Hi everyone!

So I know this chapter comes late, forgive me but I had so much stress college wise. This chapter is more on the legal process involved with the case, but it still includes our favorite characters. (Props go to anyone who reviews by tomorrow and gives me an amazing b-day gift to look forward to :)

Thanks to:

My beta- Dreamer of All!!!!!!! You are amazing!

Ms. Sarcastic- I'm glad you like the headstrong Kagome. Personally, I love that as well. You can't make a story where a character is weak because it lacks interest. The character has to succeed and to do that the character has to be strong enough to face things head on. Thanks for the review, and hope you enjoy this chapter.

Day Dream Martini- Yay! I'm so glad you like it. Sorry that this chapter is late, I was just super stressed, today is the first free time I've had since Sunday, and by free time I mean actual time to sit down and relax/ unwind. Hope you enjoy this chapter.

Sesshy's Mate2012- Thanks, I'm glad you like this. I hope you enjoy the next chapter just as much.

Scherherazade- Thanks! I'm really happy you seem to like this. With this story, I am trying to stick to the original character personalities so I like the fact that you picked up on that. Enjoy chapter 2!

Anshu- I loved your review :) I guess I was taking a risk with this story mainly because I decided to try something and see where it took me. It's definably hard, since I have to do research but completely worth it. Haha, I always do have a problem trying to work dialogue into a story, either too much, or too little. My beta says the same thing. This chapter included research off the internet and I'll keep trying to make the story as realistic as possible. If you have any suggestions, feel free to send me a PM anytime. Enjoy chapter 2!

JJLi14- We've been communicating a lot recently. Thanks for the "Bailamos" Review btw, I've been so busy I haven't had time to send a reply. That apart, enjoy chapter 2 (finally!)

And now Chapter 2:

Chapter 2: Casework

When Sesshomaru next heard his intercom go off, he was not surprised to see it was Ayame telling him yet again of the eccentric lawyer and her unannounced visit. He let her in, Rin following, and was surprised when the delicious scent of food hit his nose.

"I didn't know what you'd like, so I got you a foot long. It's Italian bread with herbs and spices, American cheese, ham, lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, and green peppers. Does that sound good to you?" Kagome stated handing him a bag from her outstretched hand. She settled into an office chair across from him with Rin and set up a place for the girl to eat that was far away from any important papers or electronics.

Seeing that Sesshomaru hadn't opened his meal yet, though she and Rin had already started, Kagome was troubled.

"Did you not like something?" She asked forcing him to look up from his paperwork.

"No," He pointed to the pile of papers he was currently working on, "I just wanted to finish this page." That said, he clicked his pen and unwrapped his sandwich.

An hour later, Sesshomaru heaved a sigh as he put his pen down. Kagome was playing in a corner with Rin and the two were bent over Rin's coloring book. He cleared his throat to catch their attention and they both looked up expectantly.

"I'm done Ms. Higurashi. Now if you would please, I need to finish the rest of my paperwork." Sesshomaru was irritated and angry, that much could be taken from his expression. However, he was also stressed. Doing the paperwork had put him behind his schedule for the day. That meant he would have to spend another night holed up in his study with only the coffee pot as company. He stood, throwing Kagome a stare and handed her the papers.

"Thank you," she stated after receiving them. She bent down to Rin and said her goodbye's, leaving the room and the two alone. As she got back into her car and drove back to work, she wondered how to approach this case. She hadn't ever handled a custody battle before and was worried that her inexperience might cost her - and Miroku -the case.

As far as she knew it had come to the point where Rin's parents, who were now out of jail, had lost custody of her for now, if not indefinitely. As per law, Rin should have gone to the next person available to care for her which had, incidentally, been Sesshomaru. Now, it was up to Sesshomaru and Kagome to prove that he was capable of taking care of the child.

She had information that she could present to the judge showing that Mr. and Mrs. Onigumo deserved to lose child custody. Rin had bruise marks on her body the day that she had been taken from them. After a search the police found various bottles of alcohol and, at the time of arrest (due to resisting a police officer), had found Mrs. Onigumo drunk.

