Caught Up

Chapter 6- Grace (is getting what you don’t deserve)

Author's Note: Look at me update at the speed of light. Don't forget to Review!
'signifies thinking'
"signifies talking"


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As the days went by Sesshoumaru found himself making sure Kagome had everything she needed out of his own expense. He spent almost every single meal with her, was the first person to wish her good morning or bid her good night, and even talked about some of his most stressful problems. Kagome wasn’t a business woman or an expert in economics, but she was a good listener and didn’t seem to have anything else she’d love to do more than to listen to him rant about his problems, which helped with his stress immensely. She always watched him with wide, blue eyes even when he talked about the most boring things. And slowly, Kagome began to peek out, little by little, out of her shell she created around herself as Sesshoumaru also opened up to her somewhat. She didn’t talk much, and spoke even less of herself, but never failed to ask Sesshoumaru how his day had went.
On his visit right after their first breakfast, Sesshoumaru, to his surprise, found Kagome acting awkward and strangely uncomfortably around him. It wasn’t until Sango explained with stifled laughter that he found out Kagome had no idea who he was until then. Kagome had turned an interesting shade of red and bowed, apologizing profusely for her lack of respect towards his person, which he waved off casually and told her not to act any different.

To Kagome’s horror he asked, very politely, to come see him in his office next morning.

So that was why Kagome was standing, for the first time at 10 in the morning, outside her room. She was waiting with Sango in front of the elevator, wearing borrowed clothes. Seeing as Kagome didn’t have any, Sango had lent her a pair of loose jeans, a brown hoodie with white lettering in front over an olive green shirt, and white tennis shoes.

A little brass template next to the elevator told Kagome she was on the 48th floor.
“The building has more than 50 stories”, Sango told her as they entered the elevator and pressed a round button reading 37. “But Sesshoumaru-sama keeps the highest few for his own personal use. Most of the time he spends the nights here. Rarely ever goes home, that man.”
“Why not?”
Sango shrugged. “I don’t think there’s much of a difference between his ‘home’ and this place. It’s actually kind of sad. He doesn’t let anyone know where his so-called manor is, though.”
Kagome could tell Sango was looking at her. Give her a small smile that didn’t reach her eyes, she looked out the glass window until they arrived on their floor with a ding.

‘This place is confusing,’ Kagome thought, grateful that Sango was there to lead the way. Two doors later they stepped into a large waiting room and saw 2 men in front of them.

“Hello, Secretary #25,” one of them was saying to a woman who was fuming, and packing a cardboard box on her desk. He had long white hair and golden eyes. If it weren’t for his puppy-like ears at the top of his head and his boyish face, Kagome would have mistaken him for Sesshoumaru, except he was shorter and had a smaller stature than him with the absence of facial markings, although Sesshoumaru usually hid it. “I told you not to get too comfortable. He can’t stand anyone for more than 2 weeks.” He nodded his head to a door near #25’s desk. It was situated conveniently in one corner facing the square room, so that visitors could walk in and out of Sesshoumaru’s office without having to go around the wooden desk. She picked up her belongings and stormed out of the room. “Looks like you lose the bet, Miroku. Cough it up,” he told his companion cheerfully.

But Miroku, a kind faced man with violet eyes and short black hair tied back in a small ponytail, was staring at Sango behind him.
“My dear Sango!” He strode forward and grasped her hands, ignoring her scowl. “I was so worried when you didn’t pick up the phone or didn’t return my calls. I was wondering if you were free this Saturday? I-”
Sango pushed him away and placed her hands on her hips. “For the thousandth time, Miroku, I will not go out with you. Is he here?”
“That idiot brother of mine? Yea, he’s here… Who’s she?” The man asked rather arrogantly, his gaze turning to Kagome, who was standing timidly.
“This is Higurashi Kagome.”

