Ten o'clock couldn't have gotten there any faster for Inuyasha. Grabbing his favorite shirt and clipping the leash onto Taeko's collar, he dragged the dog over to Sesshomaru, who was once again on the phone. He frowned as he held up his hand, and Inuyasha crossed his arms.
"Your not going to be on the phone all day, are you," he asked, handing him the leash.
"This is very important," Sesshomaru started to speak and Inuyasha shook his head. the Spiders were moving, they had begun a new campaign within the business district and Sesshomaru felt the boys stare and knew he'd been looking forward to this trip all morning.
"Please, brother. Let's just go to the park," he said, and Sesshomaru raised his hands in a peace offering, putting his phone on silent. his vengeance would not be derailed by a couple hours at the park. he made a note to have koga do the phone calling while he was gone, and to report later.
"Alright, you win, but when we get back, I need to finish this," he said. Inuyasha nodded and met Koga at the door the boy gave him a pointed look. Sesshomaru sighed and waved Koga inside. "Koga, we will be back shortly. Do not disturb us until then. I want you to check in on that lead from the Bank, ill have you report your findings later," Sesshomaru watched Inuyasha smile happily before sticking his tongue out at Koga. The wolfish man made a face back at Inuyasha.
Sesshomaru turned and walked with the dog. Inuyasha walked ahead once more. He was quiet, though Sesshomaru could tell he was excited to see the boy and was not disappointed to see Souta swinging on the swings and the woman sitting at a bench with a medical book open on her lap. Inuyasha turned to take Taeko's leash and they ran to the playground.
Sesshomaru took in the sight of their joyful greeting and the boys resumed whatever game they had been playing the previous day. He stood under the cover of the trees and took a much-needed breath. He would be lying to say he didn't want to check on the men, they were about to execute a major blow against their rival. But it felt good to be able to think about things in silence for once.
Souta ran through the park with Inuyasha. Their game was samurai and demons, and Souta played the part of the samurai; Inuyasha made a convincing demon, running fast and using his claws to swipe at the other boy. "If I win, you'll tell me anything I want to know," he said, and Inuyasha crossed his arms.
"I'm no snitch!" he said, and Souta reddened.
"I just want to know what you think of Kagome," he asked. Inuyasha blushed and looked away.
"Are we here to fight or talk?" he asked, and Souta waved him over. he leaned over conspiratorially and lowered his voice.
"Just tell me," he said.
"Your big sister is really cute," he admitted, and Souta nodded. a lot of people felt that way, it used to make him angry but this time he would use it to their benifit.
"Yeah, she is. Do you think your brother would be her boyfriend?" he asked, and Inuyasha shook his head
"No way!" He laughed, and Souta got angry.
"Why not?" he demanded and Inuyasha wiped his eyes.
"She's too good for him. She's so nice and smart. There's no way she'd like my brother," he said quietly, and Souta smirked.
"Want to bet? she needs a boyfriend, I can't protect her from her last boyfriend. Also i like you and think we could hang out even more if they were together," he said and Inuyasha bit his lip and looked at the smiling woman who waved, and he couldn't help but wave back and then looked at Souta.
"This is not going to be easy. My brother isn't easy to get along with." Inuyasha didnt know what kind if woman hus vrother liked, he didnt really have women around, but he seemed to enjoy the cute girl from the weather channel, she also looked very nice so Inuyasha thought there might be a chance. when he looked over at his brother he was looking out into the trees probably thinking about the war. that man needed a distraction. "okay, how do we get them to talk?"
"I have an idea," souta said.
Sesshomaru heard his name as he daydreamed. The breeze felt nice, and the wind through the trees was relaxing. He felt the brush of the large dog's fur and looked down at the large head nuzzling him towards the children. "You cannot fetch me, Taeko," he scoffed, and the dog clipped one sharp bark. Sesshomaru sighed but walked with the beast to the children.
"We need your help, please brother," Inuyasha smiled angelically. He raised a silver eyebrow and looked between the two. Sesshomaru could see a con a mile away, but he played along, curious about what the children wanted.
"Very well," he said.
"Good, hold this," Souta said and shoved a small daisy into his hand.
