Thank you for all the concern you showed with Hurricane Harvey. You all are the best! On with the story!

Tease

Ch. 11

Inuyasha was pissed. He'd had a bad day at work, Kikyo was out of town, and all he wanted was to see his favorite baseball team win their game of the season. He had come by with Koga, Miroku, and Naraku, hoping to have a much-needed guy's night. In the past, it would be a night of trash talking, eating, drinking, and a good game. Instead they came only to find Rin snuggled up on the couch with Ah and Un, watching a cartoon. Sesshoumaru was in the kitchen, fixing Rin some teriyaki chicken with cabbage and rice. Inuyasha made the mistake of voicing his disdain, letting his annoyance get the best of him.

"Sess, what the hell! The game is about to start. We never miss the opening pitch. Can Rin watch that shit upstairs?" the half-demon asked, crinkling his nose at the children's cartoon.

Rin gasped, covering Ah and Un's ears, "Uncle Inuyasha! You said a bad word! You can't say the s word." Sesshoumaru gave him a glare that could make Hell freeze over.

"Inuyasha," Sesshoumaru began, beckoning him to the kitchen.

Inuyasha gulped, but he wasn't going to look like a punk in front of their friends. He strolled over to his elder brother. Sesshoumaru kept his voice low and even, but Inuyasha heard the promise of pain in his words if he didn't listen.

"Don't touch that remote until Rin has finished her show and little brother, be advised on how you speak in my home. I don't want my daughter picking up any distasteful words."

Sesshoumaru's aura flared out in a suffocating manner. The only one unaffected was Rin, who happily sang the ending song from her show, before shuffling into the kitchen. Inuyasha stood, stiffened in place. Sesshoumaru smiled at the girl, scooping her dinner on a plate.

"Rin, if you want, you can eat and continue watching tv in my room or watch the game out here."

Inuyasha paled. He loved his niece to death, but there was no way he could let loose with Sesshoumaru in Daddy mode. He made a silent prayer that she wouldn't watch the game with them. Rin took the plate, beaming.

"I'll go into your room with Ah and Un. Thank you!"

Sesshoumaru nodded. With a ruffle of hair, he sent the young girl to his bedroom and settled into his spot on the couch.

"You didn't need to cook anything, Sesshoumaru. We brought snacks," Miroku mentioned, holding up a bucket of wings and potato chips.

"Rin and I needed a proper meal, not snacks," Sesshoumaru said. Still he grabbed a handful of chips pompously.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. He wanted to call bullshit so badly. A month ago, Sesshoumaru basically lived on takeout and cheap ramen without complaint. After Rin, he spent every week shopping for organic and fresh food, despite only knowing about four recipes to cook. However, a side eye from Sesshoumaru warned him to keep that opinion to himself. The men settled into their spots, passing out the drinks and food.

"Being a dad has made you such a killjoy, more than usual," Koga ribbed, tossing Sesshoumaru a beer.

"Hn," Sesshoumaru said simply, turning on the game just as a player threw the opening pitch.


Sesshoumaru couldn't explain it. He watched the baseball game half-heartedly, but something or more accurately someone pulled his attention away from Guy's Night. He placed his phone on silent and willed himself to wait at least a minute before responding. The minute made him neurotic, especially when Kagome stalled in their conversation, and he would scroll through past messages, reading the text over in fear that he'd said the wrong thing. He struggled to talk about anything that came to mind: the office space he was remodeling, the dinner he cooked, even something like a commercial he saw. What was happening to him?

"Sess. Earth to Sesshoumaru," Inuyasha called.

Sesshoumaru glanced up from his phone and over at his brother, who scowled at him.

"What is it Inuyasha?"

"What's the point of inviting us over for the game if you aren't even gonna watch? You missed an amazing hit."

"They've only been playing a short while. It's still the first inning," Sesshoumaru retorted coolly.

Inuyasha huffed, but dropped it. Naraku eyed his friend, amused.

"You resemble a schoolgirl the way you're clutching that phone. Still in correspondence with that excitable little vixen?"

