InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ To Bear Witness ❯ A Confession of Love and Kagome's Finding... ( Chapter 24 )

Disclaimer: If I have to do a new disclaimer every week, why would you think I own it?

Chapter Twenty-Four: A Confession of Love and Kagome's Finding

*Tuesday, 7:41 PM, The Kitchen*

Kagome sat at the breakfast bar irritably, sipping what she thought was her thirteenth cup of herbal tea. 'I swear, Ah and Un are trying to drown me," she concluded, setting the cup onto the counter. 'You sniff one time, and they think you're sick.' She sniffed irritably, then sneezed. 'Ok, so there's a slight possibility that I might have a little cold, but I don't need them babying me. Maybe Sesshoumaru could help me with them.'

Kagome pressed the white call button on the wall beside her. "Ah?"

"Yes Kagome?" he called through the P. A. system.

"Have you seen Sesshoumaru?"

"As far as we know of, he's in the dojo."

"Thank you." Kagome jumped from her seat and walked out of the kitchen toward the dojo. She walked into the dojo minutes later, but saw no one inside. 'Then where is he?' She saw movement at the end of the hallway.

"Sesshoumaru?"

He turned, but said nothing as he disappeared beyond the corner to the front room. Kagome ran after him. "Sesshoumaru! Wait!" She stopped in the front room, glancing around wildly for him. Kagome looked to the top of the steps, where Sesshoumaru was rapidly disappearing. "Sesshoumaru! What's wrong?"

Kagome transmitted herself to the second floor hallway, only to watch a door at the other end of the hallway close. Kagome walked up to it cautiously, glancing at the unfamiliar doorway in front of her. It was a simple pine wood door, with an indigo glass doorknob. Kagome turned it and opened the door, revealing a small stairway. Kagome glanced behind her, and then started to climb, closing the door behind her. The stairway was barely lit, ascending steeply to a foreign part of the house. 'Where is this taking me, and where is Sesshoumaru?'

Kagome came to a stop at a door beside her, figuring it to be the third floor. 'Perhaps he went in here.' A slam resounded from above as Kagome touched the doorknob. 'Well, that crushes that idea, doesn't it?' Kagome turned away from the door, climbing the rest of the way to another indigo blue glass doorknob at the top of the stairs.

Kagome turned it as well, not surprised to find herself in the attic. "Sesshoumaru?" she whispered, stepping past boxes and crates as she ventured deeper into the dusty room. "Are you in here? If you are, then stop playing and come out." Kagome scowled when she received no answer. "Don't make me fry you!"

A light streamed from in front of her, flooding her body and blinding her at the same time. "What in the world…" Kagome grumbled, walking closer to the light.

Kagome gaped when she stepped onto a balcony. It seemed to be in the back of the house, overlooking the vast garden near the wine cellar. "Wow, how pretty," she said, stepping closer to the white marble railing and closing her eyes. She took a deep breath, then opened her eyes and turned around.

On either side of the balcony doors stood six easels, three on either side. Each had it's own giant sketchpad and pencils, but there seemed to be only one stool between them. Kagome walked toward the nearest one, one in a group of three on the right side of the balcony.

"I wonder whose this is," Kagome questioned aloud as she flipped the cover away. The first page was blank, but the second page surprised her. It was a drawing of her, a rather good one, on the first day she met Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha. *Chapter Reference: I'm Not Just a Girl*

'Oh wow.' Kagome smiled, lightly tracing the pencil version of herself. 'It's like it's from Sesshoumaru's point of view or something.' She reached to flip to the next page when she found words in the bottom right hand corner.

~Something about the way you smiled at me just drove me wild. I wish I could know if you're alone. I don't want to cramp your style. But I cannot deny feeling what I felt when I looked into your eyes...~

'Is this Sesshoumaru's handwriting?' Kagome wondered as she mentally went through the few times he wrote something around her. 'It is! Is he talking about…me?' She turned the page, finding a sketch of her from above, the day she used her levitation to keep him from taking on a S. U. V. Her pencil self was smiling up at the sky, or perhaps someone. There were words on the bottom of this one as well. *Chapter Reference: Play Time*

~I can hear her heart beat for a thousand miles and the heavens open every time she smiles…~

Kagome blushed, but kept going, this time finding a sketch of her sleeping.

~We have the afternoon. You have this room for two. The one thing I've left to do, is discover me discovering you. One mile to every inch and your skin like porcelain. One pair of candy lips and your bubblegum tongue…~

The blush darkened on Kagome's cheeks, turning a feint pink into a near cherry red. She quickly flipped the page, finding a picture of her at Jinsue's ball. Her back was to the drawer, with her casting a sly smile over her shoulder. She had a glass of wine in her hand. This picture was in great detail, with everything to the rhinestone triangle to the metal ends of her heels in place. 'Wow, this must be his favorite,' Kagome concluded as she read the bottom.

~I think I must be dreaming; that you are here with me. I must have died and gone to heaven. And it's all that I hoped it would be…~

Kagome smiled at this, her heart suddenly lightened as her stomach did tiny flips. 'How sweet. Is that how he feels about me?' Kagome sighed, stepping back to stare into empty space. 'Yeah right. Like he would. But still…wouldn't it be nice if he did…' Kagome reached out to turn the page, but froze as footsteps approached from inside the attic. 'Oh no!' Kagome panicked, forgetting that she was looking for Sesshoumaru. 'I can't let him find me up here. He might not have wanted me to see these!' Kagome quickly closed the book, then transmitted herself to the living room just as Sesshoumaru stepped onto the balcony.

'That's strange,' Sesshoumaru glanced around him, then shrugged and turned to go back downstairs. 'Ah said that Kagome was up here. I wonder where she is.'

*Wednesday 6:45 AM, The Kitchen *

Sesshoumaru stopped beside the kitchen door, listening as Kagome giggled from inside.

"They were beautiful," she said wistfully. "You guys should have seen them."

