Chapter 4: The Higurashis – Bright as Stars

Pairing: Sesshoumaru/Kagome

By : LeSinner

. . . . .

The tension in Sesshoumaru's shoulders disappeared and he looked sufficiently mollified. His gleaming eyes darted to his preoccupied Master and settled on the road.

Now that the issue of staying apart for the night was addressed, Kagome allowed herself to focus on telling her mother she decided to take up half the responsibilities of their clan as heir. She unconsciously fingered the symbol of her bond with Sesshoumaru that magically and painlessly burned itself on the soft skin of her belly.

. . . . .

Sesshoumaru knew his concerns were no longer valid; his soul was safely anchored and the bond was complete. He had no excuse for the horrible things he was feeling.

The fact that he was feeling so greatly at all was enough to worry about. Though he was 450 years older since his fall, strong emotions were still difficult to deal with.

He felt the strangest things; abandoned, insecure, and a mite resentful. And he felt all these while still in the cab with his Master right beside him.

Was it not but an hour ago his Master claimed to need him? He was resentful of the fact that his Master would be leaving him behind in the evening after he was claimed as "needed." Left to my own devices, as it were, was his thought.

Though he understood logically that he could not always be at her side, Kagome Higurashi was his life now; her existence gave him a purpose. Her every need, worry, affair, and business were now his concern. Sesshoumaru was an intelligent creature; and creatures of intelligence require, need a purpose for their existence.

According to a book of dog breeds he read a few decades back, sheep dogs were quite the same way (it was to his slight consternation he could not find a more fearsome and ferocious dog with intellect).

The pause in his main vein of thought allowed him a moment of objectivity that told him he was being melodramatic. He distantly wondered if it was the bond again; surely his Master's traits would somehow bleed over to him, but he didn't think it would make him so…. emotional.

He glanced at his Master beneath his long lashes; his eyes like golden crescents.

"Kagome-sama, does the bond's mark disturb you?"

"I – what?" His Master appeared to have been jolted from deep thought. "No, no. It's… fine," she continued, and returned to her musings.

Perhaps, the bond intensifies, as well? Sesshoumaru thought. This was his first time being bound yet free; confined yet unrestrained.

The past few centuries saw him living a life of penance – as was his chosen mechanism of coping. Even without the completed bond, even if it were a half-formed bond, she gave him a purpose today, and knew that his dignity was on the mend.

He swore to not just be his Master's sword and shield – or crutch – but also some very dependable arms and legs. He was a feudal lord at heart, after all.

Kagome-sama is my feudal lord. Kagome-sama is more than worthy.

Once they arrived at the Nishiguchi estate, Sesshoumaru swiftly exited the cab and held Kagome's door open for her.

Kagome gave him a strange look, perhaps noticing the aura of quiet resolution emanating from Sesshoumaru's form.

"Hey, thanks, Sesshoumaru."

. . . . .

When Kagome left the Nishiguchi estate with Rengi driving her, she was still reeling with the idea of Sesshoumaru as a glorified nanny. Or a handmaid. Or something. Definitely "or something."

"Kagome-chan! I'm quite sure Sesshoumaru will be quite the retainer for you!"

Aoi and Shigeo had gotten along so well with Sesshoumaru for the skills he possessed were perfect for his role as retainer for Kagome. Kagome was of good breeding and had a good background with a natural intelligent mind that could be applied in any field. However, her family claimed that while she did have power, she still lacked the experience and the more subtle nuances that time usually afforded to a woman of power.

"Rengi, Rengi," Kagome called to the man behind the wheel, "Did Uncle ever have a retainer?"

Rengi glanced at the rear mirror to meet her eyes and took a moment to reply. "I don't think so, Kagome-sama. I was very young when I joined the family, but I remember that Kumicho-sama was retainer to your father before."

Kagome's eyes squinted, "Really?"

"Yes, Miss Kagome. By the time Shigeo-sama became clan head, he was married to Aoi-sama, and claimed to have no need for a retainer as all he needed was Aoi-sama and perseverance."