Sesshoumaru ignored the schoolgirl comment, giving a short answer, "Yes."

Koga filled up a plate of wings on his lap, stuffing his face, "Oh yeah, how'd the second date go? If you're still talking, I guess you didn't blow it."

Turning away, Sesshoumaru displayed the barest hint of a smile.

"It went well. We have some interesting similarities."

"Oh yeah, like what?" Inuyasha asked, genuinely interested in what this mystery girl brought out in his brother.

"We both learned morse code."

"Oh great. You two can be nerds learning useless shit together." Inuyasha's tone was gruff, but Sesshoumaru saw the playful gleam in his eyes, "For any other girl, that's the kind of fun fact that would kill a date. Your chick gets off on that. Unbelievable."

Miroku laughed, "You have the best luck, Sesshoumaru."

Sesshoumaru sent off another quick text, "It's more than that, of course. Kagome is…interesting."

The description was so lackluster compared to how he truly felt.

"We like the same types of movies, books, certain activities, etc." Sesshoumaru elaborated.

"Certain activities?" Koga repeated suggestively, "I think we all know what that's code for."

Inuyasha groaned, "Can we watch the game and not talk about Sess fucking anybody? Besides he's way too uptight to be getting any action."

Sesshoumaru stuck his nose in the air with a sniff, "I actually have a thing called restraint, Inuyasha and in the future, refrain from making assumptions of my bedroom life."

Naraku shook his head at the brothers' antics, "I would have thought you would have sealed the deal with the girl by this time. It's been a month, correct?"

"I'm not opposed to…intimacy," Sesshoumaru said uncomfortably, "I wasn't keeping track of our time spent."

Koga laughed hard, holding his sides as he did, "Yo, that sounds so lame. You need to get laid ASAP. What, are you waiting for a written invitation?"

Sesshoumaru growled as Miroku and Naraku joined in, laughing at him.

"It isn't as if I haven't thought of taking it further. I wanted to be mindful of Kagome's feelings, but I plan to 'seal the deal' as you say, the next time we meet," Sesshoumaru snipped.

Inuyasha looked at him incredulously, "Seriously? After the effort I made, you're gonna mess it up?"

The elder dog demon's eyes cut to him, "The effort you made?"

Inuyasha cussed internally. He forgot that Sesshoumaru didn't know that he had spoken to Kagome.

"I meant after all that bullshit to get in her good graces, you're really trying to sleep with her so quickly? You actually like her and you're willing to throw it away being like some horny dog?" Inuyasha chastised hotly.

"Well, it's fitting," Miroku snickered, "I mean you two are dogs."

Sesshoumaru snatched the drink from his friend's hand, "I think you had enough."

"It's a joke, Sess. I'm on your side. Go for it!" Miroku laughed.

Inuyasha folded his arms, "From what you've told me, I don't think it's smart. She probably gets hit on from creeps all the time and you stood out cuz you were a gentleman so keep being a fucking gentleman!"


Sesshoumaru had taken Inuyasha's advice. It was a decision that had given him many sleepless and sexually frustrated nights. On one hand, it was torture. Kagome was a natural cock tease, arousing him with no effort at all. On one hand it wasn't hard; the two were rarely alone. More often than not, their date nights were interrupted by work and meetings or the kids were around. Their conversations were shallow, pg for Rin and Shippo. Kisses were cut short. Any intimacy was nearly nonexistent.

Sesshoumaru lied in his bed, staring at the ceiling. The two adults had tried to make a schedule, coordinating their dates when Shippo went to visit his mother to free up more 'adult time', but something always came up. Sesshoumaru growled. 'Yeah, by something, I mean Inuyasha is sabotaging me.'

It seemed that every time he even considered making a move on Kagome, his insufferable sibling called him or sent over their friends. Sesshoumaru, a man with a saint's patience, was getting to his wits end. Kagome never seemed bothered by the interruptions, Sesshoumaru noticed. Perhaps his idiot brother was right about something. Kagome wanted to take it slow and he wasn't going to pressure her. The dog demon's phone rang and he accepted the call with a grunt.

