InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Taisho's Darling ❯ Dating ( Chapter 14 )

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Disclaimer: I don't own these marvelous characters; they are the property of Rumiko Takahashi. I merely torture them at will and put them in uncomfortable situations whenever possible.

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Chapter 14

Dating

……

"Oh, Sesshomaru," Kagome gasped as she planted soft kisses along his neck. His long fingers ran through her hair, dragging her mouth upwards to receive his own. "I need you so much!"

"Um, Sesshomaru? What do you want me to do about this guy? We have an interview scheduled for this afternoon, but his background check came back with all kinds of interesting surprises." Yura leaned forward as she spoke, displaying a generous amount of cleavage.

Sesshomaru snapped out of his daydream. Dear heavens, he had been fantasizing about making love to Kagome right in the middle of the workday! He desperately cast about for an appropriate answer to whatever it was Yura had asked him. "Do what you think is best," he finally said, hoping he hadn't just given her permission to sleep with the board of directors.

Yura looked inordinately pleased. "Okay!" she said brightly. Sesshomaru watched as she jiggled out of the room, wondering how on earth she managed to keep from catching a cold while wearing that dress.

"That was a great idea, giving her more responsibility," Kagome commented. "She's really doing well with these assignments, Sesshomaru. You know, when I first met her, I thought she was nothing more than a piece of eye candy. It's a pleasant surprise to find out I was wrong."

"What do you think of training her to handle your former responsibilities with the real estate?" Sesshomaru asked thoughtfully, still trying to force his mind back to the office. The delicate scent of the woman sitting at the desk across from him was driving him to distraction. He wanted nothing more than to lock the office door and take her right there on the desk, feeling her smooth skin…

"Hey, Sesshomaru, have we got a lunch appointment or not?" Inu-Yasha burst into the office in his usual brash manner. "Let's move it along; I haven't got all day for this." He grabbed the paperwork Sesshomaru was holding and flung it back into the inbox.

"We'll be back in about an hour," Sesshomaru told Kagome as he grabbed his jacket, for once grateful for his brother's interruption. Five more minutes in that office, and he was going to be all over the wench. Each passing day made resisting the pull of the misguided blood bonds more difficult. The youkai within him was clamoring loudly for him to take her as his mate and end this nonsense.

Of course, one such action from him and Kagome would freeze completely, undoing all of his hard work of the last two weeks. Since that momentous night when she decided to trust him, Sesshomaru had spent every spare moment teaching her to accept the touch of a male without flinching. He held her hand, patted her hair and placed his arm around her shoulders. These physical gestures, no matter how small, were helping Kagome learn to relax in the company of other males. She no longer jumped when Inu-Yasha placed a hand on her shoulder. When Hojo touched her arm, her eyes no longer held a look of distaste.

All in all, Sesshomaru liked the forward progression. Except for the part where other males touched her, that is. The cursed slave mark caused his inner demon to howl with rage at the approach of potential rivals, but he clamped down viciously on his natural response. He was doing this for Inu-Yasha as well as himself. If Kagome couldn't learn to accept the touch of the hanyou, she'd never accept Inu-Yasha as a mate. And if she refused his brother, Sesshomaru would never be rid of her annoying presence.

The beneficiary of all of Sesshomaru's patient training was blissfully ignorant, of course. Inu-Yasha sat across from him, scowling at the menu. "They don't have a damn thing on here that tastes half as good as Sango's cooking," he complained.

"You're growing spoiled, little brother. Sango can't fix every meal for you. I'm surprised she's still willing to cook at all, considering half the time she's too nauseous to eat the results."

"Keh," Inu-Yasha said, giving his standard response to any comment for which he couldn't muster an argument. "Look, cut to the chase, Sesshomaru. What do we need to talk about that's so important you had to go and make a lunch appointment to do it?"

"I wanted to talk without any office or household interruptions," Sesshomaru admitted. "This matter is rather sensitive, so I'd appreciate your discretion. After all, this request is coming from Father, so to speak."

Inu-Yasha eyed him suspiciously. "That's not a good opening line, aniki. Father isn't exactly my favorite youkai at the moment, in case you've forgotten. What does he want from me?" he asked.

Sesshomaru took a deep breath. "You know how much he cares for Higurashi," he began in a low tone, guarding his speech. The dining area was secluded, but there was always the potential for others to be listening. "He's fond of all of the women, but Higurashi is special. Consequently, it would grieve him immensely if she were to move away from him. He would like her to remain close to the family."

