Kryptonite

By Danyealle

(fanfiction/MF/HC/Abuse)

Chapter 12

If Sesshomaru had thought the day before was crazy the day of the party was complete and total chaos.  From about an hour after dawn guests had begun to stream into the fortress.  Quickly, the taiyoukai found out that there were beings showing up that hadn’t been invited.  Because there were so many ‘people’ there it was all but impossible to ferret out those that belonged and those that didn’t for the most part.  He did, however, catch a few he knew, because of personal issues with them in the past, that hadn’t been invited.  They were quickly escorted out of the fortress by guards.  Then there was Lakumi… about noon the old gossip made her grand entrance through the front door, acting as though she owned the place.  Unfortunately for her, Sesshomaru had just stepped into the entrance hall as she was making her ‘grand return’.  As Chaotic and stressed out as he was seeing her was the final straw.  Eyes flashing, through clenched teeth he ordered her thrown into the dungeon for the duration of the party.  Once it was over she would be banished from any lands controlled by him.  Then he watched with sadistic glee as the old inu was hauled away, curing, to the dungeons.  Honestly, watching that made him feel quite a bit better and seemed to reset his dials a bit.

At about 3:00PM most everyone had arrived and were settling in.  His staff had things well in hand and were taking care of the last of the preparations expertly and smoothly so he retired to his chambers to take a nap before it was time to start getting himself ready for the party.  When he slipped into his chambers he found Kagome curled up in his bed, asleep. 

Though he was curious as to why she was there it didn’t bother him.  Stripping down to his hakama, he then slid into bed behind her and pressed against her back, draping one arm over her.

In her sleep she sensed his presence and woke up then flopped over and curled up to his chest, resting her head against the front of his shoulder.  “Everything OK Sesshomaru?”  She asked in a bit of a thick voice.

“Just fine.”  He told her, resting his cheek on the top of her head.  “Why are you in here?  Not that I mind, you understand,” he added.

“They’re in my room getting everything ready for tonight.  I needed to get away and have some peace and quite so I came in here.  I didn’t think you’d mind.”  She explained.

“Indeed I don’t.”  He told her soothingly.  “It appears we both needed time off from the flurry.”  He said quietly, eyes shutting.

He wasn’t sure if it was the peace and quiet of his chambers or her soothing presence but he felt much better, more relaxed already.  Enough so that he was able to doze off fairly quickly.

…ks…ks…ks…

Looking in the mirror, Sesshomaru made sure that his clothes were all in place and that everything was just perfect before he slipped his swords into place.  It was time that he and Kagome made their appearance.  He had just been informed that all the rest of the guests had been announced and were assembled in the ballroom.  It was time they made their entrance so everything could get started.

After another quick check in the mirror to ensure everything was perfect, he swept out of his chambers and walked to hers then knocked on the door.  When it opened all he could do was look at Kagome, stunned and speechless.  She looked absolutely beautiful!  The kimono she was wearing was blue and gold.  Her hair was curled and piled on top of her head, entwined with slim gold ribbons.  Holding out his elbow for her to take, he said, softly, “I believe I will be the escort of the most beautiful woman at the party.”

Linking her arm through his, she blushed a bit but smiled up at him.  “Thank you Lord Sesshomaru.”  She replied formally.

“You’re very welcome Lady Kagome.”  He replied the same way with a little bow.  Then they began to walk towards the ballroom.  “Do we need to stop and pick up the children or is the nanny going to escort them?”  Because of the importance of the event he had agreed to let the two children attend for an hour to be seen and to let them experience a bit of the event.

“They’ll be joining up after we get there.  I arranged a ‘date’ for Rin.  He’s going to bring Shippo along as well.  Of course the nanny will be tagging along too.”  She explained with a grin, eyes twinkling a bit.

“A date?”  He asked rhetorically.  “I’m not sure I approve of that.”  He told her a bit gruffly, brow furrowed a little.

