A Sticky Situation by Creature of Shadow

A Sticky Situation

Alright, so here is my second entry for TangerineDreams Annual Ultimate Fanfiction Tournament. Please be sure to read both this one and my partner Luna's and send your vote on the one you feel is best to Tangerine Dreams. Enjoy! :D

Prompt: OCD Librarian Kagome with a phobia of tape.

Word Count: 5800

Warnings: None

Rating: M for slight language and innuendo

“Welcome to Nippon University young man, I'm sure you'll be quite happy here. We have the best professors and programs in the country.” the over-stuffed, fat dean told him as they walked the campus grounds.

“Hn.” 25 year old Sesshomaru replied uninterestedly. He had done his research on this school thoroughly, he knew exactly what was here and why it was the best. Hence his reason for attending.

“And this is the last stop on our tour. The library.” the annoying man said, pointing at a massive building. “Come let me show you around.”

“That is not necessary.” Sesshomaru responded, turning to leave.

“Nonsense, dear boy! I would be a terrible host to one of Japan's finest if I slacked in my duties.” the dean laughed, taking hold of the reluctant youkai's arm and guiding him into the building.

Once inside, Sesshomaru's eyes widened minutely. The vast collection of books, ancient scrolls and computer equipment impressed even him. Everything was pristine, cataloged and neat. Nothing out of place.

“There is nothing you can't find here, either in text or on our website. Every student has a user number and password for using the computers, which you will have to see our librarian about. There is a cafe there to your left, and a music center to your right where you can get access to music and sound-proof barriers should you want to listen to something while you study. Over here you'll find-”

“EVEN NUMBERS!! I've told you a hundred times, volume on an odd number is bad luck! Do you want the library roof to fall on our heads and kill us all? Do you want that on your conscience when you meet the Kami for judgment?! DO YOU?!?” a shrill voice shrieked from the music center.

“Oh dear. Looks like you will be meeting our librarian sooner than I had expected.” the dean said with a shake of his balding head. “She is the best librarian we have ever had, minus her few quirks.”

Sesshomaru's brow rose to his hairline, but he remained silent.

“Kagome dear, I think you've convinced the poor lad of his mistake.” the man called to the wild eyed woman on top of the computer desk.

Nodding apologetically to the shaking student, he pulled the young woman over to the stoic youkai.

“Kagome this is Sesshomaru Taisho, son of Touga Taisho, whom I'm sure you've heard of. Sesshomaru this is Kagome Higurashi, our librarian. You'll need to get your password and student ID card from her today.” he introduced.

“Hi Sesshomaru, you have nice eyebrows.” Kagome said as she extended her hand.

Eyebrow once again finding shade under his silvery bangs, Sesshomaru took her hand lightly.

Seeing the questioning look in his eyes, Kagome shrugged. “What? Uneven eyebrows that don't match should be a cardinal sin. It can destroy a beautiful face. I'm glad to see you don't have such issues. I would hate to have to shave a new student.” she told him airily as she motioned for him to follow her to her desk.

“I'll be leaving you in Ms. Higurashi's capable hands young Taisho. Be sure to come to me should you need anything.” the fat man announced as he left the building.

Sesshomaru fought the urge to sigh. He had gone from an irritating windbag, to a crazy female. What a productive start to a new school year.

“So Sesshomaru, what are you studying?” Kagome asked, typing his information into the computer. How she had gotten his paperwork from his hand without him knowing left him baffled, but he mentally shrugged it off and replied.

“Business.”

“Somehow I knew you were going to say that. All you rich kids come here for some sort of business degree.” she said.

“Hn. Do not compare me to the rest of the populace. And I am hardly a child.” he responded icily.

Kagome shrugged. “No offense meant. It's just that I've been here awhile and I’ve become pretty good at reading people. Though part of that could be because I'm a miko.”

“You're a miko?” he questioned before he could stop himself.

“Yup. It's a family thing.”

'I wonder if insanity is hereditary as well.' he thought, recalling the scene upon his arrival.

“I need to take your picture for your student ID. Look over here please.” she told him, pointing at a small webcam on her computer.

Sesshomaru barely had enough time to blink before a bright flash went off making him wish he had kept his eyes closed a bit longer.

“Good thing you look better in person than you do in photos.” she mumbled absently as she printed his card. “You look kinda stoned. But don't worry. Most people around here look like that all the time. For different reasons mind you.”