"So what's this got to do with me?" Inu-Yasha asked, leveling Sesshomaru with a stubborn look. "Has she been offered another job somewhere or something? And doesn't your little, um, situation require her to stay close at hand?"

"For the moment, yes," Sesshomaru answered. "But if she were to take a mate, that situation, as you call it, would change. She needs a mate who will help her remain part of the family."

"And this involves me how?" his brother asked. His eyes widened. "Oh no, you're not even about to suggest what I think…Sesshomaru! Have you lost your mind? You want me to take Higurashi as a mate? How long has your brain been cooking this stupid idea?"

"I've been meaning to talk to you about this for a couple of weeks," Sesshomaru said reluctantly. "You will concede that it is a difficult subject to approach. Your reaction is much what I expected."

"Then why in the hells did you suggest it in the first place?" Inu-Yasha snarled. "Give me one good reason why I should even consider taking Higurashi for a mate. In fact, give me one good reason she would consider the match!"

"She'll die if she doesn't take a mate, and soon." Sesshomaru spoke so softly that Inu-Yasha could barely hear him. "Her 'situation' has to be renewed every other day now. This can't continue, Inu-Yasha."

……

"Master, I need to leave on an errand in a few minutes. Is there anything that I can do for thee before I go?" Kaede asked as she entered her bedroom. "The household is in dire need of food, what with - " She broke off as she noticed her empty bed. The nearby chair, where Kaede had spent her nights in a state of half-sleep in order to watch over her master, was also empty.

"I'm in here, Kaede," her master called weakly from the adjoining bath. Kaede hesitantly approached. True, she had seen everything Taisho-sama had to offer while taking care of him, but that was when he was unconscious. It was an entirely different matter now that the master was awake.

Averting her eyes, Kaede stepped into the large bathroom. To her relief, Taisho-sama's lower body was submerged in the bathtub. "Art thou well enough for this, Master?" she asked with some concern. As recently as this morning, the demon had barely been able to walk.

"Miroku had to help me wash my hair. Other than that, I think I can manage lying in a tub of hot water," Taisho-sama responded. "I despise this, Kaede. I feel like a helpless, doddering, old fool. Damn that bitch Sakura for putting me in this position!" He growled, throwing a wet sponge across the room.

The weak effort sent the sponge skipping across the floor. "Don't waste thy strength on getting angry," Kaede scolded gently as she retrieved the dripping sponge. "Thou must concentrate instead on finding Sakura's accomplice."

Taisho-sama pulled himself out of the tub, sending a blaze of red across Kaede's cheeks as she caught a full view of the inuyoukai's firm body. "Whoever it is, he wants the Shikon no Tama," her master reminded her as he wrapped a towel around his trim waist. "I should never have agreed to keep it after your sister died. The hell-sent rock has been nothing but trouble, and it's useless in this non-magical age. My life is being threatened over a bauble of glass." He took a shaky step toward the bedroom before falling to his knees.

"As usual, thou art headed off to save the world all by thy lonesome, regardless of thy physical condition," Kaede said scornfully. She looped her arm around his chest. "Canst thou rise? Thou art too heavy for me to carry, Master."

With a bit of work she was able to return him to the bed. The effort tired him immensely, and his golden eyes could barely remain open. Kaede grabbed a nearby comb and set to work untangling the youkai's wet locks. "Thy hair is as long as Sesshomaru's," she noted. "I had not thought it would grow so much in a mere fourteen days."

"It's always been like this," Taisho-sama replied wearily. "I normally cut it to shoulder-length every morning." His labored breathing had calmed, enabling him to once again speak with ease.

"Dost thou prefer it to be short?" Kaede questioned. "I can cut it for thee, if thou wouldst like." She pulled the long strands back with a leather tie.

"No," her master answered. "I only cut it because Sakura liked it that way. There's no fool like a fool in love, is there Kaede?" he laughed bitterly.

"I thought thou wast taking this matter rather well," Kaede commented. "Now the truth rises to the surface. Sakura has injured thee more than thou wouldst care to admit."

"The blow is solely to my pride, Kaede. My heart remains intact as ever," Taisho-sama retorted. "To have given my trust to someone who didn't deserve it - that is what hurts, Kaede."

"And yet, thou hast withheld thy trust from one who truly does deserve it," Kaede sighed. "Thou hast done wrong by thy son, Taisho-sama. Inu-Yasha has given thee his best, and thou hast repaid him with suspicion."

