It was nearing bedtime but the children were still a bundle of energy. Sesshomaru had managed to change into some pajama pants feeling it would be inappropriate to wear anything shorter. However as he looked at his scars he knew he very well couldn't let the Higurashi woman see them. So instead of a typical t-shirt he would have worn to bed he wore a sweater over it, despite the heat inside the apartment.
He came back out and saw Kagome fixing the top of their fort which had come undone a little. Inside two mischievous children giggled to each other.
"I really like your mama, Shippo. She's really nice." Rin lowered her voice to a whisper so Kagome wouldn't hear her.
"Your dad doesn't seem that bad." Shippo offered not quite sure what else to say on the matter.
"He's really nice once he likes someone." Rin was a little upset that her dad had been so rude earlier, but she knew him better than anyone else and she knew he had a good heart.
"I like having you over, Shippo. It's almost like I can pretend we are all one big family and you are my brother. Wouldn't that be cool if your mama and my daddy got married?" Rin giggled to herself as she began to imagine it but Shippo wasn't so sure. The idea was cool, but it was also impractical. Although the two adults were being cordial at the moment, he could tell they were not happy having to be near each other.
"Rin, I don't think our parents like each other." Shippo said slowly, making his friend frown. She could see it too, but she hated to believe it. Both of them were being silly.
"I know they don't like each other now, but maybe one day they will. They just have to get to know each other." Both of the kids were quiet for a moment as they contemplated what it would be like to be a family.
"Rin, it is time for bed." Rin heard her father's baritone voice as she crawled out of the fort. Instantly there was a crack of thunder and both kids started to shake.
"Please daddy-sama, don't make me sleep in my room by myself. I'll get scared." For the millionth time that night, Sesshomaru found his heart breaking. As Shippo went to his mother he hugged her and Sesshomaru watched her tenderly run her fingers through his wavy auburn hair.
"They could always sleep out here in the fort together. I could take the couch and watch them." Kagome offered quietly not wanting to seem as if she was imposing.
"Really? Please Daddy-sama can I stay with Kagome and Shippo tonight?" Now Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed. He could see Rin was becoming attached quickly and he was not at all pleased with the proposed outcomes his mind was suggesting.
"No Rin."
She immediately ran and latched on to him and he could see the tears hugging the corner of her eyes.
"Then can I stay with you tonight? Please?" Another unfavorable alternative had presented itself and Sesshomaru was not looking forward to Rin staying with him all night. When she did she often tossed and turned keeping him up all night. She even on occasion landed some sizeable kicks into his slumbering body making him tired and sore the following day. There was also the unpleasant bruises he endured and hid from her observant eyes.
After a moment's decision he sighed and sat down on the couch a fair enough distance from Kagome who was watching him out of the corner of her eyes.
"You may stay with Shippo tonight here in the living room, but Rin I don't want to hear you begging for anything else tonight. I know the storm has upset you, but you have to learn to be brave." Rin sniffled and nodded before looping her arms around his neck. She thanked him with a quick kiss to his cheek before she resumed playing with Shippo for a little longer.
By the time the two of them were asleep, Kagome crept up to look inside the fort smiling at how they had each rolled up into their blankets.
She tenderly touched each of them and wished them goodnight before resuming her spot on the couch.
Feeling the need for a drink if he was going to get through the rest of the night with the woman alone, Sesshomaru picked a red wine and brought two glasses over. Although he truly did not want to offer her any, he decided he would play the good host as he should.
She took the glass he offered, thanking him quietly before taking a sip. So they sat there in silence and he could tell it bothered her to be so quiet when there was an opportunity for conversation.
"Does Rin not have very many friends over?" Kagome decided on a neutral topic to see if he would open up more. Although she didn't like the man, she couldn't help but feel there was more to him by the way he interacted with his daughter.
"No one knows that I have adopted Rin and I would like to keep it that way for her protection. Thus, she has never had any friends over." Kagome looked at him wide-eyed but bit her lip from retorting about how silly that sounded. If she wanted to stay on the man's good side questioning his parenting methods was not the way to go.
"I promise I won't tell then. I hope however that you will consider Shippo as a future playmate for Rin, either here or in my house. Shippo has been having difficulty adjusting to the new school and having a friend has made the transition easier. They seem to get along really well too." Kagome took another sip of her wine thanking the Kami for the small little favors in life. She had been aching for a glass of alcohol all night to ease her nerves.