Rengi chuckled and waggled his eyebrows. "Perhaps Kagome-sama will marry for a partner, too? Hmm? I think that's still the trend. And it would be so romantic, too, if it was like the current pair's relationship."

"I'm too young, and I'm not clan head," she deadpanned. For someone as intimidating as Rengi, Kagome thought it was strange to be so… girlish. Girlishly intrigued, rather.

While Sesshoumaru was pleased to have met with such resounding approval from the people his Master respected, Kagome was merely experienced a sinking feeling of dread.

If Auntie and Uncle get their way, I'll be having the world's most accomplished tutor… nanny… butler… right hand man? Oh jeez. I don't know. It's a good thing, but… my god, it's Sesshoumaru!

… hmm… guess I'm not yet over Sesshoumaru being…. Sesshoumaru…

Effer! I'm confused again!... well, not really. But I kinda – sorta – am? Kagome's disgruntlement increased by two levels.

The arts, the sciences – Aoi was so excited for her niece.

"An accomplished master and an accomplished servant!" Aoi said.

Kagome balked at the obvious work all this "tutoring" would bring. Admittedly she could understand what her aunt was going on about. Aoi found the prospect of Kagome applying all she learned from her own experiences and Sesshoumaru's to be a very exciting long-term goal.

And slave or not, everyone knows Sesshoumaru's the ultimate perfectionist; 450 years and enslavement be damned.

Rengi imagined he heard a soft growl from Miss Kagome.

Her uncle, on the other hand was pleased that Sesshoumaru expressed typical samurai loyalty – which was apparently outside of the bond, so Sesshoumaru conjectures – for Kagome. The youkai, according to her uncle, was probably an exceptional warrior with a cool and fine head for strategy. The chess match Shigeo lost said it all in his eyes.

Kagome remembered how she had immediately grown wary of the familiar gleam in her Uncle's eye. If she remembered correctly, her grandfather had that same gleam that promised a world of plotting.

After that, Kagome had experienced for the first time in the modern era, a Sesshoumaru with initiative.

As Kagome and Sesshoumaru retired to their rooms, Sesshoumaru had asked what her plans were for the evening, and what sort of activities Kagome would be attending. Kagome informed him she'd be visiting her family, and left to find Rengi to inform him they'd be leaving by the hour.

When Kagome returned, she found that Sesshoumaru had placed a clean and casual set of clothes hanging in her dressing room, and prepared a bathtub full with warm bubbles.

He had also wanted to scrub her back, shampoo, dry, and comb her hair, and… he wanted to dress her.

"Kagome-sama, please allow this Sesshoumaru to assist you."

Kagome felt a hot blush coming on as she remembered how the persistent youkai showed up after the bath to take her small knickers from her and held it out to her as though she were a child in order to step into them.

His hands were really quite huge… or maybe my knickers were just too small. Kagome sulked as the car sped on. He looked so… helpful and turning him down… she could still remember the slight pursing of his lips. It doesn't feel like it's the bond compelling him and I'm pretty sure he'll go on and insist on the matter. And it so doesn't help that he's bloody perfect Sesshoumaru!

Gaaaah. I refuse to feel insecure. Or idiotically and detrimentally self-conscious. I've got nothing to be ashamed of!

… oh god. Panty… hands… tiny knickers…. Big hands… tiny, green knickers…. Big, striped, elegant, clawed, masculine… hands… on… my…. knickers…

Rengi peered into the rear mirror. He was alarmed at hearing a dull thud from the backseat where his Miss Kagome was, but calmed as she released a muffled, pained groan.

"Miss Kagome, is everything all right?"

Just take deep breaths, Kagome.

Kagome smiled to herself at hearing the genuine concern in Rengi's voice. Genuine? There's a thought. It kind of felt like Sesshoumaru was acting out of the bond – but I can't really tell!

"Yeah, I'm fine, Rengi. I was just… thinking."

Rengi smirked handsomely through the mirror and couldn't resist some light teasing. "Thinking does not involve bashing one's head," Rengi pointed out. "Do be careful, Ma'am, and not hit your pretty head. Aoi-sama would fillet me if anything blemished your… eh… gorgeousness."