"Hello Sesshoumaru."

Sesshoumaru wiped his brow. He could the teasing in his father's voice already.

"Hello Father. No need to waste time on pleasantries. What is it?"

Inutaisho chuckled over the phone, "You're no fun, son. Allow an old man like me some pleasure."

"Hn." Sesshoumaru waited for Inutaisho to state his purpose.

He heard the man sigh, disappointed he couldn't coax conversation from him, "Izayoi and I were wondering when you planned to come by with our granddaughter. We just finished preparing a room for her."

Sesshoumaru raked through his silver locks, "I've been short on time, acclimating Rin to her new home. You do live an hour away as well."

Inutaisho huffed, mimicking a petulant child, "Well you and Inuyasha didn't need to move so far away from us. Besides, I hear you've made time for other things."

The line went silent a moment. Sesshoumaru shook his head. He wasn't falling for it. He'd already explained this to his father. Though Sesshoumaru knew the man was a sucker for kids, he doubted that was the sole reason for his calling. He conceded.

"I'll bring Rin over next weekend. You have my word."

"Perfect. It's only been a month, but Izayoi and I have to make up for lost grandparent's time!" Inutaisho laughed, his light mood restored.

Sesshoumaru's mouth curved upwards at the man child that was his patriarch. He thought the conversation was over when Inutaisho spoke again. Despite his best efforts, the man failed at sounding casual.

"So Inuyasha tells me that you've met a girl."

Sesshoumaru groaned inwardly. 'And there it is.' "Yes, I met someone."

"So tell me about her."

Sesshoumaru sighed. It was a terrible habit he found himself doing more and more lately.

"What? I'm your father. I'm entitled to badger my boy. Izayoi and I were reminiscing over you and Inuyasha's baby pictures just last week. It's still hard to believe how quickly the years have gone by," Inutaisho mused sentimentally.

Sesshoumaru cut him off defensively, "Perhaps your reminiscing has caused you to forget I'm a grown man now. I'm no longer the boy in those pictures and I'm entitled to have a private life without the interference of Inuyasha or anyone else."

"Listen son, I wiped your ass. I can ask whatever I like," Inutaisho said, poking fun at his eldest.

"…She's a teacher."

"A teacher really? Inuyasha said you met you her after she assaulted someone so I didn't imagine someone so violent being a teacher."

Sesshoumaru sucked in a hard breath, "She isn't violent; Inuyasha is taking the situation out of context. She's a teacher mainly, who used to be a waitress. I met her after she was defending herself-"

Inutaisho chuckled, "I know, calm down son. I just wanted to hear you fret. It's Rin teacher. Though you could make sure I have the right information by calling and telling me yourself. When do we get to meet Kagome? She could come by with Rin."

Sesshoumaru resisted a scowl and avoided the question, "We're just casual right now. We haven't even had a full date, not really."

"Why not?"

Sesshoumaru thought back to the last few attempts to be around the woman, feeling more and more irritated, "Because I have a daughter now and she's taking care of a young boy, Shippo, in her class. With her schedule alone, the only free slot is Friday evening to Sunday, when Shippo's with his mother. At best we can only have one day together and I can't leave Rin with just anyone. Most nights we watch a movie or play a game with the kids and that's fine. That's fine, but after weeks I'd like some time alone. Even when the kids aren't around, Inuyasha comes over or Koga calls and…"

Inutaisho listened his son, awestruck. His son was…rambling. Sesshoumaru never rambled, even as a child. He told his day in clipped phrases, never telling more than he needed. It was more than that; Inutaisho could hear the frustration in his voice, clearly, not just some barely-there undertone. He cared.

"Sesshoumaru," Inutashio called, commanding his son's attention, "I'll watch Rin. I'll pick her up and we'll watch her for the weekend as much as you need."

Sesshoumaru stopped speaking. He hesitated taking the offer, as tempting it was.