"Rin has seemed happier since she made friends with your son." Sesshomaru admitted, taking a sip of the dark liquor. He swirled it in his mouth enjoying the rich bold flavor of an aged wine, before swallowing. Kagome smiled at him for the first time that night and he found himself caught off guard by the sincerity of it.
"I am not going to expect our business relationship to change because of this, but I would still like you to consider becoming a buyer for our new chip." Her politeness etched at him, making him grow more annoyed at her presence.
"Are you asking or begging?" He retorted causing Kagome's eyes to flash. She had to take a few even breaths before she began again. She had to remember to show no fear around this man or he would use it against her.
"I'm asking. I don't know why you are so disinclined to like me." He could sense her temper rising and was intrigued at watching her try to contain it.
"You waste my time, yell at me, and barge your way into my life. Yet you wonder why I dislike you?" He interrupted her smoothly and she sat back thinning her lips as she spoke.
"You can't always have control over every part of your life. Sometimes things have a way of butting in. Try going with the flow sometime, it will make both you and Rin happier." She took another sip feeling the liquid burn as it went down her throat.
"Are you suggesting I don't know how to raise my daughter?" Sesshomaru fumed.
"Shippo tells me she is not allowed to use her family name in school. The kids ostracize her and pick on her. He said he was her first friend. Maybe you can live your life privately, but have you ever thought that maybe she is missing out on her childhood?" Kagome turned to him, her blue eyes catching in the dim light and he found his chin lifting in defiance.
"How has the public life been working for you and your son, Higurashi? Has it helped or only hurt your family? I do not want that kind of life for Rin." The blow struck kagome's psyche hard, but she regrouped and readied herself to attack again.
"You're afraid and selfish. Keeping Rin all locked away so no one can see her. Let her live, or you will doom her to a life that she doesn't understand. What will happen when she is grown? How will she handle the world outside if she has never been exposed to it? They will eat her alive! At least let her make the decision if she prefers the private life or the public one and don't make it for her."
"You have lived this life for a few months and you expect me to believe you know what's best for my daughter? I have lived the public life and trust me when I say no good can come from it." They stared at each other tensely for a few moment before Kagome looked away and shook her head.
"You're right. I have only lived this life for a few months. But ya know, either public or private, there will always be pros and cons to each side. But in the end you have to determine if the pros are worth the cons. You have to let her live her life, go to the park, make friends and be a part of the world. It will do her and yourself no good to hide away from it." Kagome had grown calm as she stepped lightly over her thoughts. She hated confronting him, but she truly believed at the bottom of her heart that this was wrong. Rin should not have experienced her first sleepover at the age of six or made her first friend by a series of unfortunate events. It wasn't fair to her.
"Look you don't have to go out in public with her, but maybe you will let us take her out. I bet she has never played at the park with someone her own age. I promise I will protect her like she is my own. We could go tomorrow. I need to make up this crazy night to Shippo anyways." One last sip and her wine was drained leaving both glasses empty. Sesshomaru looked at both glasses and without another word he poured the red wine into them once more.
He received a whispered thanks as together in unison they drank from their wine.
Rin always asked to go to the park and he knew he couldn't deny her for too long. Still he hated to be out in public, but he would be damned if he let the Higurashi woman replace him in Rin's heart. What she said made sense, but that didn't mean Sesshomaru had to like it. He did shelter Rin mostly out of concern for her safety, but also because he did not wish to share her.
Rin had often hinted that she wished for a mother and siblings, but due to their lifestyle that seemed an impossibility.
Perhaps it was the wine, but for some reason Sesshomaru was feeling extremely generous at the moment. If the Higurashi woman thought she was right, let her prove it.
"Tomorrow you will pick a park where the children can play and you will bring your business plan and the specs for your new chip. You will bring everything for me to review and answer any questions I might have, then I will decide if I wish for my company to become a buyer." For a moment there was silence and he turned to her miffed that she hadn't heard him.
"What did you say?" Blue eyes met gold and he turned away immediately before he was drawn into their depths.
"This is your last chance Higurashi to prove to me your worth as a CEO and as a company. Do not disappoint me again." Kagome could only imagine what he would do if he let her down again. Still as intimidated as she was she was also excited for the challenge. The fact that he gave her another chance at all was a miracle and she wasn't about to waste it.