"Why?" He asked, and Souta smiled
"It's an evil sword. You're the only one who can hold it without going insane," he said, and Sesshomaru scoffed.
"If you say so," he shook his head and saw Inuyasha running to the woman. he tripped and she rushed over to him. when she got him in his feet Sesshomaru saw the coming tantrum and started to walk over when Inuyasha grabbed her around the middle. Kagome hugged him back tightly and Sesshomaru went to his brother. He saw the slight shiver on his shoulders that told him the boy was crying.
"Are you okay?" Sesshoumaru demanded as he approached. Inuyasha didn't look at his brother. "Should we go home?" He asked, and Kagome patted his head. Awkwardly he raised his hand to reach for his brother and found the daisy still grasped firmly in hand. she smiled at it amused by the gesture. he dropped it embarrassed.
"It's okay, you can hug me as long as you want Inuyasha," she said, and Inuyasha sniffed and looked up at her before burying his face once more in her chest.
"I don't know what's come over him," Sesshomaru said, feeling a bit odd seeing the boy cling to this virtual stranger.
"I mean it, it's fine." She smiled and gently stroked Inuyasha's hair with her fingertips. "Souta also cries like this, when he falls too" she said, and Souta nodded.
"She gives the best hugs," he said, and Inuyasha nodded. "Hey Inuyasha, I saw something cool; Want to come and play again?" he asked, and Inuyasha considered it, taking his time as Kagome continued to hold him and then nodded wiping his eyes.
"Brother, will talk to Kagome while I play with Souta," he said, and Kagome laughed as Sesshomaru scoffed. Both were alarmed by the noncommittal sound made by the other and looked at each other.
"Those boys are something else," she sighed and Sesshomaru leaned casually against the park bench and looked at her slowly. He let his eyes absorb her calm features and trail down her modest outfit and down to her short heels before deciding to ask her the question that had been burning in him since the boys had met.
"Why are you being so nice to Inuyasha," he asked, and Kagome felt the corner of her mouth curve into a small smile. She saw the distrust as a shield and she understood all too well how hard it was to let people help.
"It's for Souta. He's been through so much lately. I was worried he would never find someone he could relate to." She said.
"And Inuyasha is a sweetheart." She said, and Sesshomaru nodded.
"Yes, it's been good for Inuyasha too," she said, at a loss sometimes as to what he needs. Her colleagues help her watch him, but they don't know what they're doing either," he admitted, and Kagome nodded.
"It's really hard not having help when you have a child to care for," she said, and he looked at her then.
"Yes, it is," he said, and she turned to him then. Her smile was dazzling, and he felt the same foreign feeling he had gotten from her the day before.
Maybe we could help each other," she said and he wondered what her terms would be. "I need someone who can be here for Souta when I work late shifts. He doesn't need to be watched, but I worry about him. I could come by during the day and take Inuyasha and Taeko to the park to let them play." She offered, and he considered it carefully.
"That would help, though I'd like to further negotiate. I have some pressing appointments during the weekend. I can't have Inuyasha out because of...various reasons. During these appointments, I'd appreciate it if you brought the boy over and kept him occupied." She pursed her lips.
"Which day?" She asked, and he sighed.
"Both," he said, and she looked at him.
"Let me get everything straight. You help me during my work nights and I help you during the weekends. And during the day until school," she asked, and he nodded.
"It would be a relief not to worry about them," he said, and she nodded.
"Yes, that would be nice. You've got yourself a deal," she said.
Curiosity got the better of him as he pondered their arrangement. How late do you work? He asked, and she cringed.
"I work at the hospital on the night shift. I have school in the afternoon. Souta takes care of himself during my classes. I go home to make us some dinner and head out to work when he goes to bed," she explained.
"That is a miserable time to drive home," he was observed, and she shook her head.
"I take the train,"
Sesshomaru furrowed his brows. "You take the train in the middle of the night?" He asked, and she shrugged.
"After a night in the ER, nothing phases me," she said, and he shook his head.
"That is unacceptable, there are yakuza patrolling the train at night. As long as you care for Inuyasha, I will ensure you get to and from work safely," he said, finalizing it. She let out a short laugh and he was surprised. "What is so funny?" He asked and she shook her head.
