How Much Does A Kitsune Charge?

Chapter Four

He was in the shop, watching as she painted in her back yard. The shop was closed, but he had desperately wanted to see her. She looked adorably cute, dressed in summer clothes, painting barefoot in her garden. She was like a forest nymph to him, and he couldn't help but need to be near her.

Her long flowing green skirt was just above her ankles, revealing a shell ankle bracelet. Her white, ruffled top was sleeveless, and short on her. It rose quite high when she would raise her arms, but he only thought it sweeter. It was the voice behind him that startled him, however, and almost caused him to jump from his position.

"She wanted to go to the beach, but decided it was a bad idea. So, she brought the beach to her." Shippou said, placing his jar on the table where they had sat the other day. Sesshomaru looked to the painting the kitsune approached on the table, and saw it was a wor0k the young boy was working on.

"Shippou, is that you?" Kagome asked, turning from her painting. She saw his companion and smiled, her cheeks turning a lovely shade of pink. "Sesshomaru… it's lovely to see you again."

He felt his heart racing as she walked near them, her long black hair wavy, falling over her shoulders as she walked. His throat was suddenly dry as she stood in front of him. He picked her hand up, bringing it to his lips once more. "You look lovely, Kagome." He spoke, deeply.

Her blush intensified, biting her lip as his lips touched the back of her hand. "Thank you. You look well, yourself."

He smiled, letting go of her hand gently. "I did not mean to intrude on your day off." He said, watching as she smiled softly to him. Waving her hand, she walked towards her home.

"It's quite alright. Every day is a day off for me, anyway." She smiled, holding the door open for her guest. "Please, come in?"

He nodded, following her into the tiny home. He himself did not have a large home, though he could easily afford one if needed, but he found he liked the simpler, comfortable things in life. Looking around her home, he was quite envious. His own home was small, like her own, yet hers had the charm his had been lacking. He felt right here, and in the back of his mind, he wished he could be a part of her home.

"Tea?" She asked, going to the kettle that she had on her stove.

"Please," he said quietly, sitting at her dining table. He watched her movements, his eyes softening as she hummed quietly to herself. The sounds of metal and water filled his ears, telling him she was preparing their drinks.

"What brings you by today, Sesshomaru?" She asked, turning back to him. She said at the table, reaching into a basket centered, grabbing an apple. She offered him one, which he took thankfully.

"Curiosity, I suppose." He replied, taking a bite into his apple. She did the same with hers, smiling happily at him. "Thank you, for the apple."

"I grow them myself." She said, taking another bite. He should not have been surprised, he thought, after seeing how homely the woman was. He felt his face flushing, imagining him and her, harvesting crops together as they were surrounded by many children. He wished for such a life, he knew, but this was the first time he had ever imagined living one with another person.

"You continue to impress me, Kagome." He said, smiling softly. "I only hope you will not find me inadequate, having achieved such accomplishments yourself."

She blushed, shaking her head. "You're too kind, Sesshomaru. I only know the things I've been taught. Nothing more," She stood, hearing the kettle steaming. She poured the hot water into two cups, bringing home one. He took a deep sniff of the concoction, bringing it to his lips carefully.

"Are there things you do not know, then?" He asked. She smiled, sitting down at the table. He took a small sip, pleased by the taste. Jasmine and honey, a good mixture, he concluded.

"I don't know how to play the piano." She said, chuckling. He rose his brow, looking to her with a puzzling expression.

"I suppose it is only fair," he started, taking a deep breath as he overcame his nerve, "Perhaps I could perform, for you?" He was nervous. He never usually liked to perform in front of people, not when he was not using his alias. The smile that ruptured over her face, however, made him think harder about playing for her.

"I would love that." She said, looking down to her feet. "I-if you would like to. I know how it feels, to show people your passions… I get nervous, painting in front of others."

At her confession, he felt honored. She felt the same way he had, and yet she had drawn in front of him. Not only that, but she had drawn him. He smiled, looking into his cup thoughtfully. "Then, perhaps we could perform… together."

Her eyes brightened, and the gasp that left her lips made his heart soar. "That would be… lovely, Sesshomaru."

His blush increased tenfold. He would never tire of hearing her call his name.

A/N: Teehee, I love making Sesshomaru blush. 3