Sesshomaru looked at the offending card she handed him like it was a smutty magazine. It was by far the worst picture he had ever taken. His head half turned, eye lids uneven and half closed he did indeed look 'stoned', as she put it.

“I demand you retake this immediately.”

“You only get one ID card unless you lose it. Then there is a $15 dollar replacement fee.” she answered him, completely unconcerned by the world class death glare he had leveled on her.

Growling slightly, getting her attention, he pointedly held the ID card between two fingers and melted the horrid thing into a gooey puddle on her desk. “I seem to have lost my id, I will be needing a new one.”

Kagome stared at him, then at the goopy mass spreading on her once clean desk. Without another word, she picked up her chair and slammed it into the card printer, sending pieces of the innocent machine flying.

“I'm terribly sorry. My printer seems to have broken down. You'll have to come back when it's repaired in about 3 days. Don't forget the $15 fee.” she said with a sweet smile. “Now, here is your password for the computer systems on school property. It will be the same for dorms, and anywhere else on campus you access the internet.”

Sesshomaru took the small piece of paper and growled again. What the hell was wrong with this woman? And what the hell sort of password is flutterbunny?

“Unacceptable. Change it.” he groused, tossing the slip back on her desk.

“Sorry, can't be changed once it's in the computer til next term. Have a nice day Mr. Taisho.” And with that she turned her back on him and walked off.

♠♠Later that week♠♠

Of all the intolerable people he was forced to deal with on a daily basis, that woman had to be the worst. Because he did not have his school ID, Sesshomaru had not been able to check into his dorm, get his books or walk through the halls of the university without being stopped and questioned at every turn. That damnable wench had gone too far. But he would get everything fixed, and never set foot in that blasted library again. This firmly in mind, he quickened his pace up the steps to the building that employed the awful female.

Sesshomaru practically stomped through the massive doors, only to find that her aura was not in the building. Instead a young man sat at her desk, scrubbing what he recognized as remnants of his melted ID card.

“Where is the woman?” Sesshomaru asked as politely as his anger would allow.

Looking up for a moment, the man with the short ponytail shrugged. “She is on her lunch break. She will be back in about 5 minutes.”

“Hn. Perhaps you can assist me. I am in need of a new student ID card. The last one met its end rather suddenly.”

“I can't help you there. I don't touch Kagome's stuff.” the man replied.

“Are you not currently sitting at her desk?”

“Ah yes, I suppose I am. But only to clean up this mess someone left a few days ago. The evil aura it maintained had to be cleansed. It was making the janitors sick.”

Sesshomaru mentally smirked. “The librarian has spiritual powers. Could she not have cleaned it herself?”

“Not a chance in hell my friend. Kagome has an intense dislike of sticky substances. Tape especially, but anything sticky freaks her out. It's easier for me to do it and keep the peace in here.”

Just as Sesshomaru was about to respond, the library doors slammed and the loud irritating woman he had been waiting for appeared.

“COMPUTER NUMBER 4, NO WHISTLING OFFKEY. DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU SOUND LIKE? WHY DO YOU COME IN HERE TRYING TO FORCE ALL OUR EARS INTO HIDING? WHY MUST YOU TRY TO MAKE ME GO DEAF WITH YOUR POOR PITCH?!” Kagome screeched.

“Speaking of the lovely maiden.” the man behind the desk said, wincing at her voice level.

“Hn.”

Ignoring Sesshomaru, Kagome bounded over to her desk and patted the dark haired youth on the back. “Miroku you are a darling! Thank you so much for cleaning up this mess. I don't know what I would have done without you.” she squealed delightedly.

“Anytime. Now, if you wish to discuss payment.” Miroku replied, a lecherous gleam in his violet eyes.

THUNK

A dictionary of considerable size flew across the room and smacked the young monk square in the face, knocking the poor lad unconscious.

“Hentai.” Another female grumbled, not bothering to turn from her computer.

“Thanks Sango.” Kagome giggled.

“No problem.” the raven haired woman responded, as she gathered up her things and dragged the unconscious, yet silly grinning man out of the library.

Kagome sat and began typing on her computer. After about 3 minutes Sesshomaru began to growl.

“Oh Sesshomaru, I didn't see you there. How can I help you?” she asked with that irritatingly innocent smile.

“I have come for my new ID card.”

