What Was Expected

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN INUYASHA AND CO.

Thank you to MamaSama and ktshabatie for beta-ing, I own all the mistakes in this chapter.

AN: The question has been raised by many about the circumstances of Liam’s death, it will be revealed as the story progresses.

Chapter 3: Let Us Talk

“This is Sato Sesshoumaru. May I speak to Kagome?”

Souta stilled for a moment, wasn’t this a little early to be calling? Quickly, the teen recovered himself. “Hai Sato-san, she is in the storage shed so it will take a few moments to retrieve her.”

“That is fine, I will wait.”

“Thank you Sato-san, I will go get her.” Souta looked up at his mother who was standing by the by the sink with a goofy grin. The teen just shook his head and raced out to the shed of the shrine grounds.

He found his older sister covered in dust cataloging what looked to be her sixth box or so. “Hey Kagome, you have a phone call.” The raven-haired woman looked up at her brother and sneezed. “Bless you, sis.”

For the life of her, she could not think who would be praising her right now. “Thank you, Souta. Could you take a message for me?”

“Nope,” Souta taunted and then immediately left without staying to answer any further questions his sister might have.

“Brat,” Kagome muttered under her breath. It took her a moment to disentangle herself from the artifacts and dust herself off.

Kagome entered the kitchen to find a very eager and anxious mother waiting for her to answer the phone. That could only mean one thing; the person on the other end of the line was Sesshoumaru. “Moshi moshi, this is Higurashi Kagome speaking.”

“Kagome, this is Sesshoumaru. I was calling to schedule our next odeto.”

Kagome wanted to groan; she did not want to go on a date with this man until she could figure out what was going on. “Hai.”

“There is a business dinner, which is probably better described as a banquet, one week from today, I request that you accompany myself. This is precisely the type the function that you would be frequenting if we were to marry.”

Kagome could not bite back the response before it left her mouth, “So will I be graded at the end of the night?” She knew that she had been incredibly rude and what made matters worse was her mother’s death glare from across the room.

Kagome heard a noise on the other side of the line and could have sworn that it was a growl. Nevertheless, she pressed to amend her mistake, “I am sorry, I have no excuse for that comment. If you are still interested in taking me, may I inquire as to the type of dress that is expected at this event?”

“The attire is formal, but the western style of dress is preferred. There will be many foreigners present. Do you have anything that will be suitable?”

Sighing Kagome responded, “No, all my formal attire is traditional though that should not be a problem. I am sure that I can find the time to purchase an appropriate outfit well before next Saturday.”

“If you would like, I will speak to my mother and see if she can accompany you shopping. That way you will have no doubts as to whether what you have purchased is appropriate or not.”

No, no, she did not want to go shopping with his mother. What, did he not trust her to be able to do something as simple as buying a gown? “I do not wish to put your mother at any inconvenience.”

“I am sure she will not find it an inconvenience to go shopping.”

“There are only a few times this week that I will be able to go, and I am sure she has many things she would like to accomplish before this dinner party.”

“Nonsense, she would welcome the chance to get to know a possible daughter-in-law better.”

Kagome wanted to bang her head into the wall, “Then I humbly accept. I will wait for your mother’s call.”

“Good. If you are nervous about this function then we could meet before this Saturday, so that you may ask any questions you might have.”

Kagome’s sapphire orbs closed in frustration. Who had a date to prepare for another date? Maybe she could use this as an opportunity to get away long enough to do the research she wanted. It was obvious once she stepped into the storage shed that her entire weekend would not see anything beyond those old wooden walls. However, her grandfather could not get mad at her for slacking slightly if it was to pursue a potential husband. “Hai. If you are available in the early afternoon tomorrow, I could meet you at the campus library. There is a teahouse near there that has a beautiful garden.”

“That sounds pleasant. What time would be best for you? I am available all afternoon.”

“I believe 1:30 would work best, is that good for you as well?”

“It is perfect. I will see you tomorrow afternoon then.

“Hai, have a good day, Sesshoumaru.”

“And you as well, Kagome.”

Kagome hung up the phone, and turned to see her mother looking at her with sparkling eyes. She moved to sit with her mother at the table; the boxes could wait a few more minutes.

Hiromi was dying to know what was going on, but her daughter just sat there mutely. “Well?”

Kagome refocused on her mother. “He invited me to attend a formal dinner function with him next Saturday. I will be going shopping with his mother sometime this week for a dress, and tomorrow I will meet him for tea.”

“Kagome,” Hiromi pursed her lips into a slight frown, “I could gather all of that from your conversation. What I want to know is; are you excited?”