A giggle was his only response. Besides being the romantic type, Rengi really was the flirtatious type, too, deep down.

. . . . .

Rengi dropped her off at the front of the shrine and left to do her uncle's bidding.

Kagome walked past the great doors, past the courtyard, past the actual shrine, and slowly made her way into the quarters that housed her visiting family.

She paused in the hall for a minute and wondered how to tell her family that she was following in her late father's footsteps.

"Nee-chan!"

"Oi, Souta. I'm back."

Souta rolled his eyes and turned to eye his shifting sister. "Obviously," he said. "It's about time you arrived, onee-chan. I was starving, and mom wouldn't let me take a light snack."

"Ah. Well, sorry for that, Souta. I was… hmm… held back." Souta surely noticed her apprehension.

Souta led them into the small, private dining area and eyed his sister again. "Hey, Nee-chan."

"Hmm?"

"Whatever happens will happen, right, so… whatever it is that held you back can't be that bad."

Kagome hid a grimace. She hated it when his brother went super intuitive like this.

Souta went on to add, "Even if you're pregnant. Especially if you're pregnant. With, like… Inu-nii-kun's kid. Yeah, I don't think I'd mind. Neither would Mama, if the kid gets any furry ears."

What the hell?

"Souta!"

. . . . .

Once the dining table was cleared, there was a warm and cheerful atmosphere in the dining room. The older Higurashis were being entertained by Souta and his misadventures as a monk in training. The happy atmosphere though, only made Kagome feel the urge to confess what she had done.

"Mama, I'm going to spend a lot of my time with the Nishiguchi's now."

All chatter stopped and Kagome's mother and grandfather turned to her with unreadable faces. Souta eyed the adults with confusion.

"Souta, I think it is time for your evening training with your new instructor." Her grandfather, Hyobu, said. He tossed a rather knowing look at her mother and took his cup of tea. Souta obeyed.

But her mother remained silent. Her grandfather was content to sip his cup of tea.

"I… did something… and I used my position as successor as a sort of bargaining chip…"

The silence was starting to seem oppressive. "I had to, you see. I mean… Inu-yasha's older half-brother was being auctioned off, and, well… it wasn't right! I mean, well… I told Aunt and Uncle I'd take responsibility if they secured Sesshomaru for me."

"So you weren't forced into it. Or bought … I was wondering if they would actually try to buy you off." Kun-lun heaved a deep sigh of relief. "That's good," She muttered.

Kagome would have been affronted if her mom wasn't looking so peaky at the mere thought of her birthright. I'm – was – the keeper of the Shikon, I'm the last person to be corrupted by power.

"I expected something like this would happen. Knowing who your father was, one way or another, you'd have ended up entangled with clan politics."

Kagome remained silent. She decided to let the elder Higurashi steer the conversation first.

Her grandfather regarded her with calculation. Kagome was beginning to see the old cunning steel in his eyes, and she confessed to herself that being regarded thus was… unnerving.

"I still don't understand what brought this on, Kagome. Shigeo is young still; you shouldn't have to be bothered with clan politics yet… though… I'd have to say it would be best for you to learn early if you intend to carry on."

Hyobu was once the clan head; when Kagome's father became clan head and was assassinated, Hyobu chose revenge but was later sickened with the bloodshed. He turned to priesthood and a life of relative peace.

"And I doubt Shigeo would not do anything for his beloved niece. I'd wager your Aunt and Uncle are putty in your hands, Kagome," Hyobu continued.

To be honest, the idea just popped right in and… I suppose it was as impulsive as it was well-carried out. Kagome was grateful her grandfather could not read minds.

She fought the urge to shuffle under her grandfather's sharp gaze, and took a deep breath instead. He may have his zany moments, but in instances like this, he was fearsomely clear-headed. What he said was true, but still

Besides, Kagome thought, it would have been safer to "own" Sesshoumaru than for anyone else to claim him. I love Uncle, but he is first and foremost, a yakuza clan head.