"I'm sure they were," Ah said. Sesshoumaru stood in the threshold, clearing his throat to gain their attention. "What was beautiful?"

"Um," Kagome stammered, fiddling with her coffee cup. "Just ah, um…" she glanced at her watch and gasped. "Oh no! I forgot my watch! I'll be right back!" She ran out of the kitchen and down the hallway, leaving Sesshoumaru and Ah to themselves.

"What is so beautiful Ah?" Sesshoumaru questioned, not caring for the shifty look the ryuu youkai was giving him. "Why Sesshoumaru-sama, I don't know what you-"

"Do not lie." A fang protruded from Sesshoumaru's mouth, the first and last warning as Sesshoumaru asked again "What is so beautiful?"

"The lady Kagome was looking for you yesterday," Ah said, cracking just a little too easily for Sesshoumaru's taste. "And she stumbled into the attic."

Sesshoumaru nodded, starting to understand what was so beautiful. "She saw the drawings, correct?"

"Yes my lord."

"What prompted her to go up there?"

Ah shrugged. "She said she saw you go up there. She's embarrassed."

"Why is that?"

"She's honored, but she feels badly about seeing them without your permission. Please don't be angry with her."

"I'm not," Sesshoumaru assured him, reaching for the cup of tea Ah prepared. "All this means is that I'll have to speed up my plans a bit. That's all." He took a sip, his ears twitching at Kagome's footsteps as they thundered down the stairs. 'It's time to pull a little song and dance,' Sesshoumaru concluded before setting the cup on the counter and walking out of the room.

*11:56 PM, Kagome's Room*

Kagome woke slowly, trying to register what the tiny sound was in the back of her conscience . 'It sounds like,' she reasoned as she sat up and pushed the blankets away from her. 'Piano keys.' Sure enough, there was a small tinking from the front room downstairs, confirming her suspicions. 'I'd better go see what that is, even though I doubt it's a burglar here to play Bach.' She quietly walked across the floor to the door, stopping before the full length mirror hung behind it.

'Well,' Kagome thought as she eyed the burgundy tank top and boy shorts. 'I suppose this is fine, but I'd better stay barefoot. I think it would be a good idea to take one of the dagger sets though.' She reached on the vanity for their case, slipping the arm sheath onto her upper arm before opening the door and tip-toeing down the hallway and the first set of steps.

Kagome peered over the railing in front of the stained-glass window, watching as half of Sesshoumaru disappeared into the piano. 'What's he doing down there?' she wondered as an off-key ping squeaked from the piano. 'Is he tuning it? Wow, I didn't know he could play, no less tune the stupid thing. I thought it was just for show.'

Sesshoumaru's head emerged moments later. He tapped a key, frowning at how sharp it was before ducking back under the lid. 'She's up there,' Sesshoumaru realized as he pulled on a string. 'Finally. It's a wonder how humans have survived so long, with the way they sleep. Perhaps she would have been faster if I'd have dropped the lid on my head.' He stood and tried the key again, this time smiling as the correct tone resonated through the air. He sat on the bench in front of it, playing a few bars before frowning slightly.

'What is he doing?' Kagome wondered again as Sesshoumaru experimented with the melody. 'It's like he's trying to figure out something.' Sesshoumaru leaned forward, scribbled a few notes on a sheet and began to play again. He hummed something to the melody, surprising Kagome at how smooth and rich the sound was.

'I wonder what he sounds like when he sings,' Kagome mused, leaning against the railing. She tensed when Sesshoumaru took a deep breathe, thinking for a moment he might catch her scent. 'How ridiculous!' she scolded herself. 'It's not like he's a dog or something!'

Sesshoumaru smirked at her nervousness as it faded from her scent, figuring that now would be as good a time as any to start what he intended. He stared out low enough for Kagome to hear, and soft as he played along.

"I think I must be dreaming; that you are here with me."

Kagome's eyes widened, and she covered her mouth to keep from gasping. 'Oh my God…is he singing? Wait a minute, I've heard this before…'

"I must have died and gone to heaven, and it's all that I hoped it would be.."

'I have!' Kagome realized, her eyes widening impossibly. 'It's on that last picture! It's not a poem, it's a song!'

Sesshoumaru smirk widened at her amazement, but kept his voice soft as he continued. "When the eagles forget how to fly, and it's 20 below in July, and when violets turn red…and roses turn blue…I'll be still in love with you…"

Kagome did gasp this time, a nearly inaudible sound that expressed her awe and astonishment. 'How beautiful…but he can't mean me, can he?'

"I live to be around you. You take my breath away…Can't help but talk about you every night and day…"

Kagome found herself moving toward him, silently walking down the steps to stand a hair's breath behind him.

Sesshoumaru heard each footstep, and managed not to laugh outright at her predictability. "When the eagles forget how to fly and it's twenty below in July, and when violets turn red…and roses turn blue…I'll be still in love with you…"

She reached out to touch him but stopped short, feeling as if she would somehow ruin the mirage if she did. 'There's no way he's sitting here,' Kagome concluded. 'This has to be a dream, a really good dream, no matter how real it feels.'

Sesshoumaru could have growled at her hesitation. 'This human is so stubborn!' He bit down on his pride for a moment, taking a deep breath before continuing on.

"All I need is you…Need you just to hold me, console me. Over and over…"

Kagome listened as the piano took over, her hand reaching out for him again. 'Maybe this is real. I can't honestly say that I don't see him singing, or playing any instrument. I mean, he can't be as cold as everyone says he is…can he?'

Sesshoumaru was slowly becoming frustrated with her, deciding to end this before she could run away. "When the eagles forget how to fly and it's twenty below in July, and when violets turn red…and roses turn blue…I'll be still in love with…" Sesshoumaru turned on the bench, stopping before her with a small smile on his face. "Hello Kagome."

Kagome's eyes widened considerably as Sesshoumaru stood up. "How long have you been standing there?"