“Ah yes, I imagine you've had a hard time doing much of anything here at school without it, eh?” A mischievous gleam twinkled in her blue eyes as she looked at him.

For some unfathomable reason, Sesshomaru lost control of his vocal cords, and responded irately. “You know damn well what I have been dealing with, wench. Do not think I do not know your game. You will cease this behavior and treat me with the respect I deserve. Or I shall make things most unpleasant for you.”

Kagome snorted. “Riiight.”

Sesshomaru didn't bother to hide the smirk that appeared on his handsome face. He wordlessly picked up a document from her desk and tore it halfway through the center. “I wonder, librarian, if you have some tape I might borrow to fix this?”

The miko's eyes widened, almost bulging out of her skull. “T-t-tape? We don't keep tape in this library. Tape is bad. Baaaaad tape. Sticky tape.” she replied, her face turning slightly green.

“No matter. I happen to have some here in my pack. All good students carry tape.” he responded, taking a cartridge of scotch tape from his briefcase.

Kagome began to shake as the evil youkai pulled a short piece out to repair the paper.

“It seems I didn't get enough. Perhaps a bit more is necessary, hn?”

He pulled on the thin material slowly, each crack and snap of the tape sounding loudly in her ears. The document whole once again, he looked at his hand, feigning regret as he seemingly just noticed he had pulled too much tape off the reel.

“Shame to waste this, but I can always procure more.” he said, shaking the piece off his hand, watching almost gleefully as it fluttered into the trembling woman's hair.

Kagome stared at the bit of tape dangling from her bangs, unable to move, unable to think. Though when it finally did register in her mind fully what had happened, a gurgling sound came from her tightening throat. She began to convulse, and the smug look fell from the normally stoic face in front of her.

All at once, a group of students ran to assist the fallen female, but Sesshomaru could do nothing but watch as they tried to shove a book in her mouth to prevent her from swallowing her tongue. As her body seized, Sesshomaru found himself feeling...odd. Guilt, he suspected. An unfamiliar feeling to one such as himself. Without another word, he turned his back on the scene and left the poor swirly eyed librarian stuttering on the floor.

♠♠♠♠♠♠

Sesshomaru had expected the feeling of self-reproach from his actions to dissipate as the night wore on. Unfortunately for him, his rebellious conscience had other ideas. The more time went by, the worse he felt. What he had done had been disgraceful for someone of his station, and his temporary lapse in judgment had harmed an innocent human woman. Well, not innocent perhaps, since she had goaded him into it. Nevermind that he had absolutley no idea she would react as she did. But she did not deserve the strain he had added to her already fragile seeming mind.

He had meant to scare her a bit yes, knowing that she did have some strange phobia of tape. Now, as a result of his dishonorable actions, he would have to suck up his pride and apologize.

Sesshomaru sighed. This would be a first for him, and he had no idea how to go about doing it. Perhaps he would track down the monk who had cleaned up Kagome's desk yesterday. He seemed to know the woman, so he may be able to provide some insight to the crazy woman's mind so he can get this apology business over with.

Nodding to himself, he set off to do just that.

Finding the perverted male was simple enough. The dean was more than happy to provide a room number, and Sesshomaru's sense of smell was enough to get him the rest of the way. The inuyoukai greatly wished his sense of smell would mysteriously vanish for a short period of time when he reached the door to the monk's dorm room.

The disgusting odor of the man's sex reached through the door and curled around Sesshomaru's delicate nose. He had to fight the tickle in the back of his throat attempting to gag him. Shaking his head slightly, Sesshomaru pushed the awful scent to the back of his mind and knocked on the door.

No answer. Sesshomaru knocked again.

No answer once more. Losing his patience, the snowy-haired inu twisted the doorknob, breaking the lock and walked into the putrid air of Miroku's room.

“What the hell man?” Miroku cried, startled to find a rather angry looking youkai in his bedroom.

“You did not answer the door.” Sesshomaru replied impassively, tossing the broken doorknob on the bed, effectively hitting the woman shaped bump hiding under the covers.

“Well, what can I help you with Mr. Taisho?” Miroku asked as he stretched his nude body, unashamed.

“Cover yourself cretin, lest you find yourself missing certain appendages I am sure you would miss terribly. And what I have to say is not meant for any ears other than your own.” Sesshomaru told him, indicating the third party to their conversation.

