over to the front door, and threw it opened, ready to be met with remorseful crimson eyes; he was to be disappointed.
“What are you doing here in the middle of the night?” Sesshoumaru asked his surprise visitor as the younger man rudely pushed past him to enter the condo.
“None of your damn business.” Kouga sent him the nastiest glare he could muster. “Where’s Kagura? I brought her office stuff. She should be grateful I packed it all up before Naraku threw it in the trash.” He said even as he walked over to the living room to dump the small cardboard box he had been carrying on the coffee table. “And what the hell are you doing here? Couldn’t you wait to come and gloat about managing to have her kicked out of Shikon?”
Sesshoumaru disliked the insinuations made by Kouga, but he hated more the casual way in which he walked around the condo. He knew that Kagura had already been living there when the two of them had dated, but seeing the other man into what he now considered to be their space made his blood boil. It was with great glee, albeit with a hollow feeling inside his chest due to the recent developments, that Sesshoumaru informed him of the latest development. “I just moved in.”
If Kouga’s blue eyes could have popped out of his head, they would have. “Are you fucking kidding me? How could Kagura do this? What is she thinking?!” He simply could not understand what she saw in Sesshoumaru. He could expect for her to be interested in him sexually, Kouga had heard enough women sigh appreciatively upon seeing Sesshoumaru to realize that a lot of females found him attractive. In fact while Kouga hated the fact that Kagura could have fallen prey to Sesshoumaru, and that the two of them could start an affair, he could accept it. In any case, he had already guessed that the two of them had formed some sort of sexual relationship, but he had no idea their feelings were involved to the point where she would allow the other man to move in her private space.
‘When I asked her to move in together with me, she wouldn’t. She said it would be too much of a distraction from work. Why would she do it with him, and not me?!’ He balked. “Where is she, I have to talk to her, she’s clearly not in her right mind.”
Sesshoumaru had reached his breaking point for the day. He needed a way to work out all the anger and frustration he had accumulated while speaking with Izayoi then arguing with Kagura, and right now Kouga seemed to be the perfect outlet.
One second the blue eyed journalist was frowning while standing in the middle of his ex-girlfriend’s living room, the next he found himself pinned against the wall with a hand crushing his windpipe.
“Kagura is none of your concern any longer. She. Is. Mine… and you would do well to stay away from her once and for all.” He squeezed a little harder on Kouga’s neck, hoping the words would sink in for good. “This Sesshoumaru had warned you once before, and this will be my last warning. Do not come sniffing after what is mine again.”
It was only when he had the faint impression that Kouga was turning slightly blue in the face that Sesshoumaru relinquished his hold on him. As much as demonstrating his dominance over Kouga was satisfying, Sesshoumaru hated the fact that he had lost control so completely so quickly.
‘I guess the whiskey was more potent than I had expected…’ He reflected, his golden eyes resting on the half emptied bottle.
“Are you insane?!” Kouga sputtered angrily. As soon as he was let go, the younger man coughed and massaged his sore throat.
Sesshoumaru rewarded his question with one of his famous blank stares. “No, just protective. If I ever see you panting after Kagura, what I just did will seem like a complete joke.”
His threat was received with a loud gulp.
“Go home to your pregnant wife now, and if I were you, I would forget the address of our condo.” Never had Sesshoumaru seen a man look more like a canine backing away with its tail tucked in between its legs. Without bothering to give Sesshoumaru any retorts, Kouga scurried away. He did pause on the threshold of the front door to give some last words.
“Just tell Kagura to give me a call if she needs… a friend.” The words had barely left his mouth that Kouga left. He did not wish to wait to find out just exactly what Sesshoumaru would make out of his last comment.
Scaring Kouga away any other day would have been enough to bring a bright smile to his lips, but at the moment, all Sesshoumaru could think about was how much he wanted to see Kagura or at least call her. Again his weakness towards her angered him, and he headed back to the bottle he had been nursing before Kouga’s interruption.
“What kind of spell did that witch cast on me?” He wondered even as he downed yet another full glass. The liquor burned him inwardly as it went down, but it in no way made the chill over his heart alleviate, nor did it bring him any satisfaction.
“Damn it.” In a fit of rage, he took a hold of the bottle by the neck, and threw it against the wall. His golden eyes stared as it exploded and shattered. The dark ambered liquid ran down the wall, and pooled along with the shards of the broken glass bottle on the carpet underneath. Observing his handy work only proved to show to him how much he was not in control of his emotions any longer; something he hated above all.
