Sesshomaru took the rest of Friday afternoon to come down from his wrath. He and Inuyasha were at such a bad standstill that even Inuyasha's attendant, Myoga, was under strict orders not to speak to him or Jaken.

On Saturday afternoon, he went to the office and threw himself into his work to stop thinking about everything that had happened. He was gone before the sun had risen and didn't come home until the streetlights were on.

On Sunday morning, Inuyasha waved the white flag by sending Myoga to his room with curly fries from Momiji's. Sesshomaru didn't eat it but understood the gesture. Inuyasha was always so sorrowful after coming down from a rage binge.

On Sunday evening, Sesshomaru was bothered. He wondered if Kagome was finished being angry too. It started to feel odd having anxiousness sit on his chest. He didn't know if she would speak to him again and that thought kept him up at night.

On Monday morning, Sesshomaru decided he would forgive her arrogance and try his best to…show his remorse.

To his secret dismay, Kagome was absent.

When she didn't come in on Tuesday either, Sesshomaru struggled to resist asking Sango for her number. He avoided her and Miroku all day as a preventative.

Wednesday rolled around and Sesshomaru grew tired looking at the empty seat beside him. He walked around in such a foul mood that only Miroku was brave enough to approach him at lunch.

"Sango says her number keeps going to voicemail," said Miroku as he placed his lunch tray on the table and took a seat next to Sesshomaru. "Maybe she has food poisoning or something."

Sesshomaru chewed his lunch quietly. He wanted to believe that but knew better. He didn't even think Kagome had any food allergies but be honest, he didn't know for sure…

-"Doesn't it feel nice knowing someone recognizes little stuff like that about you?"-

"That's it? No response? I do you a favor and don't get a 'Thank you dear great Miroku, you're a true pal!'?"

"I may consider balancing your books for half price next time,"

"Gee thanks," Miroku rolled his eyes, peeling an orange. "Why'd you want to know anyway?"

There was a moment of silence.

"Oh my god, you like her!" Miroku nearly dropped his orange. "Sesshomaru, the celibate monk, has a libido after all." He had suspected all along but what was the point if he couldn't have his fun?

"Shut your tongue before I rip it out," Sesshomaru said calmly before taking a bite out of his sandwich. "I was merely curious."

"But you don't deny it!"

"Of course I deny it," Sesshomaru gave a stony gaze to his uninvited companion. "Only a lust-driven fool like you would think something like that."

Miroku's expression annoyed Sesshomaru. "That's not a very convincing response. If you don't like her then why am I sleuthing around to find out why she's been AWOL?" Miroku leaned forward. "Is there a hint of concern mixed in with that secret burning desire?"

Sesshomaru relived his actions, watching in his head as his words cut at her like knives. Watching her shift and hide to try and avoid the blows, wiping away a tear. The first time anyone took an interest in her, the real her, was so that they could completely destroy her. He wondered if her shield of smiles could protect whatever confidence she had left to salvage.

'Sometimes,' he thought to himself, 'I can be a real bastard.'

Sesshomaru promptly placed all his lunch items on his tray and got up to leave without saying a word.

Guilt dropped like a heavy stone, crushing his chest. He gripped his tray harder than necessary.

"I was just joking!" Miroku shouted behind him. "You don't have to be so sensitive!"

Later, when the lunch lady collected the trays from the top of the waste bins, she noticed one of them had a hairline crack all the way across the frame. When she picked it up, half of the tray fell away and hung by a fragile hinge.

She shook her head and threw it away, thinking nothing else of it.

Sesshomaru checked the address on the scrap of paper Mr. Kasuko had given him. He had arrived at an old shrine. The worn stone steps led up, past a red arch that had red peeling paint. He wondered how this could be considered corporate property.

As Sesshomaru approached, he noticed that the rest of the grounds were immaculate. There was a large tree to the side of the courtyard, its branches still naked from the cold season. A small shrine was a ways off but even from Sesshomaru's distance it gleamed. As he went, he noticed a few security cameras placed in subtle locations. They were the latest Tetsusaiga models.

As he passed the well-house, he came closer to a small house at the back of the property. It was the standard two-story house but even the siding didn't show any dust from the wear of weather.

When he was at the front door he heard the sound of a piano being played from within. Someone was playing a symphony, a quick and heated piece that shook the keys with an air of mastery about it.

He rang the doorbell. The playing was abruptly cut off and the silence came, leaving him feeling slightly awkward. He felt as if he had suddenly eavesdropped onto something private.