"Remember the other day, you know, when I encountered Mamoru Higashi?" Kun-lun nodded. Hyobu shifted while his face once again turned neutral. Odd, that.

"I saw a youkai, and he was being auctioned off, as in slavery! It was Inu-yasha's older half-brother, Sesshoumaru. Mama, can you imagine Inu-yasha pandering to anyone's wishes? Sesshoumaru's way prouder than Inu-yasha. He was the sibling who was raised in the royal court, and if you could imagine how wrong it was to see him like that, you'd jump in, too!"

"Yes, but Kagome, don't tell me you decided to take on responsibilities for the clan, for a business you dislike so much, for some man?" Kun-lun probed her daughter. "And it's no longer safe for you, Kagome, your father… "

"Youkai, Mama. Even if it didn't feel right, could you imagine what the other clans would have done with someone like Sesshoumaru in their ranks? It would be anarchy in Japan. Look what the Xuanzongs did in China, Mama."

Softly, she added, "Mama, Dad didn't have a youkai by his side. Trust me when I say that with Sesshoumaru with me, not even Inu-yasha can get through security. And I can't turn back on my word now. I never turn back on my word."

Hyobu decided to intervene before Kun-lun could say anymore. Honestly. She allows her daughter to roam with virtual evil in the land and she panics over Kagome's birthright. He was brought out of his thoughts as Kagome continued.

"And… look, I just didn't think it was a good idea to leave someone as powerful as Sesshoumaru in the hands of… well, any yakuza. I'll be yakuza soon, but, I my experiences in the feudal era will keep me from abusing his heritage."

Hyobu silently agreed. "I have seen what Inu-yasha's heritage has gifted him, Kagome. I follow your point. Tell me, though, this Sesshoumaru, what kind of person is he?"

Kagome hesitated and Hyobu caught it. Hyobu's eyes sharpened even more.

"Eh. He… he is the oldest son of the great and terrible Inu no Taishou and older half-brother to Inu-yasha. He is… was the Lord of the Western Lands and was a great general." Kagome debated whether or not to add he was one hell of a killing machine asshole in the past, too. "Uhm, but, Uncle Shigeo and Aunti Aoi approve of him. I think they love him or something."

"All right, all right. I see your point. I am glad, though, that my granddaughter decided on this path. But… you'll be needing a lot of help, Kagome," Hyobu said.

Kun-lun sighed and listened to Kagome speak of the bond this youkai now had with Kagome. She listened to Kagome's shock at finding Inu-yasha's older brother's major personality change. Kagome then confided her decision in keeping her past adventures a secret from Sesshoumaru.

Movement to her left caught her attention, and she caught her father-in-law, chin in hand, listening with a thoughtful air. He seemed to hang onto Kagome's every word when he learned of Sesshoumaru's accomplishments, no doubt imagining the advantages of having a demon lord in her daughter's company.

Kun-lun knew that look. She would have bet a slice of her dessert that Hyobu was sporting the most calculating look in his eyes and knew, with Kagome's grandfather supporting her, Kagome's world would be much different now. She'd have no choice but to find her place in it and conquer.

Kun-lun sunk into a contemplative silence as she peered out the shoji screen to gaze at the stars with some nostalgia. Her father was very much the same, after all. The Higurashis were… almost as brilliant as the stars in the night sky.

. . . . .

"Nee-chan, what're you doing?"

Kagome's head shout out of her huge luggage bag. She spotted Souta in all his 14-year-old pajama-ed glory. He was her height now and had some bruises on his wiry body from his recent training.

"What does it look like, snot face? For the top student in your class, you can't tell?"

Souta bristled but let it slide off. "You look like you're packing, Nee-chan." He eyed the luggage suspiciously. "We just got here, Nee-chan. Where do you think you're going?"

Kagome raised a brow as she packed her things. Souta can be so suspicious sometimes. He was concerned and jealous of Kagome's time, but he really had no say in her affairs.

"I'm going to have to stay at Uncle's house, Souta."

"But why? I've only been training these days, and we didn't even get to hang out! I'll take tomorrow off, I promise!" Kagome didn't stop her packing. Exasperatedly, he asked, "Does Mom even know about this?"