“I will not wait here patiently like a puppy for her to return whenever she feels like it. I have better things to do.” He grumbled under his breath.
With one last look around the condo, Sesshoumaru grabbed his coat form the rack, and walked out. Just as Kagura had done, he slammed the door on his way out.
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“I hope I won’t come to regret this… me and my damn temper.” Kagura thought morosely. During her entire drive, she had resisted the urge to turn her car around, and drive back to the condo where she knew Sesshoumaru was waiting for her.
‘Maybe I should have given him a chance when he said he wanted to talk… perhaps he was going to finally apologize, and acknowledge how much he hurt me.’ A part of her wanted to pick up the phone to call him, but because she was partly ashamed, partly angry, but mostly too proud to make the first move, she had kept on driving.
Despite her doubts, she had stayed on course, and kept driving straight. When she had hopped behind the wheel of her car, she had not been sure where she was going to seek refuge to long enough to be able to cool down, and think about what she should do next.
‘And now, here I am…’
After driving all night long, Kagura had checked in a motel near her destination, and after a failed attempt at taking a short nap, she had settled for an invigorating long shower, then had gone on her way.
‘It’s a good thing Aunt Kaede has always been an early riser…’ She reflected as her crimson eyes swung outside to look at the sun slightly pocking out on the horizon.
“You can follow me. I’ll lead you to her new room.” One of the nurses happily ushered Kagura down various corridors.
Even if she followed closely, Kagura could not help but still feel worried over the sight that was sure to greet her. Once she laid eyes on her ageing aunt, she allowed a sigh of relief to pass her lips. Kaede’s illness may have rendered her frail, and her memory may not be what it once was, but just seeing the warm smile of the woman who had raised her was enough to bring a smile and a sense of ease to Kagura.
“Kagura, is that you?” Kaede asked, blinking furiously. Her eyesight had become greatly impaired, and she was partially blind out of one eye, but it would still be impossible for her not to recognize her dear nieces.
The younger woman practically skipped as she walked over to her aunt. She sat next to her, and took the small hands into hers, and squeezed tenderly. “I’ve missed you so much. I am so happy to see you Aunt Kaede.”
The old woman squeezed her niece’s hands in response before answering. “I am glad too… but won’t you be in trouble at work? It is not even vacation time…” As much as Kaede was displeased with Kagura’s decision to work for Naraku, she had tried her hardest to keep her feelings to herself.
Kagura smiled sadly. While her aunt tried to not voice her feelings, Kanna had done enough speaking for the two of them. The journalist was well aware that her two closets relatives despised Naraku, and did not want her to work for him. ‘Well then, they will be beyond happy.’ After taking a deep breath, she finally spoke the words she knew both Kanna and Kaede had been longing to hear for so long. “I quit my job.”
Her aunt’s reaction was instantaneous. Her face broke into a bright smile, which made her look more like her age. It was as if the illness had never taken its toll on her.
“That’s great honey. Congratulations!” Then with a twinkle in her eyes, Kaede added slyly. “Will you and your young man get married now?”
Kagura was taken aback by the question. “Sesshoumaru and I haven’t spoken about marriage...” Deep down she wanted to add ‘yet’ at the end of her sentence, but she kept it to herself for now. ‘Who knows how things will be when I come back after yesterday?’
“Who is this Sessh-person? I meant Kouga, your handsome boyfriend. I cannot wait to see the pretty blue eyed babies you will have together.” Kaede could not have aimed truer if she had wanted to shoot her daughter in the heart.
“Aunt Kaede… Kouga and I broke up.” She kept to the abridged version as she really did not want to go into the cheating she had been a victim of. “I am with Sesshoumaru now… remember, I told you we were moving in together.” Kagura also clearly remembered how unhappy that last piece of information had made her aunt. Kaede was quite old-fashioned, and she did not understand why her niece would let a man move into her condo without getting a ring on her finger first.
Kaede’s face lit up in recognition. “Ah yes, the other editor… yes I remember now.” Being able to push away the fog, and focus back her thoughts was always an accomplishment she was proud of. “Is he here too? Did the two of you come to announce me some news?” Even as she thought the words, Kaede straightened up, and smoothed down her messy long white braid. It was bad enough that Kagura had seen her like this, just out of bed and not ready for visitors, but she would die of embarrassment if her future nephew in-law did as well.