"I…" Kagome squeaked, suddenly at a loss for words. "I…"

'Well, I would have done this earlier if I'd known she'd actually be quiet for once,' Sesshoumaru thought sardonically as he looked down at her. "I what Kagome?"

"I…I'm sorry."

"For?"

Kagome blushed. "I didn't mean to interrupt you. I didn't know you could sing."

Sesshoumaru smirked, reaching back to close the keyboard cover. "Not a lot of people do. What did you think?"

"Of the song?" Sesshoumaru nodded. "It was beautiful," Kagome replied wistfully, blushing slightly.

"Thank you," Sesshoumaru replied. "But is there something else you want to tell me?"

Kagome paled miserably. 'How is this man always able to look straight through me?' she thought miserably. 'It's like he can see my soul.'

'Her aura's flickering again,' Sesshoumaru noticed as Kagome fidgeted. 'Perhaps she'll tell me today.' "Kagome…"

"I was looking for you yesterday," Kagome began, looking down at her feet. "And somehow ended up in the attic."

"I see," was Sesshoumaru's reply, looking away when she looked up at him. 'Ah, so Ah wasn't lying. '

"I'm so sorry Sesshoumaru!" Kagome cried, wrapping her arms around his waist desperately. "I didn't mean to see them! I was looking for you and IgotlostandIthoughtyouweretryingtogetmelostand-"

"Woah," Sesshoumaru muttered, closing his eyes and holding his palms out in front of him for her to stop. Her speed talking was making even him dizzy, and it took a moment for him to catch his bearings. "Now, I take it you saw the drawings?"

"Yes," she whispered miserably, like a little kid in trouble. Sesshoumaru nodded. "What did you think of them?"

"They were beautiful as well," she answered, her blush back full force. "But aren't you mad?"

"No, I'm not angry." Sesshoumaru tilted her head toward him, watching her pupils dilate when her eyes met his. "It just makes this a little easier."

"Makes what easier?" Kagome asked. Sesshoumaru sighed, once again biting back his pride to get what he wanted. "To tell you that…I think I'm falling for you Kagome."

Kagome blinked owlishly. "Huh?"

'Well, that wasn't what I was expecting,' Sesshoumaru thought as he repressed an annoyed sigh. 'Why does she have to be difficult?' "I don't know when it started, but I'm falling in love with you."

"Are you serious?" Sesshoumaru couldn't help but rub his temples at that, wondering to himself where the smart young woman that was standing in his arms a couple of seconds ago ran off to. "I'm sorry Sesshoumaru. It's just a little hard to believe."

"And why is that?"

Kagome shrugged. "I just don't seem like someone you would want."

"Do you really think so?" Sesshoumaru drawled. He tenderly kissed the corner of her mouth, mentally smirking when her eyes slid closed. 'There's my girl. That's right. You can believe everything I say.' "Do you still think I wouldn't want you?"

"I…I don't know…"

"But I do." Sesshoumaru pulled back and away from her, a gentle and shy smile on his lips. "I can't help how I feel Kagome. I just want to know how you feel about me."

"I…I…" Kagome stopped, her bottom lip firmly between her teeth. "I don't-"

"Then at least let me show you how I feel." Sesshoumaru brought his lips closer to hers, and was seconds from kissing her when she disappeared. He blinked once, twice, and then growled softly. 'Why is she being so difficult?' he mentally snarled, his demeanor calm even as his youki swirled around him in smoky tendrils of red and gold.

"I'm beginning to hate that technique…"

*

Ah and Un watched as Sesshoumaru walked out of the front room, then shook the invisible powder from their clothes again. "No Rin, we're still alive," Ah said after he and Un were assured of Sesshoumaru's whereabouts. "But you're plan didn't go like you thought it would."

Un walked out of the room and came back with a small dusting broom and pan. He swept up the powder as Ah explained what happened. "Well, they almost kissed-"

"Almost?!!!!" was the squeak from the other end. Ah winced, then nodded. "Yes my lady. But Lady Kagome left before he could.

"Oh for the love of-" was the exasperated cry from the other end. "I can't believe the two of them." Ah nodded briefly from the other end, then hung up the phone.

"What did she say?" Un asked as he lifted the pan from the floor. Ah sighed, shook his head and said

"She's going to handle the two of them tomorrow. She has her own idea."

Un groaned, slapping a powdery hand to his forehead. "Oh great," he moaned despondently. He removed his hand, half of his forehead disappearing as he shook his head. "To use Lady Kagome's words, we are so dead."

*Thursday 7:05 PM, The Dojo*

Rin stood in the door of the dojo, watching Kagome as she stretched before her training exercises dressed in a simple violet tube top and a pair of gray wide-legged cotton pants. 'Wow,' she admired as Kagome dropped into a split. 'Who would have thought she would be so flexible. Well, it's now or never.'

"Kagome-onee-chan!"

Kagome looked up, smiling as Rin walked toward her. "Hey Rin! How are you?"

"I'm good! How was the ball?"

Kagome sighed. "Boring."

"Oh." Rin giggled. "Sorry about that. Can I ask a favor?"

"Sure," Kagome said, standing back up and dusting her hands clean. "What can I do you for?"

"Huh? Oh…I get it. That's pretty cool."

Kagome smiled. "Thanks. Now…" she gestured for Rin to continue.

"Right! Um, I saw in your file that you took some dance, so I was wondering if you could teach me."

"Sure, I'd be glad too! What do you need to know?"

"Well," Rin started, scratching her neck thoughtfully. "I'm going to the club with my friends at the end of this week so…"

Kagome nodded. "Oooo…I get it. Yeah, I can help you. But, how do you dance now?"

Rin swallowed, then braced herself. 'Remember Rin, this is for Sesshoumaru-sama. She's really nice, Sesshoumaru-sama deserves someone nice and one moment of total embarrassment won't kill you.' Rin fisted her hands and started running in place. Kagome blinked, her eyes rounding as Rin did the strangest Running Man to date.

"Woah," Kagome said after a few seconds. "Just stop right there. Never do that again."

