Disclaimer – yada yada yada –I don't own Inuyasha- sorry this took freakin forever, I was just too lazy to type it up, lmao, hope I still have some readers left

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"This is so not going to work." Kagome griped as she and Sesshoumaru went back and forth from his car to his house unloading her stuff. They'd gotten all the luggage done first, and were now working on Kagome's heavy boxes full of files.

"And why's that?" called out Sesshoumaru as he lifted two boxes at once from the luxury SUV.

"Because, as soon as I get moved in I'm just gonna have to move right back out." She sighed as she sat the burdening box down at his door. "It just seems like too much work if you ask me."

Sesshoumaru raised his eyebrow. "Just how soon do you plan on moving out?" He was curious now. Apparently she hadn't caught on when he said 'you're moving in with me.'

"Oh I don't know…a few weeks, four tops; just until I get this job done." She started walking back to the car, when she felt a strong hand gripping her shoulder. Kagome turned her head to see a very angry Sesshoumaru glaring daggers at her. She was mentally preparing herself to get yelled at when suddenly his brow smoothed out and was replaced by what Kagome came to dub as the 'death by ice' look. Completely blank and terrifying all at the same time.

"Don't worry about the rest; I'll get the servants to put them up. There's someone I want you to meet."

Kagome's jaw dropped. "You mean you had servants all this time?!" Kagome chose to cop out of the sudden nauseas feeling in the pit of her stomach by getting angry. "Then why did we have to lug those heavy ass boxes all the way up your mile-long drive way?!" Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes, which surprised even himself, and placed a long, clawed finger to Kagome's lips.

"Shhhh."

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Kagome was still reeling when he led her through the foyer to the elegantly decorated library where a young child was flipping nonchalantly through a text book while a nasty green demon was lecturing her on Japanese haiku history. When she looked up and noticed Sesshoumaru, the girl smiled brightly; and Kagome thought she caught the slight twinges of a smile pulling on Sesshoumaru's lips. She loudly closed her book and skipped over to the silent pair.

"Sesshoumaru! I missed you! Who's the pretty lady?" Kagome chuckled and sat on her haunches.

"Hi, my name is Kagome; what's yours?"

"I'm Rin!"

Kagome smiled lightly and extended her hand. "Well it is a pleasure to meet you Miss Rin." She was shocked when the young child ignored the hand and lunged at her for a big hug. Kagome lost her balance and the two giggled wildly as they sailed to the floor. An 'umph' escaped her lips as her back hit the wooden floor.

"Alright, lemme up." Rin eeped when she was lifted by the seat of her pants 4 ft in the air by a very passive Sesshoumaru. Kagome cautiously stood up, alternating between rubbing her back and butt.

"Rin – what have I told you about attacking strangers?"

"Never to. But that's why I introduced myself first." Rin grinned mischievously.

Kagome was stunned by the child's moxy. "It's okay...really. It was very…nice…to meet you; an experience to be sure." Kagome gave Rin a conspirital wink. Sesshoumaru set her down and told Rin to go continue her studies.

Sesshoumaru did a quick introduction for Kagome and a very aggravated looking Jaken, and then led her out.

Once they were away from the library, Sesshoumaru gave Kagome a tour of the manor. On the bottom floor there was: the huge kitchen, guest study, large library, two bathrooms, a formal dining room, and a den. The second floor had three larger rooms on the West wing, and many smaller rooms on the East. The third and final floor was a large art gallery, Sesshoumaru's private study, and a smaller library.

Kagome thought she was in heaven. Any singular piece in the gallery could fetch her anywhere between 100 grand to 10 million. Some pieces, Kagome thought, were worth even more than that.

Her eyes scanned the place, and a familiar case greeted her. Gorgeous cherry wood with a gold threaded inlay. The outer glass stripping wasn't frosted, but crystalline clear. And inside was an empty mannequin, who once wore one of the most beautiful kimonos in the world.

She looked on over the amazing pieces perfectly placed throughout the room; but three pieces particularly caught her eye. She didn't recognize the artist, but all three told a story. The first was a light watercolor of the rising sun, set against rolling hills. To the left was a large weeping willow. The colors accented the amazing light, capturing the million and one colors set off by the morning sun. The second was the same scenery in oils this time, except for it was dark and stormy; and the willows branches rocked in the tempest. The mood was wild and unkempt. The strokes were randomly placed, and gave the painting a feeling of desire. The last, and what Kagome decided was her favorite, was still of the same scenery, only in acrylic paints. But it was the calm after the storm. Where as before, when the strokes were light, and free, now they were evenly placed and deliberate. The bright willow from the first picture seemed sad, and formal – numb. A few branches were scattered from the aftermath, and left the viewer with a bone-chilling effect.

