The Emperor's New Clothes by Forthright [Oneshot #40]
Title: The Emperor’s New Clothes
Author: Forthright
Theme: Interlude
Genre: General
Rating: G
Words: 1,032
Warnings: This will be added to Unspoiled in due course, but you’re not necessarily receiving contest entries in chronological order. Each piece makes sense, but they’ll make more sense when put together.
Summary: CU. Guests are expected, and preparations are made.
The Emperor’s New Clothes
Kagome turned, burrowing closer to the warm body at her side, stubbornly resisting the lure of sunrise and songbirds. Somewhere in the space between sleeping and waking, a tall figure dressed in white appeared, and she was startled when he calmly approached her. He’s always ignored me, she thought faintly as Sesshoumaru came to a stop right in front of her and solemnly studied her face.
Her heart beat crazily as he reached for her, placing his hand on her shoulder. “Higurashi, wake up,” he urged in a smooth, deep voice. Tongue-tied, she shook her head, and in a gesture she now knew, he cocked his head to one side. “We will be late.”
Releasing her shoulder, the taiyoukai tentatively brushed her cheek with the back of his hand, and Kagome’s eyes shot open. “Wha-?”
“Higurashi, wake up,” Sesshoumaru patiently repeated. “You are coming with me this morning.”
She eased away from Ah-Un’s bulk and blinked uncertainly at the boy. “To... breakfast?”
“To bathe,” he corrected.
▪▪▪
Once they reached the pavilion where Sesshoumaru’s parents resided, his mother took charge, sending the boy inside before hurrying Kagome towards the bathhouse. “You smell as if you slept in the stables,” she remarked disapprovingly.
“Erm... I did,” she replied evenly, earning a look of disbelief and a derisive sniff from the regal lady. “Sleeping under the stars is nice... weather permitting, and the nights are warm now... practically balmy. I think it’s going to be hot this summer.” Realizing she was rambling, Kagome lapsed into an awkward silence.
Inside the relative privacy of the bathhouse, the demoness announced, “Several youkai delegations will be arriving over the next few days.”
“For the hatching.” At the Western Lady’s sidelong glance, Kagome explained, “It’s the talk of the stable... milady.”
“We cannot hope to hide you for the duration, so we will have to acknowledge you,” the demoness coolly continued. “It has been decided that on select occasions, you will accompany my son in public to forestall any unpleasant rumors.”
“What kinds of occasions?” she asked nervously.
“The cat will see to your training; for now, concern yourself with grooming.” Sesshoumaru’s mother pointed imperiously towards the spring-fed bath. As Kagome unwound the golden sash that secured her kimono, the demoness remarked, “Clothing will be provided to make you more presentable, but for now... wash. And refrain from sleeping under the stars until after our guests have taken their leave.”
Her words carried the two-fold sting of reluctance and disapproval, but Hisoka’s warnings were fresh in Kagome’s mind. If the Western Lord and Lady backed their son’s choice of a human companion, then Sesshoumaru’s claim would most likely go unchallenged. They’re protecting me... if only for his sake.
▪▪▪
Kagome sighed contentedly as she soaked in herb-scented waters. Sesshoumaru’s mother had left her to her own devices, so she had a pool large enough for a dozen people all to herself. Her squeaky-clean hair was wrapped in a towel, and her skin positively tingled from the scrubbing she’d given herself. Leaning back against the smooth stone rim of the bath, she stretched out, letting her body float while she let her mind drift like the rising steam.
The quiet interlude was interrupted when a sudden clatter at the entrance sent Kagome into a panicked flounder as she attempted to simultaneously find her feet, turn around, and cover herself. “S-sesshoumaru-sama?” she gasped. “What are you doing in here?”
Ignoring her question-and her unwavering insistence on privacy during baths-he announced, “I have new clothes, and I wish to hear your opinion... because you are female.”
For several moments, Kagome tried to get a handle on her reactions to his presence... and his reasons for it. Reminding herself that Sesshoumaru was only a little boy, she kept low in the water as she worked her way towards the edge, hoping it would help preserve her modesty. He’s not peeping; he’s asking for fashion advice. Folding her arms atop the rim, she studied his new attire.
“The hakama are like Father’s,” he pointed out proudly.
Pristine white pants were gathered at his ankles, and they were the very sort the Inu no Taishou regularly wore. However, it was Sesshoumaru’s new kimono that caused a nostalgic flutter in Kagome’s heart. The shoulders and sleeves were covered in red flowers-not exactly the same as the stylized sakura blossoms she remembered, but similar enough to ring true.
“Well?” he prodded. “Do you like red?”
“Very much,” she replied earnestly.
“Mother says it clashes, but I like red, too.”
For a moment, Kagome didn’t understand, but then she realized that both Sesshoumaru’s parents favored colors that complimented their markings. In comparison, red and magenta were a daring combination. Shaking her head, she quietly remarked, “You have always done as you pleased.”
The pup stole closer and crouched at the edge of the pool. “Does red please you, Higurashi?”
In her mind’s eye, she saw a tall demon clad in red and white, and she truthfully answered, “It makes me very happy to see you wearing these colors.”
“Then I shall,” he loftily declared, shifting even nearer. With a telling glint in his wide, golden eyes, he added, “While I am here, I should check behind your ears.”
“There’s no need,” she hastily assured, but nimble fingers were already exploring, gentle and insistent. I’ll bet the real reason he barged in here was to get at my ears. With a huff, she tilted her head and submitted to a thorough inspection, during which he took up an odd refrain of soft hums and tutting noises. In spite of the awkwardness of the situation, she relaxed under his attentions; it was nice to be fussed over, and when he finally released her, Kagome was smiling serenely. “Satisfied?” she inquired.
He nodded solemnly and replied,“Even though you are human, you responded correctly.”
“I did?”
The boy’s expression grew thoughtful, and he quietly confided, “Katashi said that humans are not all that different from demons. At first, I thought it was one of his jokes.” Kagome slowly shook her head, and with a look of concentration, Sesshoumaru reached out and touched her cheek. “This time, I believe he was speaking the truth.”