"I can't ask that commitment from you," he muttered, embarrassed at his uncharacteristic outburst.

"Commitment? Rin's our grandbaby! Sess, this is the moment grandparents wait for!" Inutaisho joked.

Just like that, a wave of relief washed over him. His pride would have never allowed him to ask his father for any type of help and he was sure his dad knew that. Still, it was comforting to know he didn't have to raise Rin alone.

A slow smile escaped Sesshoumaru's lips, "Thanks Dad."


"This will be like our sixth date and I don't know what to wear anymore."

Kagome slumped on Ayame's bed, bouncing on the edge. Sango covered her mouth to hide her laughter. These dates seemed to wear her friend down and Kagome acted more and more like the second-graders she taught.

"Well what are you going to do with him?" Sango asked, watching Ayame pull out a few date night outfits.

Kagome walked to Ayame's mirror, comparing dresses, "Ugh I want to do everything to him."

"Kagome!" Sango blushed profusely.

Kagome stomped her feet, "Ugh it's not fair. He's so handsome, built like a god, but such a gentleman."

Sango's eyebrow furrowed, "How is any of that a bad thing?"

"It's not! It's just we've been talking for a month now and he hasn't tried anything. He hasn't tried to rub my legs, he hasn't grabbed my breasts or butt or anything."

"Again, how is that bad? Sound like you've attracted a good guy for a change, one that isn't trying to pressure you."

"Normally, it's not bad. And I know he's great, Sango, and I like being around him. It's just that…" Kagome bit her bottom lip.

"Just what?" Ayame chimed in.

"I'm horny!" Kagome whined, "It's been years since I was with a guy and now that I've found this delectable specimen, he doesn't even seem interested. He could at least pinch my butt!"

"What happened to Kagome the prude? That strip club has been a bad influence," Sango laughed.

Ayame grinned, "Hey I like this Kagome. You finally found a guy to do it for you, I say have fun, girl!"

"Within reason," Sango added, "You do have Shippo now. Don't get caught up in sexual exploits."

"Whatever Mom," Ayame rolled her eyes, "Just because you have Shippo doesn't mean you're no longer a sexual being. Sunday through Friday you can be the awesome teacher and mother figure, but Saturdays are your days. And on your days, I say let loose. You deserve it."

Kagome sprawled out on the bed, rolling over to Sango.

"Sorry Sango. Ayame and my aching lady parts win out over your mothering," Kagome said laughing, "I don't want him to think I'm easy, but enough is enough."

A look of determination fell over the raven-haired woman's face, "I need something to happen soon, like soon soon, with no distractions. Sango, you're the best, but if I get a call from you, I'm gonna freak."

Sango laughed, "Oh Kagome, is this really your priority?"

"It is! I mean it, Sango. Our next date, don't call me, text me, or anything else. I swear if something doesn't happen-"

Sango held up her hands in defense, "Okay, okay Kagome. Calm down. At least play a little hard to get."

Kagome grinned, "I promise nothing."

She sighed,"I just wish I could figure out what turned him on."

"Your ass," Ayame said it as if she were stating the Earth was round or the sky was blue.

Kagome perked up, "What? How would you know that?"

"He's a dog demon. Demons of canine descent tend to prefer asses. I mean, I would know right? Hope your open to anal and lots of doggystyle," Ayame added in a singsong manner, giggling.

"I don't want to hear this!" Sango shrieked. She never considered herself to be a prude, but next to Ayame, she had the sexual prowess of a nun.

Ayame shrugged, ignoring her friend's discomfort, "Plus, when we were getting Shippo's room ready, I saw him checking you out. I mean he was staring hard almost every time you bent over. It kind of fits him. He can look at your butt every time he opens the door for you or does any other gentlemanly thing and you're none the wiser."

"Now you make Sesshoumaru sound like some kind of closet pervert," pouted Sango.

"He can still be a gentleman that likes butts! I'm not saying that. I mean regardless of his preference, he hasn't acted on it so he's still a good guy," defended the wolf demoness.