“You will, trust me!”  She said, giggling more, grinning from ear to ear.

“We’ll see.  I’ll withhold judgment until I see who it is.”  He told her, eyebrow arched.    

By that point they had reached the doors to the ballroom.  Once they entered and announced the beings already there began to step forward and greet them, introducing themselves to Kagome.

Clinging to Sesshomaru’s arm, she greeted them politely but within a few minutes her head was spinning from all the names and titles thrown her way in such a short period of time.  She was very sure there was no way she would be able to remember them all or even be able to put a name to a face.

Once the flurry of activity died down, Sesshomaru handed her a drink and put his hand over the one she had lopped around his arm and gave it a reassuring squeeze.  “Don’t worry miko, most of those here you probably won’t have contact with again.”

Sighing, she whispered, “Good because there’s no way I can remember all those names!”

As he was about to reply he could hear the very familiar voice of Kouga carrying through the closed ballroom door followed by Rin’s happy laugh and Shippo saying something.  Smirking, he understood what the miko had said about a date.  “You arranged for Kouga to be Rin’s ‘date’?”  He asked her quietly.

“Yup!”  She said with a soft giggle.  “I thought it would make the party more special to her if she had an escort.  A first ‘date’ with someone like Kouga will probably be something she’ll remember for the rest of her life.  You know what he’s like with women.  Besides, with him keeping an eye on her and Shippo they are less likely to get into trouble or run the nanny ragged.”  She told him quietly.

“Very true.”  He said, nodding.  Leaning down, he told her softly, “You were right, I approve.”

“Told you!”  She giggled back.

Kouga had deliberately waited to arrive late so that he didn’t have to go through formal introductions.  Formal gatherings were not his cup of tea and he didn’t like them.  In fact he avoided them at all costs.  But he was willing to tough it out and deal with the formal attire he was in because Kagome had asked him to come.  When he stepped into the ballroom, carrying Rin and Shippo perched on his shoulder, he immediately spotted the taiyoukai and miko so he made a beeline towards them, Ginta and Hakkaku and the nanny trailing behind.

Once next to them, Kagome gave both kids a hug and kiss.  Sesshomaru gave his usual affectionate pat on the head to Rin and nodded his approval to the fox kit.  Nodding to the ookami, he said, “I see you have a beautiful partner for the night Lord Kouga.”  He smirked when he heard Rin giggle.

“Indeed.”  Kouga replied with a wide grin.  “Mine rivals yours for the most beautiful onna here!”  He tipped Kagome a wink while it said it, making her grin.  “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re all starving so we’re going to find some food.”  He said, nodding to them then moving off to go find something to eat.

Detaining the nanny, he told her the children could stay until the announcement about taking Kagome as his mate was made then she could take them back to their rooms.  After a nod, she headed off to catch up to her charges and the ookami.

Once they were all out of earshot, he told her, “You never cease to amaze me Kagome.  That was an excellent idea!”

“Thanks!”  She said with a smile.

“It’s going to be good having you by my side.  You’re intelligence will be something that will be most useful and welcome.”  He told her honestly.

“Thank you Sesshomaru.”  She replied blushing.  Then she changed the subject.  “Can we find something to eat please?  I’m so hungry that I think my stomach is starting to eat a hole through my backbone!”

“That is easily arranged.”  He told her. Nodding to one of the servants that were circulating with a tray of drinks, he sent them to retrieve a tray of food for the both of them then found a table to sit at.

While they ate several ‘people’ came over to sit and talk with them.  Much to Kagome’s surprise there were a few of them she had actually met before through her travels with Inuyasha.  All of those had been decent enough impressions so there were no problems.  A couple of them she actually really liked and got along well with so she greeted them like old friends.  Of course those younger onna’s she spent time with sat for a quick visit before wandering off to mingle with beings they hadn’t met before or hadn’t seen much.

