Deceit, Lies and Malice

(FanFiction/Inuyasha/Angst)

By Danyealle

Chapter 8

Resting his cheek on the top of Kagomes’ head, Sesshomaru shut his eyes.  Between the gentle rocking motion and her smell he felt very relaxed and content.  Though things were stressful both he and his beast were soothed by her presence.  Never before in his life had he felt the need to be so close or to want this kind of physical contact with another being so it was odd for him but quite enjoyable.

Like most beings in similar positions of power he was used to getting his way or what he wanted with a minimal amount of trouble.  It was a rarity that he had to put any kind of real effort into it.  So when it came to Kagome, and the mating proposal, he had been challenged in a way he hadn’t before.

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As Inuyasha had predicted Kagome wasn’t willing to go for the proposition.  She had calmly listened to what both brothers had to say on the topic and their reasoning behind it without any kind of outburst.  Then she had pondered it silently, something that quite honestly made them nervous. 

Finally, she drew herself back from her thought.  After glancing at Inuyasha she then leveled her gaze with Sesshomaru.  Squaring her shoulders a bit, she took a bracing breath then, voice quiet, said, “I understand that both are trying to protect me but I won’t become someone’s mate just because that could protect me. I’m sorry; I’ll only do that with someone who has feelings for me and I them.”  Although her tone and voice were quiet it was firm, making it quite clear that was dead serious and no amount of arguing or trying to talk her into it was going to work.

Knowing her as well as he did, Inuyasha had expected this.  Exchanging a glance with Sesshomaru and giving him the briefest of nods, he stood then muttered something about getting all of them a drink.  After giving Kagome a kiss and a reassuring hug he let himself out of the room.

When the door shut Sesshomaru rose then made his way to where she was sitting.  Crouching down before her, so that he was at eye level with her, he reached out and gently took her hand.  He was about to reveal more of himself to her than he ever had to anyone else in his entire life and it wasn’t going to be easy to do.  Steeling his backbone he gave her hand a gentle squeeze.  “I understand and can respect what you said Kagome.  Now, I’m going to ask you to hear me out.” 

Nodding, she said, “OK,” softly.

Taking a deep breath, he began by asking, “Though we aren’t close you know enough about me to know that I don’t lie, isn’t that correct?”

“Yes, I know that.”  She replied.  One of the first things she had learned about the demon lord was that he was bound by a code of honor that wouldn’t allow him to lie.

“Kagome…”  He started then paused, trying to formulate the best way to phrase what he wanted to say.  “Like you I wouldn’t take a mate I had no feelings for.  If that weren’t so I would have taken a mate for political reasons or for an alliance with other lands long ago.”

Taking another deep breath, he continued on, “For a long time, even before we were working together, I found you to be an interesting being.   You were the being that was able to pull fathers’ sword when neither I nor Inuyasha were able to.

“You, a young, small woman, never showed any kind of fear and faced me when other demons would have tucked their tails between their legs and run away.

“It was also you that almost, single-handedly, destroyed Naraku with your arrows when no one else had been able to do that much damage to him.  Then you are the one who proved your intelligence by conceiving and launching a plan to trick Naraku that he still doesn’t know about.  How could I not find you interesting?”

Blushing, Kagome looked at the floor and didn’t say anything.

Understanding that what he had told her opened a door at least a crack for him so he pressed on.  “I’m not going to ask you to make a decision right this moment but what I’m asking for is a chance to court you.  Yes, we would need to do that to make it look proper for your other companions but I would like to for another reason.  I want to be allowed to do that to give me a chance to prove to you I’m doing this for personal reasons.  Also, hopefully, some kind of feelings will develop on your end.  Enough of them so that it will allow you to accept my proposal. 

“If it does come to the point that it becomes a necessity and you still feel the way you do now I will accept that and still give you my protection.  Is that acceptable to you Kagome?”

Gazing into his eyes, she was quiet for what seemed like an eternity.  By the time she did answer he was almost convinced that she would turn down his offer but, instead, it as a question.

“What about Inuyasha?  I love him and have already agreed to become his mate.” She asked, voice very soft.

Giving the hand he was holding a reassuring squeeze and stroking the back of it softly with his calloused thumb, he told her, his voice a soft, smooth ribbon of silk, “When Kikyo is gone Inuyasha will become your mate as well.  I give you my word of honor that I won’t prevent to stand in the way of that.  If we become mates I give you my word of honor that I won’t keep you two apart nor will I forbid you from being with him.”

Once again, she looked at the floor while she thought about what he had said.

Knowing her personality, he could take an educated guess about one of the things that was bothering her.  Putting a finger under her chin, he tilted her head up so he could look in her eyes.  When their gazes locked again he said, “Kagome, this was Inuyashas’ suggestion, not mine.  He loves you enough that he’s willing to do what it takes to keep you safe and protected.  If you accept it his feelings for you won’t change nor will he think any less of you.”

After releasing a soft sigh, she nodded then answered, “I agree to at least give it try, alright?”

Once again he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, “You won’t regret this Kagome.”  He told her quietly.