"I appreciate the gesture, but I couldn't ask you to go through so much trouble for us. If there were ever an emergency, I would be satisfied if you could answer the phone. It wouldn't be a problem caring for Inuyasha during the week." She said, bringing his attention to the boys and dog running through the park madly.
The boy circled back and raced to their prospective parents, encircling them in an embrace. On Souta's signal, they both begged to return the next day. Kagome shushed the boys and looked at the other adult in the situation. Sesshomaru shook his head.
"Tomorrow is Saturday, you know I go on business trips during the day," he said, and Souta pouted.
"But what if Inuyasha comes to play at our house?" He said, and Inuyasha cheered.
Sesshomaru and Kagome looked at each other. "It seems we will start tomorrow," he said, and Kagome reached into her pocket to draw out her cell phone.
"Just give me a call when you are on your way. It won't be any trouble." She said, and Sesshomaru thought for a moment. He then put his number into the phone. She called his phone and gave him hers.
"Why don't you bring Souta over to my place when you leave for work tonight." He said, and Souta grinned happily.
"I like that idea; it would be better if you walked her to the train station." Souta tried his luck and got a headshake from Inuyasha, but the boy was surprised at Sesshomaru's response.
"That's a good idea," he said and Kagome blushed knowing what Souta was doing. Her face heated up.
"Thanks. I'll bring him over at 10 PM," she said, and Sesshomaru nodded.
"Good."
Souta was grinning as they walked home. "See I told you," he said, and Kagome felt at a loss for words.
"It's not like that," she blushed and shook her head. "We are helping each other; it's no big deal."
"Kagome, I think we've basically worked out a custody agreement. If you ask me, we'll be moving into that big house by the end of the year." He crossed his arms behind his head as he walked, feeling proud of himself. She shook her head.
"Wow," she commented.
Inuyasha walked happily back through the neighborhood to his brother's house, humming softly as he went.
"Inuyasha, why are you and Souta trying to get me and that woman together?" he asked, and Inuyasha stopped mid-step. Taeko sensed the nervousness in his boy and whined softly. Inuyasha let out the breath he had been holding and remembered what Souta had said. He knew he would be questioned. Nothing ever got past his brother, and if he didn't want to do something, nobody would stand in his way.
"It's not exactly my idea. Honestly, I don't think it's a good idea. But I like her and if I get to hang out with Souta more, that's fine by me," he said, and Sesshomaru smirked at his honesty. The boy knew better than to lie to him. "I don't think she would go for a guy like you," he said, and Sesshomaru considered this carefully before continuing.
"Why wouldn't she?" He asked as they came to the gate. Inuyasha sighed and pointed inside, where they could see Koga waiting anxiously for their return.
"Because of the army that walks in and out of the house every day," he said, and Sesshomaru felt the weight of the boy's stare.
"Does it bother you that much?" he asked, and Inuyasha looked up at him.
"I hate it," he replied and Sesshomaru looked up to see men scattered through the house. they gambled and drank outside and within the house he could hear the sound of the game on tv. the mne cheeres wnd talked amongst themselves.
"Starting tomorrow the only men to comby without calling will be koga and Hakkaku. I will not let work disturb us at our home," he declared and Inuyasha nodded happily,
"That's the first time you've called it our home," he mentioned before smiling softly and walked in with Taeko at his side.
Sesshomaru contemplated the trouble that had piled on him since the death of his father. The men were in a panic, their enemies thought this was their chance, and his hands were covered in blood.
Those thoughts carried him through the meetings and phone calls that plagued the rest of the afternoon. Two more attacks had left his men injured, two had been killed, and he felt the weight of their deaths on his hands as he made one order after another to reinforce their borders.
He tiredly sent Koga home, Hakkaku and Ginta having come for him as the sun set.
"We are so close to finding him," I know we will find him soon, he's in the city," Koga said. They had poured over maps all afternoon with no luck locating him
"Go home, we will continue the search tomorrow. The woman will be here with her brother." Sesshomaru said, palm-ing the side of his face to rub away the worry. Strangely, he was looking forward to the walk to the train station; it would be a good chance to clear his mind.
