Counseling by Isabelle

Chapter 1

"Sesshomaru, its either this or we call it quits. I love you, but I can't live like this..." Kagome said as the elevator doors opened to a plush waiting room. She signed in with the receptionist before sitting across from him in a leather armchair, crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"Kagome, I don't see how this is necessary. Why can't we work this out like always?" He asked as he reached for her hand.

Kagome didn't uncross her hands. "Not everything can be worked out with sex, Sesshou. You give me that look and I give in and forgive you every time. Its not going to work anymore. Look, give this a chance, ok?"

"Counseling though?" Sesshomaru asked incredulously. "Kagome, this may be a little extreme. I told you, the assignment is almost done and then after that, I'll be home more."

"Even when you are home you're always working! You don't answer your phone when I call, and when we do talk, you act like you're not even interested... and I'm sick of it." Kagome broke off to wipe the tears from her face. "All I'm asking for is a chance."

Sesshomaru stiffened at her tears and nodded his consent, handing her a tissue from the table beside him. "Kagome, please, don't cry. I didn't mean to upset you like this."

She took the tissue, wiped her eyes, and sniffed. "I do love you, Sesshou, but its time we deal with this."

"Kagome and Sesshomaru? Miroku will see you now." The receptionist announced cheerfully.

Sesshomaru stood up and offered Kagome his arm, inwardly relieved when she accepted the gesture. They walked into the office, not surprised that it was just as sleek as the waiting room. Sitting behind the desk opposite the door was Miroku, their counselor, reading over their file. He looked up at the couple, blinked once, then smiled.

"Hello Kagome, Sesshomaru; its nice to finally meet you both. Please, have a seat." He offered, pointing to the two chairs in front of the desk. "Now I know that at least one of you is skeptical about this meeting, but let me assure you that my purpose is to listen and observe you two. I am not here to criticize or pass judgment on either of you. If you want, think of me simply as a sounding board."

Kagome glanced through her bangs at the man sitting beside her. "I'm at my wits end with him and his secrets. He works extremely late, comes home grumpy or not at all, and when he is home, he doesn't stop working! He's constantly either on the computer or on the phone, and he hardly spends time with me. I know his job is difficult, and I support him the best that I can, but I'm only human; I do have needs. I've even moved out of the master bedroom to give him his space since that's what it seems he wants..."

"You didn't ever ask me what I--"

 "When can I?! You're hardly home, you ignore my calls, how am I supposed to ask you anything?!" Kagome yelled.

"Kagome, just take it easy. Let Sesshomaru explain what's going on."

Sesshomaru looked into Kagome's eyes and flinched at the anger and hurt. "Kagome, you know I would never want to hurt you, but there's a good reason for all of the shady behavior, I just... can't tell you yet. Its nothing to be worried about, just me having to plan an event. I promise, all of this is almost over."

"You've been saying that for a while now Sesshomaru! I'm sick of the promise."

Sesshomaru sighed in frustration and muttered to himself before turning to face her. "Kagome, look at me..." He knelt in front of her chair, his height making his eyes level with hers. "I'm truly sorry and I'm not going to put you through this heartache anymore. The event wasn't for work, Kagome, it was for us. I've been planning this for a long while, but seeing how its taking a toll on you, I'm forgoing the plan."

He reached into his pocket and pulled a box out.

"Kagome... will you marry me?" He asked.

"Yes!" Kagome squealed before swatting his shoulder. "Don't worry me like that, though, Sesshomaru..."

Miroku cleared his throat and stood up. "Well, I see that my job is done... I'll send you my bill."r0