Bubble Buddy by Kari

Soba with a Side of Sexual Tension

He moved around her apartment every bit as quietly as he had the forests of the feudal era. That's why Kagome jumped slightly in surprise when Sesshoumaru's large hand ghosted across the small of her back. She was standing in her kitchen unpacking the take-out he'd brought her. She held her breath, feeling the prick of his claws through the back of her t-shirt while he pulled out the drawer next to her to retrieve her tea strainer. 

His touch was not unwelcome, but she knew it was only that -- a gentle warning that he was near and wanted her to stand still while he retrieved what he needed. Heat flared in her cheeks and her heartbeat jumped regardless. She watched from the corner of her eye as he smoothly closed the drawer and stepped away to her tiny four-burner gas range, readying the kettle to make his tea. 

He was a study in contrast: new and old, standing over her stove. Sesshoumaru's long white hair was unbound. He wore a crisp pair of black dress pants and a white shirt as bright and pristine as his hankimono once had been. In her home he could let his guard down, and each time he arrived he shed the glamour that concealed the vivid markings on his face. Kagome marveled as he stood there, past and present -- a mythic figure wrapped in expertly tailored modern menswear. She still couldn't quite believe that he was here with her in the future. But she was thankful that he was.

"I can do that for you, you know," Kagome huffed. "You are my guest after all."

"Nonsense. I know where everything is." His reply was low and soft but it brooked no argument as his long, clawed fingers turned the nob to ignite the burner.

Kagome rolled her eyes. That was Sesshoumaru, Lord of all he surveyed, including apparently her kitchenette. She wasn't surprised that he'd memorized where everything was by now. It had been four months since he began visiting her here in her apartment in Nagano. The decision to move from Tokyo to the city in the mountains wasn't an easy one. But when her mom's new fiance Tomo moved into their cozy family home next to the shrine in Tokyo, Kagome finally felt like she was free again to strike out on her own. Mom had someone to support her and help out grandpa besides Souta, busy as he was with his university schoolwork.

The Bone Eaters Well sealed up after she made her final wish on the Shinkon jewel, and Kagome had been stuck in the future. For a long time she told herself that staying with her family while she completed her studies was her way of making up for lost time with them, and on one level it was. But, on another deeper level, it was because of the well. She was waiting for it to open again. It had been four years. 

On New Year's eve she'd finally made peace with reality. It was closed. Standing over the well in her vivid blue holiday kimono, her breath curling like smoke in the cold air, she'd shed a few more tears for her friends in the past and said good bye for a final time. It was time to get on with her life, and literally, in her case, leave the past behind her. If she didn't, she risked wasting her future and whatever happiness she could make for herself now.

For her, that meant a new job in a new city, and that's why she was now in Nagano, where she got a position as a project manager at a local software development agency. She'd moved in February. In March, the pandemic deepened its clutches on major cities across Japan and the shut down began. Her company closed the main office and told everyone to work from home. Kagome was grateful to have a job, but being in a new city where she knew no one, and then being completely shut off from meeting anyone thanks to the virus -- it was hard, really hard. 

The homesickness she felt burned in her chest and she began to call her mom everyday to talk. In April her mother suggested that she move back to Tokyo. She could work as well there, after all, and the shut down didn't look like it would end anytime soon. Kagome was chewing her lip behind her mask one rainy April day, thinking about her mother's offer as she carried sodden bags of groceries back from the store when she first saw him.

She only registered him initially as a tall, well dressed man with long black hair looming at the street corner, a black umbrella in his hand. At that moment she'd been thankful that her mask concealed her blush as he locked eyes with her. His were unnaturally bright, almost amber. He was strikingly beautiful. Her blush deepened. Kagome nodded to him and then dipped her gaze down in passing, feeling too much like a wet rat to engage the elegant stranger in a conversation. That's when he said it, that term that he uniquely used to call her.

"Miko."

Surprised, she turned on her heels and took a step back -- right off the curb. Losing her footing, she was about to land on her ass in the rain soaked street when the mystery man launched himself forward, hooking his free arm around her back and pulling her into his chest. Her face was on fire now. Hell, her entire body was on fire. Her eyes wide, she looked up into his face and that's when she finally recognized him.