'Oh trust me,' Rin thought with a sheepish grin. 'You don't have to worry about that.' "See, I need help."

"I see. Well, it's not that hard to dance," Kagome told her as she moved to stand beside her. "You just have to forget that there are other people around you, unless you get off on that kind of thing. When I first learned to dance, I had to lose myself in the music. You know, let the music move you instead of you moving to the music."

"Got you," Rin said, watching Kagome spread her feet shoulder-length apart before copying her. Kagome raised her right hand, motioning for Rin to do the same. "What helped me was pretending that there was a string connecting my hand to my hips. If my hand went side to side-" Kagome demonstrated, swaying from side to side along with her hand. "Then that's the way my body went. If I held my palm out and pushed-" she did so, her hips snapping forward before settling back in place. "And so on. Get it?"

"Got it."

"Good." Kagome moved to the stereo and pressed play. As the music began, she started to bop her head. "This is a slow one, so this should be good to begin with. You ready?"

/Your girlfriend…/

"Yeah, I'm ready," Rin said. "OK," Kagome replied. "Every song has a base beat. All you have to do is find it. Do you hear it?"

"Yeah."

"Then bop your head."

/Maybe silly for me to feel this way about you and her./

Rin started to bop along with Kagome, smiling back at Kagome's smile of approval.

/Cause I know she's been such a good friend and I know she has helped you through/

"OK, now for ever two bops, shift your weight to one foot. Ready?" Rin nodded. "OK, start!"

/Talkin' late on the phone every night you've been callin'. And our moments alone means your heart could be fallin'./

"Good Rin!" Kagome chirped. Rin smiled, starting to get the hang of things.

/And I know she's a friend but I can't shake the feelin' that I could be losin' your heart./

"Now stop bopping your head and move your hips," Kagome instructed, demonstrating. Rin picked up quickly, paying close attention to Kagome as she started to feel the music.

/I think I'm jealous of your girlfriend although she's just a girl that is your friend. I think I'm jealous of your girlfriend. She shares a special part of you./

"That's good Rin!" Kagome chirped. "Your better at this than I thought you would be!"

"Thanks!" Rin replied back. 'Jeez, I'm actually starting to have fun! This may not be so bad after all!'

/You said that she's the one who helped you see how deep you're in love with me./

"Now move your arms," Kagome said, swaying from side to side. Rin copied the moves, forgetting for the time being her plan. She and Kagome leaned toward each other, then leaned back and away before giggling.

"That's great Rin! I don't think you needed my help at all!"

/Intentions were not to get in-between but I see possibilities. And you say that you feel I'm the best thing in your life. And I know it's real cause I see it in your eyes./

"Alright Rin!" Kagome cheered as Rin began to improvise. "Not bad at all!"

/There's no reason for me to even feel this way and you just enjoy her company. I think I'm jealous of your girlfriend …/

Kagome swayed her hand side to side, as did Rin as the song continued until the end. Kagome cheered, hugging Rin as Rin smiled back at her. "You're better than you think you are. How about another song?"

"Well…"

"Please?" Kagome begged. "I've been stuck here with your father! You're the first female I've talked to in months! Please?" Kagome gave her the puppy-dog look, and Rin relented.

"Alright."

"Yes!" Kagome scampered, running to the cd player and turning up the volume. "Why'd you do that?" Rin asked, remembering how angry Sesshoumaru would get when she trained with her music full blast.

"That's a fraction of how loud it will be in the club," Kagome replied as she flipped through the songs. "Ooo! Here's a good one!"

/My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard and they're like 'it's better than yours'. Damned right it's better than yours. I could teach you but I have to charge./

"Ooo! I love that song!" Rin exclaimed as she and Kagome began to dance. "How did you get it so early?"

"My brother somehow," Kagome answered. "I don't ask, he doesn't tell, and I don't arrest him."

/I know you want it. The thing that makes me. What the guys go crazy for. They lose their minds. The way I rhyme. I think it's time./

Rin watched as Kagome moved to the beat, her hips swaying as if possessed by the song. "Wow, you're good."

"Thanks," Kagome grinned back. "If you see anything you don't get, hook your fingers in my belt loops and hold on."

"OK."

/la-la, la-la la. Warm it up. la-la, la-la la. The boys are waiting ./

Kagome watched Rin a moment, then closed her eyes, mouthing the words to the song as she danced. He movements became smoother, more fluid as she tipped her head back and unknowingly used her power to turn the volume up.

/I can see you on it. You want me to teach the../

'What on earth is that?' Sesshoumaru wondered, pushing away from his desk to listen clearly. 'I bet Rin is in the dojo. How many times do I have to tell her to keep it down?' He left his study, walking down the hall to the dojo. He stopped in the threshold, watching in astonishment as Kagome and Rin continued without noticing him.

Kagome danced in a circle, pivoting on one foot as her hand swirled above her head, her hips responding in kind. Rin stopped a moment to watch, then tried to do the same thing.

/Techniques that freaks these boys. It can't be bought. Just do what you're taught./

Kagome's hand slid down the length of her body slowly, stopping at the waist of her pants.

/Watch if you're smart…/

Her hips suddenly sprang to life, dipping low before snapping from side to side. Rin watched, shrugged, and grasped her belt loops in an attempt to get a feel for the dance. Sesshoumaru by now had dismissed Rin from the entire equation, watching Kagome as Rin looked up at him.

/My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard and they're like 'it's better than yours'. Damned right it's better than yours. I could teach you but I have to charge…/

Rin glanced at Kagome before silently gesturing Sesshoumaru to come over. Sesshoumaru shook his head at first, then sighed and walked over. Kagome danced on unaware as Rin looped Sesshoumaru's fingers into Kagome's belt loops.

"Hang on" Rin mouthed with an evil grin, stepping back and glancing at her purse; it still sitting by the door. 'I hope it's getting all this.'