No, nervous and scared were better adjectives for her mood. “Hai Mama, it is a wonderful opportunity. I hope that I can come through this next week without dishonoring or disappointing anyone.”

“Daughter, when have you ever disappointed anyone? He would not ask you to such an event if you had not impressed upon him that you would be more than capable of such a feat. I believe that soon you will be with your new family and to have such a wealthy and handsome husband… honestly Kagome, what else could you have hoped for?”

‘Many things, Mama. Many things.’ It was with Herculean efforts that she smiled at her mother and replied, “Nothing.” After a few more moments of silence, Kagome trusted her voice enough not to betray her. “Do you think that grandpa will be upset with me for meeting Sesshoumaru tomorrow?”

“How could he? He was the one that wanted to go the omiai. Kagome, finish as much as you can in the storage shed today, I will speak to grandfather about tomorrow. I want you to meet Sesshoumaru with nothing weighing you down.”

“Thank you, Mama.” Kagome knew that the older woman was trying to help. In a way, Kagome understood that the majority of the reason that the two of them could not really converse anymore was her fault. The absolute shut down that she had gone through after … when he was no longer there to smile at her had caused her to push everyone away and Kagome had never invited anyone back in. Her mother was willing to give her to a complete stranger if he could fix her.

Kagome dodged the patrons as she made her way back to the storage shed. She was more than happy to hide out with the dust bunnies. Besides, tomorrow would be a long a day. Today she would lose herself in the relics of history.

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Sesshoumaru was somewhat pleased with the conversation he just had with Kagome. As much as he enjoyed everyone bending immediately to his will, the defiance that she had shown was refreshing. The stoic inu-youkai respected the fact that her defiance was open; in that aspect she was proving much more tolerable than his previous mates were.

It was time to speak with his father and Izayoi. Moving out of his office, he scented the air to detect whether or not his father was still in the office. Yes, the old dog was here and surprisingly enough so was his second mate. That was convenient, now Sesshoumaru would not be forced to make a separate phone call to the woman.

A sharp knock announced his presence at his father’s office door. Actually, he knew that the old dog had smelt and heard his approach long before, but in the effort to ensure their secret all restricted their actions in public and private to things that were susceptible to human senses, hence the knock.

“Enter,” Sesshoumaru complied to find his father behind the over-sized desk and his stepmother sitting on the sofa.

“I have invited Kagome to next weekend’s event,” turning to Izayoi Sesshoumaru continued, “I informed her that you would be willing to shop with her for an appropriate dress.”

“Son, do you think that is wise? She has never been to anything close to this type of event, and some of those in attendance will not take kindly to her being your companion,” warned Toga. The alpha did not want anything to frighten the miko that held so much promise for his pack away.

Before Sesshoumaru could respond to his father’s concerns, Izayoi broke her silence. “I would be more than happy to accompany Kagome, but what will Sayami say?”

Sesshoumaru bit back the growl that threatened to escape his throat. Why did it always have to be such a chore to talk to family? “Mother chose her role to play in this family,” he looked directly at the human as he spoke, “It was father’s right to take a second, and as times changed, mother’s pride dictated that she foster a role that still allowed her active participation, both publicly and privately, within the business of this ‘family.’ If she has anything to say, it should be directed at herself. However, if you wish for an excuse, then know that part of my reasoning against her was how easily Kagome can see through the illusions. I do not wish to reveal the reasons behind this bonding until I am assured of her cooperation.”

Toga held back his aggravation at his eldest for answering his mate’s question first. It was time tested that if Izayoi’s concerns were not addressed almost immediately the air would become pungent with her worry. So, Toga waited for his heir to answer his question, but it seemed the pup had no inclination of the sort. “Sesshoumaru, this Toga does not repeat himself.”

Amber eyes locked with citrine as wills battled. Finally, the subservient male relented. “Father, if she is to be my mate, then this will be her life. I do not wish to have a wife that hides at home. She should have a chance know whether or not she can live within our ranks before anything is finalized.”

The anger was not repressed; instead, it was allowed to crackle around the office along with the Alpha’s aura. “You will mate that woman. Every moment that is wasted is another moment in which we can be discovered!”

Sesshoumaru remained calm in the face of his father’s wrath. The old male was so much like his younger son in this respect, quick to jump to conclusions. “It will do no good if she is not willing. This is not a matter that can be forced.”

Toga was not calming, “So you choose to drive her away? Do you truly think that your honor will be intact if you can hide behind the fact that it was her decision to deny us? You will do your duty to this pack and mate that miko.”

“This Sesshoumaru has always done his duty. Now will be no different. This Sesshoumaru has business matters to attend to.”