"Oh yeah, you have a girl coming over," Koga smirked and didn't attempt to hide his pleasure. "It's been a while since Kagura, she was bloodthirsty." Koga scoffed, remembering the first meeting; she had pulled a knife and threatened him within a few.
"Nothing is going on. Her brother is a good friend of Inuyasha. She works at night, so I agreed to watch the boy. In exchange, she'll take Inuyasha to the park and watch him during our appointments." He said, and Koga raised his brows, unsure who this man was anymore.
"That's completely paternal, Sesshomaru. When did you become a dad?" he asked, meeting unamused eyes.
"When my father was killed," he answered and they heard a soft knock on the door. Koga lit up, went to Instructionv inquired,
Kagome was standing at at the door wearing wearing light purple scrubs and clutching a large bag at her side. Souta stood behind her shyly holeing a bag id hus own. "Hi, sorry im a bit early, my manager called me in,"
"Arrive whenever you need to; such a lovely woman shouldn't have to wait for the approval of men like us," he said, and Kagome looked at him taken aback. Her blush surprised the man, and his smile softened.
"Okay," she said, and trailed off awkwardly.
"Koga, you were leaving," Sesshomaru put a hand on Koga's shoulder and physically moved him away from the woman. She watched the automatic submission to the silver-haired man and was surprised but grateful for the intervention.
"Where's Inuyasha?" Souta asked, looking up at the man with a tense expression and the blush on his sister's face. He couldn't help but smile at the anger written on Sesshomaru's face.
"Come inside, he is getting ready for bed. Koga, stay here a while longer and get the boy settled for the night." Sesshomaru said, and Koga realized that he had overstepped his ppace and looked at his boss apologetically. Shrugging, he cleared his throat to reset.
"Right, nice to meet you…"
"Kagome," she said, and he blushed
"Such a pretty name,"
"Go," Sesshomaru snapped, and Kagome shook her head.
"Oh, all right, come on, kid. You've got a room ready for you." He said, and Souta followed Koga into the house.
"Really?!" He asked, surprised.
"Souta," Kagome stopped him and the boy ran back and hugged her tightly before receiving a kiss on his forehead. "I'll come get you later," she said and Sesshomaru grabbed his jacket. He watched the easy affection between the two as he stepped out into the nighttime air. Kagome watched the boy disappear and the door closed before she turned to walk towards the train station.
Sesshomaru felt at ease as he walked beside the woman, whose silence wasn't heavy, and she didn't force him to speak; however, he did reach out and gesture for her to walk ahead, acting as a barrier between her and the traffic and nighttime ruffians. He noticed that when they were near the train station, her eyes became wary, looking toward the door where he noticed a group of boys who saw her and eyed him suspiciously. He saw the clear dread in her eyes.
"Oh God! They're coming over! They never come over." She said, and Sesshomaru scoffed.
"They are nothing but small fish. Don't worry, I'll handle them," he said and took his glasses off when they got within range. His killer stare stopped the youths, whose spiky haircuts and chains were the only evidence of their affiliation. The leader of the group looked at Kagome.
"Hey, I see you here all the time. This is the first time I've seen you with a guy. I was going to ask you to be my girlfriend."
"No thanks," she said.
"Leave while you still can," Sesshomaru said, pushing past the boys with Kagome in tow.
"Hey, who do you think you are?" the man asked, and in one motion Sesshomaru slapped him across the face.
"Respect your betters," he hissed and flashed the tattoo on his neck as he turned, hiding it from Kagome. She didn't see the symbol but noticed the immediate effect he had on the men.
Kagome watched them run away and was amazed at Sesshomaru. "Thanks," she said, seeing the small frown that remained on his lips after they left. She passed through the train station and showed her pass, before turning back to him. "I appreciate you walking me this far," she smiled.
"I also have a pass. I will accompany you to the hospital. Koga is with the boys until I release him from his duty," he said confidently. Kagome balked
"You don't have to," she said. "I ride the train every day. I don't expect any trouble." He looked at her amused by her resistance to his will.
"I want to ask you a question, to be honest," he said, and Kagome was surprised.