Miroku paled and snatched the quilt from the female hiding beneath. Sesshomaru recognized the disgruntled looking woman as the one who had dragged the monk from the library the day before. Glaring coldly at her, Sesshomaru growled.

“Leave.”

“Don't have to tell me twice.” Sango said, wrapping a sheet around her body tightly and exiting the room.

“I hope this is important, seeing as you've ruined my entertainment for the night.” Miroku groused after his girlfriend closed the broken door.

“I need your assistance.” Sesshomaru replied.

“Oh?”

“The librarian Kagome, I find myself in an unusual situation. As I caused the incident yesterday, my honor demands I apologize to her.” Sesshomaru told him begrudgingly.

“Ah. A simple I'm sorry won't do?” Miroku asked, a glimmer of amusement in his violet eyes.

“I am not accustomed to such things. A gift of some sort is more appealing.”

Miroku regarded the icy youkai for a moment, wondering if there was more to this than even Sesshomaru knew himself. “Well, she enjoys children. There is a park she frequents not far from here, perhaps you can take her there and play with her and the kids she entertains.”

Sesshomaru's amber orbs narrowed. Children were loud and obnoxious. “I do not think I am suited for such an activity.”

“I see. You could take her out to lunch then I suppose. She likes the cafe down the street from here.”

Sesshomaru nodded. “That is acceptable.” With that, he turned and left the monk staring at his back with a twinkle in his eyes.

♠♠♠♠

Sesshomaru sighed outside the library doors, and steeled himself for what he was about to do. He had no doubt the woman would be resistant to going anywhere with him, but he had confidence in his charm. As long as he could hold his temper in check, he would prevail. Though that was the thorn in the whole plan. The librarian seemed to be the only living creature able to break is legendary control. Cracking his neck, he entered the building.

As he expected, Kagome was not at her desk. The shrill sound of her voice echoed through the large area, and he spotted the tiny female red-faced and shaking in the music center once again.

“It's bad luck! Why, Kouga, why do we have to go through this every single day?!?! You have to keep the volume levels on an even number! YOU HAVE TO!!” she screeched at a grinning wolf youkai.

“How else am I supposed to pull you away from your job? If you'd agree to go on a date with me I wouldn't have to keep doing this.” he smirked.

“Kouga, we've been over this. I like you as a friend, that's it. And trying to con me into a date is not worth the bad luck you bring here when you mess with the volume levels!” Kagome told him exasperatedly.

Before the loud mouthed wolf could open his mouth again, Sesshomaru cleared his throat.

Stormy blue eyes met his own golden orbs, and narrowed dangerously.

“You!” Kagome growled, stomping up to him. “Just what do you think you're doing here after the stunt you pulled yesterday?”

“Come.” Sesshomaru said, turning his back on the irate woman.

“Hey! You come back here mister, I'm not done with you yet!” she yelled, moving ahead of him and blocking his path. “Do you have any idea what you di-oof!”

The world had suddenly turned upside down and Kagome found herself very suddenly staring at the well toned ass of the youkai. Eye twitching irritatedly, she began to pound on the male's back.

“Put me down! I'm not a sack of potatoes ya know!”

“Hn.” Sesshomaru replied impassively, not losing a step in his stride.

Before Kagome had time to protest again, she was tossed into the passenger seat of a sleek, silver BMW. By the time she righted herself, Sesshomaru had already gotten in the driver's seat and began pulling out of the parking lot.

“Just what the hell do you think you're doing? You can't just throw people over your shoulder and stuff them in your car! This is..this is kidnapping!” she cried.

“You are hardly a child, miko.” Sesshomaru scoffed.

Granted, he had not planned on the situation playing out as it had, but with her towering ire regarding himself he saw no other option in getting her to comply. He had gotten her into the car, and would now work on appeasing her temper.

“That's hardly the point Sesshomaru.” Kagome pouted.

Sesshomaru sighed. Perhaps he would wait until they reached the cafe to talk some sense into her. Mentally nodding, he switched on the radio, unknowingly leaving the volume on an odd number.

Kagome, of course, noticed this and reached up to change it, dropping the level down my one notch.

“Woman, do not touch my stereo.” Sesshomaru warned, returning the level to it's former position.

“It's bad luck to leave volume's on odd numbers. Odd numbers as a whole are bad luck.” she griped, switching it back again.