"That's a change in your attitude, Kaede. Usually you're in here raving about my son's ignorance, bad behavior and utter lack of manners." The youkai lay back against the pillows. "What prompted this change of heart, hmm?"

"Perhaps it was Inu-Yasha's overwhelming similarity to his father," Kaede answered wryly. She pulled the covers up to Taisho-sama's broad shoulders, tucking the demon in tightly. "Miroku will be back in to check on thee; please try not to wear him out with thy complaints."

"Kaede, stay with me," her master ordered softly, reaching out to grip her arm. Taisho-sama drew her down to lie next to him on the bed. "Stay until I fall asleep again." His tired voice became a mumble.

"Master?" she asked uncertainly as he rolled to his side, pinning her beneath his arm.

"Your presence comforts me immensely," he whispered. "Tell me Kaede, the night I was injured, was I dreaming when I felt your lips upon my own? If so, then it was a pleasant dream in the midst of all those nightmares."

"Aye, 'twas just a dream," Kaede answered. She hated telling such an untruth, but her master was venturing into forbidden territory. Taisho-sama must never know the extent of her love. The inuyoukai was already asleep, but the name mumbled in his sleep only strengthened Kaede's resolve.

"Izayoi," Taisho-sama breathed softly as he tightened his embrace.

Kaede felt her heart shatter into a thousand tiny pieces. She was nothing but a reminder of his dead human love, Inu-Yasha's mother. Prying her body out from beneath Taisho-sama, Kaede bit her lip to stop the sobs from escaping. Crying would do her no good; she needed to get out of this situation completely. It was time to carry Taisho-sama's orders out in their entirety. Come hell or high water, she was finding a mate.

……

"You seem distracted, Inu-Yasha," Sango commented.

"Hm? Yeah, I guess so. Sesshomaru gave me a bit of a shock today," Inu-Yasha told her. The two of them were sprawled across his bed, enjoying a rare moment of after-dinner quiet in the mansion.

"Is it something you can talk about?" Sango asked curiously. She'd never seen Inu-Yasha so subdued. She wondered what Sesshomaru could possibly have done to silence the boisterous hanyou.

"Let's just say my brother is the biggest idiot on the planet," Inu-Yasha answered. "The ass wants me to choose Kagome as a mate."

"Oh," Sango faltered. She marshaled a smile, but it was false. "That's not a bad thing, is it? I mean, Kagome's a good person, Inu-Yasha. She deserves someone like you."

"Don't tell me you think I should agree!" Inu-Yasha exclaimed. "Sango, if Kagome and I were mates, we'd kill each other within two days. Besides, how the hell am I supposed to court her with Sesshomaru looking like he wants to tear me apart every time I get near her? If anyone needs her as a mate, it's damn Sesshomaru!"

"I suppose you're right," Sango agreed, immensely relieved. It seemed she would be able to enjoy Inu-Yasha's company for a while longer. And while she loved Kagome like a sister, she honestly didn't think she could stand it if Inu-Yasha were to develop any kind of relationship with the girl.

"My brother is so unbelievably blind," Inu-Yasha groused. "When we were younger, he was always droning on and on about his superior demon senses. The bastard can't even smell what's under his own nose! He blames everything on the slave bond, but I saw that look on his face this afternoon. He wants Kagome for himself; I don't know why he doesn't just take her."

"She's not an object to be taken," Sango reminded him. "She's a living being with feelings of her own, Inu-Yasha. How does she feel about Sesshomaru?"

"Oddly enough, she puts up with him better than any other male she's encountered," Inu-Yasha answered as he flipped onto his back and cradled his head on top of his hands. "From what you've told me of her past, I imagine she doesn't want to be anyone's mate. She doesn't have much of a choice, though."

"So what did you tell Sesshomaru?"

"I told him I'd consider it," Inu-Yasha shrugged. "I figure Sesshomaru just needs a push in the right direction. If I attempt to flirt with Kagome it will probably send him right over the edge, so naturally, I'm going to flirt with her. Grab some popcorn and sit back to watch the entertainment," he added with a wicked grin.

"Just make sure it's not a horror movie," Sango warned the hanyou. "If you push Sesshomaru too far, he might just decide to rid himself of you on a permanent basis. And I really hate it when I have to clean blood out of the carpet."

……

"Next, on 'Nine Lives to Live': Daisuke confesses his forbidden love to Maki…"

"Ooh, this is a great episode," Miroku exclaimed as he entered Kaede's room. "You're not going to believe how Maki's evil twin sister reacts to the news. She's got the hots for Daisuke herself, so - Taisho-sama?"