Abandoning her packing, Kagome asked, "Souta, do you know who our clan head is?"

Souta answered despite the apparent impertinence of the information at hand.

"Uncle. With Auntie as his Seisai."

"For now, yes." Souta was starting to feel wary with this conversation.

"What do you mean, Nee-chan?"

Kagome fiddled with the quilt on her sleeping area and continued as though Souta had not spoken.

"And do you remember Inu-yasha's older half-brother, Sesshoumaru?"

"Yes, yes," Souta impatiently replied.

"I saw him the other day, Souta. He was in a spot of trouble and Uncle… bailed him out to act as my… eh, associate. Sesshoumaru doesn't know about me and Inu-yasha, though."

Souta goggled at the thought. He never met this Sesshoumaru fellow, but knew enough from Kagome to realize Sesshoumaru was something of a dangerous kind of dude. He wanted to shake his sister.

"I asked Uncle to do this for me, Souta. And he did. In exchange, I would take my rightful place as clan head when the time came."

Woah! What? Nee-chan as clan head? Rightfult place as clan head?

"Don't look at me like that, Souta. Mama never told you because she was hoping we'd stay out of clan politics, but Dad was the clan head before Uncle. That places me right smack at the middle. Or I will be. Someday."

"Inu-yasha's evil half-bro is here?"

Kagome held an expression of long-suffering.

"He's not evil anymore, Souta. At least I don't think so. The evil bugs seem to have been beaten out of him." Literally, Kagome thought.

"Eh, and I knew Dad was clan head, but I thought Uncle would get his kid to be next in line."

"Souta, I am the rightful heir. Besides. Our cousin's adopted. He's still in Spain somewhere; actually, that's all I remember. I don't even know his name." Kagome spared a thought for her nameless cousin and added, "Because of him, Dad made me learn Spanish, of all languages. It's not like I'd have a reason to go to Spain. We have, like, zero holdings there."

"Well, what about college? I thought you wanted to be a teacher… or a doctor or sumthin'. You're the top of your class, too, ya know."

"Yes, duh, I know. The plan's to get me to finish college first," Kagome revealed. "My current course is not as flexible, but I need a day job before I take full responsibility for at least 15,000 family members. And a degree. Gotta take some business classes, too."

"Nobody else really knows of my rightful place, Souta. I guess fate shaped my future like this so I could claim it."

Kagome lay on her futon and grumbled about ignorant younger brothers. She thought the silence meant the end of the conversation, but Souta only joined Kagome on her futon and placed his arms around her.

"Weren't you supposed to live a normal life, Nee-chan?"

That one line struck a chord in Kagome that reflected in her face, and seemed to echo in the room. Shortly, however, she shook the bitterness and melancholy away; her life had no place for regrets now.

Souta understood this, as he tried to offer comfort to through his hug. He knew his sister only wanted to be normal now. He tried to make his hug as comforting as possible.

The Higurashi siblings lay silently on the futon and turned both of their blue eyes outward, into the dark grounds. The drama of Kagome's life these past years had taken a toll on everyone, truly.

. . . . .

The following morning, bright and early, Sesshoumaru prepared himself to meet and greet his Master. He took a satisfying warm bath and dressed in one of many white button-downs and slacks with a pair of leather shoes. He could not wear wrist watches as the magic in the wrist band prevented the ticking machination from functioning; instead, his Master provided him with a pocket watch.

He handled the pocket watch and mused upon the elegance of the watch. It was a bit strange, having so much upon his person.

As the heads of the household assured him that only Kagome had authority over him and he could do as he pleased while she was away, he took this chance to peruse his Master's quarters. Perhaps if there was still time, he could seek the servants of this house and request access to the kitchen. He loved tea, and he was sure his Master would like for some as well.

He entered his Master's rooms and cast an appraising eye to her wardrobe. The contents were met with approval and so he moved to the other contents of her rooms.

Kagome-sama's wardrobe is fitting. Aoi-sama must have been responsible as Kagome-sama seems to favor trousers.