“You have not been dismissed, pup. You will call the miko and rescind your offer of next Saturday. I will not lose her protection because a foolish pup throws her to the harpies.”

“No.”

“No? You dare defy your alpha, pup?” The growls were increasing in volume and frequency.

Sesshoumaru tilted his head an inch to the left, allowing his father to see the submission, but he would not yield on this issue. “It was already expected of this Sesshoumaru to bring a date. I will not endanger my chances with Kagome by bringing another. I also will not insult her by denying her the chance to prove that she is truly worthy of this pack.”

Toga was stuck, his son was correct but he was hard pressed to admit it aloud. Finally, he chose a path that still allowed him control. “Then you will prove to her your ability to protect. At no point will you leave her vulnerable to the conniving females.”

Sesshoumaru assented with baring his neck further. He turned to his stepmother and said, “You can get her number from father. Any day is acceptable except for tomorrow afternoon.”

Izayoi just nodded, she never enjoyed when Sesshoumaru and Toga had their bouts of dominance. It was a shame that youkai numbers had dwindled so far that Sesshoumaru could never truly build a pack of his own. The two were going to have to figure something out soon before they actually tried to kill each other.

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Sesshoumaru had spent the last twenty-four hours lost in work; if he was honest with himself, it was all a ploy to avoid his father. There had been several times in the last two hundred years when Sesshoumaru’s instincts screamed to challenge the elder male inu. It had been that way ever since he had disposed of the hanyou, Naraku.

Naraku had led the last major campaign against the humans, however, too late was it realized that the hanyou was using the cause to try and dispose of all the upper-level youkai so that he could claim ultimate power. Sesshoumaru’s third mate had been seduced by the hanyou and sent to kill her mate. The bitch had not stood a chance against him. They were dark memories that surround the deaths of those who posed his chance of being alpha.

The whisper of promised power as his arm regenerated, a hand that had long been missing grasped the hilt of a sword forged of his father’s fang and his own power. He could not shake the memory of his father’s face the first time the elder male gazed upon Bakusaiga. There was a hidden fear behind his father’s citrine eyes. Sesshoumaru knew that the great and terrible Inu no Taisho expected his first born to rise against him. In truth, Sesshoumaru would have but he had no mate and no desire to kill another member of his pack that day.

As the aftermath of that day played out, Sesshoumaru soon realized that their survival depended upon all youkai’s ability to suppress their instinctual needs and focus on how to peacefully deal with the increasing population of the humans. Now it had been centuries, and his father still pressed him. It was draining not to rise to the baited challenges that his father often taunted him with, not to mention his half brother’s constant need to prove he was just as strong as the full-blooded youkai of the pack.

Sesshoumaru would not think on these things now, it was getting too close to the time he was supposed to meet Kagome. The last thing he wanted to do was go and meet a female that he was considering as a mate while remembering how his last mate betrayed him. Clearing his mind while he straightened his clothes, it felt odd not to be wearing a suit and tie. Sesshoumaru wore simple khakis with a dark dress shirt and a sport coat. His lines were clean, smooth and neat. He knew that the trend was to wear tighter pants and more flamboyant clothing, but Sesshoumaru could not bring himself to give into these trends. He rarely went anywhere that required him to wear something other than a business suit or formal attire.

Idly, he wondered why he was nervous about his appearance. Then he realized that he was more apprehensive about Kagome’s choice of fashion; it would not be a good sign if she allowed herself to be carried away in the latest fashions. Well, he would soon find out.

Sesshoumaru had parked his vehicle close to the library and began to walk the short distance to the entrance. He did not see her immediately; instead, he saw a group of giggling girls. This was yet another reason why he did not frequently go anywhere that was not associated with business. It was not arrogant to know that you had the physique of a Kami if it was fact. He stood head and shoulders above eighty percent of the population. Add to that the fact that the power of his body could not be hidden by his clothes, which meant that he frequently dealt with heated looks from the opposite sex, and the occasional male as well.

Kagome ran her fingers through her hair in a last minute effort to get the unruly mass tamed. She had never been one to worry too deeply about her appearance, but this morning her mother had her change five times before she was allowed to leave the house. Each outfit was either too plain, too poor, or not flattering enough. She ended up wearing capri pants, a lilac form-fitting t-shirt and a denim half jacket. She had styled her hair at home, yet the effort proved futile. In her frustration with what she found on the internet about the Satos, she had wrenched her hair up into a sloppy bun, thereby destroying the “hair style.”

What the college girl had found out about her possible future family had thoroughly confused her. It was nearly impossible to locate pictures of any one of the members of the affluent family. Once she finally did manage to find some, the people in the photos looked nothing like the people she had dined with the night before last. It was curious. It made her wonder what exactly was going on around her that she had been ignoring her entire life.