Wordlessly, Sesshomaru changed it once more.

“UGH! If you're going to force me to be here you could at least take my feelings into consideration. Not like I chose to come with you, you jerk.” Kagome shouted, reaching up to change it again.

Sesshomaru moved to stop her, and before he knew it, they were fighting over the control. A few short minutes later, swerving down the road as Sesshomaru struggled to keep his hands on the wheel and the volume knob, Kagome screaming curses into his sensitive ears, an electrical buzz could be heard within the small space of the vehicle. A spark shot out of the stereo, and with a puff of smoke, the poor machine gave out.

They both stared at it for a moment, when a horn sounded and woke them from their stupor. Sesshomaru cursed, and brought the car back to the right side of the road.

Kagome sat wide eyed, starring straight ahead as they continued on down the street. “Oops, hehe.”

“Indeed.”

“So where are we going anyway?” she asked, her tone much calmer than he had heard it all day.

“To the cafe down the road.”

Face brightening, Kagome gave him a genuine smile. “To La Petite?” When he nodded, her smile widened. “That's my favorite restaurant in the whole city.”

“Hn.”

“This wouldn't be an apology for yesterday, would it?” she asked him slyly.

Sesshomaru glanced at her briefly and nodded once again.

“And you're treating?”

Again he nodded, though this time more stiffly than before.

“Well, then I suppose I can forgive you. I haven't been here in ages.” Kagome told him slightly giddy in her excitement. Looking at him shyly, she blushed. “Thank you.”

Sesshomaru turned his gaze to her crimson face once more, reluctantly acknowledging the prettiness of her face. She was much more pleasant to be around without her insane yammering. “You are welcome.”

Once at the cafe, they were seated quickly and began going over the menu.

“My father used to take me here when I did something good. Like finished my chores quickly or when I came home with a good report card.” Kagome told him wistfully. “I try to come once a month, for sentimental purposes, but I've been so busy lately I haven't had the chance.”

So this place was special to the girl. Sesshomaru mentally made a note to thank the monk when he returned to campus.

“Do you have a place like this? Somewhere you have great memories with your family?” Kagome asked.

“My family is not one that spends much time together.” Sesshomaru responded shortly.

“That's too bad. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have this place. As I get older the memories of my father fade a little more each year. This is one tangible thing I can keep of him.” she said misty eyed.

“Your father passed on?”

Kagome nodded. “Elevator broke down at the building he was working at. On the 27th floor, the cables broke and it fell.”

'27th floor. So that is where the fear of odd numbers stems from.' Sesshomaru thought absently.

After their orders had been placed, the pair continued to converse lightly, and both were surprised to find the company of the other pleasant.

“So, you've been listening to me ramble on about myself this whole time. Tell me something about you.” Kagome said.

“There is not much to tell.” Sesshomaru replied.

“Try. Please?”

Sesshomaru sighed. “I grew up in a wealthy family. My mother left when I was a small pup and my father remarried a human woman, thus producing my irritating half brother. I rarely saw him after that unless he needed something of me.”

“So you pretty much lost both of your parents after your mother left then.” she stated, tears welling up in her sapphire eyes.

“I do not need nor want your pity.” Sesshomaru told her stiffly.

A warm hand covered his, and Sesshomaru looked up at his companion a bit startled. What he saw in her expression was not pity, but understanding and compassion.

“I don't pity you, Sesshomaru. I just think it's a shame that a child anywhere would have to grow up without the love from a family.”

“Hn.” The entire situation had just become uncomfortable to him, and Sesshomaru had to fight the urge to fidget under her kind gaze. “We must depart. Your lunch hour is almost over.”

Kagome smiled softly and nodded, gathering her doggy bag and standing to follow him back to the car.

Back at the school, Sesshomaru walked Kagome to the library, got his ID card and bid her farewell. He stood now on the balcony of his apartment deep in thought. No one had ever seen fit to test his patience, touch him, and open up to him as the infuriating little woman had. Another unfamiliar feeling wormed it's way into his chest, only this time Sesshomaru was unable to uncover it's origin. With one last glance at the moon, so similar to the symbol adorning his forehead, he went inside and tried to drown the warmth in his heart in sleep.

Kagome was not fairing much better. For the first time in her life, she was experiencing what she had decided was attraction to someone. And not just any someone, the cold taiyoukai that had stolen her away from her job earlier in the day.