Kagome shook hands with the man named Miroku. “Er… it’s nice to meet you.” She noticed that his right hand was covered some sort of glove and a long chain of beads.
“I’m Miroku Kazaana, and this is my friend Inu Yasha.”
“Konnichiwa… Inu Yasha-sama.”
Inu Yasha looked surprised at being addressed in such a way, and crossed his arms.
“Kagome-sama-”
“Oh, please just call me Kagome. I’m only visiting Sesshoumaru… sama. Sort of…”
“Very well, Kagome. I wonder, may I ask you something very important?”
“I guess… what is it?”
Miroku smiled. “Will you bear my child?” and one of his hand went to rub Kagome’s backside.

It was a question he asked every woman he met, and he was well known for it. He was half-joking, of course, but also half-serious; he expected to see the usual blush on Kagome’s face, or for her to stammer, or hit him. He was taken back to see her on the verge of tears and bow her head, her hand in his going limp. She didn’t even try to slap the hand resting below her waist.

A pair of hands wrapped themselves around Miroku’s wrist, tearing him off of Kagome. She looked up and saw Sesshoumaru wearing a dangerous glare that would have sent death itself running with its tail between its legs. He spared her a quick glance as Kagome looked up at his tall form. He pointed one finger towards the door he had just come out of. “In.”

Kagome didn’t need telling twice. She quickly walked inside, the door closing quietly behind her. She looked around the large spacious office, while uncertainly fidgeting on her feet. There was a large handsome black desk with a glass top, and a comfortable looking leather chair stood behind it on its wheels, its back to where the corner of the wall-length tinted glass windows that covered two of the walls met. There were some filing cabinets and a book case pushed against a third wall. There was also a sofa and a coffee table sitting on a fluffy rug to one side.

Kagome had just taken all these in when someone placed a hand on her shoulder. She ‘eep’ed and stood absolutely still, but it was only Sesshoumaru. He had somehow come in the room without her noticing. He guided her by her shoulders to a cushiony chair in front of his desk and sat her down, before walking around to sit himself. He closed his laptop and pushed it off to one side. Sesshoumaru wore his usual expensive suit, this time a dark gray with maroon dress shirt and a tie of the same color.

“How have you been doing,” it was more of a statement than a question. Sesshoumaru knew Kagome knew he knew she had been given a fright by the insensitive question tossed at her by Miroku, and considered whether to cut his salary in half or not. He had just told Kazaana that if he ever asked her that question again or touched her in that manner at all he would personally crush every single bone in his hands.
“Oh, you know… just… same as always…” Kagome couldn’t hold still. She shook her knee, fiddled with her hands, twisted her fingers in her lap, and brushed her bangs back over and over again.

Sesshoumaru knew what was going on behind her scared eyes and ashen face by the way she kept touching her stomach. Indeed she was thinking of something she was too shocked to have considered before, that came at her for the first time at when the man unintentionally mentioned it. Kagome looked thoroughly scared, like a doe caught in traffic, as she shuffled her feet and stared at her knees. Sesshoumaru’s eyes narrowed. “Kagome,” he called sharply.
She looked up tentatively, her blue eyes instantly becoming fixed on the pools of golden ones. The truth in his honey like eyes never wavered, as he said, “Shadow demons do not-can not- reproduce the same way the rest of us do. You shouldn’t worry about that.”

Kagome’s eyes became very round, and she lowered her head again, her hands clenched into fists. Her nails dug into her palms as her shoulders shook and dewdrops of tears fell on her hands on her lap. Sesshoumaru’s eyes turned soft, and he had the sudden urge to take her in his arms. He settled for passing a box of Kleenex over.