"Ask me anything you want," she said confidently
"Why are you raising your brother?" He started, and Kagome nodded, expecting the question.
"Yes, well, our parents died in a car accident two years ago. He survived the crash, and we've been living together ever since." She said, and Sesshomaru nodded, expecting as much.
"I see. Our father and Inuyasha's mother were similarly killed four months ago; he is the only family I have left," he admitted, and Kagome hesitated.
"It doesn't get easier, time dulls the pain," she said, and Sesshomaru looked at her, not expecting the wisdom of her words.
"I suppose you're right. I feel like I'll never measure up to what my Father left behind," he said, and Kagome shook her head.
"You don't need to; just be yourself, and everything will fall into place."
Sesshomaru looked at her again, the casual scrubs and drawn-back hair were nothing to be impressed by, but her kindness and the light in her eyes reminded him of what it felt like to be nervous around a woman. This was no prostitute or mob wife; she was a good woman.
"Perhaps I will," he replied.
Kagome didn't know what to make of the quiet man dressed in black, always wearing a deadly glare. As she sat down in an empty train seat, he took the seat next to her and effectively scared away anyone who dared enter.
To close, she could see the marks she had seen on his collar and his neck. They were tattoos she couldn't see what they were, but she got the feeling that there was more to him than he said.
Kagome didn't count the stops to work, nor did she notice when he followed her from the train station to the door of the hospital. When she saw the front if the hospital, she turned and faced him. His eyes were revealed when he took off his dark glasses, and she was amazed at how handsome he was.
"What time do you get off work, Kagome?" he asked, and she thought for a moment
"Four o'clock," she said, and he nodded.
"I will send a car, don't get on the train. Also, don't worry about the boys; they will be safe." He said, and Kagome didn't doubt it. Smiling at the feeling of reassurance, she nodded before making the bold decision to go back to where he stood and hugged him tightly before turning and running into the hospital.
Sesshomaru felt at odds with the hope that lit within him when he saw her retreat. He waited much longer than he had mentioned before opening his phone and calling Hakkaku.
"Come get me I'm at the hospital," he said, hearing the alarmed gasp from his subordinate. "I'm not injured, just come and get me," he said, shutting the phone.
It was a few minutes before he saw the black SUV pull up to the door. He got in calmly. "Boss, what are you doing here?" The driver couldn't help asking. It was strange to see him out so late without his men by his side.
"Hakkaku, there is a nurse here who will require a ride to my house after her shift at 4 am. Be here.", he commanded. Hakkaku was surprised but could not help the smile that curved his lips.
"Leave everything to me, boss. You can count on me," he said.
When Sesshomaru returned home, he was greeted by the quiet of the house and the sound of Koga watching television in the living room.
"Koga, report," he sighed as he took a seat next to him. The dark-haired male eyed him warily and nodded.
"The kid is in the guest bedroom; he went to sleep without a fuss, and Inuyasha has been restless but quiet."," he said, and Sesshōmaru nodded accepting it. "I apologize for earlier; I could have sworn you said nothing was going on between you and Kagome."," he said sheepishly.
"There isn't," he said, and Koga nodded, now skeptical of his long-time superior.
"Oh... okay, so you don't have a problem with me making a move, then?" He asked, not being serious. Sesshomaru nearly growled. Koga shook his head and raised his hands in surrender. "Only joking, Boss" He laughed and stood up.
Sesshoumaru could feel the amusement of his longtime friend and was not too angry with him, as he pointed out the contradiction in his words. He enjoyed the distraction, though, it was a welcome relief from the daily pressure he felt. Koga turned before he left completely and let his entertained eyes fall on him. Sesshomaru ignored it and reached for the remote to turn the TV off.
Kagome felt her limbs dragging as she clocked off her shift and went to the changing room to shower and dress for the trip home. Her scrubs were filthy, stained with blood and bile. They reminded her that in a few weeks, she could move forward and accept her promotion. Then the real work would begin.