…ks…ks…ks…

Almost an hour from the time they had made their appearance it was time for Sesshomaru to make his announcement.  With Kagome’s arm looped through his, he announced that he would be taking the Shikon Miko as his mate.  Of course the announcement was met with a round of applause.  His ego was given a good stroke, however, when he noticed that there were several of the ladies that were quite upset but almost all of the men that were at the fortress on a regular basis and had not mate or intended looked downright dejected.  Now, that was funny!  He also made sure that he pointed that out to Kagome, who blushed a bit and grinned sheepishly.

Like he had instructed, once the announcement was over and the congratulatory crowd had dispersed, the children’s nanny had the two kids in hand and let them to the couple so they could say goodnight.  After a quick hug and kiss from Kagome, she herded them off to attempt to get them to go to bed.

Once the kids were off to bed, Kouga went on to do what he did best’ putting the moves on and trying to woo all the single onnas present.  Ginta and Hakkaku had found a corner with some of the other younger males and sat around b.s.ing with them.  Kagome and Sesshomaru spent their time mingling as would be expected of them.  Sesshomaru had a few dealings he had to at least start on here and there so that gave him the opportunity to do that.  Plus, he was able to secure the OK from the lord that governed the lands that included Edo to allow him to station a few of his men in the small hamlet as extra protection for when Kagome went home.

After that was done, Kagome gave a bit of a tug on his arm, indicating she needed to say something to him quietly.  Leaning down closer to her, he asked, “Yes?”

“Can we step out on the balcony and get some fresh air please?  All these ‘people’ are making me a bit claustrophobic.”  She whispered.

Knowing that feeling all too well, he nodded.  “Of course.”  He, himself, had the start of a headache from all the noise.  He wasn’t used to being around this many beings either.  Putting a hand over the one she had wrapped around his arm, he steered them both through the crowed to the open balcony door.  Once outside he led her to the far end and sat down on one of the benches there.

Taking a few deep breaths of the cool, clean night air, she immodestly felt a great deal better.

Putting a hand on her shoulder, he gave it a gentle squeeze.  “I’m going to get us something to drink.  I’ll be right back.”  When he saw her nod, he quickly disappeared inside only to return a minute or so later with a glass of punch for the both of them.

Handing her a glass of it, he sat back down next to her and took a drink from his own.  Like her, the night air improved how he felt greatly.  So many bodies in one place always made the atmosphere seem stifling and hot.

Looking over at her, he felt a surge of pride over the way she had handled herself so far.  Quiet and polite, she had acted perfectly.  Plus the way she had greeted those she ha met before, like they were old friends, was perfect as well.  Though she may not have all the nuances of court protocol down pat her personality served her well to overcome that, leaving the right impression on all those she had been introduced to so far.  Slipping an arm around her, he placed a hand on the small of her back.  “I don’t think court is going to be a problem for you at all Kagome.  All your fears and concerns about it are groundless from what I’m seeing.”  He told her quietly.

Looking at him, she asked, “What makes you say that?”

“You’re a natural at this.  With very little work with what you needed to know you have done perfectly.  It seems your instincts of what to do are perfect because you’ve done nothing at all wrong from what I’ve seen.”  He praised.

Smiling, she nodded.  “Thanks!  It’s been nerve wracking but easier than I thought it would be.”  She admitted.  “But the way everyone’s fawned over me and all but groveled has made it really easy.”  She giggled.

“Yes, indeed, that always helps.”  He smirked.

They then talked a bit about some of those she had met with him, giving her a bit of background on them and a brief explanation of what they were known for with tidbits of gossip he had heard about them here and there.  Though he stayed away from matters of court and the drama involved with that he did listen to gossip when he heard about it because you never knew when something you overheard may assist you in some way.

Hand wrapped around his arm, she leaned against him, giggling as she listened to some of what he told her.

Putting a hand over the one she had wrapped around his arm, he looked down at her, smirking.  With his other hand he brushed an errant lock of hair behind her ear, gazing down into her eyes as he did.  From his perspective, it was a toss up between her eyes and legs as to which were her best feature.  Though he thought those beautiful orbs might edge out her long stems.  Those large, expressive doe eyes seemed to let you peer down into the very depths of her soul.