Kagome laughed, sifting through the clothes Ayame laid out.

"Okay so he likes butts. Still I've worn shorts, dresses, and skirts that have shown off my butt. He didn't go for it."

Ayame snapped her fingers and rifled through her drawers, "I've got you. You need to be way less subtle."

Ayame pulled out a skirt.

"It's scandalous, and a little flashy. If he doesn't get the memo after this, check his pulse because no man alive is able to resist my boner-inducing skirt. Especially not after I do your makeup."

Sango was the color of a tomato, "Oh Kagome no, have some self-respect!"

Ayame gave a devilish grin, "Oh Kagome yes, leave that self-respect at the door and get some!"

Kagome held up the skimpy skirt, returning Ayame's grin, "It's perfect."


Kagome was almost too giddy to contain herself after Sesshoumaru invited her over. He'd informed her that his father was watching Rin, giving them a whole weekend alone. She pulled up at his house. She was so excited, she could skip to his door. Kagome about to step out of her car when her phone began to vibrate. She sighed, picking up.

"Yes Bankotsu?"

The roar of his voice caused Kagome to pull her cell away.

"What the hell, Kagome? You've been actively avoiding me! Hell, I don't even know if I'm even talking to you or if this is some elaborate voicemail," Bankotsu spat.

Kagome massaged her temples, "I've been busy. Or did you forget I have Shippo now?"

She could hear Bankotsu suck his teeth in annoyance, "That's your excuse? Isn't he with his mom today? I need you tonight."

"No can do. I'm spending the night at Sesshoumaru's and-"

"And there it is!" shouted Bankotsu, cutting her off, "This isn't about the kid at all. Whatever, when you're done sucking dick, can you do your fucking job or do you not need me now?"

Kagome frowned, "You're being mean for no reason and you wonder why I rarely answer your calls. I'll see you tonight if and only IF I can get away. I'll text you."

With a scoff, Bankotsu hung up. Kagome rolled her eyes and stepped out the car. He wasn't going to dampen her spirits tonight. She smoothed out her mini skirt. Kagome was grateful that it was already late evening so Sesshoumaru's neighbors wouldn't see her current state of dress. Ayame was right. This skirt certainly was scandalous; a look for Sesshoumaru's eyes only. She giggled, dashing to the door. She knocked sharply.

Sesshoumaru opened the door and Kagome stepped in. Sesshoumaru's amber eyes roved hungrily over her form.

"I thought we were just watching a movie?"

Kagome did a twirl, feeling the light skirt lift a little, "I just wanted to look nice for you. Do you like it?"

Holy hell yes.

"Yes, you look so…"

Fuckable.

"Pretty," he finished.

"Hmm, on our first date I was beautiful. Now I'm just pretty?" Kagome teased.

"Would stunning be more appropriate?" Sesshoumaru joked back, closing the door.

"I'll take stunning," Kagome smirked, sliding past him, "Oh, show me your new office space you texted me about!"

"Sure, it's upstairs," Sesshoumaru managed.

Kagome took the lead with a salacious sway of her hips. She heard Sesshoumaru's breath hitch as she climbed the stairs and smirked. She was taking no prisoners tonight, donning her sexiest pair of red lace panties. As short as her skirt was, she knew she was flashing him with every step. Hell she counted on it.

"Down this hallway?" Kagome asked, innocently looking over her shoulder.

He was staring. Kagome doubted he even realized how hard he was staring.

"Sesshoumaru?"

Her voice the second time broke the spell her hips had casted, "What did you say?"

"Do I turn left or right?"

Sesshoumaru didn't care where they were heading. It would only take a moment for him to hook his fingers around her panties and claim his prize. She was practically begging for it, his beast urged. Sesshoumaru shoved his hands in his pockets. It wasn't much, but he needed some kind of barrier to keep him from ravaging Kagome on his stairs.

"Sesshoumaru?"

"Right," he grit out, "Turn right."

Kagome smirked, turning right. Oh yeah, he was a goner.