“Meanwhile, we have much to discuss.” His voice took on a more business like tone, yet still remained calm and cool. “I have taken the liberty of changing your identity,” he said as he pulled a piece of paper out from a drawer and handed it to her. “Your new name is Kameyama Satomi. Higurashi Kagome disappeared without a trace a few nights ago; or that’s what everyone else thinks. The police haven’t been able to find a single lead either.”
Kagome couldn’t hide her confusion and surprise as she looked at the paper she was given. It had all the information for her new ID, including a new birth certificate, driver’s license, and social security number. ‘He’s… good…’
“Satomi…” she tried her new name. It was nothing spectacular, but she supposed it was alright.
“Yes. Satomi.”
Hearing her new name on his lips, Kagome instantly changed her mind and decided she didn’t like it. Sesshoumaru, on the other hand, thought to himself how he liked Kagome better, although to keep using that name would be out of the question.
“Bleh… I don’t like it.”
“Excuse me?”
“I mean, I appreciate it but… would it be alright if you just called me Kagome? At least when we’re alone, just the two of us…?”

Sesshoumaru smiled. “Hn… That won’t be a problem with me. Now, normally I wouldn’t let someone who’s supposed to be hidden contact their family, for both your sakes, but if you would like to contact your parents or brother and tell them you’re fine, I can arrange something. Probably a two minute phone call’s the best I can do. Naraku’s resources are far greater than mine.”
Kagome blinked. “Step-parents.”
Sesshoumaru raised a delicate eyebrow. “You’re adopted?”
Kagome nodded silently.

“I see. Am I correct in thinking that you have the abilities of a priestess?”
“Yes. Well, not really. I don’t know how to control it, and I’m not very strong. Why?”
“Do you remember Kikyo?”
“Yes”
“She, too, is a priestess. And having one for a sister-in-law- yes, she is my brother’s wife, Inu Yasha, whom you just ran into outside- I’ve learned plenty about them. Kagome, when a priestess loses her virginity, whether intentionally or not, she also sacrifices her powers.”
“But… that’s not fair…”
“However, in this case, it seems to be different, somehow…”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m not quite sure, but… lately, something has changed…” he trailed off and looked so deep in thought that Kagome didn’t dare speak up. He linked his fingers together and placed his chin on them, his elbows resting on his desk. Furrowed brows graced his features. “Unless…”

Kagome was so lost by now; she watched something flicker behind his strong eyes before he shifted his gaze.
“I am no expert, but my sources tell me something went badly. Naraku has been very quiet, and he himself hasn’t been seen for a while. But I can’t think of what could have gone wrong.”
Sesshoumaru’s eyes widened, for Kagome, having received this bit of unsettling news, had closed her eyes and tried to use her spiritual energy. Her entire form glowed blue before she let out a tired breath and sagged in her chair.
“See? I can still do it… but it wasn’t so hard before…” Kagome panted for air and wiped beads of sweat off her forehead. It felt like she had just run a marathon. “Usually, it doesn’t take so much energy...”

She gave a startled jerk when Sesshoumaru suddenly stood up.
“How,” he asked, “is it possible that you are still graced by Kami?”
“I-I don’t know.”
‘I have to look more into this. It may mean good news for us. This… is impossible and improbable. And yet… How…? How could this girl still remain intact with her holiness after what happened?’ He loosened his tie and unbuttoned his collar button, the way men do when they’re tired or stressed out. “Never mind it for now. Kagome, the more important thing is that you understand what kind of situation you’re in.” He left his seat and walked around to lean his hips against the desk in front of Kagome, and rested his hands behind him in a casual way.

“He will go to any lengths to do what he wants. He always kills any man or woman who gets in his way,” said Sesshoumaru. Kagome didn’t have to ask who he was talking about. “There have been other victims before you, and none of them survived. But he spared your life-”

“But that’s because you rescued me!”

Sesshoumaru held up a hand to stop her from saying anything else.
“Listen to me, Kagome. I know Naraku better than anyone else alive. There’s something he wants-or shall we say, needs- from you. Yes, I found you and stopped him. But don’t you remember what he said afterwards? We will meet again, Kagome. He’s going to come after you again. You must use caution. Play it safe. Safe should be your middle name.”
“Al… alright.”