Mr. Onigumo was hardly ever home, according to Kikyo. That also proved the case for neglectful behavior on the parent's behalf. The day he had been arrested, he too resisted a police officer.

Now Kagome had to delve into the details.

She arrived at the law firm and parked her car before walking inside. There, Miroku was talking with a lady Kagome had never met before. Once he saw her, though, he ushered her over.

"Kagome," Miroku announced when she arrived, "this is Kikyo Taisho-Mrs. Onigumo's sister." Kagome bowed and exchanged greetings with her.

"Here," she stated after the greeting to Miroku, "Mr. Arrogant finally gave me these." She handed Miroku the stack of papers in her hand and he gave a sigh.

"Well then, I have to drop these off with Kaede now, so if you wouldn't mind taking over for me?" Kagome shook her head turning to Kikyo.

"Would that be a problem, Taisho-san?" Kagome asked politely. Kikyo, who had remained silent during most of the conversation, shook her head.

"It's not a problem."

Kagome was quickly briefed on the information she needed from Miroku before heading to her office with Kikyo, being mindful to walk slowly since she noticed the other woman was heavily pregnant. Once inside she let her guest sit down, telling her to ask if she needed anything, and got down to her task.

"So, Mrs. Taisho, if you wouldn't mind explaining exactly what prompted you to call the authorities," She stated pulling out a tape recorder, some paper and a pen. Kikyo took a deep breath and several moments passed before she answered.

"I just couldn't stand seeing Rin that way anymore. Naraku was never there, he was always going on business trips." Kikyo emphasized business trips as she spoke. There was no doubt that he wasn't doing anything for work on these so-called trips. At Kagome's nod she continued.

"Kagura was trying to cope with it. At first it was okay, but after she learned the true nature of the business trips she started drinking. A lot." Kikyo paused again for a few minutes heaving a sigh, her voice cracking a little. "Before we knew it she had become an alcoholic and every time I went to visit, I had to take care of both Rin and Kagura." She stopped there, her pregnant state causing her emotions to be more wrought.

"Excuse me," Kagome stated trying not to cause any more damage, "what were the business trips about?" Kikyo had misty eyes as she spoke.

"He was cheating on Kagura with another girl. He didn't even deny it when she confronted him. Just turned, walked out of the room, and started packing his things. That was the day she decided that Rin was the cause for all her problems." Kikyo was crying now and Kagome went over to the older woman to try her best at comforting her. It seemed that an unstable family structure could be added to the list of reasons Sesshomaru deserved custody of Rin.

"She hurt Rin, and he saw everything and didn't stop her. I just couldn't bear to see anyone hurt anymore." Kikyo continued, sobbing on Kagome's shoulder as Kagome gently rubbed her back.

"I'm sorry." She knew full well about infidelity issues. They were the reason her parents had divorced when she was young. When Kikyo had quieted down, Kagome smiled back at her.

"Thank you for the information. We're not sure when the judge will decide on a hearing- which I'm sure this case will be at the end- but we do know that your information will make sure that Rin stays with someone who'll take care of her." Kikyo brightened at Kagome's words.

"I appreciate all that you're doing Higurashi-san," she stated, the gratitude strong in her voice.

"Call me Kagome." The lawyer's voice rang. "And don't worry; everything will be fine in the end." Kikyo nodded and left soon after. That was only the first step towards the hearing.

Miroku walked inside the courthouse and proceeded to the desk where he saw a young man working diligently on something.

"Excuse me?" he asked.

The young man looked up."Yes?"

"I was wondering if Kaede-san is in her office?" The clerk quickly dialed her office number and, when his call was received, informed her she had a guest.

"She said that you could go ahead sir," the clerk stated as he hung up. Miroku nodded his head in thanks as he made his way to Kaede's office. He knocked once before getting permission to enter and walked inside the office.

Kaede was sitting at her desk when Miroku walked in. She looked up when he entered, greeting him and indicating for him to sit down.

