The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Inquiry

Chapter 31 - The Inquiry *History* (Skye's Weekly Challenges)

In an effort to impress the miko, Sesshoumaru had insisted they stay at an inn for the night. He had the funds, thanks to his General's forethought, and he didn't want Kagome sleeping in the snow if he could prevent it. His attempt to show off, however, backfired on him in the end.

They had enjoyed an extravagant meal, and the taiyoukai had taken great pleasure in the joy on the miko's face as she and Sango headed off for hot baths. The problem didn't arise until bedtime. The hanyou had told him to get two rooms, as that was what they did whenever they managed to stay at an inn. Sesshoumaru hadn't thought things through when he did as asked. When he discovered that the men were to stay in one while the ladies slept in the other, he was greatly displeased, but had managed to hide it.

Now, stuck in a room with Inuyasha and Miroku, he was finding it difficult not to pout. How was he supposed to get closer to Kagome if he wasn't even in the same room as she was?!

"Are you not concerned for the safety of the women?" Sesshoumaru asked while trying to sound as disinterested as possible.

"Nah," Inuyasha said as he stretched out. He wasn't likely to actually sleep, but that didn't mean he couldn't get comfortable. "Sango can hold her own, and they've got Kirara and Shippo with them. If nothing else, the runt will let us know if there's trouble. The wench ain't quiet about it when she's scared, either, so we'd hear."

Miroku decided it best to explain their reasoning for two rooms since it was obvious Inuyasha had no intention of doing so. "It is best for the women to stay in one room, and the men in another. We have all shared a room in the past. It only arouses suspicion. The innkeeper and villagers make unkind assumptions about the virtue of the ladies."

Sesshoumaru had to bite back a snarl at the newly revealed information. They assumed his Kagome was a loose woman? How dare they think such a thing about his angel? It was ludicrous to believe that the miko and the slayer sharing a room with their companions automatically meant that they were having sex with them! He couldn't keep from cracking his knuckles as he flexed his claws, but thankfully neither the hanyou nor the monk noticed.

Deciding that now was the perfect opportunity to get some of his questions answered, Sesshoumaru swallowed his rage, forcing his voice to remain calm. "Are you and the slayer not together?"

Miroku grinned like a fool as he answered, eager to tell anyone what would listen about his sweet Sango. "It is not official or anything, but once we have completed our quest, I intend to make her my wife."

Sesshoumaru nodded, taking a slow breath before forging forward. "And you, Inuyasha? When do you and Kagome intend to mate?"

Inuyasha burst into a coughing fit, his cheeks flaring red with embarrassment. He certainly had not expected the taiyoukai to ask that question! When he could breath properly again, he immediately set out to correct Sesshoumaru's assumption. "Me and the wench? Mate? Where'd you get that idea? No, no, we're just friends. She's my best friend, but there's... there's just too much history there."

"History?" Sesshoumaru subtly prodded for more information.

Inuyasha turned away, refusing to elaborate, and so Miroku once again took up the task. The taiyoukai made him nervous and conversation was helping calm his nerves, even if he was speaking with the intimidating Sesshoumaru himself.

"Kagome looks quite like Inuyasha's first love, Kikyo. She is actually the miko's reincarnation.  Urasue brought Kikyo back to life in a clay body. They share a soul and for a time, Inuyasha was torn between them. It was very confusing for him, and painful for Kagome, as he could not choose. Eventually, Kagome and Inuyasha agreed that it was best for everyone if they were to remain friends. She could never be sure if he truly wanted her or just the Kikyo he saw in her, and so it is better this way. They make better friends anyway."

The hanyou rolled his eyes. "Gee, Miroku, just tell him my whole life story, why not?"

"Kikyo is the miko who pinned you to the God Tree, yes, Inuyasha?" Sesshoumaru asked, ignoring the hanyou's obvious distaste for the entire conversation.

"Yeah, but it wasn't her fault. Naraku tricked us both and... Fuck, why am I explaining this to you? It's none of your damn business!"

"Inuyasha," Miroku scolded. "Your brother is simply trying to learn more about you. Now that he has acknowledged you, it is only natural that he be curious about your life, as well as your companions." The monk turned to Sesshoumaru with a grin. "He has never been very open when it comes to emotions. Inuyasha does not share well, and trusts very few people."

"No wonder why," the hanyou muttered. "Who the hell was I supposed to trust? Him?" He jerked a thumb at the taiyoukai. "Not like he was interested in a brotherly relationship. Now that you need my help, that changes everything? Fuck that."

"Inuyasha, you judge too harshly. You have an opportunity here to know your only family, and we both know that Kagome would not approve of your attitude."

"What the fuck ever," the hanyou growled. "He doesn't need to know all the gory details of my life.  Kagome and I aren't mating. That's what he asked. That's all he needs to know. No reason to go any further."

Miroku sighed and threw up his hands in surrender, surprised that Sesshoumaru had shown no sign of insult. Inuyasha had been incredibly rude, and as far as the monk knew, through the occasional crossing of their paths, the taiyoukai did not appreciate disrespect. He studied Sesshoumaru's face for a moment, confused by his expression, before turning away. It was obvious the taiyoukai was deep in thought, and he had no intention of interrupting him.

Sesshoumaru was, indeed, deep in his own mind. Kagome was not romantically linked to Inuyasha. That was a relief. If she had been in a relationship with the hanyou, his task would have been a million times more difficult. Now, instead of having to steal her away from his brother, he only had to get her to fall in love with him. The taiyoukai mentally sighed. It still seemed an insurmountable goal, but one possible blockade to his success had been removed.

No one noticed that Miroku had slipped and said that Kagome was Kikyo's reincarnation. No one realized that to be such, she would have had to be born hundreds of years after Kikyo's death. It was a good thing, too, because Sesshoumaru was in no position to fake ignorance as to Kagome's true origins at the moment. He was far too focused on figuring out the next step in his plan.