Finger trailing down her cheek, he found himself mesmerized by her eyes, unable and unwilling to pull his gaze from them.  Quietly, his beast urged him on, it telling him to kiss her.  It swore she wouldn’t pull away or reject him.  She would let him and wouldn’t ‘freak out’ it reassured.

Inclining his head, he leaned in close to her, feeling her breath brush against his skin as he closed the distance between them.  Then he felt her hand on his chest.  No, it wasn’t there to stop him, just to touch him.  Putting his hand over hers, he gave it a gentle squeeze.  Just as his lips were about to touch hers both of them jerked backwards when a very familiar voice close by called out her name.

Blushing, she licked her lips.  “I’m over here Kouga.”  She said quietly, still looking at the taiyoukai.

From Sesshomaru’s end, he silently cursed the ookami’s timing.  But, he quickly realized, if Kouga hadn’t interrupted them someone else probably would have.  With as many people as were in the ballroom, odds were high someone would have walked out in the middle of it anyway.

Coming over to them, the ookami had Kuni on one arm and Anikia on the other, both onnas grinning and giggling.  One look on the couples face made him give himself a mental kick in the ass.  Once again his knack for ‘perfect’ timing had shown its self and he was fairly certain he had interrupted something.  But, being who he was, he pressed on.  “There you two are!  We were wondering if you two had abandoned us and vanished for the night out of sheer boredom at all the fuddy-duddyness going on.”

That term made all three of the women giggle and the taiyoukai smirk.  “No, I assure you there was no ‘abandonment’.  Kagome just needed some fresh air is all.” Sesshomaru told him as he stood then helped the miko to her feet.

“I can appreciate that!”  Kouga said with a grin.  “Considering how stuffy most are in there it makes the atmosphere a bit stifling.”

“Indeed.”  Sesshomaru smirked.

“C’mon ladies, our mission has been accomplished and your friend is safe and in good hands.  Let’s see what else we can find to get into.”  Kouga told his two giggling companions as he led them away.

Watching them go, the taiyoukai gave a wicked internal grin.  He was going to have to make sure that Lakumi knew that her daughter had spent the night on the arm of the same ookami lord that she had insulted, resulting in her banishment from court.  And appeared to be enjoying herself immensely from the look of it.  Poetic justice if there ever was a case of it as far as he was concerned.  He was going to have to make sure that the old inu found out about that in great detail.

Leading Kagome back inside, he whispered to her, “We’ll only stay another hour or so, if nothing comes up then we’ll make our exit for the night.  Is that acceptable?”

“Works for me.”  She whispered back.

…ks…ks…ks…

True to his word, an hour later Sesshomaru began to let people know he and Kagome were calling it a night.  Once she had said goodnight to her friends and Kouga she and the taiyoukai made their exit and headed towards the family wing.

Stopping at the door to her chambers, he looked down at her. “Would you care to share my bed again tonight?  That is your right now you know.  Or would your prefer to sleep alone tonight?”  He asked her softly.  Though the bit about sleeping with him as her right wasn’t exactly true, it wasn’t really a lie either more like a grey area.  Technically, that was a right after the mating had taken place but it could apply to sleeping in your future mates chambers before then-no where did it say anything about in their bed though.  But, as far as he was concerned, it was her fight not to mention the fact that he like sleeping with her.

“Let me get cleaned up and changed then I’ll join you.”  She told him with a smile.

“That’s acceptable.”  He said with a nod.

Standing on her tip-toes, she put a hand on his chest and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek.  “I’ll see you in a few minutes then.”  She said when she broke it off.

Putting a hand on the small of her back, he gave her a kiss on the cheek as well.  When he saw her blush he smirked then said, “Just come into my chambers when you’re ready.”

“Will do.”  She giggled then disappeared into her room.