"I accept your challenge and trust me you won't be disappointed." As Sesshomaru regarded her, he was intensely curious if he had just wasted his time yet again or if the woman would prove her worth. He had respected Kaede from a distance meeting her occasionally and he had hoped her successor would be worthy of that respect too. Perhaps it was in Kaede's memory that he gave the Higurashi woman a chance or perhaps it was the way she was kind to Rin. Either way he wasn't about to let on that as far as taking over her company or destroying her, she was relatively safe. He couldn't very well allow Rin to lose her friend and he wouldn't be blamed for the unhappiness of his daughter's countenance.
He would have to play his cards well if he wanted Higurashi to go down without exposing himself, but he would let her redeem or incriminate herself tomorrow.
It was all up to her.
The pounding of the rain and the whirring of the wind had been constant and true causing a lull to happen in the conversation. As the wine was finished and the glasses empty, Kagome fell asleep against the sofa. Unable to leave Rin alone with the woman and her son, Sesshomaru settled himself in for the night and curled on the couch with a blanket.
With the curtains closed, whatever sunlight that would have penetrated the glass was blocked and left outside. Inside the penthouse apartment, the inhabitants slept unaware.
Rin who was accustomed to early mornings from school was the first to awake, long black lashes parting to reveal brown eyes. For once the room was quiet as the pelting of the rain against the glass had ceased. Wondering if the rain had truly stopped, she made her way out of the fort taking her flashlight with her and went to the curtains.
When the sunlight flooded into the room bathing her with its warm light, she had to close her eyes and wait for her eyes to adjust to the onslaught of brightness. Smiling at the sun now shining and the thunderstorm barely a distant memory she turned only to catch a glimpse of two figures huddled together.
Somehow during the night Kagome had slipped from her position on the couch over to Sesshomaru's side where her head was pressed neatly against his shoulder.
With glee, Rin tiptoed to the fort where Shippo lay sleeping, shielded from the light with the covers that made the fort's walls and ceiling. She crawled between the two chairs that acted as posts and began to shake her friend awake.
"Shippo! Wake up. I have something to show you." Careful to keep her voice just at a whisper she had to shush her friend when he began to groan.
"What time is it?" He grumbled and turned away from Rin who pouted.
"Kagome and Daddy-sama are sleeping together. You have to see it." That seemed to get his attention and with heavy lidded eyes he managed to sit up and stretch. He blinked a little realizing the sun had been let into the room before following Rin out of the fort. What he saw too made his eyes go wide.
Together Rin and Shippo stared, Rin excited more than anything.
"They are going to end up together I know it! And then you will have a daddy and I will have a mama. You will be my brother and I will be your sister. We'll be a family, just like I always dreamed." As Rin began to continue on about her dream, Shippo couldn't help but understand her happiness. He too wanted the same things she did, but he was far more cautious on the matter. He wasn't about to let his hope rise only to have his dreams crushed.
"It would be nice Rin, but just because…hey where are you going?" He almost yelled at her before clapping a hand over his mouth to stop himself. Rin gave him a cautious look before looking back to her father and Kagome only to see they hadn't stirred yet.
Carefully she went to her bedroom and fetched a camera her daddy had bought her for her birthday. She really hadn't had a chance to use it much except to take pictures of her daddy and Jaken, but this was one picture she wanted forever.
Sneaking over to Kagome and Sesshomaru she snapped a picture gasping in surprise when a brilliant flash lit up their forms.
That seemed to get them awake and groggily the two adults began to shift with Kagome sitting up to rub her eyes first. When she turned and saw the position she had been in it took only the blink of an eye for her to be up and off the couch.
Sesshomaru was slower in waking and he had yet to realize exactly what had occurred except that his side now felt cold.
Sitting up he rubbed his face and yawned only to look up into three pairs of eyes that looked as if they had just been caught with their hands in the cookie jar.
His eyes narrowed but before he could ask what had happened, Kagome beat him to the punch and took control of the conversation first.
"I was going to make breakfast right now. Was there anything in particular you wanted? Rin, Shippo, start cleaning up your fort." Her tone became demanding as she eyed the two children as if daring them to say a word. Too excited from all that had happened, Rin hugged her camera to her chest before skipping over to her fort.