"Sesshoumaru?"

His markings were gone but the set of his jaw and his hard profile were unmistakable. He let out a brief pulse of his Youkai in response and it danced across her skin, causing the little hairs all over her body to stand on end. She gasped as she felt her dormant Reiki flare to life like a sunspot in response.

"Wow," was the only think she could manage to say.

He'd let his car and driver go then with a regal wave, and insisted on walking her to her apartment, carrying her plastic grocery bags in one hand and holding his umbrella over both of them. The act of kindness was appreciated, but still surprising. Maybe the last 500 years had mellowed him out a bit she thought as she accidentally bumped shoulders with him. It was clear by the car and his clothing that he must spend time among humans. She chatted anxiously at him and he disclosed that his new base of power in the West was in Nagano.

They finally reached her door and she asked awkwardly, "So still Lord of the West, huh?"

"Yes," he replied, his gaze seeming to rest on her lips for a moment before he met her gaze again. "Although this one's duties have evolved to suit the era. Take my card," he said, handing her bags back to her and retrieving a thick white business card from the pocket of his blazer. "Call or text if you need ... anything," he said, his eyes hooded but his gaze intent as he looked down at her.

She thanked him profusely. That night when she spoke to her mother she told her she would be staying in where she was, at least for now. And then she sent Sesshoumaru her first message. She couldn't help but giggle to herself when she did. Here she was, texting the Lord of the West. She'd come to Nagano to escape the past, and a piece of it had found her. 

They texted back and forth for a few weeks, Sesshoumaru always quick to answer her questions about "his" city, as he called it. But she was growing increasingly bored and lonely. She enjoyed her job and her communication Sesshoumaru but it was hardly companionship.

Kagome became more depressed and began to text with less frequency. After a week lapsed since her last text he sent her a message one night, and she realized it was the first time he had initiated contact.

S: You've been quiet. Are you sick? Do you need aide?

K: No. I'm fine. Sorry! It's just ... Nagano is lovely but I'm all by myself here. It's hard, with COVID. I've been kinda down.

A few minutes lapsed before her screen lit up again.

S: I will visit you.

Shocked. Kagome sat slack jawed on her couch in her crumpled pajamas. She looked around at the empty cup ramens on her coffee table and the pile of unfolded laundry at her feet. Oh god, hopefully he didn't mean, like now. What should she say? Before she could reply another message came in.

S: If that is acceptable to you, of course. As a Youkai, I will not put you at risk from the virus.

She laughed. He'd still maintained his same stiff way of speaking, even 500 years on. She realized the smile on her face was the first one she'd had in a long time.

K: Yes. That is "acceptable". You can come by on Thursday night. I'll think of something we can do.

S: I'll bring food.

And so he had. Nearly every Thursday since. The meal he brought her tonight was a noodle bowl with vegetables and fresh soba made daily at a restaurant near by. The Daiyoukai never ate, and although she was curious to know if he did, or if he even needed to, she hadn't yet had the guts to ask him about it. He did always drink her tea at least. Kagome squinted disapproving at the broccolini in her bowl as she moved past him through the kitchen to her small table.

"You sure do have me eating healthy," she said airily as she sat down.

"I am aware of what you keep in your refrigerator, and have concerns regarding your nutrition."

Kagome snorted. "Okay, Dad." She looked up smirking and caught his expression, a soft frown, before he looked away from her.

"I think I can guess why you started brewing your tea too," she continued before slurping up some of her noodles. "You don't like the way I do it do you?"

The Daiyoukai paused for a moment, before disclosing quietly, " ... You steep it for too long."

"Ha!" Kagome laughed. "I knew it."

Teenage Kagome would have been incensed by that admission, but she was a grown woman. Sesshoumaru's OCD was his business, not hers. Strong and numerous though his opinions were, they didn't threaten her. She had her own mind and was happy to hold her own with him. 

Kagome smiled at his back and looked down to where her phone rested on the table. The screen lit up. It was the dating app she'd downloaded the day before. A little excited to get what might be her first response she opened it. The picture of a cute brown-eyed man greeted her, along with a short message. He wanted to call her.