After a few moments he heard the clicks of the locks turning and the door slowly creaking open.

"Yes?" came a small voice. Sesshomaru dropped his gaze to the young boy, no older than ten, who was gripping the doorknob. He had neatly trimmed black hair and was wearing a wrinkled t-shirt over neatly pressed black slacks. His large brown eyes stared unwelcomingly at Sesshomaru.

If he was a girl, he'd be the spitting image of Kagome.

"I'm here to see your sister," Sesshomaru stated matter-of-factly. He sounded like he had an appointment. "Was that you playing Alkan's 'Symphony for Solo Piano'?"

The boy hesitated and turned behind him, looking back into the house. He returned his gaze to the stranger at his door. Sesshomaru noticed he wasn't the slightest bit intimidated. His eyes were sharp like that of a wary adult. Kagome had that same look. A family trait, he mused.

The boy ignored his question.

"Kagome is not allowed to have visitors without our parent's permission," he replied and moved to close the door when a hand higher than his head moved out from behind him and grabbed the frame.

"It's okay, Souta. I invited him" she fibbed.

Kagome's voice was warm and kind. She opened the door all the way and patted her brother's head with the other hand. He looked up at her and his expression immediately softened with such tenderness that Sesshomaru thought the boy would cry.

Kagome noticed it too. She placed her hand under his chin ruffled his hair affectionately. "I know," she said softly. "But you're busy anyway. When you finish practicing, we'll go out and get burgers. Just the two of us."

Souta looked at Sesshomaru again.

Sesshomaru expected him to be embarrassed at such a large display of sisterly affection but he gave Sesshomaru a disapproving glare and walked back into the house and out of view.

Kagome came outside and closed the door behind her with a gentle click. "Don't mind him," she said, dismissing her brother with a slight wave of her hand. "He's got a sister complex."

"Is that the prodigy?" Sesshomaru asked. Despite himself, Sesshomaru was impressed. Alkan's solo was a complex piece that even Sesshomaru hadn't mastered. He had stopped playing years ago when his parents switched him to the violin.

"Yes, but I call him Souta," said Kagome. "People act like he's a mini adult but he's just a kid. I think he likes that I'm the only one who treats him like one."

She searched Sesshomaru's face before settling on his eyes, something she liked. "You came to visit me," she sounded touched. "Worried about me?"

Sesshomaru stared at her. "You've been absent for three days," he informed her as if she wasn't aware. "Mr. Kasuko sent along your assignments." He held up the notebook and she took it from him gingerly, hugging it to her chest. She looked like someone had just given her a present.

"Sesshomaru," she breathed "I'm sor-"

"We both are," he interrupted, not wanting to hear it. Five days of self-torment had been enough for both of them. He was more than happy to just sweep it under the rug.

Kagome nodded with a small smile.

From inside the house a piano started playing. The music was different now. It was a much softer, more modern sounding piece. Sesshomaru had heard the song before but couldn't recall from where.

Kagome giggled at his complex expression. "That's 'Somewhere Only We Know' by Keane," Kagome explained. "He always plays my favorite songs when he wants my attention. My parents would have a fit if they heard him playing something they haven't approved of."

"Prodigies must be carefully monitored," Sesshomaru commented. He sounded like one of his many childhood tutors and it left a bad taste in his mouth.

Kagome shrugged, not fond of the comment either. "Would you like to come in?" she offered.

"No. I just came to give you your books," he said but didn't turn to leave. He wouldn't show his curiousness to see inside, she would have to work for it.

Kagome gave him a dejected look. "I'd really like some company until Souta's finished." She subtly pleaded.

"I don't want to impose."

"Not at all. In fact, I would be rude if I didn't thank you for coming all the way out here to bring me my assignments."

"…Fine," Sesshomaru pretended to cave in. "I'll have a cup of earl grey. No milk, two sugars."

The house looked small on the outside but Sesshomaru was greeted by massive space. Everything gleamed. The hardwood floors were carefully polished and the walls hung with degrees and certificates which had been painstakingly cleaned and dusted.

"My dad inherited this house from my grandfather," Kagome explained as they walked past the foyer. "He has a cleaning crew come every week to honor granddad's memory."

Kagome led him past a set of double doors where the music originated, slightly muffled. This time Souta was playing a song Sesshomaru easily recognized. 'Hey there, Delilah' wafted through the house as her brother continued to try to steal Kagome's attention.

