Youkai Academy

Chapter 18

They drove in silence, the only sound coming from the soft hum of the car engine and the occasional rustling of her clothing. Kagome kept her head resting on his shoulder with his arm around her waist, breathing in his familiar scent and gradually feeling her emotions settle.

"Are you feeling better?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle.

Kagome nodded, pulling away reluctantly.

She had the rationale of a woman in her twenties due to the whole time paradox but suffered from the emotional capacity of a teenager. It was overwhelming. But with Sesshomaru, she knew what to expect; he wasn't a man -demon- with ulterior motives or intentions. He may be a great tactician, but he had always been honest with her, even if the truth hurt to hear.

With a soft voice, she murmured an apology to him. "I'm sorry." Though at this point, she wasn't sure what she was sorry for. For ignoring him for so long? For having him live out several timelines because of her mistake? For calling him unexpectedly? For holding onto him as if her life depended on it? Or for all of the above.

He reached up to gently lift her chin, causing her to look up at him. As the human glamor he had worn faded away, she was again struck by his stunning beauty. "I will always come for you, Kagome," he vowed in a sincere voice. "No matter where you are or what you need."

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she spoke. "Thank you, Sesshomaru. You have no idea how much that means to me." A watery laugh erupted from her throat. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Sesshomaru."

He smiled, though it was only the slightest upturn of his lips, but it stole her breath away. Demons like him were too beautiful for their own good.

The door opened, and Kagome was greeted by a shorter, older man. Though he was wearing a hat that matched his suit, it was obvious that he was bald; his older features were sharp and pinched.

"Hello, Lady Kagome," he greeted in a shrill voice. "It's been a long time."

She stopped herself from leaping at him. He wasn't keen on touching humans.

"Hello, Master Jaken," she greeted with a warm smile.

"Instead of looking at me like that, I'd prefer you to hug me and be done with it."

"If you insist." Exiting the vehicle, Kagome crouched down, giving him a firm hug; he, much to her surprise, hugged her back just as tight.

"Tea will be waiting for you in the drawing room," Jaken informs Sesshomaru with a courteous bow.

They were greeted by two servants; they took Sesshomaru's coat and shoes, giving him slippers instead. They took Kagome's bag and shoes, offering her slippers nearly identical to Sesshomaru's but fit perfectly despite being for guests.

This time, Kagome was led down an entirely different hall. The mansion seemed more lively; the walls, which had seemed so vacant before, now had a pop of color that hadn't been noticeable due to the lack of lighting. She noticed that framed paintings and vases of flowers had now been added to the decor. The overall effect was much more welcoming than before.

As they walked the length of the expansive mansion, Sesshomaru remained stoic, but Kagome could sense a subtle shift in his demeanor. She wondered if she would ever truly understand this enigmatic demon lord.

Finally, they arrived at the drawing room.

The shoji screen doors slide open to reveal a serene and tranquil scene. The soft sound of a bamboo water fountain can be heard in the distance as Kagome steps onto the tatami mats that line the floor. A low wooden table stands at the center of the room, with delicate porcelain cups and a small teapot resting atop it.