Fruit Stand by Madam_CocoNut

Tumbling Apples

The day was perfect, a clear blue sky, just enough of a slight breeze. The thought to remain inside or possibly read a book out on the patio crossed his mind. He did after all just arrive back in the country. Even a creature as he needs rest some time.  But with one look around the empty apartment told him an outing was much in need. This time of year, the Saturday market was open down at the park.  Perhaps that would be a good place to go and grab some fresh produce. In and back. Mind made up he walked out the door.

Along his walk he turned his face slightly up closing his eyes to savor the warm sunlight. Sometimes when he closed his eyes, he could remember how things use to be. The warm sun, green fields where a little girl would pick flowers. He could feel the blades of grass between his fingers as if it was still there. Now only concrete and asphalt lay beneath him. Nearing the market stalls, sounds and smell galore assaulted him. Fallowing his nose, he led the way to which he sought when his phone began to ring.

“Hello.”

“Yes, I made it back alright and yes I’m not just sitting in the house. I am at the open market right now.”

A flashed of lavender caught his attention from the corner of his eye. But when he turned to look it was nowhere in sight. “Yes, I’ll be back in the office Monday. The trip went well. I have made it this long on my own I think I can manage. There is no need for you to worry about me. The only one you shouldn’t be concerning yourself with is your mate and the little one.” He heard tumbling apple behind him and the apologies of a women before one hit the heel of his shoe. He turned to pick up the apple when he came eye to eye with lavender.

“Shippo, I’ll have to call you back.” He didn’t wait for a reply.

----------------------------------

 “Dang it, clumsy me. I am so sorry mam. I’ll take all of these and how about a thing of strawberries.” Cheeks tinted red; Kagome smiled brightly at the saleswomen while she knelt to pick up the toppled over apples.

A man’s hand came into view to pick up a few apples to her side. Then a smooth baritone voice said, “I see some things never change.”

Without looking up she began to response not registering what was said. “Oh, thank you, this is so embarrass- wait what?” Kagome lifted her head to be met with a crouched down smirking figure. She wearily took the offered apple. As he rose, she assessed him from head to toe. He was tall and lean with short brown cropped hair and vivid hazel eyes. The man’s smirk widened. She couldn’t help but think why it seemed so out of place. He carried himself with good posture and squared shoulders that reminded her of a stoic ghost of her past.  The man reached out a hand to help her up. Kagome shook her head of that notion accepting the man’s help. “Thank you.”

Leaning closer to help her up he said for only her ears. “This one did not think he has changed so much to be unrecognizable.” In that moment brilliant hazel eyes flickered to honey gold. And Kagome’s eyes widened.

“Sesshomaru?” it was barely a Wisper.

“Hn.” He grinned. Kagome snatched her hand back, squeaked and turned to continue her business with the saleswomen. Sesshomaru remained at her side and even took hold of the bag of apples form the women. Wordlessly they began to walk down the aisles.

“Sorry, I just needed a min to process this. I mean it makes since. Out of everyone I should have known it would be you to make it here.”

“Yes, well it’s defiantly been a while. Hasn’t it Miko? It’s been what 500 years at least.”

“Yeah… well not for me at least.” She could feel his questioning gaze settle on her. “You’re the first person iv ran into from the past. Id almost given up hope.” Sesshomaru remained quiet. They approached a bench and she gestured for him to sit. “I guess InuYasha didn’t tell you?”

“No, he did not. Then again I didn’t ask.”

“Well, this is where I am really from.” She smiled sheepishly at him. “I used to travel back and forth between time because of the Shikon jewel and InuYasha would come with me often. It’s only been 10 years for me.”

“But the Kit never said anything. If I had known…”

“Are you still in touch with him?” he could hear the hope in her voice, he could see it in her wide blue eyes. “He was a child no one really knew what time I came from. Just that I was from the future.”

“Yes.”

“And he’s well?”

“Yes, he’s actually mated to Soten. They recently had a little girl.” Sesshomaru fished out his phone to show a photo to Kagome.

“Oh dear…  She’s beautiful. I-I’m so happy.” She grabbed his hand not thinking about it. She looked up at Sesshomaru with misty eyes. “Truly, I am really glad he and Soten are well and you as well. It truly gives me a sense of relief and closer. Knowing – well never mind.”

“I know what you mean. That there are others who remember and made it out. I get it.”

Kagome handed his phone back noticing he continued to hold her hand captive. She wiped her eyes with her free hand. “Tell me, tell me what you have been up to? What do you do now?”

Sesshomaru settled back. “I mainly work, I just got back actually this morning. The Kit- Shippo, he works for me. We run a technology company.” He cleared his throat. “I live close by here.” Kagome lifted a playful eyebrow at that. “That’s not what I mean, brazen women. I was merely mentioning it, it is the reason I’m here today.” He smiled.