Her tired feet moved slowly as she went to the front of the hospital and opened the door. Unexpectedly she found herself staring at a black SUV with a man holding a sign with her name on it. The driver caught her eye and he waved happily. "Are you Kagome?" he asked and she nodded and went to the car. "The boss told me to get you from work, I'm Hakkaku," he said, opening the door. She looked into the black leather interior but did not have the energy to make any judgments before sliding in and closing the door behind her.
The drive was much faster than if she had taken the train. Marveling at how only twenty minutes had passed, she looked up to see the high retaining wall of Sesshomaru's home.
"Here we are," said Hakkaku, who was friendly. He talked to her even though she couldn't find it in herself to return his friendliness.
"Thank you, I appreciate the ride home"
She stepped out of the car and looked at the house. There was a single light on, and she wondered if he had been waiting for her.
"Do you think he's awake already?" She asked, surprised.
"Oh yeah, the boss is always up before dawn, he's so amazing," Hakkaku looked proud and ushered her to the door.
She smiled at the man, who was young. His eyes were bright, and his hair was cut in a strange style, but she enjoyed his company.
He knocked on the door once and was greeted by Sesshomaru's expectant eyes. "Report," he said. Hakkaku gasped and came to attention.
"An uneventful ride," he said, and Sesshoumaru nodded.
"Come in, the boy is asleep, but his things are ready." He said so, and Kagome was a bit overwhelmed but stepped inside when he beckoned her in. Sesshōmaru closed the door on Hakkaku without a word and followed her, guiding her to the guest room.
Kagome expected to find Souta on the couch, lying awake until she returned, but when he guided her to a large bedroom with furnishings fit for his age, she turned and looked at the stoic man. "I didn't expect this," she said quietly.
"It's nothing; I had the men pick up some things. This will be his space while he's here." He said it as if it were nothing to Kagome, but there was a hint of irritation that she didn't expect as she went into the room.
Sitting beside him, she lovingly brushed his hair back. The boy woke up. His bleary eyes took a moment to register what was happening, and when he saw Kagome, he sat up and hugged her tightly. "It's time to go home," she whispered.
Souta's sluggish movements led him to linger in bed before finally getting up to go with Kagome. Sesshomaru watched as she helped him into his coat and put his shoes on before picking him up and carrying him to the door. She looked small, carrying the growing boy whose hold on her was unbreakable, but as she left, Sesshomaru grabbed his coat.
"I will carry the boy, and walk you home," he said.
Kagome was going to protest. "You have done so much already, I don't want to take advantage of you," she said, trying to wrap her mind around the gesture. He didn't look like a lovesick teenage boy; she was used to them following her around like lovesick children. But no one had ever gone to such lengths to win her attention. He smirked and reached out to take Souta.
The boy woke up just long enough to hear the man's words and didn't like the idea of being held by him, but he did like the idea of the man walking them home, so he didn't resist when he reached for him.
Sesshomaru walked behind her once more. The boy's weight was nothing to a seasoned athlete, so as they walked up the stairs to her appointment and found the right door, he didn't hesitate to go inside when she opened the door.
Kagome watched as he came into the small space of her apartment with some embarrassment. He was tall, for the space where he had to duck when he went into Souta's room and knelt to lie him on the futon.
She stood by, watching him carefully, and when Souta was asleep once more, she went to the kitchen to make some coffee. Sesshomaru came to the small table and sat down. She offered him a cup, which he took gratefully.
"Thank you, for everything." She said, and he nodded quietly.
"Don't thank me; I'm just doing what I said I would," he said, watching her nervous glance as she sat down across from him at the table. "Have I done something wrong?" he asked when she didn't say anything. She sighed and shook her head.
"No. You have done everything. I'm a little afraid of what will happen when this is all over. I cannot give him the things that Inuyasha is used to," She said, and Sesshomaru saw the vulnerable fear in her words.
"Kagome, we cannot worry about what ifs; we have today, and that's all. It's no shame to accept help when you need it." He said, and Kagome wondered at him as she sipped the coffee.
"You really are something, Sesshomaru." She smiled, not knowing what would happen next, but she was grateful for whatever it was.
"I know, I'll bring the boy over later today." He said, standing up and walking to the door. She stood up too and walked with him to the heavy door. "Bye Kagome," he said, and she nodded once as she shut the door and locked it behind him