/My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard and they're like 'it's better than yours'. Damned right it's better than yours. I could teach you but I have to charge./

Kagome's thoughts were still on last night, and Sesshoumaru's declaration. 'What did I run away like that for? I bet he thinks I'm a total twit now.' She frowned, then smiled. 'I'm tired of embarrassing myself in front of him. Next time I see him, no matter what, I'm going to be cool, calm and collected.' It was then that she found herself sitting on someone's knee. 'What the hell? Rin's a little close, isn't she? Wait a minute…' Her smile turned evil, and she ducked her head down to keep from being noticed.

'I know who this is…'

/Once you get involved everyone will look this way so/

The music deteriorated, and Rin bit back a giggle as Kagome's movements turned erotic. Kagome reached up and pulled her hair out of the ponytail as Sesshoumaru pulled her closer to him. He too became lost in the rhythm, though not the song as Kagome's hips brushed against his.

/You must maintain your charm. Same time maintain your halo./

Rin bit her lip, barely registering the pain as she moved to stand in front of Kagome, making sure not to stand between her and the purse. Her eyes widened when Kagome opened hers, and a wide smile spread across her face when Kagome winked at her and closed them again. 'She knows he's back there!' Rin cheered. 'Uncle Yasha's gonna be so proud!'

/Just give the perfect laugh. /

Kagome thought for a moment that Rin would squeal, but mentally shrugged when she didn't say a word. She raised her arms above Sesshoumaru's head, her fingers locking together as she bent her knees and leaned her head against his shoulder.

/Then, next his eyes will squint. /

She was practically riding his leg, Sesshoumaru noticed before firmly grasping her hips and closing the distance between them. 'No wonder dance was outlawed in France so long ago,' Sesshoumaru's brain fluttered as Kagome's gyrations sent jolt after jolt to Sesshoumaru's groin. 'It's public rutting, in a sense.'

/Then he's picked up your scent./

Sesshoumaru ran his nose along the side of Kagome's neck, all logical thought lost to the wind as Kagome continued. She could have laughed out loud at his behavior…if she hadn't been breathless at his closeness. Every cell in her brain screamed 'Danger! This plan is backfiring! Fall back immediately!!' but her body wouldn't listen. Soon they both forgot about Rin as the music faded to a stop.

Kagome opened her eyes slowly, gazing into Sesshoumaru's clouded ones before smiling. "Why Sesshoumaru, if you wanted a lap dance, all you had to do was ask."

****

SF: How has everyone forgotten about Rin like that? I mean damn, the girl gets no credit!

****

Sesshoumaru's eyes widened as Rin's mouth dropped. 'Uncle Yasha's going to be real proud when he sees this,' Rin thought as Sesshoumaru turned Kagome to face him.

"I think the best things are unexpected," Sesshoumaru whispered, then pressed his lips to hers. Kagome blinked but kissed him back, opening her mouth when he licked her bottom lip.

One must remember that there is only so much a person can take, before the excitement of seeing a plan come together floods their good sense and judgment. For Rin, that time was three seconds into the kiss.

"OH MY GOD!! YOU GUYS ARE SOOOO CUTE!!!"

In a wink of an eye Kagome was gone, leaving Sesshoumaru and a very befuddled Rin standing in the dojo. "Where did she go?" Rin asked, glancing around the room quickly. Sesshoumaru sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"Most likely in her room, doing an impressive impersonation of a tomato."

"Oh, I'm so sorry Sesshoumaru-sama," Rin said softly. "I didn't know she could do that."

"You are almost as bad as you're uncle." He gave her a slight smile at her distress. "But all is fine Rin. She will come down eventually."

"Are you sure you're not mad at me?" Rin asked, giving him a shy hug. Sesshoumaru nodded. "I'm sure. Now you should be on your way, correct?"

"Oh yeah! I forgot!" Rin dashed away, grabbing her purse before bolting out the door. "Bye Sesshoumaru-sama!"

Sesshoumaru waved, shook his head, then turned off the cd player and returned to his study.

*

Rin jumped in her car, but didn't start it. She reached for her purse instead, pulling out a digital camcorder. She retrieved the disk and popped it into her laptop, sending the contents via v-mail as she picked up her cell phone and dialed.

"Hey Uncle Yasha!" Rin chirped. "How are you?"

"Fine Rin," he replied. "Speaking that you've pulled me out of a very boring chick flick. How can I repay you?"

"Who else is with you?"

"Marshal Houshi, why?"

"Get to your laptop quick! I've sent you something." Rin waited patiently, listening as a set of car doors closed on the other end of the phone.

"Now what?"

"Get your e-mail!" Rin chirped, her excitement growing by leaps and bounds. Inuyasha sighed. "Alright, alright. Jeez, how much sugar have you had today?"

"Just do it," Rin grumbled. Inuyasha 'Feh!'ed but did as she requested. "Hey, what's this?"

"Open it." She could hear herself talking on the other end a few minutes later. "Fast-forward through that. You'll know where to stop."

Inuyasha did as she asked, he and the other marshal's "oooo" of appreciation signifying that he'd found what Rin was talking about. "Hold on Uncle Yasha. It gets better."

"You mean it can get better than this?" was the reply from the other end. "Who's the hottie dancing with Kagome?" came the marshal's reply.

"That's my niece, pervert!"

"Oh, well then. Shame on her for dancing like that! What kind of 18-She is 18, right?"

"You don't have a chance Miroku."

"You wound me Inu-"

"IS THAT SESSHOUMARU??!!"

All went quiet on the other end, and for a moment Rin thought she'd lost the connection. "Uncle Yasha?"

"Rin," Inuyasha whispered, obviously floored into submission. "You are a true goddess. How did you get this?"

"My secret. Now about my payment."

"I'm sending you one of those MasterCard gift cards as we speak. Don't worry, it'll be more than enough."

"Hell, I don't think you have enough for what she's given you," came the marshal's reply. Rin giggled. "So you like?"

"Rin, I love. You've given me enough to blackmail Puff and Stuff for the next 1000 years."