Shippo seemed a little out of sorts but he wasn't about to be left out in the open for Sesshomaru to ask what had happened, so he felt it wise to assist Rin in cleaning up.
"If you need any help, just yell kids!" Kagome called to them as she made her way over to the kitchen. Burrowing through the refrigerator she was able to pick out some vegetables and eggs to make an omelet.
She was so busy exploring the kitchen for pans and other cooking utensils she didn't see when Sesshomaru came up beside her and set the wine glasses in the sink.
"Do you prefer coffee or tea in the morning?" Startled, Kagome jumped only to turn and see him there behind her. It was surreal looking up into the face of the most feared business man in Japan only to find him in pajamas. Smiling she tried to keep her thoughts from playing obviously in her eyes.
"Whichever you prefer is fine with me." Turning back to her food, she left the man to his own devices as he instantly began to make a pot of tea. The smooth caffeine would help to awaken both adults from the long night they had without the bitter taste of coffee grounds.
He watched her for a moment, out of shock at seeing a woman in his kitchen cooking food. She hummed to herself and he watched her some more. She was still wearing his shirt and his boxers, a fact that did not go unnoticed the previous night. He swore his shirt never looked as good as it did on her. He silently took note of how his shirt hugged her breasts as she reached up, stretching her body to reach a plate from a top shelf.
Frowning at himself he forced himself to look away mentally chastising himself for such thoughts. He whisked some bangs out of his face as he tried to remember the last time he had been with a woman. It had certainly been a few years. Not since he had adopted Rin, in fact. When you create a private life it is hard to allow anyone in, especially a had obviously been too long or he wouldn't be having these thoughts about the Higurashi woman.
A plate was laid down before him and he had barely enough time to catch her gaze before turning back to the omelet before him.
"Kids! Breakfast is ready!" He was startled by her voice ringing through his normally quiet abode. He had actually had an intercom system installed that had allowed him to not only watch over Rin when he couldn't be there but to also call for her without screaming.
"There is an intercom." Sesshomaru said blandly his eyes narrowed. Kagome turned giving him this incredulous look before her thought process was interrupted by the sounds of running feet heading towards the kitchen.
As she turned away from Sesshomaru to get the kids' dishes, Sesshomaru inwardly scowled. She had completely disregarded him and he was not in the least bit amused. He let the issue drop when the children approached and sat down at the table. Smaller yet identical portions of omelet were laid before them.
"Rin what would you like to drink?" Kagome smiled at the two pint sized mouths full of food.
"Rin likes juice!" The girl pointed to the refrigerator where Kagome proceeded to pick out the juice.
"The glasses are in the cabinet right there!" Rin stood up and pointed to the cabinet near Kagome where she proceeded to pull out two small cups and pour the juice for both children.
"Aren't you gonna eat, mama?" Shippo looked at his mom noticing she had yet to sit down. As Kagome smiled to him she picked up her plate which had been set aside and brought it to the table. Together the two adults and two children ate in silence.
Sesshomaru had been wary about the food, but he figured he would at least try it. As Rin was present he didn't want to seem ungrateful although he was a little mistrusting of the Higurashi woman.
Hearing the bell go off for the electric water kettle, he excused himself to tend to the tea. For this particular day he was going to need a very strong tea, especially if he would be in the presence of the Higurashi woman all day. He normally went without the addition of milk, sugar, or lemons to his tea as many western societies went and preferred very herbal aromas with strong properties. He was also curious to see how the woman would react to his partialities.
Setting the steaming cups before the woman he was rewarded with polite gratitude. She let it cool for a moment as he began his measured sips. His plate already finished he watched Rin and Shippo scarfing down their food and drink so they could return to playing.
"Did you two finish cleaning up?" Kagome's eyes instantly alighted on the half cleaned mess in the living room. Catching the children's sheepish look she waved her finger at them to continue cleaning. They pouted but did as they were told.
"Put your plates in the sink." Sesshomaru's deep baritone was almost missed, but as Rin was specifically tuned to the pitch of his voice and Shippo watchful of him, they happened to catch the warning in his tone. So they did as he bid first, catching Kagome's smile of approval before scuttling away from under their parents' watchful eyes.
"Have you decided on a park?" Sesshomaru asked as he took a sip of his hot tea. He hoped the energy the tea gave him would help him survive the day, especially if he was to be dealing with the Higurashi woman all day. That and a place filled with screaming children hardly seemed relaxing.
