Chocolate Smiles by Stella Mira

A Pleasurable Reality

Sunset Miko’s Once A Week Challenge

Prompt: Pajamas

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This week, Kagome had decided to venture into the majestic world of classic literature. It had taken her some time, but she had finally acquired the novel of Genji Monogatari written in the archaic court language alongside with a translation to modern Japanese. Mostly, the language was difficult and unreadable even to a linguistics major such as herself, but it was well worth the cost and effort. The poems included in their original form were beautiful and lyrical when read aloud, but she had refrained from disturbing the other occupants of the park with her weird habits.

She was in the process of taking a break to enjoy her chocolate walnut fudge when she heard a loud splash accompanied by children’s laughter a few feet away. Turning her head in that direction with curiosity, she barely stifled a laugh at the mud-covered twins trying to bury their father in a puddle. The man, valiantly but quite unsuccessfully, fought to pull them out of it. Deciding it was time for a little intervention in hopes that she could be of help to the unfortunate man, she deposited the sweets back on the green tray to approach the struggling trio in measured steps.

“Emiko-chan!” She smiled down at the giggling girl on top of a disgruntled male in the mud pool.

“Kagome!” The girl’s smile was dazzling, her face barely visible under layers of the wet substance.

“I had wanted to share my chocolate fudge with you, guys, but I don’t think I can with you in that condition…What should I do now? I can’t throw them away and I can’t eat them by myself.” Kagome faked a troubled expression as she shared a hidden glance with their amused father. He nodded in silent thanks for her timely rescue and took the chance to pull his children out while they were distracted with thoughts of the awaiting sweets.

“Papa…” Both Emiko and Akira tugged at his pant leg with identical pleading expressions, begging him to find a solution to their predicament.

“I fear Kagome-san is right. It is highly unsanitary in your current state to indulge in eating.” He ruffled their matted locks when they assumed an adorable pout on their dejected faces.

“Kagome!” The children then turned their attention to the slightly shaking with laughter woman, giving her the look they had graced their father with but moments ago.

“Hm, I may have a solution to this, if you father approves of course.” Kagome smiled at their sucked breaths. “My apartment is in the building across from this park. You could come and clean yourselves there if it’s acceptable?” Her last sentence was spoken to their father in the midst of delight, squeals, and sparkling eyes.

“Very well.” His neck slanted and his gaze bored into hers. “If it is not a great inconvenience, I would be most grateful for your hospitality, Kagome-san.” The way he spoke her name made her knees grow weak. Kagome felt a wave of heat overcoming her at the deepness of his voice.

“Don’t mention it. I would be happy to lend a helping hand.” Kagome’s voice had gone breathy, her throat straining to push the words out. She bit her lip, suddenly feeling a lot more uncomfortable at her suggestion. She had not accounted for the imminent danger this would cause to her mental state when she had made the invitation. Clearly, she needed to prepare herself and steel her nerves lest she make a fool of herself, flirting with an unavailable man who simply harbored no such feelings toward her save for gratitude.

“Sesshōmaru.” The tone he used was too intimate, almost illicit, the kind of voice that implied naked skin and moans and perspiration. Her gaze widened at the husky sound and the images it evoked. Her thoughts traveled to the discarded book back at her bench that spoke of a Shining Prince and his conquests among the ladies of the palace. This exquisite man certainly shared the same seductive traits of the male lead. Any woman would melt and prostrate herself at his feet should he even hint he desired her company. But her shattered nerves couldn’t take much more of this sensational torture.

“Well, I need to gather my things. Would you mind waiting for me at the entrance of the park?” Kagome all but sprinted toward her wooden bench when he gave an affirmative nod, following after the delighted children running forward.

Snap out of it, girl! You invited him over for some refreshments and for the children to have a quic—

Panic lanced through her and she froze mid-thought. Oh God! It would be rude to let only the children take a shower…he…he would be naked in my bath!’ Kagome blanched when the reality of what she had actually suggested hit her head on. There was no way out of this now. She would act like a mature woman even if it killed her in the process and would not show a sliver of her inner turmoil to the handsome devil awaiting her a few feet away.

~~~~~

“Well, this is it!” Kagome motioned for them to step inside when all had removed their shoes at the entrance hall of her apartment, then went to the bathroom to see if there was any hot water left from this morning.

“I cannot thank you enough for this, Kagome-san.” Sesshōmaru’s voice filled the small space of her bathroom. Low, hypnotic tones. Kagome turned half-lidded eyes to peer at his reclining form on the door frame. He had his lean arms crossed over his chest, muscles taut and bulging under the intensity of her gaze.

“It’s fine, really. Would you like me to assist?” He arched a brow at her innocent question with a wicked curve on the corners of his perfect lips. Kagome flushed when she caught the innuendo and how her question was perceived. “I meant the children!”

“No, I do not wish to burden you more. I am quite accustomed to bathing them on my own. But your offer is most welcome.” His voice slid against her skin like velvet, sensuous, sensual. Then he disappeared to return with the twins secured in his toned arms.

“You can use the towels on the shelf and I have provided some of my summer pajamas for the children. I, uh, I don’t possess any male clothing, so you will have to do with a towel until I dry clean your clothes…or perhaps, my bath robe?” Kagome laughed awkwardly as she motioned to a dark purple, obviously feminine bath robe hanging from a high shelve on the bathroom’s wall, and Emiko erupted in laughter at the mental image of her father dressed in it.

“The towel shall suffice.” Sesshōmaru gave her a lopsided grin after pinning his daughter with a mock-stern expression, making her laugh even harder. Kagome closed the door with a smile, leaving them to their privacy, and went to ready the refreshments.