A/N: And so we're off on a new story and my first ever chapter fic. I you like it as much as I enjoy writing it. And for the record, all characters are human in this story unless they're pets. But they retain their original colouring. It may start off a bit slow, but it'll pick up the pace. Thanks go to Saphira404 for accidentally creating the plot bunny and for encouraging this story and to Kaze Tsukai No Kagura for expressing interest in it.

NOTE: Updates may be a little sporadic until the 19th as my internet is a bit awkward.

Just One More Day

It was almost the end of summer break and Sesshoumaru was bored. He had his job waiting tables at the Tama restaurant, but not much else to do. He still lived with his father, step – mother and half – brother, so he only had to save up to finish his last year of college and he had more than enough money to do that because he'd been saving his money and allowance since he was young. He didn't even have to pay for accommodation, as it was simpler to live at home. He spent most of his days either reading in his room or walking around the many parks of the city.

Today was no different. "Oy! Sesshoumaru you lazy arsehole; mum wants you. I think she wants you to go get that stick up your ass removed." Inuyasha called through the door quietly. Sesshoumaru sighed and closed his eyes, wishing for patience. "Inuyasha, I have no doubt that if Izayoi heard you you would be in trouble right now. I am amazed you had the intellect to speak quietly." Hopefully that would anger the idiot enough to get him in trouble. "What was that you stuck – up bastard?!"

"Inuyasha! You know that if I heard you swear one more time you'd be grounded. You're grounded for a week. And don't try going to your father to get around me either!" Sesshoumaru smirked, it was so easy sometimes. "Inuyasha, I apologise. It seems I've overestimated you once more."

"You fucki – "

"Two weeks Inuyasha." Sesshoumaru opened the door to his room and saw the typical tableau that was Izayoi berating her son for foul language. For such a short woman she had an astonishing ability to have her son and her husband cringing away from her verbal onslaught. He leant against the doorframe and smirked inwardly, knowing that when she was in this state she'd even shout at him. "Honestly Inuyasha, why do you enjoy swearing at your older brother? You nineteen! There's only two years between you! Why can't you respect him, is it too much to ask?" She was calming down now and she became downcast, "Or is it that we haven't raised you properly Inuyasha? Is that it?"

"No! No it's not." Inuyasha burst out, his face was red with embarrassment and his brows were drawn down over his eyes as he sought to console his mum. "It's all my fault mum, I just wanted to get him angry." That brought him more trouble.

"In that case you'd better apologise to Sesshoumaru hadn't you." Inuyasha winced at the order and looked over at his brother. "What do you say Inu?"

"I'm sorry for insulting you and swearing at you. It was rude of me." He said grudgingly, his eyes promising revenge. Sesshoumaru nodded his acceptance of the apology before turning to his step – mother. "You wanted me Izayoi?" He asked.

"Yes, I didn't want to interrupt, but could you go to your grandmother's and pick up a box or two of things. She'll know what I want. I'd have sent Inuyasha as I know you're busy, but we received a letter yesterday." Inuyasha tried to sidle away and flee downstairs, but Izayoi grabbed hold of his arm, "However, your little brother got his driving licence suspended for getting to many fines and points on his licence. He can't drive for three months."

"That was stupid."

"I know it was. So for every time you have to go out on an errand or take Inuyasha somewhere he'll pay you from his account. If he doesn't let me or Touga know and I'll make sure Inuyasha pays you double." At that little discovery Sesshoumaru couldn't help but smile, especially as Inuyasha looked defeated. "I'll be down in five minutes Izayoi, I've got something to finish."

"Thanks Sesshoumaru."

He shut the door behind him, went to his desk and grabbed his wallet and keys. Then he lay down on his bed and finished reading the chapter he was on before going to his car. He was actually happy to be doing something interesting for once. "Granny's always got interesting things at her house, this'll take me the rest of the day!" Kaede was his mother's mother and his only living relative on his mother's side of the family so he treasured his visits though outwardly he showed no reaction.

It was a good half – hour drive as she lived on the other edge of the city, closer to his college, but it was an enjoyable ride as it was wonderfully quiet.

"Sesshoumaru my child! It's been a long time, I take it Izayoi sent you?" His grandmother asked as she let him in her home. He nodded as he walked to the living room. "It's good to see you Granny."

She smiled softly, the wrinkles 'round her eyes and mouth deepening slightly, "Aye, you should visit more often, it's lonely sometimes. Now, let me get you some tea; it's been hours since lunchtime." A peaceful quiet fell upon the two; the younger who desired no words, and the elder who was happy simply for the calm presence of her only grandchild. After about an hour Kaede broke the silence, as usual, to say, "I suppose you're wondering what's in the boxes Izayoi wanted."

Sesshoumaru nodded, curiosity was one of his major foibles. If there was information wanting, he had to find out; but only rarely had it got him into trouble. "It's some cloth mainly. A bolt or two of linen, four of cotton and a very small one of satin."

"Izayoi's designing clothing again?"

"Not quite, she's been thinking of a charity auction or simply making some clothing – good quality clothing – to give straight to the homeless."

"Then why the satin? It's thin and not water – resistant."

"That I think she wants for herself." Kaede thought for a moment as her grandson looked through the piles of cloth and felt the quality, then she mused, "Perhaps it's something for your father. It's nearly his birthday isn't it?"

"Yes. What else is in the boxes?" His grandmother smiled, for though her dear one looked as if he was merely asking as a courtesy she could see the light of eagerness in his eyes. "I found some of Hana's old clothes, from one she was just a little older than you. I know you don't have much of your mother's; and no real memories, so I thought you'd like them." Sesshoumaru reached out his hands for the small box his Granny was holding so carefully, as if a wrong move would rip away the glamour that made some old hand – me – downs precious.

He took the box just as gently as Kaede had and sat it on his lap. "Thank you." Sesshoumaru's whole face lit up with a smile he only rarely allowed anyone other than his Granny to see. And she loved it and smiled back, feeling younger than her seventy – one years. "You should smile more often, quiet one. You look very much like my Hana when you do."

Sesshoumaru didn't know what to say, so he said nothing, just sat in his chair running his hand longingly over the closed box, "You can go Sesshoumaru, I know you like to talk to her and find out about her in your own room, in your own time."

"You always know me best."

"Maybe if you let another in, I'll know you second best."

Giving a sad smile Sesshoumaru said, "Granny knows best." Before bidding her farewell and going home.

When her arrived he gave Izayoi her boxes of materials, then went back to his car and pulled out his precious cargo before retreating to his room and the past. He opened the box the moment he was sitting on his bed and smiled. "Another diary?" He loved these most of all because he could read his mother's thoughts, when nearly all the rest of the stuff he knew about her was simple memories of events passed. He picked up the book and opened it. Opened it to sketches. He began to read.