"It will be really muddy from all the rain, but there is an indoor play place that Shippo loves. It has a place for the kids to climb and play as well as some arcade games. Here I will give you the name and where it is." She went to her purse, never minding Sesshomaru's stern look as she pulled out a piece of paper and a pen. Writing down the name she slid it halfway across the table for him to reach. He stared at the paper for a moment while she stood up and began to start on the dishes.
While her back was turned he reached and took the paper between his two fingers and held it up. Just with the name of this park alone he was dreading his afternoon.
Putting the paper down he sighed as he watched the woman clean his dishes. He suddenly dreaded spending an afternoon with her. She hummed a little while she cleaned, completely unaware of the glare that met her back. Or perhaps she was aware and just didn't care? Either way, Sesshomaru was not one that accepted being ignored.
His thoughts were interrupted as he heard the distinctive sound of his door knob wiggling. Getting up he took a few strides to be at his door and opened it. The mumbling and bumbling form of his personal assistant and butler, Jaken rolled in after dropping the clothes he had been carrying.
Sesshomaru spied the Higurashi woman's dress and bent to pick it up, remembering how it had clung to her the night before when it had been soaked against her skin.
"Oh, Jaken, was it? Thank you so much for getting these cleaned for me. Bankotsu would have killed me if I ruined his clothes. How much do I owe you?" She turned to grab her purse as Sesshomaru traded glances with Jaken.
"Jaken performed the services himself, there was no charge incurred." As Kagome turned she found that Sesshomaru had stepped lightly over to her and he was holding out her dress for her to take. A tint of pink colored her cheeks as she took the red cloth in her hands embarrassed that her clothing disaster had happened at all.
"Well I'll just go get changed and then be out of your way." Her whisper made Sesshomaru stiffen as he watched her. She seemed upset to be leaving and he couldn't fathom why. Had they not been disagreeable to each other the entire previous evening? Perhaps there had been a few moments of cordiality but they were few and far between.
"Shippo! Make sure that living room is clean and you are ready to leave!" She heard a few dejected moans from the children as they whined about staying together longer. Sesshomaru watched her flick her finger at the both of them, lightly scolding them for whining.
"We need to go home and get changed. I have a surprise for you today Shippo, but you have to be on your best behavior. Understand?" The boy's green eyes lit with wonder as he grinned, before jumping up to tell Rin goodbye and gather his things.
Rin looked desolate that her friend was leaving. To a child even a whole evening seems like such a short amount of time when you are having fun. The tears formed at the corner of her eyes and Sesshomaru moved towards her to prevent her from crying.
"You will also receive a surprise Rin if you are on your best behavior. Now say goodbye to Shippo and thank him for visiting." He patted her on the back and she ran over to grab the auburn haired boy in her arms saying her goodbyes.
"Thanks for visiting Shippo. It really means a lot to me that you and your mama stayed overnight." Rin gave a polite bow as Sesshomaru followed suit.
"Thank you for taking us in and letting us stay overnight. We are grateful for your hospitality." It was Kagome who responded with a slight bow of her own. She nudged Shippo, who had been fumbling with his hands, to bow as well.
"I'll see ya in school Rin!" Shippo called as they turned towards the door.
Just as she had come, Kagome was once more in her red dress, a garment that hugged her features and looked far better dry than wet. Her blue eyes flickered to Sesshomaru and she whispered her thanks once more before rushing out the door.
As the large solid wood door closed behind them, Sesshomaru looked to Rin who seemed sad. She turned away from his golden gaze and looked around the house feeling the emptiness of it once more.
Even when Sesshomaru's family came to visit, she had never felt the warmth and feeling of family that she got from Kagome. Unbeknownst to Sesshomaru his adoptive daughter was determined now more than ever to see him with Kagome. She had found her perfect mama and brother and she wasn't about to let them slip through her fingers.
Without further ado, Rin skipped away to begin plotting her schemes. Her purposeful movement made Sesshomaru watch her curiously.
He had expected her to be upset and he was little startled that she was not. Instead she had a mischievous smile on her lips, a look she did not often wear.
As she skipped away, Sesshomaru took out the piece of paper with the name of the indoor park Kagome had referred him to.
Imagination Land.
He shivered.