After, he set aside the untouched breakfast provided for him in his room, thinking he would be with his Master for breakfast. Armed with cleaning implements, he decided to tidy the room while he ruminated on the events of the night before.

Through the open door, the passing inhabitants – mostly servants – witness Sesshoumaru's eye for detail as he freshened and organized his Master's rooms. Sesshoumaru ignored them even as the younger maids offered him drinks, praising him for his apparent efficiency.

"No thank you, miss. This Sesshoumaru is fine. Although, this Sesshoumaru would appreciate a simple gesture on your behalf."

The maid blushed and preened. "What can I do to help you, Sesshoumaru-san?"

"Kindly leave my Master's rooms. And close the door. These are my Master's personal quarters; in such instances, only a select few should be permitted within."

The maid was not sure whether to be embarrassed or awed at Sesshoumaru's "devotion," so she merely nodded and dragged the other maids with her to leave.

His Master's aunt and uncle were a well-suited match and seemed to truly love his young Master. He was proud to list his accomplishments and skills; and they in turn were proud to have him as Kagome Higurashi's retainer.

Apparently, his Master's relatives were determined she succeed as leader of their clan. They took a stroll on the Nishiguchi branch house grounds where the clan and the "business" of the clan were revealed to him.

However, though Aoi-sama and Shigeo-sama gave him respect he had been missing out on the past few centuries, and treated him as a valuable companion for his Master, he still felt ill at ease without her presence.

Kagome had left a few minutes earlier to check on something.

"Excuse me, Kumicho-sama, Seisai-sama, this Sesshoumaru wishes to ask for your leave. I must attend to my Master's needs this evening."

He found his Master returning from somewhere with young men carrying boxes for her to another room.

So he followed his Master to their rooms, and inquired into her plans for the evening. He remembered back when he was Lord, he had a bevy of servants tending to his wardrobe and his bath.

While he did do this in the past with some of his previous masters, Sesshoumaru was determined to anticipate, and meet his Master's every need, fully prepared to take the extra mile.

Sadly, his Master seemed to be rather resistant to his attentions.

Perhaps… Kagome-sama does not trust me? Or, perhaps, as Aoi-sama said, Kagome-sama does not yet accept what she deserves?

After he finished tidying his Master's rooms, went to the kitchens to politely request for tea. Later, he smiled into his cup. He would be joining his Master either this morning or this noon. He was eager to prove his capability.

There was a timid knock on his door, and opened it to reveal the blushing maid from before with a message.

"Excuse me, and good afternoon, Sesshoumaru-san. Aoi-sama bade me to bring you to the Kumicho's study."

Sesshoumaru's brow rose. He was planning on waiting dutifully for his Master in peace, but if he was summoned by her aunt…

Making his way through the tastefully decorated hallways, he wondered and ran over a possible list of what they could possibly want of him.

. . . . .

"Ah, Sesshoumaru, sit down," Shigeo invited.

Sesshoumaru bowed respectfully to the clan leaders of his Master's family but remained standing. He explained that it was uncomfortable for him to be so casual with his Master's family.

"I'm afraid Kagome had to change some of her plans today, so it was her hope you'd take today as a chance to get to know the workings of the Sumiyoshi-kai. And to acquaint yourself with the officers we take with us when travelling, as part of the… Samiyoshi-kai's entourage, you could say."

"You should take this chance to learn more of Kagome's background," Aoi interjected.

Sesshoumaru did not allow a single thought or sentiment to dance across his face.

Aoi rose from the seat beside Shigeo to take a sizable box from the large oak table at the side. She handed the box to Sesshoumaru while a shrill ringing resounded from within its confines.

"And I think that's a call you should be answering, too," Aoi advised Sesshoumaru.

. . . . .

Notes on this chapter/Remarks: Had to show them not in each other's presence.

Hyobu, while usually a zany, loving man now, still has the perception of a hawk. In fact, as you will later see, he would have his reasons for moving his hand behind the scenes. Hint: Ma-mo-ru Hi-ga-shi. *wink*