"How are you today Miroku?"

"Good. And you Kaede-san?"

"As fine as I always am," she answered. Kaede was growing in her age and it showed a lot in her thoughts and actions. She carefully measured her words and actions, always making sure to get exactly what she wanted across. "So what brings you here?" she asked with a kind smile.

"These." Miroku placed the folder with the signed papers on her desk. "We're ready for a court hearing and we know you need these before anything else happens."

Kaede nodded flipping through the papers. After a few moments of silence she spoke up. "A social service worker has to assess Taisho-san's ability to care for the child and another has to assess his living environment." she stated, pushing the folder aside on her desk. "Thank you for dropping this here. I'll contact them as soon as possible and let you know."

"Thank you Kaede-san." Miroku stated getting up and making to leave. "I'll make sure that Kagome knows the details." Kaede nodded and waited until Miroku left before picking up her phone and dialing a familiar number.

"Hello?" A male voice, rough with age spoke from the other end.

"Totosai, it's me. Kaede." At the response the male on the other end let out a laugh.

"It's been a while, Kaede." he stated, "How are you?"

"Quite well. Totosai, I need your department's services again. There's a man who is currently in a custody battle over his goddaughter. I need you to assess the environment."

"All right. I think I can let Yura take care of this one. She should be free next Monday in the afternoon."

"Well that's good. I'll send you the information you need and you can talk to his lawyer and let her know of the times."

"Good. Well then, Kaede, it was nice talking to you."

"You too." she answered before saying goodbye and hanging up the phone. "Now to do more paperwork." she mumbled to her once again lonely office.

It was ten o'clock Wednesday morning when Kagome's phone rang. She had received her case Monday, finished the first bit of paperwork yesterday, and was working quietly on some more, concentrated on making sure she didn't mess anything up, so she was startled by the ringing of her phone.

"Hello?" She asked picking it up and trying to quiet the quaver in her voice.

"Hello. Is this Kagome Higurashi?"

"Yes." Kagome answered waiting for the person on the other end to speak.

"I'm Yura Hayashi from Social Services and I'm calling to tell you that I plan on visiting your client's house to run a check Monday afternoon at four-o'clock. I'm not sure how long it will last but I do not stand tardiness."

"Of course Hayashi-san. I'll let him know as soon as possible. Thank you for the information."

"No problem. Ms. Higurashi, if I may ask, I was not forwarded the address so could you pass that on to me?"

"Of course. Where should I send it to?" Kagome asked as she pulled out a post-it note and grabbed a pen.

"You can fax it to 03-3818-5299, extension 0225." Kagome jotted down the number.

"Thank you. I'll be sure to inform Taisho-san." She replied.

"That would be appreciated. Goodbye, Higurashi-san." The young lawyer hung up and placed the note on her computer. Sighing, she picked her phone up again and called Sesshomaru's office.

When Ayame picked up, Kagome explained the situation and was satisfied with Ayame's assurance of telling Sesshomaru. Just before she hung up, Kagome was stopped by Ayame on the other end.

"Kagome?"

"Hm?"

"I think it might be helpful if you also showed up and reminded him of the appointment since I'm afraid he would forget and we both know how that would look."

Kagome bit her lip in thought for a second before responding. Ayame had known Sesshomaru for a longer time so she decided that going along with her idea might not be that bad.

"All right I'll do it." She announced hoping that she was making the right decision.

"Great. See you Monday!"

"You too." Kagome replied to the excited secretary. She sighed. The last thing she needed right now was another meeting with Mr. Conceited to rile her up.

So that's what I have so far, I'll try to have chapter 3 up sooner, probably in 2-3 weeks because that's when I have Spring Break.

Most custody battles are decided in hearings, I still have some research to do regarding that, but that's what I tentatively have so far.

Any suggestions and reviews are much appreciated!

Thanks for reading!

Kaoruhana

p.s. Check out my sessxkag oneshot "Bailamos" if you want :)