Well, Sesshoumaru said that today he would meet her to answer any questions she may have. True, he was talking of the business event this coming Saturday, but Kagome would not let that minor detail deter her from her search for the truth. Straightening her spine, checking her watch, she moved ahead to push her way through the front doors.

Her determination faltered slightly as she saw Sesshoumaru. The tall silver-haired man stood at the bottom of the stairs ignoring the giggling groups of females trying to attract his attention. Kagome smiled as she noticed that more were on their way. The Greek Adonis was doing an impression of a statue; still, the women around him were not deterred. Kagome tilted her head as his amber orbs locked with her sapphire depths.

She made quick work of the steps and not so quick work of maneuvering through the clusters of fawning women. She stood in front of him a respectful distance and bowed. “Sesshoumaru.”

He gave her a downward tilt of his head. “Kagome.”

“Have you been waiting long?”

“Hn.”

Kagome was unsure how to take his response, but she figured that he probably did not want to hold a lengthy conversation in front of an audience. If her little foray in the library taught her anything about this man and his family, it was that they valued their privacy above all other things. “I am sorry for your wait, I was gathering research. Shall we go?”

Sesshoumaru nodded his head and began to stride off in the direction she indicated, the exact opposite direction of his car. He had been running late because of unexpected traffic and therefore opted to park closer to the library than the teahouse. If he had known that she would be late, he would have made a different choice. Slightly annoyed at her tardiness, and therefore his subsequent subjection to the mindless fairer sex, Sesshoumaru conveniently overlooked that she had appeared at 1:31 instead of 1:30.

The walk to the teahouse was quiet, and again it was quiet as they were shown to their table, in a secluded corner. The silence was broken when Sesshoumaru ordered for both of them, then it resumed as they waited.

Sesshoumaru intently studied the woman in front of him. His agitation was quickly relenting while in her presence. Her scent was … appeasing, with its sweet and citrusy undertones while the most striking aspect of it was the crispness to it. The scent spoke of power and purity that he had never truly smelled in anyone before. He almost wanted to close his eyes and lean into the source. She managed to overpower all other offensive scents from the immediate vicinity.

Mentally shaking himself from the urge, he noted that she had patiently followed him and was now waiting for some sort of sign from him that they could begin. He detected no irritation, which said much considering that his behavior had been less than cordial. No, all the females he knew would have been up in arms about his demeanor.

Kagome did not know what to do. She had somehow managed to upset the man in front of her, and while she personally did not care, she would never hear the end of it from her mother and grandfather if he declined her so quickly after leaving the fan. Why was she here again? That’s right, because she never disobeyed the mandates of her elders.

The tea arrived and Kagome reached out to pour first his cup and then her own. She waited for him to take the first sip and then followed suit. Half way through the cup, she realized that he had no intention of speaking anytime soon, so she decided that she would end the silence.

“Sesshoumaru, have I upset you?”

One masculine eyebrow arched. “You were late.”

A small growl escaped the delicate throat of the ebony-haired woman. “No, I was not late. You were early.”

The twin brow now arched as the inu-youkai took in her challenging tone. “I was early, but you were still late.”

“No, I looked at my watch as I left.”

“Let me see the watch.”

Kagome had to resist the urge to take it off and throw it at him. With measured breaths, she unlatched the watch and placed it gingerly on the table. An equally measured clawed-hand picked it up and examined it. “It is one minute slow.”

Kagome snatched the watch back the second it hit the table, and with an indignant tone retorted, “There is nothing wrong with my watch. It has told time accurately for more than twelve years.”

If the woman would not listen to reason then Sesshoumaru would obtain her submission through another avenue. He once again began to release his youki on the miko.

Her jaw was chattering, which made her voice tremble. “Stop that.”

“I have done nothing.”

Kagome had wanted to be tactful in her approach to this subject but if he continued this she would not be able to maintain her reason. “You are doing it now. I don’t know how, much like I don’t know why your tattoos seem to only be visible to myself.”

Sesshoumaru’s response was only to press her more with his youki.

She was glowing again. “Cease, youkai.”

As the word tumbled from her lips, she saw his eyes widen fractionally. No, it could not be the truth. Youkai were only legends, myths. They were not real and the man she was to marry was definitely not one.

*+*+*+*+*+*

Odeto: Series of dates following the initial miai in which the couple will decide whether or not they want to marry.

AN: Thank you for reading, please review. I am working on 4 and as longing as inspiration stays with me, it should be out to you soon

emmaren