He had opened up to her slightly, something she felt certain he did for no one. And she to him. She tried very hard to keep her life private, but she had been unable to keep from spilling her soul to the stoic Adonis that had sat across the table. They had both, despite the beginning of the lunch, treated the occasion much like one would a date. Not like Kagome had much experience on the subject, having only been on a total of two in her life. But the feeling was there. She was sure of it. Now, gazing at the moonlight peering through her window, she fell asleep with a slight hope for the future, dreaming of silver hair and shimmering golden eyes.

♠♠♠♠♠

Over the next few weeks when not in classes, Sesshomaru found himself in the library or at the little cafe with the fiery little woman he had somehow become attached to. Her company soothed his savage soul in a way none other had even come close to reaching.

Of course, they still argued and picked at each other relentlessly, but it had become more of a game than anything else. Each one knowing the others limits. The female intrigued him immensely. More so than he would care to admit to anyone, even himself at times. Before he knew it, Sesshomaru, the cold taiyoukai who cared for no one, found himself wanting more from her. What it was he wanted, he had no idea. The feeling was a first for him, and he was unsure how to go about it.

This is how he once again found himself at Miroku's door. Smelling the activity inside the room, Sesshomaru sighed. This time he did not bother knocking, knowing he would be waiting outside for a long time. Pulling the doorknob off the door once again, he walked into the room.

“I suggest you cover yourselves.” Sesshomaru advised, announcing his presence to the entwined couple beneath the sheets.

“Dammit Sesshomaru!” Miroku cried, rolling of off Sango angrily. “What the hell?”

“I need to speak with you.” he replied, as if it were obvious.

“Couldn't it have waited?!”

“No.”

The look the inu was giving him left no room for argument, and Miroku sighed longingly as he watched Sango pull the sheet around herself before leaving.

“See you boys later.” she called good naturedly.

How she can be in good spirits after being interrupted was beyond the frustrated monk. “What can I do for you today, Sesshomaru?”

“I have found myself in yet another unfamiliar situation regarding Kagome. I am unsure how to proceed.”

Miroku looked uninterested. “What sort of situation? As far as I have seen things seem to be progressing nicely between the two of you. What's the problem?”

“I wish for more to come from our relationship, but I do not know what it is I want.”

“You like her.” he said simply.

“Yes.”

“So take her out on an actual date. This isn't rocket science, Sesshomaru. One with your intelligence should be able to figure it out.”

Sesshomaru growled. “ I do not know how to...” he left the sentence hanging.

“Just ask her out. You've had to have done this before now.”

“It is not the same.”

“Because you actually care about this girl more than for just one night of carnal pleasure.” Miroku finished for him ,smirking at the glare Sesshomaru sent him for figuring him out so easily. “Just ask her. Nothing fancy is needed to impress a girl like Kagome. I have full confidence in you. Now, if you'll excuse me I'm going to go see if I can salvage my evening.” He said, ushering the towering taiyoukai out his broken door.

Once again, Sesshomaru found himself standing somewhat nervously outside the library, waiting for the flighty librarian to leave for the night. Before he had time to run his monologue through his head again, the dainty little woman walked out, jumping slightly when she noticed him standing there.

“Oh, Sesshomaru you scared me!” she giggled, swatting him lightly on the arm.

“Apologies.”

“So what brings you here, lurking outside the building at this hour?” she asked, locking the giant oak doors.

“This one would like you to accompany him to dinner tonight.”

Kagome looked at him, brow slipping up to her hairline. “What's with the formal speech?” Then the question lying in his words became clear. “Y-you mean like a date?”

Sesshomaru nodded.

Kagome's heart fluttered. She was beginning to think he would never ask. “Of course! Just let me run up to my apartment and change.” she said, her face glowing brightly.

Minutes later, the pair were in Sesshomaru's car speeding downtown. They pulled up at a nice, but quaint restaurant in the heart of the city and Kagome's breath caught in her throat. Sesshomaru had gotten out of the car, opened her door and was patiently waiting for her to take his extended hand. Reaching for it shyly, he helped her out of the car and lead her into the building, never once letting go of her trembling hand.

“Soooo...” Kagome started lamely after their orders had been placed, nervousness taking hold of her normally nonstop speech.

“Indeed.” Sesshomaru replied.

Tension was thick in the air, neither brave enough to start a conversation. After a few moments, Sesshomaru spoke up.