His master had fallen asleep again. Miroku removed the remote from Taisho-sama's hand, careful not to awaken the demon. The youkai desperately needed the rest; he was still terribly weak from the over-use of his powers.

It had been an eventful two weeks since his master was injured, Miroku contemplated as he shut off the DVD. While Taisho-sama had slept fitfully in Kaede's bedroom, the rest of the household had been embroiled in firestorms aplenty. The only peaceful spot in the mansion these days was the bathroom, and it was only a matter of time before the controversy would extend to that sanctuary.

If only the mansion's occupants weren't so stubborn, Miroku thought with a sigh. Kaede and Inu-Yasha were constantly at each other's throats, neither willing to forgive the other for the hurtful words exchanged between them. Sesshomaru had tried to avoid the quarrels by working longer hours at the office, but Kagome had then ripped him up one side and down the other for neglecting his daughter. Meanwhile, Jakotsu walked around constantly snipping at Sango, which in turn pissed off the already grumpy Inu-Yasha, who would then take it out on Kaede…starting the entire cycle over again.

And the matchmaking was aggravating everybody. Most of the dates so far had been unmitigated disasters. What the hell was Kagura thinking, sending Koharu out on a date with one of her adult lingerie shop's biggest customers? Or setting Nazuna up with an old-fashioned youkai who didn't believe women should be educated? The worst idea yet, though, was introducing Sango to a half-demon who ate nothing but fast food. The former taijiya-turned-cook had come home that night in a fury, ranting at the top of her lungs about the role poor nutrition played in the downfall of society.

Unfortunately, Miroku had been in the middle of consuming a bacon-cheeseburger and fries when Sango arrived at the mansion. It was probably the worst case of poor timing he'd ever experienced. His ears were still aching from her screeches, and when he had dared to protest, Inu-Yasha had turned on him as well.

Shaking his head to banish the images, Miroku moved the papers lying stacked on top of Kaede's computer and blew the dust from the keyboard. Kaede was never comfortable with the newer technology, and her computer sat unused most of the time. Miroku figured that since he had to sit in the room watching over a recuperating demon, he might as well make good use of his time.

He quickly connected to his favorite soap opera fan-fiction site, brightening visibly when he saw WinDWitch had updated her 'All My Ningen' fic. She was positively the most brilliant, talented writer of fan-fiction on the planet, and Miroku counted himself among her loyal following. The fact that all of WinDWitch's fics were pornographic and completely devoid of plot didn't bother him in the slightest.

……

"What are you doing, Sister?"

Kagura jumped; she'd been so absorbed that she hadn't noticed Kanna enter the room. She quickly minimized her computer screen, hoping her sister hadn't noticed the fan-fiction website. She'd never hear the end of it if Kanna found out she was spending her spare time writing soap opera smut.

"Nothing," Kagura replied succinctly. "What do you need, Kanna? I thought you had a date tonight; why are you still here?"

Kanna plucked nervously at her dress. "I just wanted to know if this looks good with these shoes," she told Kagura. "Ko-chan is taking me to a really nice restaurant."

"The shoes are all right," Kagura tilted her head, assessing her sister's outfit. "It's nice to see you wearing something with color in it instead of your usual white and gray. You need to accessorize, though." Kagura stood up and rummaged through her overflowing jewelry box. "I have the perfect necklace; I just have to find it."

"I have to leave in a few minutes; my taxi will be here," Kanna informed her.

"Why are you taking a cab?" Kagura asked curiously. "Isn't he coming here to pick you up? When do we get to meet this mysterious demon, anyway?"

Her sister gave an audible swallow, and Kagura could swear she actually saw fear pass through Kanna's eyes. "Ko-chan's really shy," Kanna mumbled, "I think we need more time to get used to each other before I introduce him to the family."

"You mean you want to enjoy his company before Mother chases him away," Kagura laughed. "I can't say that I blame you, little sister. Here," she said as she placed the necklace on Kanna and fastened the clasp, "get out of here and have some fun tonight. If Mother asks where you are, I'll cover for you."

Kanna left the room, and Kagura returned to her computer. She had three more fics to update tonight, and one of them involved a particularly difficult task. She'd been challenged to write a convincing bedroom scene between a youkai and a human. Having never encountered that situation in real life, Kagura wasn't certain she could make it believable.