Sesshoumaru passed behind her and set down his cup of tea in front of her other chair before he sat down.

"Who's that?" he asked, his voice pitched low.

"Oh ... um. I don't know. Just a guy who wants to meet me."

"Meet you? You can't mean ... in person?" Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed, He turned in his chair slightly as his gaze bored into her.

Kagome swallowed and put her phone face down on the table. His disapproval was palpable in his energy. But this was her choice. He wouldn't bully her out of it.

"Well, maybe ... " Kagome shrugged.

"Why on Earth would you take the risk?" he asked, his long hair brushing over his arm that rested on the table as he shook his head.

"Um ... " Kagome felt a slow blush begin to creep at her collar bone as she licked her lips. They were both adults here. She could tell him. "Well, the truth is ... I'm looking for a ... bubble buddy."

"Bubble buddy?" His eyes narrowed, as he leaned back in his chair. "Is this one not ... your 'buddy'?"

Kagome choked.

"Ha ha ... Not exactly ... I mean you are my friend but it's different than what we do. Kinda like a friends with benefits sort of situation ... but because of COVID we only see each other?" she explained, looking up at his face. His expression was completely blank. It was clear he had no idea what she was talking about. God, why couldn't he learn some damn slang? She was about to self-combust. "I have needs, Sesshoumaru. Things that maybe that man or ... some other man can help with."

"Things? What things do you refer to?" It was like a damn bursting, and a lecture poured out of the Daiyoukai's mouth. "If you need more companionship could you not simply ... 'Zoom' this ... person? Meeting another human face-to-face for mere social reasons during a pandemic such as this is foolishness. I forbid it."

This time, Kagome's anger did flare up. "Whoa, wait a minute," she turned to him, crossing her arms and returning his glare. "May I remind you that I am an adult woman. You cannot 'forbid' me to do anything, your lordship. You are not my keeper. Don't try to try turn me into your ward. I realize you have strong paternal instincts but I have needs!"

She watched Sesshoumaru's jaw tighten as he crossed his arms over his chest and continued aloofly. 

"You are certainly not my ward, Kagome. And 'paternal' is hardly how I would qualify my interest in you. But, as your ... companion, this one will endeavor to support you in anyway that I am able. And I am very able. I, Sesshoumaru, assure you that I am qualified to fulfill your needs, regardless of what they may be, if you will but speak it."

Oh, god. If only he would fulfill her needs ... Kagome rubbed at a vein that began to jump in he forehead before she continued with a sigh. She gazed at a worn spot in the veneer of her secondhand table and swallowed before mumbling softly, "They are ... adult needs, Sesshoumaru. Sexual ... needs." Her heart felt like it was about to leap from her chest. Her face was probably purple with embarrassment. Steeling herself, she took a quick breath and dared to look back at his face.

For once -- maybe the first time ever since she'd known him -- Sesshoumaru looked surprised. His intense eyes were widened slightly, and his mouth hung open a crack as he gazed back at her. Then he cleared his throat loudly and shuttered his gaze, his Adam's Apple bobbing as he swallowed.

"Ah ... " he replied.

Kagome gave him a half-smile. If only she had a camera in her eye. She'd like to savor the expression of the Lord of the West so undone for the rest of her life.

"Yeah," Kagome's expression softened. He seemed every bit as mortified as she was. "Sorry, I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable, but you asked. I was in a bit of a dry spell even before the pandemic started and it's been awhile for me. I don't expect someone like you to understand."

Kagome had certainly wondered before about Sesshoumaru's sexuality. She had also indulged in her own fantasies about him late at night. Sometimes even on the couch where he'd sat with her only hours before. She had always figured he was probably AIS, or if not asexual then, likely discretely and tastefully up to his pointy ears in demon ass. If he were at all interested, there's no way a person who looked like him would ever be hard up.

"I do understand," he said, leaning back in his chair and cutting his eyes to hers once again. "The meaning of the term 'dry spell' is quite transparent. You do not need to elaborate more."

Kagome smiled shyly back at him. "Thanks. It's just ... human stuff. Um, this soba you bought me is really good, by the way."