“You said it, not me.” She giggled, Sesshomaru took delight in the sound of her laughter. The smell of happiness tickled his nose. “What about Children? Your mate?”

“No, neither. I guess I never got to that point…yet. I have plenty of time, I’m just now in my prime.” A wolfish grin spread across his face that reminded her of Kouga.

Kagome snatched her hand away laughing. “You dirty old dog.” She laughed.  “I can’t help but think how surreal it is sitting here talking to you, you of all people. I mean really talking. I almost thought you was incapable of it when I was younger and don’t get me started on the third person crap.” Mirth danced in her eyes.

He tried to bite back a grin. “Well, a lot of time has passed, some things change.” The two continued to talked in the park and before they knew it over an hour had passed bringing them into late afternoon.  Sesshomaru told her of his travels, business and things he has done over the year. He took pleasure in being surrounded by her aura and ever shifting emotions. It had been some time since he has met someone who truly want to know about him, who cared.

“Enough of me, what of yourself?”

“There’s not much to tell. I came back, went to school, did some more school and now I am a teacher. I teach 2nd grade.” A proud smile stretched across Kagome’s face. Her eyes lit up at the mention of her children. “I did a little traveling in collage, but I’ve lived a normal life since the well closed up. Here I have some photos of my kids!”

Sesshomaru leaned in to look at the various photos she had on her phone. He took the opportunity to take a lung full of her in. As they shifted through the photos the thing that stood out was the smile that was always present on Kagome’s face. She was still looking down talking about the children in each photo when he looked up to gaze at her. “I am not surprised in your employment choice. Its… well, befitting. You were always a nurturer.”

Her eyes flicked up to his, blush blooming on her cheeks. “Yeeah, I guess so. Even on their bad days I still love being surrounded by them.” She gave a slight chuckle. “Mamma always thought I was crazy, but I would tell her one day id have a house full of children. I’ve always known I want a big family.” Sesshomaru noticed the wistful look in her eyes.

“And do you?” he murmured. At her look he clarified, “Do you have a house fully of children?” he looked down and noticed her hand did not hold a ring.

“haha, no not quite.” She had a smile then paled when she looked down at the time on her phone. “Oh, shoot I have to go. I have to get things ready for my kids, they will be at the house soon.” She saw Sesshomaru straighten and lean a more proper distance away. Her brows furrowed.

He cleared his throat. “I am sorry for my impropriety. I didn’t not realize- I did not see a ring, I should not have assumed.” He reminded himself that they were not close friends, merrily acquaintances, of course she would keep her family private form him.

“Why would there be one?” Kagome was genuinely puzzled.

“I know in today’s times not all women wear them-”

“I’m not married.”

“Oh, so you and their father are no longer- together?”

Understanding finally clicked in her head. Kagome stood laughing while smoothing out the skirt of her dress. “I am not married, nor have I ever been married.” Kagome smile at Sesshomaru. “I don’t have any children of my own either. I teach archery lessons at my home, so children are always there along with my niece.” Still eyeing him and noticing the thoughts crossing his mind and processing. “I guess this one could say I just haven’t reached that point YET.” Kagome winked at him.

“Hnn,” a smile spread across his face, “I see. Mustn’t keep your pupils waiting.” He handed her the bag of apples.

“Exactly, what kind of Sensei would I be.” Kagome took the bag but looked at Sessomaru for a min. “Make sure to tell Shippo you saw me. He will know where to find me.” She seems to pause contemplating her next words. “I’m glad I ran into you, you know… I enjoyed this, our chat. But… “

“But” he prompted.

“I will say I miss the long hair. It would have been nice to see the real you, not this glamor.”

“Hnn, well long hair is not quite in style at the moment. But it does grow quite fast. I think that can all be arranged. That is assuming you want to stay in touch.”

“Yes, I’d love that.” A wide smile cracked across her face.

“Good, so would I. do you want to exchange contact info?”

“Oh, what fun is that. This chance encounter was fun.” Kagome had a playful look in her eyes. “Do you remember where the bone eaters well and the Goshinboku is at?”

“Hnn, I do.”

Kagome leaned in. “Well, that’s where you can find me.”

“There is a shrine there.”

“Yes, my Shrine, well my family’s.”

“Hnn very well, till next time Miko.” He stepped closer.

They held eye contact for a moment and before he knew it Kagome stretched up and lightly kissed his cheek. “Till next time my Lord.” She whispered and turned around and walk away. She turned back with a smile and waved before disappearing thought the throng of people.

“Hnn, till next time.”  The sunlight caught his face through a passing cloud, and it was like he was feeling it for the first time in a long time.