“No… I came alone today. Next time I will bring him.” Kagura managed to speak past the lump in her throat. ‘If he will want to come…’
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‘Who knew a small lie would be able to weigh so heavily on my conscience?’ Izayoi thought as she walked along the nice appointed corridors of her mansion. She had not been able to sleep, and now that dawn was almost there, she went in search of something to help her fall asleep before her constant tossing and turning woke up her husband. She crept down the main staircase, and headed to the study where she had served herself a generous amount of brandy. She had never been fond of alcohol, but at the moment she needed some liquid courage. Just thinking about the confession she had to make to her husband was enough to push her to down another full glass.
“Slow down there! I paid a pretty penny for this flask; you do realize this is some nice stuff, right ? It’s not made to be downed like this.” Touga gently teased his wife as he walked into the room.
He stepped next to her, and served himself a moderate amount and gently sipped on the drink. “See?” He demonstrated by taking another modest sip. “Isn’t this nicer?”
Izayoi smiled at seeing the amused light dancing in his amber eyes, but it was not enough to alleviate her fears.
“I just needed some fortification before I came clean about something…”
The serious tone of her voice, and the sadness in her eyes caused his heart to clench in fear. “What’s wrong?” He asked even as he reached down to clasp her hands in a tight hold.
The reassurance and love in his eyes was all the encouragement she needed. Izayoi took a deep breath before speaking. “Sesshoumaru came to see you earlier. He found out about your plan with Shiyounin Katsuyama, and he was not pleased…”
Touga felt his jaw clench. ‘He was not supposed to find out… at least not before agreeing to take the position.’ He thrust himself out of his thoughts to focus back on his wife. “Was he unkind to you?”
Izayoi was moved that her husband’s prime concern was her feelings. “No he did not say anything that was not warranted, but I believe I might have been the unkind one… I also should have told you sooner about his visit… I just wanted to do what would be best for our family.”
Touga expelled a breath, and after a brief pause spoke. “Do not trouble yourself over it my dear. I know that Katsuyama’s job offer will be too good for Sesshoumaru to pass on. I am sure that he will take it, then when he has relocated you will not have to worry about him showing at our doorstep.”
“I still feel guilty.” Izayoi confessed. “It seems as if we are just paying him off not to be a part of our family.”
Touga could see the truth of her words, and it hurt him beyond words. He had tried on so many occasions to bring in his eldest son back into the family unit, but Sesshoumaru had never taken the olive branch his father had extended, and no one regretted more the situation, or felt more guilt over it than Touga.
“We gave him several opportunities to be a part of this family, and he rejected them. Sesshoumaru is the one who severed ties with us… I think it would be best for Inuyasha, you, me and especially Sesshoumaru if he left.”
As much as she too hated the situation, Izayoi could not help but agree. “I guess you’re right… I do remember how much Kagome and Inuyasha were upset the last time they ran into Sesshoumaru…”
“As painful as it may be, I know that what I am doing is right.” Touga had barely embraced his wife into comforting a hug, that he was interrupted by the door of the study being slammed opened wide.
“Un-fucking-believable! I can’t believe the two of you! You pushed Sesshoumaru away?” Without another word, and in a flash of red, the intruder stomped inside the room. “Who needs protecting? Me?! Keh! I’m old enough to make my own decisions! If I want to have a relationship with Sesshoumaru, none of your machinations will stop me.” After he had found out about the sordid family secrets, Inuyasha had given up on the idea of forming a relationship with his estranged half brother, but his parents’ meddling was making him fast reconsider his decision.
Touga hated the fact that his son had overheard the conversation, and he could understand why Inuyasha was upset with them. ‘But that doesn’t give him the right to act like this.’ Even as he thought the words, he addressed his son aloud. “You are under my roof Inuyasha, and you will watch your tone, and not speak to your parents this way!”
‘Well then I’ll find a place where I can vent without being under his roof.’ Inuyasha’s face turned into a dark scowl. “Keh! Forget it, I’m out of here.”
“Inuyasha! Where are you going?”
He only paused to look at his parents over his shoulders before answering his mother’s query? “I’m going to Kagome’s, I can’t stand being in here right now.”
The last sounds, which were picked up by his keen ears was his mother’s sobs, and his father’s reassuring words to her.
To be continued…
A/N: Phew! That was a long one, and wasn’t so easy to produce. I’m happy to make things move along though as we are SO close to the end of the story. The next one will hopefully come out faster, and its provisional name is Sources.