They sat in silence for a few minutes as she finished her meal. Sesshoumaru's expression seemed glazed, as if he were far away. She was about to finish her last bite when he spoke again.

"What are you seeking, exactly ... in a 'buddy'?"

Kagome breathed in a mouthful of noodles and started to cough. Hesitantly Sesshoumaru reached up and patted her firmly on the back until she got her breathing under control again, his hand remained there, she noticed, slung over the back of her chair, cupping her shoulders.

"Woo! Wow, sorry. You mean, what kind of man am I looking for?"

Sesshoumaru frowned when she uttered the word 'man'. "Yes," he replied. "It would be helpful to know what characteristics you find appealing in a partner if this one is to ... assist you in acquiring what you need."

He caught her eye again and Kagome looked back at him dumbfounded. She shivered and her body pulsed as she felt his thumb begin to sweep a slow path back and forth on her shoulder. God, it felt good. If only Mr. Perfect didn't despise her humanity so badly. She swallowed hard and pushed her bowl away.

Well this was weird, but Kagome had to admit she was curious to see where the conversation would go. She thought for a moment, before she began. "Well ... intelligence is important to me. Passion. Attentiveness -- someone who cares for my needs, of course." Her eyes darted to his for a moment. "Emotional maturity is also appreciated ... Sexual chemistry. You know, someone who wants me as badly as I want them."

That last one was especially important to Kagome, given her history with Inuyasha. She glanced down again at the table as she chewed her lip. Had he put that connection to his brother together? He gave no evidence that he did, but instead relaxed in his seat, spreading his longs legs out wide beneath the table and bumping his hard thigh against her knee. Kagome uttered a little meep and looked back at him, blinking furiously.

His gaze, more predatory now, pinned hers and he continued. "Alright. And what of physical qualities? Are those not important to you in a sexual partner?"

"Sure of course." Her voice was unnaturally high. How could she tell him her preferences without making it blatantly obvious she had grown to worship him over the past few months? "I like a man who is ... well-groomed. Tall is good, at least, taller than me. Fit but not 'roided up like a weight lifter. Long haaa ... " Kagome blanched as she realized she was about to say, 'long hair'. It was too on the nose. THINK. " ... aands. Long hands?" She repeated it like a question, and winced before looking up at him through her lashes.

"Long hands?" He asked, his eyes and tone flat as he gazed down his nose at her.

"Yep, ha ha. That's what I said!"

"Hn."

He shifted in his seat and started to lean towards her slowly, with the hand behind her shoulders he pushed her towards him until his face was only about a foot away from hers. Kagome's heartbeat was thundering in her ears and a knot below her navel coiled and pulsed with desire. 

He seemed to fix his gaze on her lips, and as she watched, the nostrils of his perfectly symmetrical nose flared as he took a long drag of air through it. His intense eyes then slid back to her face and pinned her there, unblinking. Oh crap. Could he smell how aroused she was? Sesshoumaru breathed out slowly and the lids of his eyes dipped as he considered her petrified form. She was going to die of embarrassment.

Abruptly he stood up from the table, his emotionless mask back in place. Had he ever seemed so tall to her as he did in this moment, looming over her in her small kitchen? He gazed down at her through white lashes from what felt like a thousand miles away.

"I will consider your request," he said.

Then he turned and began stalking out of the room. He was headed through her living room towards the door. She dashed after him and caught up just as he was leaning down to put on his black Italian leather shoes.

"Wait!" Kagome pleaded. "You're going right now? Why not stay? You only got here an hour ago. I got us a new board game."

Sesshoumaru finished tying his shoes. He stood, and mutely she watched the glamour return to his face, his white hair darkening to black and his markings fading away. The intensity in his expression; however did not change. He turned and clutched at the door knob with what were now human-looking hands. He opened the door but then he paused. He looked back at her, over his shoulder, taking in her confused and hurt expression.

"This one will return to you in a few days."

And with that he left, shuting the door behind him, leaving Kagome to stare at the wood grain panel of the door.

"OK ... " she said weakly to an empty room. What the hell was he thinking? Was the mighty Lord of the West really going to play matchmaker and find her a man?