At What Price

SUMMARY: Jaken could hear the thud of hurried foot step then the sound of wrenching in the back ground. Weak human! Jaken thought disgustedly. She sick and after all that Lord Sesshoumaru had done for their engagement party that wench was trying to ruin it. The toad demon stalked away from the bed chamber to find Sesshoumaru and tell him about the human woman’s ailment.

Author's Note: Here is today’s latest chapter. Enjoy and review. Disclaimer is located at chp 1.

CHAPTER 37: ENGAGING WEAKNESS
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When they got home, Sesshoumaru left for parts unknown in the house leaving Kagome to fend for herself. She wandered back to the master bedroom and opened the door to go in. Kagome found rose petals strewn all over the floor. She groaned. ‘I’m beginning to hate flowers, but these flowers look familiar. I wonder how they got in here?’ Kagome kicked off her shoes by the side of the closet, and then moved for the bed.

Blue-gray eyes spied a bouquet of flowers that looked like those that were planted in the garden’s estate. Next to the flowers was a big piece of paper which had messy writing scribbled on it. Kagome went for the paper, unfolded it, and began to read. She noticed the style of writing seemed to be very child like, and contained many errors within the letter.

Deer Kagome,

Rin wanted tu leve you a note saying that Rin is glad 4 u tu be here.
Rin hops u luv the flours Rin left u. Rin picked them in guarden.
Rin wants u tu be Rin’s mama. So u can be with Rin all the tym.
By Kagome.

Luv,
Rin Masurau

Kagome’s heart felt a little pace growing for the adorable brown eyed cherub who managed to squirmed her way into her heart. ‘Love you to Rin,’ Kagome thought. ‘I must remember to go and thank her.’ Kagome left the bedroom and walked down the hallway; heading to the eastern wing where Rin’s room was located.

As Kagome came upon the Rin’s bedroom she heard Sesshoumaru’s voice. It was quite unusual because gone was the hard and cold tone that he normally held with others. Sesshoumaru’s voice was now replaced with a warm and animated tone as he spoke to Rin. Kagome peeked her head inside and the sight made her chest tighten. Sesshoumaru was sitting on a small pink chair that looked like it was made for a very small child. His large frame was dwarfed the chair he sat in, but he did make any signs of discomfort. Sesshoumaru merely looked like he tried to maintain his balance on the thin spindle legs of the chair, while he sat. Kagome noticed Sesshoumaru was holding a book in his hand as he was speaking. It registered to Kagome, ‘He’s reading it to Rin.’

The little girl was enwrapped in the story. She was nestled in her bed and propped up with large pillows staring at Sesshoumaru with a dreamy like expression.

“… prince charming kissed his princess and they lived happily ever after. The end.”

“Again! Again! Rin wants more story!” She harped.

“Not tonight Rin,” Sesshoumaru responded. “But, maybe Kagome would like to join us?” Sesshoumaru spoke up so Kagome would hear him. He knew she was lurking behind the door watching, and trying hard not to interrupt the moment he and Rin were having as father and daughter.

Kagome stepped into view for them to see her. She thought that she was stealing a private moment and didn’t want to disturb them until he called for her. Kagome moved like the wind to the side of Rin’s bed. “Thank you, my little cherub! I loved the flowers and the note.” Kagome wrapped her arms around Rin and gave her a hug, then planted a kiss on top of her head.

Sesshoumaru watch their interactions with hidden curiosity. “Bed time Rin.” He got up from Rin’s customized chair and placed it back at her desk. “Our little cherub needs her sleep, right Kagome.” Sesshoumaru turned around and looked at Kagome with a guarded expression. No one had ever witnessed him so unguarded before. Not to mention, no one knew the Lord of the Western Lands had made it a habit to read a bedtime story to his daughter at this time of the night for the past couple years. It was a secret Sesshoumaru kept until now. He was only like this when he was with Rin and no one else. The phrase, ‘a big softy’ made him feel weak, and to know Kagome had seen this side of him worried Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru’s only reassurance was a brilliant smile Kagome gave him before turning her attention back to Rin.

Kagome got up from the bed on grabbed the bed spread to cover Rin’s tiny body. Sesshoumaru walked up beside her and placed a hand to Rin’s head and ruffled her hair while his other arm went around Kagome’s waist.

“Good night.” The couple whispered, as they watched Rin’s eyes shut, granting her safe passage into slumber.

To Kagome, it was almost like they were a family already.
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Friday…

Kagome was never so mad in her life. Well, it was hard to say that, when that impossible arrogant jerk made her temper soar every possible second of her life. ‘Okay, Kagome you are exaggerating there. Not all of your life Kags. It’s more like the waking hours until your head hits the pillow.’ After that night at the club, when she had been attacked again, Sesshoumaru had hired body guards for her protection. Hell, even Inuyasha went as far to hire extra security guards for the company. Yet, Inuyasha didn’t come right out and say it was because of that little incident, but Kagome knew that it was the reason why for the increase in security.