“Why do you fear tape?”

The topic was far from normal, but the words came out before he could stop them. She looked up at him, startled, but smiled timidly.

“It's not just tape. It's all things sticky. It just, I don't know, creeps me out. I have no logical reasons for most of my quirks.”

“Indeed.” Sesshomaru replied with a slight grin.

“Hey! You're cold and distant most of the time, so you have no place judging me!” she told him indignantly.

Sesshomaru smirked.

The couple ate in silence, and the car ride home was not faring any better. Sesshomaru decided he really needed to get his stereo fixed. He walked her to her door, and Kagome fidgeted nervously.

“Do you...” Kagome paused. “Do you think I'm weird?” she asked quietly.

“I think you are different.” he responded.

“Oh.”

Sesshomaru hooked a finger under her chin, forcing her gaze to his. “I think you are special.”

Kagome scoffed. “Special Ed. Right? I'm sorry. This was a waste of time.” she said turning to unlock her door.

That did not go as he had planned at all. He stopped her, and pinned her to the door. “That was meant as a compliment, not an insult.”

“Don't play with me Sesshomaru.” she replied, her voice barely a whisper. Insecurity had reared it's ugly head, and she didn't know how to force it back.

“Do not accuse me of such. I am not the sort of male to toy with anyone, much less the woman I have found myself caring for.”

Kagome looked at him, disbelief plainly writ in her eyes. “Really?”

A silver brow rose. “Do you now suggest I would lie?”

“I-I...I don't know. I just mff-”

His lips suddenly crashed down onto hers, cutting her sentence off completely. Kagome was too stunned to move at first. Her first kiss had not come as she had always fantasized it would, but after a moment she decided it was amazing all the same. Just as he began to pull away, disheartened by her lack of participation, she buried her fingers into his pale locks and kissed him back.

Neither knew how much time had passed, nothing mattering but the tight embrace, and the caressing strokes as they got braver in their actions. After what had to have been minutes, he pulled away, breathing heavily and rested his forehead against hers.

The flush on her cheeks and half lidded gaze he was rewarded with had him purring. What he wouldn't give to push through her door and show her just what exactly it was he could do to her body. But it was too soon.

Kagome struggled to catch her breath. Between the fierce passion of his kiss and the lack of oxygen to her brain, her head was swimming. Heat pooled in her belly, and Kagome found herself wanting to explore this new feeling. Something told her only Sesshomaru could put out the fire started in her lower abdomen.

“Another time.” he promised, scenting her arousal and fighting with himself not to take her up on the offer she so plainly laid out for him. He squeezed her hand, kissed her palm lightly and went back to his own room, for a very, very cold shower, leaving a flustered Kagome leaning against her door grinning like a fool.

The next day, Sesshomaru walked determinedly to Miroku's room, set on finding out just how long a wait was necessary before he deflowered his slightly insane, yet beautiful librarian. His timing, apparently, was bad once again. But Sesshomaru set out with a purpose, and he was not one to be denied once he set his sights on achieving a goal.

Busting the lock and consequentially the door knob once again, he walked in the room.

Sango, hearing his approach this time turned her head from her position atop the monk and smiled. “Hey Sesshomaru, I'll just be a minute.” she told him with a giggle.

When she had finished, she bid them good day and waltzed out the door.

Miroku groaned frustratedly. He would never get off again, and the fact that Sango had this time made it that much worse.

“Knocking seems to be outside your orbit of thinking.” he grouched at the amused youkai standing before him. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”

“How long does one wait before bedding ones female?” he asked bluntly.

Miroku stared at the taiyoukai for a moment, before laughing almost hysterically. “You want me to help you get laid when you keep barging in here and stopping me from exactly that?”

Sesshomaru glared at him. “I do not need help getting her there. She was willing last night. I just do not wish to rush into it. She is...untouched.”

Shrugging, a mirthful gleam overshadowing his previous frustrations, Miroku shook his head. “There is no set time limit, Sesshomaru. Just do what feels right. Only you and Kagome can figure that out.”

“That is extremely unhelpful.” Sesshomaru pointed out.

“Be that as it may, unless by some chance you are going to invite me into the bedroom to join in, there isn't much I can provide you with on this matter.” the monk responded lecherously.