Kagome felt a few tears roll down her cheeks from just the raw emotion of the paintings. "You like them?" Kagome jumped at the sound of the soft whisper in her ear. She quickly swiped the tears away, but knew the damage had already been done.

"They're beautiful." She inched closer to look for a signature.

"You won't find it." He once again stepped next to her, and leaned in close.

"Why not?"

"They're hidden in the paint."

"Well do you know who painted them then?" Kagome continued to study the artworks.

But this time Sesshoumaru remained quiet. She turned her head to see his face and instead found herself so close, they're noses were nearly touching. Kagome read his eyes. They were golden like his brothers, but had faint red stripes flexed throughout. The longer she looked, the redder they seemed to be getting, until his irises were painted completely.

For some far off reason Kagome had the immediate inclination to kiss him. But it scared her. Whenever she got intimate with someone, something always had happened. As she fought the increasing urge with little success to jump his bones right there, a last resort popped in her head.

Kagome leapt back from the lord and began to run. Sesshoumaru was too shocked at first to even move, let alone properly register his/her actions. He'd felt the arousal, in himself, and in her. But his inner canine instincts kicked in and the thrill of the hunt washed over him like a tidal wave. His eyes dilated and he took a big whiff of the atmosphere. Kagome's smell was still thick, and completely intoxicating. His body began moving rapidly of its own accord to the source of the drug.

When he got close enough to hear her footfalls, the lord slowed down. He wanted to prolong the chase.

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Kagome ran through the halls. She knew she was fast; and completely silent to human ears, and most demons; but she also knew Sesshoumaru wasn't 'most demons'. The thief turned down a random hallway; all she needed was a window. She peered inside a doorway and looked around the small room – which appeared to be a linen/storage closet – but no windows. She turned another corner and came back to the stairs leading up to the third floor. As much as Kagome was loathe to do it, she remembered seeing a window in Sesshoumaru's private study.

She hurriedly ran up the wide staircase, and came to the short hallway. Kagome found the right door and stumbled in. And there, directly behind his desk, was a large bay-window. "Jack-pot."

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Sesshoumaru hated to admit it, but he, the powerful, rich, virtually perfect Lord, had lost her.

Her scent completely covered the second story halls, but failed to venture into any of the rooms; which eliminated the possibility of her hiding. It once again proved to him how capable she was; hiding would be virtual suicide. But he was still at a loss. Her smell was only faint by the first floor stairs, from earlier. He slowed his pace, and felt his senses coming back to him. Was he seriously chasing her around his home? He wandered aimlessly until he reached a door particularly covered in her aura. He quickly yanked it open, but all that was inside were some sheets.

The lord was rapidly coming down from his high when it hit him like a freight train. She doubled back! Immediately his instincts kicked in double time and he raced for the stairs.

When he reached the top of the landing it took him only a moment to realize where she'd gone. He grinned evilly to himself in anticipation. Sesshoumaru silently slid into the room, making absolutely no noise. Her smell saturated his office, telling him she been around the whole study and touched everything she could get her hands on. Smart; now he couldn't find her directly. He scanned the room. There were limited hiding places in here. The desk, behind the couch, in the closet; the Lord checked the closet first, but eliminated it almost immediately. While it was apparent she'd been in it, it was very brief; although her scent did drench his random assortment of clothes – which had an odd effect on him.

Sesshoumaru quietly reached his desk, she had to be here. Kagome hadn't been behind the couch, and this was the only place left. He loomed over the top of the desk and reached down, ready to catch her up. Instead, Sesshoumaru found himself embracing air.

"What the f–"

"Achoo"

Sesshoumaru jerked his head up. Had he just heard a…a …no it couldn't be…" His eyes swept the window behind his desk and caught on the almost invisible informality about it. The lock was open. There wasn't a balcony out there…could she really be on the ledge? Again he heard the faint sounds of a stifled sneeze. "No…this is too easy." He thought about opening the window, or even locking it, but the thought of playing the waiting game seemed so much more fun. He had plenty of work that could use some catching up on; and night was encroaching, plus she hadn't eaten in quite some time. Yes, Sesshoumaru had a feeling that Kagome would be begging to come back inside in no time.

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Kagome was screwed. And the worst part is, she knew it was her own fault. The thief mulled over her options. First, she needed to take into consideration that it was getting dark – which didn't bother her – but with the night came the cold. Here she was still dressed in a tank and shorts from earlier in the day. She saw a faint yellow glow coming from the window in Sesshoumaru's office; and knew he was just waiting for her to give up. It was pointless to keep it up now, but she did have some pride, and it was hella-hard to swallow.