She closed her eyes and tried to picture a human that a youkai would actually want. A vision of the purple-eyed Miroku rose unbidden to her mind, his handsome face encased in a lustful grin. Mentally adding a look of intense desire to his eyes, Kagura placed herself in the scene and let her imagination run wild. Oh yeah, WinDWitch was going to send every reader's monitor up in flames tonight.

……

Where in the hells had this woman been hiding? Sesshomaru wondered. Her scent belonged to Kaede, but the withered and stooped woman he had come to associate with that scent was gone. In her place, there stood an attractively dressed trim figure. A few strands of gray peeked through her dark hair, complemented by the faint lines etched at the corner of her eyes and mouth. Only the wisdom in her soft brown eyes belied her true age, which Sesshomaru realized must be hundreds of years.

"Is there some way in which I might assist thee?" Kaede asked, interrupting his stare.

Sesshomaru forced his mouth closed. "No, Kaede, I was merely…lost in contemplation of a serious matter. I didn't notice you enter the room. You're looking rather well-dressed tonight," he said, recovering from his shock with his usual grace.

"I have a date," Kaede answered crisply. She smoothed the front of her silk dress. The cream colored fabric clung to her soft curves without seeming indecent, cut in a fashion suited to a mature woman. Everything about her emphasized her grace and elegance.

All of a sudden, his father's attraction to this human woman made perfect sense. This was the real Kaede, not the gruff old crone with the rasping voice. It was not necessarily Kaede's looks as much as it was her mannerisms that she had hidden beneath the 'old lady' disguise. Even if the woman in front of him were to age as a human, she would never become the hag she had made herself out to be.

She was going out on a date? He wondered how his father felt about the matter. Hiding his smirk, Sesshomaru decided it was high time to pay the old schemer a visit. "Have a wonderful evening, Kaede," he said smoothly. "I'm sure we'll all find a way to keep ourselves occupied in your absence."

"That's what I am afraid of, young master," Kaede sighed as she closed the door behind her.

……

"Kagome! Aren't you dressed yet? The guys are waiting for us at the club!" Nazuna hopped back and forth on one foot impatiently.

"All right, all right, I'm ready!" Kagome hissed as she closed the door to her room. "I'm only doing this as a favor for the two of you, so get off my case!"

"Sorry, but I can't wait to get out of here!" Koharu giggled. "I've missed my darling Predator Boy! I can't wait to see him tonight!" She spun around in a circle with her arms outstretched.

"Oh, for heaven's sake," Kagome huffed. "I still don't see why you had to drag me on this adventure. Isn't there anyone else you'd rather bring?"

"Bring where?" Sesshomaru's cool voice interjected. He had been following this conversation with interest. So Kagome thought she was going out tonight, going someplace packed full of men who would be lusting after her? Not if he could help it, she wasn't.

"We're going clubbing," Nazuna informed the youkai. "Kagome's going along as company for my date's brother."

"And who will be taking care of your son while you are out partying?" Sesshomaru asked Kagome in acid tones. Seeing her back stiffen, he played his trump card. "I presume you aren't leaving the child to his own devices."

Kagome flushed uncomfortably. "Well, Sango said she would watch him for me," she began.

"Oh, so you're going to take advantage of the good nature of a pregnant woman who has already spent the day minding the kit," Sesshomaru growled at her. "What a fine example of motherhood you are, Kagome. You must be very proud of yourself."

"You prick!" Nazuna stomped her foot. "How dare you make her feel guilty for going out and having some fun! Kagome never takes the time to go anywhere! And if you have a problem with Sango watching Shippo, then you need to watch him yourself! You owe it to Kagome, considering you've worked late so many nights! Who do you think watches Rin every evening while you're still at the office?"

Sesshomaru felt his eyes begin to redden. How dare this human girl chastise him! Kagome was his, and he'd be damned if he was going to put up with this insolence!

"Um, maybe this isn't such a good idea," Kagome said in a rush. "Really, I'm kind of tired, and the club gets so noisy and crowded. I should just stay home tonight and watch a movie with the kids..."

"You're coming with us!" Nazuna demanded. "Don't let him order you around like that!" She and Koharu dragged Kagome toward the door. "If you have any complaints, take them up with your father, Sesshomaru," Nazuna threw back at him. "Taisho-sama would have your ass if he knew you were treating his Favorite Darling like this!" The door slammed behind them.

