Borage by Sereia

Chapter 1

Hanakotoba Matsuri 2023 Week 02: Adversity & Change

Prompt: Borage (courage), Cobalt, Character in peril

Level: Blossom

..::**::..

Kagome ducked down another aisle, heart racing, phone clasped tightly in her hands. She kept her breathing and steps even, darting glances behind her as she pretended to inspect items on the shelf. It didn't take long for him to follow, not even bothering to glance at the shelves as he meandered toward her.

She checked her watch, then sped up, heading down another aisle. Someone at the end blocked her escape, and she contemplated turning around, but she could already feel him behind her, and she increased her pace.

The closer she got to the end, the more she realized that she recognized the man comparing lip glosses, and in an act of desperation, she sidled up next to him. "Excuse me, are you the makeup guru Taisho Sesshoumaru?"

A perfectly sculpted eyebrow rose. "Yes. Do you require advice?" He looked her over, bright cobalt claws tapping against his chin. "You would not need much."

She flushed but shook her head, leaning closer. "I'm being followed around the store. Can you walk me to my car?"

Not batting an eye, he quickly wrapping his arm around hers. "Darling, why didn't you say so? You will not find what you are looking for here. Such an occasion calls for something much fancier." He dragged her into another aisle, quickening his pace as he pointed to various items. "The dark-haired neanderthal behind us?" he whispered.

Kagome nodded, eyes on the borage-covered hairbands in front of her.

"Keep your phone out and record him," he said, grabbing a baseball bat and shoving it into his cart with an audible thunk. He held her close, never once letting her go, and Kagome's fear slowly dissipated, apprehension keeping her hand steady as she zeroed in on the man behind them.

Switching between photos and video, they wandered through another aisle, Sesshoumaru grabbing garbage bags and bleach, trying to make a point. But the man continued to follow them, so they eventually made their way to customer service; it was only when they physically pointed the man out that he realized he'd been made and left the store.

Visibly shaken, Kagome got the store's contact information so she could share the footage, the employees' genuine concern doing much to calm her nerves. The police were also called, Sesshoumaru providing his own account of events to further her claim.

Kagome had initially thought she was being paranoid, but after she'd darted between aisles lined with feminine hygiene products with the man still on her heels, she'd known she was in trouble.

"It's a good thing you ran into someone you know," one of the officers said once the report had been made. "Not everyone is that lucky." She opened her mouth to protest, but Sesshoumaru grabbed her hand, eyes hard.

"And I will be ensuring her safe return home as well."

"Did you come in the same car?"

Kagome shook her head, keeping her head straight so she didn't give anything away, the officers giving each other a pained look. "Alright, we'll escort you both to your vehicles once we're done. Keep your eyes peeled. If this guy is still around, we need to know."

"Of course." He squeezed her hand, having felt her tense at the thought of running into the stalker again, and she forced herself to take a deep breath.

"Do you think he's in the parking lot somewhere?"

One officer turned away, the other schooling his features, taking on a business-like tone. "We have to be prepared for anything, miss. Better to be safe than sorry." He made it sound like 'sorry' happened more often than not, and Kagome paled.

"Nothing will happen to you while I am around," the YouTube star promised, and she gave him a fleeting smile, grateful for his presence.

"Why did you let them think we knew each other?" she asked, still holding his hand as the officers compared notes with the store employees.

He pretended to inspect his nails. "If they realized we did not, I would be questioned further."

"As a witness?"

"As an accomplice."

Kagome stared at him. "You can't be serious."

He sighed, flipping his long braid over his shoulder. "I may have a large following online, but that does not always translate into the real world."

Her heart went out to him. "Taisho-san—"

"Sesshoumaru." Her eyebrows rose, and he chuckled. "I think I have earned it by being your rescuer today."

"Sesshoumaru," she corrected, unable to stop colour from creeping into her cheeks. He was basically a celebrity and so beautiful and still holding her hand. "Thank you so much. I'm sure you get approached by strangers all the time—"

"None as lovely as you."

The heat increased, leaving Kagome at a loss for words as her brain malfunctioned. "Ummm…what?"

They were interrupted by the officers, a few more facts to be checked before they were released, following close behind as they made their way to their cars.

She was still tongue-tied, mind tripping over itself as it went off on every tangent possible in an attempt to interpret his words. He probably says that to everyone, she thought, biting her lip. Aside from his immaculate makeup tutorials, Sesshoumaru was a master at invigorating self-talk.

Who wouldn't feel better about themselves after hearing him say it firsthand?

Unlocking her car, she slid into the driver's seat, Sesshoumaru blocking her from closing the door as his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "Do you have any other plans today?"

He's just being nice, she scolded herself. You've had a scare, and he wants to make sure you won't spiral when you get home.

Kagome shook her head. "I think I've had enough excitement for today." He'd yet to release her hand, and she was loathed to pull it away, wanting the dream to last a little longer.

"Food then?"

Thankful that her stomach didn't do something embarrassing as growl, she checked the clock on her dashboard. She'd been telling the truth about not having any plans, but now that he was questioning her, the thought of going home and being by herself after what had transpired was a little daunting.

"But you'll smudge your lipstick," she blurted, a final attempt to disillusion herself.

His lips curled up into a feral smirk. "I can think of much more pleasurable things that would cause that."

The bottom dropped out of her stomach. "Are you asking me to—"

"I am simply inquiring whether you would be willing to join me for a meal. Or tea. Or a walk. Whichever you prefer." Amber eyes gleamed under magenta eyeliner, and Kagome found herself nodding.

"I'd love to."

"Good." He produced a business card, quickly scrawling his number on the back. "Text me, and I will give you directions. And do not forget to lock your doors."

She nodded, still dumbfounded, but anticipation burned as she watched him stride through the parking lot. She waited until he was out of sight before grabbing her phone, plugging in his number with a quick greeting.

Within seconds, a kissy-face emoji and the name of a cafe popped up, and Kagome couldn't help smiling the entire way there. If his enthusiasm was anything to go by, there would be more good that came out of this day than bad, and maybe, just maybe, he'd help her chase away the nightmares later on, too.