Sesshomaru gave one of his patented death stares, and broke out into a smirk so evil, Miroku couldn't help but shiver. “I am telling Sango.” he stated, leaving a now panicked monk tripping over his blankets in a futile attempt to stop the youkai from causing a rift between him and his woman that would surely result in no bed play for a very long time.

♠♠♠♠

The monk's words had been more helpful than Sesshomaru had previously thought. Over the course of the next 2 weeks, he had taken Kagome out as much as time allowed, each night ending with a flustered couple lying on her couch. And each night, Sesshomaru took things further than the last.

Tonight would be the night, he practically sang in the confines of his mind. The night before, he had left his female with an almost desperate need for him. Today, he had driven her nearly mad with his taunting. Running his tongue seductively over his lips from the other side of the library, subtle touches when he passed by her in the building. Oh yes, tonight would be the night.

He offered to cook her dinner, which meant they would be alone in his apartment. Lining candles along the wall, he set the room up for the romantic, passion filled night he knew it would be. Sesshomaru fully intended on charming the pants off his little female tonight.

At the knock on the door, Sesshomaru smirked. It was time to put his plan into action.

“Good evening.” he said, as she smiled and entered his home for the first time.

“Hey!” she said, looking around the dimly lit atmosphere with anxious anticipation. Kagome was no fool, she knew exactly what her boyfriend had planned tonight.

He sat her down at the table, and returned to the kitchen. Kagome dropped her lip gloss on the floor at precisely the wrong moment however, and Sesshomaru could help but stare at the rounded behind she had presented him with. He leaned forward just a hair too much, and spilt the cooking wine onto the flame. A small explosion, and the smell of burnt hair permeated the kitchen. Shocked, Sesshomaru felt his face, finding it mostly unscathed. But, patches of his left eyebrow had been burned completely off.

Sighing, knowing this was one of her pet peeves, he steeled his shoulders and served them both the delicacies he had created, letting out a breath of relief when she looked at him oddly for a moment and settled into a comfortable conversation. That was of course, until Sesshomaru unknowingly dribbled a bit of sauce down his lower lip.

Kagome stared for a moment, before standing up and walking towards the surprised youkai. Without a second thought, she leaned over and licked the sweet substance from his face. She squealed slightly when he pulled her into his lap, and pressed his lips to hers with a desperation she matched one hundred percent.

“Let's -pant- skip dessert.” she begged breathily, moaning at the feel of his lips devouring the tender flesh of her neck.

Sesshomaru chuckled lowly, the vibrations running through Kagome like electricity. “You are dessert.” he replied, lifting her and practically skipping into his bedroom.

♠♠♠♠♠♠

“Wow.” Kagome said, laying against her stoic lover's chest.

“Indeed.”

Kagome giggled. “Took you long enough.”

Sesshomaru raised his slightly singed eyebrow, a shocked expression on his handsome face. Noting the devious look in Kagome's glittering orbs, he smirked and rolled them over.

“A-again?!” Kagome stuttered.

“Hn.”

♠♠♠♠

Late that night, Kagome found that the soreness of her body was not enough to lull her to sleep. Not while that abomination of a splotchy eyebrow lay there staring her in the face. Getting up quietly so she would not disturb the slumbering taiyoukai in the bed with her, she tip-toed into the bathroom and grabbed a razor and wet rag.

“I'm sorry Sesshomaru. But it's really for your own good. This will encourage proper growth so it doesn't remain a mar on your perfect face.” she whispered almost silently.

The next morning, Sesshomaru awoke to the pleasant feeling of his lover's body tucked closely to his. Unfortunately, nature called, so he carefully climbed out of bed and headed to the bathroom. When he was finished with his business, he went to the sink to wash his hands, but stopped abruptly as he stared at his reflection in the mirror disbelievingly.

What had remained of his charred brow was gone, replaced by an amateur white eye-liner drawing of his once pristine eyebrow. That infuriating woman had shaven the leftovers of his original off his face, and attempted to recreate it with make up.

Sesshomaru growled fiercely. “Woman!”

“Eeep!”

fin~

Note from the beta: be proud of her, she finished ahead of schedule for once and this story is totally worth it!!! –Rubs peanut butter all over Shadow’s hair- and that’s for all the complaining!

AN: >_> I still have one of your chapters remember. @ ebil beta.

Anyway, hope you liked! Don't forget to read Luna's (my not so secret online wife) and vote please and thank you!