Then another memory came slipping back to her.

*Flashback*
Sesshoumaru, Kagome, and Rin were at the breakfast table eating. Kagome and Rin where having a nice conversation, and as usual, Sesshoumaru just kept a silent vigil at the table with them. The two girls were discussing what Rin had learned from her private dance lessons.

“Miss. Lisa said that if Rin practices harder, that the next production Rin would have a solo in the ballet!” The little girl beamed with pride.

“Rin, that is wonderful my little cherub!” Kagome said with pride at the little girl. Rin and Kagome had quickly formed a bond that mirrored something almost like mother and daughter relationship. “You will have to show me your dance that Miss. Lisa is teaching you, later.”

Sesshoumaru listened to the two women in his life talk at the table. It was utter nonsense to him as they rambled on, but they seemed to be happy. Sesshoumaru appeared like he held no interest in what the two were doing, but the truth was he was fascinated by the two. More so on how they interacted. Kagome had but all taken to Rin in such a short amount of time. The peculiar thing was that Sesshoumaru found himself very glad about it.

“Rin it is time for you to go to the library. Your tutor will be waiting.” Sesshoumaru felt a little regret at having to end there conversations.

Rin jumped up from the table and moved to the opposite side where Kagome was located and gave her a big bear hug.
*Umph*

Rin was strong for such a little girl. Once again Kagome felt all the air leave her lung.

“Rin will show Kagome later, okay?”

Kagome wheezed as her little cherub grip loosened allowing Kagome to get some fresh air. “Alright.”

Rin made sure to hug Sesshoumaru before running out of the dinning room. The couple watched as the little girl disappeared from sight. That’s when the terrible morning had begun. Sesshoumaru had went from deceptingly handsome angel to dubious devil in exactly three point two seconds. That was the just enough time for him to look at her with those piercing golden eyes and open his mouth to speak.

“If I had known that you attract problems like you were cursed, I would have never considered marrying you.” He lied of course, but didn’t let on. Kagome was the only woman worth to be with him, and that was a fact he finally admitted to himself. Sesshoumaru wasn’t sure he would ever let another person have her after his.

Kagome glared at him. “It’s not my fault. All this started when I met you! So, if anyone should be complaining here, it would be me.” She turned back to her half eaten breakfast and began picking at the contents. Kagome, all but dismissed Sesshoumaru.

“You aren’t to go anywhere without my knowledge and/or the company of your guards.” Sesshoumaru ordered. “Is that understood?”

‘…..’

*End of Flashback*
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The sand of time were moving to quickly for Kagome’s liking. Only five minutes until one of the servant would come for her, so that way they could escort her down for the engagement party. Kagome’s hesitation made her very weary at the task at hand. She couldn’t do it. She doubted herself. Kagome shook her head with the qualms that plagued her. ‘No! What have I done? What was I thinking? I should have thought this through some more…”

All thoughts were worried and frenzied within her mind. All those people are down stair, and damn if Sesshoumaru had to invite the ton of Tokyo. But, that was the least of her concerns. ‘Inuyasha!’ The name rang out in her mind. He was the cause for the majority of Kagome’s distress. ‘How is he going to react? Someone going to get hurt, I just know it. Can’t I do it? Oh my Kami!’ Kagome’s heart was beating very fast and it threatened to burst from her chest.

The music filtered from the bottom floor, up to the bedroom she was occupying. Along with it was the hushed roar of hundreds of people below her. “I can’t do this.” Kagome muttered out loud. Her stomach lurched making her run to the bathroom. Kagome heaved her stomach contents, but truth be told she didn’t think there was much left to give up.

Ms. Weiss had come over and personally helped Kagome get ready for the ‘joyous occasion.’ Those were her words, but right now Kagome was having a hard time finding the joy in the situation. Kagome got up from hanging her head in the toilet and went to the sink. Her hands were shaking as she pressed the damp cloth to her face. It felt good. Her stormy blue eyes looked into the mirror losing herself at the vision before her.

‘Act the part Kagome, or no one will never ever believe you. Confidence. Arrogance. Regal.’ One word right after another entered her mind giving her the backbone she thought she had lost. Mirror Sesshoumaru, then you will become his equal.

*Knock, knock, knock*
The knocking at the door alerted Kagome to her impending and immediate doom.

“Miss. Higurashi! Lord Sesshoumaru requires your presence now.” that frog like voice called out which she found highly annoying.

“Jaken please tell Sesshoumaru….” Kagome faltered. A wave of nausea hit her again.

Jaken could hear the thud of hurried foot step then the sound of wrenching in the back ground. ‘Weak human!’ Jaken thought disgustedly. ‘She’s sick and after all that Lord Sesshoumaru had done for their engagement party that wench is trying to ruin it.’ The toad demon stalked away from the bed chamber to find Sesshoumaru and tell him about the human woman’s ailment.
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