Rin smiled, knowing that Inuyasha would most likely hold true to his word. "It's my pleasure Uncle Yasha. Now I've got to go. Aren't you supposed to be coming to town this week?"

"Yeah, tomorrow in fact. Fluffy and I have a client dinner to go to. I hate those bloody things."

"Me too, that's why I'm glad I'm not going. Well, see you tomorrow."

"Alright Rin. Bai-Bai."

"Bai-Bai Uncle Yasha!"

*Friday 1:04 AM, Sesshoumaru's Room*

+

Sesshoumaru opened his eyes, his pupils dilating at the lack of light inside his bedroom. The moonlight streamed from the balcony doors beside him, onto the blankets and the foot of the bed. Sesshoumaru glanced down, searching for his slippers when he noticed a large lump at the foot of the bed. It shook slightly, then slowly traveled toward him.

Sesshoumaru's eyes widened, questioning his sanity as the lump crept between his outstretched, pajama-clad legs. He felt hands brush against his leg, and something warm press against his inner left thigh. Sesshoumaru lifted the covers, blinking at the dark head underneath them.

"Kagome?"

"Shh…" she whispered, her finger to her lips as a coy smile blessed her face. "Don't want to wake anyone, do we?"

Sesshoumaru shook his head slowly, astounded by her brashness. "What are you doing here?"

"What does it look like I'm doing?" she replied before kissing his thigh once again. She pushed him back to the bed, then pulled the blankets back over her head.

"Kagome, what are you-" he hissed sharply, forgetting his question when her lips traveled a little further up his thigh, kissing the place where his leg connected with his pelvis. Her mouth massaged his length through his pants, bringing the member to life as she traced slow circled on his abdomen with her fingers.

Sesshoumaru bit back a growl, his pulse quickening as he fisted his hands in the silk sheets below them. Kagome's ministrations were antagonizingly slow, nearly tortuous as Sesshoumaru struggled not to move beneath her. The growl finally escaped, the sound needy instead of threatening.

"Alright," Kagome whispered against him, kissing the tip before trailing her attentions along his chest. "So impatient."

"If you are toying with me," Sesshoumaru began. Kagome pressed her finger to his lips and shook her head. "That you don't have to worry about. Just relax."

She sat up, the covers falling away to reveal a simple powder blue crop top and a pair of boy shorts.

Why did he love her in those things? They revealed practically nothing, yet the very image of them increased his pulse and warmed things low beneath her.

"What would you suggest I do?" she purred, grasping his hands and placing them firmly on her hips.

"I don't know," Sesshoumaru replied. "You're the one who started this."

"I am, aren't I?" She rocked her hips slowly, smiling when he bucked against her. "I take it you approve."

Sesshoumaru nodded, feeling his sealing spell slipping from him as her hips slowly rocked against his, her head tipped back to expose her neck to him. She held his hands still to keep them from wandering, but it wasn't like Sesshoumaru wasn't happy where they were to begin with.

He soon became irritated with her sluggishness, taking control of things in a matter of seconds. His hands sped up her hips, as did his bucking increase until Kagome grasped his shoulders and pulled him toward her.

She kissed, then licked his neck and the last of the sealing spell fell away to reveal him in his humanoid form. She didn't scream, only smiled and continued to kiss his neck, then traced the shell of his pointed ear with her tongue. Sesshoumaru bit his lip and swallowed the moan before it could escape him, ignoring the blood that dribbled from it as his tail wrapped around her waist.

Kagome disregarded it, grasping the side of his head and pulling him toward her. She kissed him softly, her tongue licking his lips as her hips continued to move.

"Kagome…" he growled, no longer able to keep quiet. Kagome bypassed his lips in an instant, drawing his tongue into her mouth. His hands splayed across her back as she began to suck on it, her strokes smooth and caressing as her hips slowed to mirror her mouth. Her warmth flowed through his veins as he held her closer to him, his breath hitching in his throat.

"Kagome," Sesshoumaru muttered, his mind struggling with his senses for control. "You're killing me."

"Really?" she whispered around his mouth, neither it or her hips ceasing. "And what do you plan to do about it?"

"This…" he snarled, pushing her onto her back and climbing on top of h-

+

Sesshoumaru's eyes flew open, then he let loose a string of curses that would have put Inuyasha to shame. 'Damn it to hell!' he snarled, breathing deeply to calm his racing heart. He sat up, glaring at the door connecting his room to Kagome's before sighing. 'It's not her fault…wait a minute. Yes it is!' He shook his head, finding the need to blame someone for his hormonal reaction childish and futile.

'But it was a lovely dream, while it lasted,' Sesshoumaru thought with a smirk. Then he frowned, the subject of dreams reminding him of Kagome and the sash tied to her bedpost.

'Should I be concerned?' he asked himself. 'After all, the mere fact that she continuously has this dream should mean something. And from the way she told it, my dream self knows of my plans for her. Could he somehow ruin them?'

"Keh," Sesshoumaru snorted, folding his arms and peering out the balcony doors beside him. 'Why should I worry. So what if I burned my gi years ago. I might have missed one.' Sesshoumaru nodded for effect. 'And so what if she dreams about me, even if she doesn't know it? I see no reason to worry, and no reason to tell her. All will go as it should. Naraku will die by my hands, Inuyasha and his wench will ride off into the sunset, and Kagome will stay here with me.' Sesshoumaru fluffed his pillow, then rested his head. 'Her dreams are nothing but her silly fears of the past. Nothing will go wrong.'

'And we all know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and youkai…'

*1:03 PM, The Emerald City*

Sesshoumaru waited patiently for Kagome to come back from the mailroom, his mind still inside the dream from last night. 'I wonder if she would be like that for real' he mused with a genuine smile at the thought. 'It would be more fun to teach her, but her already knowing would make it easier for me.'

"Mr. Takamada," CiCi called into the intercom.

"Yes?"

"Mr. Hitame is on the lobby floor. Should I send him up?"