When Kagome had first gotten the flawless idea to go out onto the ledge, her mind was in a frantic state. It was a snap decision, and one she was fully regretting now. Well, maybe not fully. If she'd have stayed…that look in his eyes…her own surprising lust…it enflamed Kagome to even think about it now. Down below Kagome watched in silent interest as the little girl, Rin, ran out side (obviously having escaped her tutor). "Perfect" Kagome whispered and jumped on the opportunity. She threw some stone down to the child, far enough away so they wouldn't hit her, but close enough to get her attention.

When Rin looked up to see what was going on, she saw Kagome on the ledge, and giggled. The child ran back inside. "Fuck!" Now she was really screwed. She was probably on her way now to go tell Sesshoumaru. Kagome heard a creak below her and looked down. A window opened and a small face popped out and looked up at her. All Kagome could do was thank her lucky stars. She swung her limber body down to the window and hopped inside.

Having her legs on solid ground after hours of clinging to the ledge was like heaven. Kagome felt a light tug on her shorts and looked down to remember Rin was still there. Looking around the room, Kagome realized it must be her chambers. There were fairies and flowers and sunsets all over her room in an amazing mural. It was like a scene from a story-book.

"Lady, why were you on the roof?" asked Rin in a sugary voice.

"Haha…what…oh that? That was nothing. You see what had happened was…Oh forget it." Kagome closed her eyes desperately in an attempt to make up a good excuse. She was a child, what did they understand…games! Of course! "You see Rin," Kagome said slyly, "Me and your…Sesshoumaru, were playing a game called hide-n-go-seek. Have you heard of it?"

Rin nodded vehemently, and Kagome hurried on before she lost the child's attention.

"Well, I was hiding, but I still don't want…err Sesshoumaru to find me. So this has to be our little secret – okay?" She eyed the bright eyed child warily.

"Gotcha! So are you gonna sleep in here with Rin tonight?" She gazed up at Kagome with hopeful eyes.

"Actually, that sounds like a nifty plan."

"YES! Okay, I have to go take my bath, and then its time for my bedtime. I'll be right back." Rin scooted out the door in a hurry to get her plans done. Kagome walked casually over to the nearest wall and studied the art. It was hopeful, jubilant, vibrant…everything it should be. The details were simply immaculate. Time must have flashed by, because when Kagome looked up, Rin was creeping inside the room and it was almost pitch black outside.

"I'm back! I went and told Lord Sesshy goodnight so that he wouldn't come in here and check on us."

"Good thinking." The thief watched as the child pulled off her sopping wet towel from her hair and hung it on her door knob. She hastily ran her fingers through it, and then hopped on the bed.

"Tell me a story!"

Kagome was slightly taken aback but quickly recovered, silently walking over to the bed, grabbing a comb on the way. "I will if you let me comb your hair."

Rin frowned, but it was mostly playful and nodded her head. She sat cross-legged on the huge bed and Kagome positioned herself behind the child. As she began combing out the many knots in the long inky hair, Kagome tried to think of a story.

"Okay, there was this-"

"No, you're supposed to start it with 'once upon a time…'. Duhhhh."

"Leave me alone, my story, okay?"

"Fine, please continue."

"Thank you. Anyways, where was I...Oh yes…There once was a fairy named Glissa. She was always laughing and playing, and never took anything seriously. Her friends would come and go, and were always the same as herself. Glissa was also very naughty, because she enjoyed playing tricks on people and stealing things from them. She had a whole cove of goodies that she had taken from the local townsfolk. All the other fairies were jealous, and were constantly trading things for a trinket. But as time wore on and Glissa got older, she felt increasingly dissatisfied with her lifestyle. The simple pleasures her tricks once provided her left her feeling guilty and used. So one day she decided to rid herself of all the trinkets and started going straight. But the other fairies didn't like this. They missed her goods, and her frivolous behavior. It got so bad that Glissa completely disassociated herself with the rest of the fairy cultures. She started dressing up like the sprites in the neighboring clans and hiding her true nature. But eventually her history came back to get her, when a sprite lord found her out. He forced Glissa to do his bidding, but stealing from the other sprites, fairies, and all the other forest creatures."

Kagome looked down, and saw that Rin was sleeping soundly. She sighed and tucked the child in, and lay down beside her after switching off all the lights. Her thoughts wondered back to her story. It was pretty good Rin had fallen asleep, because not even Kagome knew how the story ended…yet.