Ugh. Cats. If there was one thing in the world that Sesshoumaru could not stand more than the sound of a vacuum cleaner, it was cats. Big cats, small cats; feral, house; pure or mixed. He absolutely hated cats.

And now they were neighbors.

The damn panther youkai had been there a total of three days, and already had Sesshoumaru sharpening his claws. If it had been a single youkai, or even a young couple, he would have been able to repress his need to chase the damnable felines into the trees.

But no. They were a mated couple with child. A young boy who declared himself King Kitty, and his daughter, his beautiful, inu-hanyou daughter, as his Queen.

Kagome thought it adorable, and was thrilled that her daughter had found a friend. The neighborhood they lived in didn't have many children, and the few that were there were either snotty or unable to keep Takara's attention.

The boy's name was Leiko, and he had monopolized Takara's attention.

A low growl began in Sesshoumaru's throat as he saw his precious child follow the mangy cat, Akina in tow. 'Damn traitor.' Another growl started. A soft hand on his chest stilled it.

"She's been very lonely lately, you know. What, with you working on your newest project, and me getting things ready for her to start preschool. Even Inuyasha's been busy. She needs more friends than just Akina, my mate. She needs to socialize, someone to talk to. You wouldn't want to scare her best friend away, would you?"

She had a teasing tone, but it was underlined with seriousness. He sighed, reaching over the counter and picking up a plate.

"Then I shall allow you to greet the neighbors."

With that, he handed her the plate of sugar-free cookies and continued to glare at the world.