"Please do so," Sesshoumaru told her as Kagome walked into the room. "Thank you."

"You're welcome Mr. Takamada."

Kagome closed the door, turning to tell Sesshoumaru something when her gaze locked on his. There was something different in his eyes, something animalistic, and Kagome shivered in spite of herself. "Sesshoumaru?"

"Yes Kagome?" he drawled, his smile widening when she shivered again.

"Um." She stopped. "What did I want to say to you?" she asked herself, nibbling on her bottom lip. Sesshoumaru watched her impassively, though he couldn't smolder the fire in his gaze.

"Come here Kagome. I need to tell you something."

Kagome walked over to him, tripping over a bunched up part of the carpet on Sesshoumaru's side of the desk. She stumbled and fell in his lap, and Sesshoumaru; not being ready for once in his life; slipped out of the chair and they both landed on the floor with a thud.

"Ow…" Kagome moaned, pushing on Sesshoumaru's chest. "Get off."

"I kinda like were I am, thank you very much."

Kagome groaned miserably. "Why do I always have to embarrass myself in front of you?"

Sesshoumaru patted her knee soothingly. "I don't know, but I don't mind."

"I'm sure you don't. By the way, could you remove yourself from between my legs?"

Sesshoumaru shook his head. "No. I told you, I like where I am."

"Don't make me zap you."

Sesshoumaru kissed her neck, smiling against it when she gasped. "I don't believe you'll do that dove."

"Hey Sesshoumaru!" Inuyasha called as he came into the room.

Kagome's eyes widened. "Oh my God, is that who I think it is?"

"Kagome!" Sango called. "Hey, is anyone here!"

Inuyasha sniffed around discretely, then nodded. 'Yup, they're here, and close too.'

"Get off!"

Inuyasha blinked, wondering where the whisper came from.

"I'm going to hurt you Sesshoumaru, I swear!"

Inuyasha tip-toed to the desk at the back of the room, spying a black pump by the file cabinet. 'hmmmm….' Inuyasha sat on one edge of the desk, then peered down at Sesshoumaru and Kagome on the other side. "Are you two through, or do you need a minute?"

Inuyasha smirked at Kagome's blush, then laughed outright when she shoved Sesshoumaru to the side and struggled to her feet. "Have you seen my shoe?" she asked Inuyasha as Sango and Miroku gawked.

"Over there."

"Thanks." She hopped toward it and put it on as Sesshoumaru sat back into his seat. "I swear it's not what it looks like," Kagome said, her hands up innocently. Inuyasha and the others turned to Sesshoumaru, who shrugged.

"She can't keep her hands off me."

"Ooooo!" Kagome growled, becoming absolutely livid at his statement. "Tell them the truth!"

"I just did."

Kagome stopped, took a deep breath, and smiled at Sango. "How are you Sango?"

"Not as well as you, I'm afraid," Sango laughed as they hugged, 'oomph'ing when Kagome nudged her in the side.

"Ignore Sesshoumaru," Kagome said as she dusted herself off. "He's being a prick today. I fell and made him fall. How are you guys?"

"We're fine," Miroku said with a lecherous grin. "And we're so glad to see you."

"Well, I'm glad to see you too. What are you guys here for?"

"Inuyasha and I have a business meeting tonight," Sesshoumaru said as he straightened his tie. "That was what I was trying to tell you, before you became amorous and tackled me."

Kagome's eyes narrowed, and Inuyasha started laughing. "Yeah, I hate it when girls get like that. Don't you Miroku?"

"Yeah," Miroku's grin widened as everyone stared at the two in confusion. Kagome shrugged, then turned to Sango. "How long will you guys be here?"

"Just until tonight, then we're going back to Jacksonville. So," Sango whispered, leaning closer to Kagome. "How are things between you and Mr. Takamada?"

Kagome blushed and sighed. "I'll tell you later."

"Tell us what?" Inuyasha asked from Sesshoumaru's desk, he and Miroku grinning from ear to ear. Kagome shook her head. "Nothing."

"Oh well." Inuyasha stood up and adjusted his suit jacket. "We actually wanted to see if you two wanted to go to lunch with us. CiCi said you hadn't gone yet."

"I suppose we could go with you," Sesshoumaru agreed.

"Good," Inuyasha said as he and Miroku walked toward the door. "Because I'm looking forward to a milkshake, aren't you Miroku?"

"Damn straight," Miroku said, his shoulders shaking at Kagome's pale. "One with a lot of shake too!"

They both howled as they walked out, leaving Kagome mortified, Sesshoumaru bewildered, and Sango questioning their sanity. "Let me go see what their problem is," Sango muttered, following them out the door.

"Yes, I think I will as well," Sesshoumaru replied moments later, leaving Kagome to gather his papers. "I will return shortly."

Inuyasha and Miroku were still laughing as the elevator doors closed when Sesshoumaru jerked Inuyasha out at the last minute.

"Who told?"

Inuyasha blinked, then quieted. "No one told. I saw. Miroku did too, so you can't kill us."

Sesshoumaru shook him, but it only resulted in more hysterics from the hanyou. "How?"

Inuyasha pulled a disk from his breast pocket. "This is how! Not so fast!" Inuyasha said, yanking the disk out of Sesshoumaru's reach. "You can have it, if you tell me one thing."

"What?"

"How's her milkshake? Have you tasted it yet?" Inuyasha howled again when Sesshoumaru paled. Sesshoumaru snatched the disk out of Inuyasha's hands, crushed it, and tossed the pieces at him as the elevator doors opened. He shoved Inuyasha inside and walked away, ignoring his laughter as he went back to his office.

Kagome looked up at him as he walked in. She stood behind his desk, gathering up the necessary papers and tucking them into his briefcase.

"Please tell me something good."

Sesshoumaru shook his head and shut the door behind him. "It is a sad day when your child turns against you."

"Oh my God," Kagome gasped, sitting on Sesshoumaru's desk and ducking her face behind her hands. "And Miroku saw it too! I'll never live it down."