She led him to a glistening kitchen and pulled out a seat for him then went to the sink to fill the kettle. The countertops were expensive marble and the appliances were all modern and stainless steel. Her fridge had a touch-screen ice and water dispenser. The table Sesshomaru sat at was slightly cluttered with books but the table itself was a beautiful cherry wood color. It looked expensive.

Sesshomaru expected that her brother's talent would generate a modest income, but the house had an air of wealth about it. Kagome had never let on exactly what her family did but he could tell by her mannerisms and grades that she had come from a prestigious family.

He was oddly pleased to be in the house of someone who had similar background as himself.

"Where are your parents?" asked Sesshomaru. "I don't want to be impolite."

Kagome gave an easy shrug. "I think my Father's in America and my mother's in France." She said, putting the kettle to boil. "Their assistants send me an itinerary but I only pay attention to Souta's."

"You both live here alone?"

"Well, Souta's usually abroad with his musical company. They picked him up last year. Our tutor goes along with him, which is why enrolled in high school before they had time to find me a new one. When he gets to come home for a few days, I drop everything to spend time with him."

Kagome took a seat across from Sesshomaru, put her elbows on the table, and used her hands to prop her head up by her chin. "Did I miss anything interesting at school? How's Sango, Miroku, and Inuyasha?"

Sesshomaru scoffed. Three things he didn't want to talk about. "Aren't you lonely living by yourself?"

"I never really thought about it," Kagome admitted. "It's so normal, I guess I don't notice. The security is state of the art so I'm actually pretty safe." She sent a grin his way "But I'm sure you knew that."

"Mmm," said Sesshomaru. He mentally noted to himself to put a special detail on her property. "How do you support yourself?"

He wondered if that was too personal to ask, but if it was she didn't notice.

"Souta and I both have black cards and a concierge by phone on standby for whatever we need," Kagome explained "Although Souta's company usually takes care of him and I don't use my concierge much either, I like taking the bus and train and buying groceries. Besides, they record our phone calls. I hate knowing that my parents can track my every move if they wanted to." She made a face.

She smiled. "Living here is almost like being on vacation."

Sesshomaru looked her over. She was wearing a gray unzipped hoodie that exposed a black tank top underneath. She had blue flannel pajamas on but Sesshomaru could tell by her groomed appearance that she had showered already and was wearing it to be comfortable. Her hair was braided and put to one side and she had her glasses on. He couldn't bring himself from staring at her side.

"I'm fine," she assured. "Private physician. No breaks, no fracture. A little bruising but nothing to cry over."

Sesshomaru would find Kouga and Inuyasha and throw them off a cliff.

The kettle began to boil and Kagome rose, pulling out two teacups and tea bags. She put the bags to soak in the hot water, placed the cups on two saucers and brought them over to the table where a small pot of sugar sat.

"Help yourself when you're ready," Kagome said warmly.

There was a closed laptop next to her and a mug of coffee that looked like it had gone cold. He focused on that instead.

"Were you studying?"

Kagome smiled and shook her head. "Just some expense reports for my father's executives. He doesn't want me to get complacent in school."

Sesshomaru was impressed but didn't let it show. Kagome seriously didn't let on about herself at all.

The piano music subsided and they heard the door from across the hall sliding open.

"I heard the kettle-" Souta entered but saw Sesshomaru sitting down and made a displeased face. "What's he still doing here?"

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow. He said that in perfect English.

Kagome frowned at her brother. "Be nice. He's a guest. I go to school with him." She responded fluently.

Sesshomaru had taken English lessons since he was four but decided not to disclose that information at this point. He took the tea bag out of his saucer and placed it aside, taking an exploratory sip before reaching for the sugar.

Kagome winked at him. She knew by his grades that he could at least understand them.

Souta walked over and opened the cabinet but couldn't reach the teacups on the higher shelf. He was heading for the step stool folded neatly against the side of the fridge when Kagome intervened.

"Here, have mine." Kagome said in Japanese, pushing the cup across the table in his direction. He looked cautiously at Sesshomaru to make sure that he wasn't being judged for not being tall enough.

Sesshomaru sipped his tea quietly.

After a few moments of hesitation, Souta came over and took Kagome's cup of tea to the counter next to the fridge. He opened it, reaching for the milk.

"Would you like to join us?" Kagome asked.

"Seji will be back at five for my French lessons. I thought we were going out." Souta replied sulkily in English.

If Seji had been Kagome's former tutor that meant she too was fluent in French. Sesshomaru had never bothered to learn.

If Kagome and her brother were this well rounded, why was she in school? He recalled her excitement at the prospect of making high-school friends. Had she really been so lonely in Honjo that she had gone to these lengths to find friends?