The woman had gone too far, Sesshomaru decided. He snarled softly, wanting to break through the door and chase after Kagome. He'd drag her back here and make her stay at home with him! The nerve of the wench, thinking she had the right to chase around the filthy, dank clubs of the city, covering herself with the foul scents of other males!

A pungent smell hit his sensitive nose. Sesshomaru looked down at his hands and realized he'd once again lost control. Embedded beneath his claws were the remains of yet another one of Kagome's plants, this one being the lantana montevidensis near the entryway. Plucking a piece of greenery from his claw, Sesshomaru hastily set to work disposing of the evidence.

……

"Such a beautiful blade…it was second only to the Tenseiga, the greatest blade ever forged."

"Do tell," Kaede murmured, discreetly checking her watch. Her date with this crazy, bug-eyed old man was dragging into eternity. She spotted the waiter and desperately signaled for a refill of her drink.

"Yes, a blade that could destroy by the thousands, and a blade that could resurrect just as easily. What magnificent power! Of course, you're too young to remember those days, girlie." Toto-sai patted her knee. "Back when the earth's magic was strong, when youkai ruled over all - "

"And humans were enslaved and trodden beneath the heels of any power-hungry demon with a grudge," Kaede interrupted. "Bear in mind that the good old days weren't good for everyone, Toto-sai."

"Oh, the little filly has spirit!" Toto-sai cackled, his toothless grin in full force. "You're one of these modern girls, I can tell. Believe in equal rights and opportunities for humans and youkai alike, don't you?"

"Of course," Kaede responded hotly. She was about to expound further, but remembered she was supposed to be allowing this geezer to court her. She settled for tossing the sake down her throat in one gulp. At this rate, she was going to need an entire case of the stuff to get through the evening.

Toto-sai was rambling about his swords again. Kaede snapped to attention when he mentioned a familiar name. "Excuse me, didst thou mention Taisho-sama's name?"

The old man gave her a searching look. "You know, your picture doesn't do you justice. I was expecting someone much older, although your speech is old-fashioned enough," he pointed out. "I haven't heard anyone speak in that manner for over two hundred years. And why such a formal manner of address with Taisho?"

"Everyone used this form of speech where I grew up," Kaede answered smoothly, avoiding his comment regarding her age. "And the former Lord of the Western Lands is an honored protector of my family. So tell me, what has Taisho-sama to do with these swords?"

He seemed satisfied with her answer. "Why Kaede, those swords were forged from Taisho's very own fangs," Toto-sai answered. "Have you never heard of these legendary blades, made for the great Taisho's sons?"

"No, I haven't," Kaede confessed. "Do they still exist?"

The demon blacksmith shrugged. "Beats me, girlie. Even if they're still around, they couldn't be used. Weapons such as those require too much power. To wield them would be to invite death, for those blades would suck every bit of youki from a demon's body. I imagine they've gone the way of most of the powerful weapons I forged."

"Oh." Kaede was disappointed. She was hoping she'd stumbled across some new way to protect her master, but that route was closed as well. It was foolish, really. If Tetsusaiga or Tenseiga were still around, Taisho-sama would have already considered their use.

"Just as I was telling Momo the other day - that's my demon bull - this younger generation doesn't appreciate the history of great weaponry…" Toto-sai continued.

Kaede placed a fascinated expression on her face and tuned him out. If given a choice between taking this old coot for a mate or dying from a released slave bite, she'd welcome death. She glanced at her watch again, realizing with horror that only ten minutes had passed. Kaede flagged down the waiter and ordered him to bring the entire bottle. There was no point in having him make extra trips to the table, she figured, and she was going to need every last drop.

……

A/N: The pen name WinDWitch came from the same place as the rest of this fic, ie, my crazed mind. If there actually is someone out there using that pen name to write soap opera PWP's, it's entirely coincidental.

Lantana montevidensis, or hanging lantana, is a flowering plant that…(stifles laughter)…Oh, whatever - I got the information on the plant from this site (remove the spaces): http : // sd 1 new . net / Garden Pages / lantana. htm. I don't have a green thumb; I've destroyed more plant life than Sesshomaru. In fact, My Favorite Blond and I were once playing a version of 'The Dating Game' with some other couples and the sentence was "Her favorite flower is…" His immediate response was "plastic."

Sorry about the long time between updates. I had to finish 'Broken Blade' so I would have one less fic to deal with. Thanks for your patience! - Lavender

Thanks to TitianWren for her wonderful beta-ness! (throws her hard-working beta some cyber-chocolate)