"Don't be like that," Sesshoumaru cajoled, gently peeling her hands away as he stood in front of her. "I'm sure he'll forget soon."

"You don't know Miroku! He's bound to make copies somehow and spread them across the glo-" She stopped when Sesshoumaru kissed her, blinking when he pulled away.

"Are you calm now?" he asked. Kagome nodded dumbly. "Good." He kissed her again, pleased when for once she didn't run away. He made no attempts to deepen it, but allowed her to become used to the idea before pulling back.

"I meant what I said Kagome," Sesshoumaru whispered in her ear, holding her close to his chest to keep her from pulling a 'poof' on him. "I truly am in love with you."

"But-"

"I can understand if you don't feel the same way…" 'Though you do…' "But don't ask me to reconsider because of protocol. I can wait as long as you need me to."

Kagome nodded.

"Does that mean you believe me?"

"I guess so."

"I'm so honored," Sesshoumaru grumbled good-naturedly, smiling as Kagome laughed. "Now seriously."

"Seriously?" Kagome repeated, her finger to her lip. "I believe you. But are you sure?"

"Yes," Sesshoumaru hugged her. "I'm very sure, my dove. But could you ever feel the same for me?"

Kagome frowned a moment as her thoughts warred inside her head. After a moment, she nodded. "I…I think that I could, if given some time."

"Good," Sesshoumaru replied, a triumphant smirk on his lips as he nuzzled her neck. "That's all I wanted to hear."

----

SF: Holy crap! This one was long! And Silver did the damned thing too! Where is the little kitsune? {::looks to the couch where Silver is sleeping::} Aww…look at him. He's all tuckered out. {::pulls out a bullhorn::} Hey Silver! Wake up!

Silver Fox: {::Jumps up like a startled cat, then rolls off couch::} Huh? {::yawn::} What SF?

SF: You did great on your lemon.

Silver: Thanks. {::yawns, climbs back onto the couch and goes back to sleep::}

SF: {::hm!::} Men. Anyway, Sesshoumaru may seem a little OCC in this chapter, but there's a reason for that. See, Rin's little plan to get Kagome to the attic worked like a charm. All Sesshoumaru's trying to do is convince Kagome to love him. So yeah, he doesn't seem like the kind of guy to sing all of a sudden, but you must remember that he's trying to reach a goal.

Sesshou: Plus I do have a great singing voice.

SF: Jeez, thanks for that humble comment. Don't worry folks, Sesshoumaru's still his big bad self. His thoughts alone should tell you that. Um, what else did I want to say?

Kagome: This: I, SF, will stop putting Kagome and Sesshoumaru in bed together.

SF: A: I didn't do it. Silver did. B: I could put you in bed with Miroku. {::gestures to Miroku's wide grin::} See, he's all for it. At least Sesshoumaru has some control.

Kagome: Yeah right.

Sesshoumaru: {::pulling her toward him::} Then let's see how strong my control is, shall we?

SF: {::watches as Sesshoumaru carries Kagome off stage like a sack of potatoes::} Well, what can I say? Um, the summary and the responses are at the bottom.

-

Chapter Twenty-Five: A Sword Sharper than The Tongue

"What kind of guy gets his brother male strippers for his birthday party?" … 'We should keep a tab on her power level. If she looks like she's losing her power, we step in to help her.' … 'My dear Kagome, you are clever but not clever enough…' … 'My clever girl. Only you could come up with something so ingenious.' … "It returns to her if he breaks her heart." … "Mom, you're nose! Oh my God, look at you're nose!!!" … "You have no idea how happy you've made me."

-

Responses:

Amreld: I know he's mean, but you have to wait a moment. Sesshoumaru's lesson is coming soon enough. And thanks again for the Staind reminder. I needed it.

Lil Sesshi: See, that's the whole problem: Sesshoumaru won't tell Kagome. She's going to find out on her own, with a little help from Naraku. You'll see what I mean in a few...

Blue Saiyan Angel: This chapter and the coming chapter are going to be the last of the fluff, then the story must roll along. Don't worry, it isn't the end of the fluff, just an intermission of sorts. Oh, and thanks for telling me about Monday's goof.

Tsukitani: Thanks a lot for the spell check. You would think, since it's my favorite car, that I would be able to spell it. {::shrugs::} Go fig. Anyway, I hope you're happy. Ag's finally done something to the story. Oh yeah, speaking of stories, when are you updating?

Nankinmai: I know, my dear. I know. I'm working on it. And I'm going to make time out of my schedule to get to your one shot next week. I'm going to be swamped with studying soon, so Thanksgiving week may be the last time I update until the second week of Dec.

BelleDayNight: Thanks a lot! I'm sure Kouga appreciates someone remembering him.

Fireash: The game is great! I'm so glad you get to play it! If you need help anytime before Disk 3 when the crew gets the Ragnork, let me know. I'm stuck on everything else. Sucks, doesn't it? That's cool though, cause I'm not addicted to my brother's game, 'Soul Caliber II'.

Filialuna618: UA is dragging a little, but it's speeding up this Friday. I'm finishing one villian and starting on another. You know, there is a possiblilty for a faster update if I get pictures, but that chance is slim during the first week of Dec. See, finals start then and I'm going to be up to my eyeballs in tests. I hate tests. Do me a favor and send your email address to FlamingRyuu1059@aol.com. My computer isn't registering you for some reason. Oh, and pics go there too!

Wackoramaco87: Nope. Sesshoumaru dressed as Squall from FFVIII. You know, the one with the SeeDs. That's one of my favorite games. I'm getting Legend of Dragoon for Christmas. You wouldn't happen to know anything about it, would you? I haven't seen the commercial for 'Advant Children' but I have seen snippets from FFXI. Glad to know that you're still digging me even thought you should do your homework. For a while, I thought I didn't need geometry, but I found wrong when I signed up for Cake Decoration 101. And just as a side note: Lopsided roses look bad on a cake. {::Nods::} For real. They cause D's too.