If I may also suggest, I want you to change your look, in any way you want. But make sure you change something, and get yourself some strong, long-lasting perfume to use everyday.”
Kagome nodded to show she understood. “Thank you…”
“My pleasure. You must know that, when Naraku wants something, he usually gets it.” He paused. “I will do everything in my power to make sure he doesn’t, but I need you to work with me.”
“Ok, what should I do?”
“The most important thing is that you do not tell anyone who you really are, except those who already know, and certainly not strangers. You can’t contact your old friends or family without my permission and supervision. And absolutely make sure you are back here inside the building before sun sets. You’re also not allowed to take one step outside after dark unless you are with me. Not one step. As long as you are within these walls or inside my home, where there’s intangible protection, there is nothing Naraku can do to get his hands on you. Understand?”
“Hai… But, if you don’t mind me asking… how do you know so much about him?”

For the first time, Sesshoumaru looked angry. At her. His eyes began to turn red and steeled into a hardness she couldn’t stand, and his lips were pressed into a thin line. He slowly straightened himself and looked down at her.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to… it’s nothing, you don’t have to tell me.”
Sesshoumaru let a sigh escape his lips. He closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them again they were back to their warm honey color. “No, it’s fine. My family has been involved with him for a while now; that’s how I learned everything I know.”
“Oh… I see.”
“If you wish, you may stay here-”
“With you?” Kagome blurted out.
A faint ghost of a smile passed through his face. “Yes, with me. To be honest, you don’t have a choice-”
“But-”
“It will be no trouble if you continue to keep the room you are currently occupying. You will not tell any outsiders for your safety, of course. I suggest you get any necessities today, with Sango. Tell her I’m giving her the day off, and also ask her for a tour,” said Sesshoumaru. With that he took out his wallet and took out no less than half a dozen 10,000 yen bills.

When he tried to hand the money to her Kagome shook her head. “I can’t take it.”
“Don’t be so foolish.”
“No, I can’t take so much without giving something in return.”
“What are you suggesting?”
“Well… I haven’t got any money of my own, and it’s not much, but if I could… may be…”
“Speak up.”
Doing a great resemblance of tomato, Kagome asked, “Please give me a job, so I can work for it!”
“That’s not necessa-”
“It is! I want to work for my stay here. Please let me pay you back for everything you’ve done for me, for saving my life...”
“I don’t want you to-”
“Yes, I do. I promise to work very hard! I can do anything you want me to, I can-”
“Kagome,” said Sesshoumaru, raising his voice a little to make her stop babbling. She shut her mouth.
“Well, if it’s that important to you, I do need a new secretary seeing as how Yura’s just been fired.”
“Se-secretary?” Kagome repeated uncertainly. What Miroku said earlier came back to haunt her. ‘He can’t stand anyone for more than two weeks…’ Two weeks?
“Think you can handle it?”
“Ye-yes…”
“You seem unsure.”
“Two… weeks?” Kagome squeaked.
“Ah, yes. You must have heard that one from others. Frankly, I don’t fire anyone unless I have a reason to. Don’t give me a reason to.”
“Yes!” she squealed. “Thank you very much! I’ll do my best.”
“Good. You start Monday. I will have Sango give you the proper training before then. Now, accept your first paycheck.”
Kagome almost too enthusiastically took the money, nearly snatching it out of his hand. She blushed and murmured an apology, but Sesshoumaru merely smirked and waved it away. He walked to the door, Kagome following. “Before you leave you should ask Sango to give you a little tour of our company. Welcome aboard, Miss Kameyama Satomi.”

When Sesshoumaru wrenched the door open, they found Inu Yasha, Miroku, and Sango standing in the doorway with their ears pressed tightly against it. When they realized they had been caught eavesdropping, the three scrambled away and stood a good distance off to the side, whistling.

“My my, haven’t I already told you it’s soundproof?” Sesshoumaru asked with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.