Kagome sighed. "It's only two-thirty. We'll leave at three. I want to chat with Sesshomaru a bit longer."

Sesshomaru pushed his saucer aside. "I didn't mean to impose," he said, rising from the seat. Souta slammed the fridge door, glaring at him through an embarrassed expression.

"How dare you eavesdrop!"

"How dare you underestimate me," Sesshomaru responded coolly. "In any case, I'll be taking my leave now. Thank you for the tea."

He tried to ignore the melancholy look on Kagome's face but couldn't help himself.

"When will you return to school?" Sesshomaru asked. "Lunch has been…quiet without you." He was happy he caught himself before he said 'boring'.

Kagome beamed. "Monday."

"Mmm," Sesshomaru gave his signature comment. Five more days. His chest squeezed uncomfortably.

"It's not often that I get company. I'd really like it if you came again."

Sesshomaru didn't say anything but telling by Kagome's smile, she had received the best answer he could give.

That night Sesshomaru did his research on the Higurashi family. He clicked past the multitude of glowing articles about Souta and his many accomplishments.

He found an article about Kagome's father. There was a picture of a tall man, aged but handsome, walking out of a building surrounded by a group of suits. The title read "Powerful merger between Miko Corp and Shikon Industries. Higurashi the new 'Steel Giant'"

He skimmed the article. Apparently Kagome's father had inherited a small steel mill from her grandfather when he was young. In the recent years, he had caused the company to flourish and began buying out his competitors and securing major construction contracts. By Shikon Industries acquiring a deal with Miko Corp, Higurashi was the exclusive contractor to all of Miko Corp's projects. They were known for building the most prestigious private hospitals in the country.

Sesshomaru continued digging until her mother eventually popped up on the screen. There were fashion articles that relentlessly mentioned her name. She was a model turned designer and was constantly travelling around the globe to collaborate with other designers. She was given multiple spotlights in fashion magazines and websites.

Satisfied, Sesshomaru moved to click off the website when a link caught his eye.

'Tragedy rocks prestigious family: Higuarshi's devastating loss.'

An article popped up with a huge picture on the front cover. It was a slightly blurry snapshot but Sesshomaru could make out the angry face of Kagome's father trying to push past the mob of microphones from the press. His wife was next to him, her eyes covered by huge designer glasses. Between them was a picture of a small girl. It could only be Kagome. Her head was being covered with a jacket. Her expression was oddly blank, unaffected by the pressing mob around her.

The editorial had a new title:

"Abduction and Death Shakes Higurashi Family"

The article was dated, December 17th, 2002. Kagome was only six or seven. It read:

Steel company president and runway model, Renge and Yuzuru Higurashi started off the New Year in heartbreak as they reported to the Tokyo central police station yesterday morning to collect their seven year old daughter, Kagome Higurashi.

Twin girls Kikyo and Kagome Higurashi had been abducted, tortured, and held captive for over 72 hours by a man who planned to demand ransom, sources say.

Kikyo…

Sesshomaru felt a shiver run down his spine, tied down by sudden guilt.

"My sister and I…don't speak." Her face had turned so pale, like he'd seen into her skeleton closet.

She had cried when they argued that day, when he told her she had nobody to confide in. There was never any moment, any indication to her letting her guard down. To even whisper Kikyo's name was like cracking open the door. He had said all those things…

Kagome managed to escape her abductor and notified police who took her into protective custody. She led them to a condemned house where she and her sister had been imprisoned. Kikyo was found in critical condition with multiple stab wounds. The abductor had fled the scene, sources say.

Sesshomaru pictured a hysterical Kagome, fighting his grip so she didn't have to undress in front of anyone. He made sense of Souta's suspicious glare of anyone who dared come to the house.

"Kikyo was rushed to the hospital where the doctors did the best they could to save her," commented Jinya Takagi, Higurashi's family attorney at a press conference held after the Higurashi's had left the premises. "But there was a complication and she passed away during surgery. Her parents are shocked and upset by this tragic loss. While they mourn the loss of one beautiful daughter, they are relived that Kagome has been returned to them safely."

"We are asking for any information on the man who abducted these girls." said Sherriff Takanaka of Tokyo's central police department. "The victims did not know his name but Miss Higurashi was able to give us a description that we will release to the media. Please help bring this man to justice."

Private sources say the Higurashi's were unaware of their daughters' disappearance until contacted by police when Kagome was in custody.

Both Sherriff Takanaka and Mr. Takagi refused to make further comment.