Disclaimer: Me no own Inuyasha

Hope you like this chapter!

Chapter 14: Understandings

The drive home was comfortably silent except for the sounds of slurping sounds from the backseat, compliments of Rin and her Triple Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cone. Sesshomaru did not seem to mind as long as the Ice cream stayed in her mouth, as he forewarned her of the consequences if any of that sticky cream should touch the custom leather seats of his 2008 Dodge Charger.

His thoughts once more turned to the conversation he had with his wife yesterday. He found himself thinking a lot about that today. He was serious this time that he wanted to fix the rift that had somehow interfered with his priorities. That meant that once he was back at work, he would have to arrange his schedule so that he could come home earlier in the afternoon so he could spend time with his wife and pup. He did not want anything to come between his family and himself again.

That meant, though, that he would have to take care of this new threat, Ryu.

Now, Sesshomaru rarely showed emotion. Years of training had taught him to keep his emotion concealed, hidden from his enemies both personal and professional. However, the mere thought of that demon sent Sesshomaru into a blood rage causing his youki to spike in defense.

Rin, who had long ago finished her ice cream, stared at her father in wonder. She remembered feeling the same spark of energy when her mommy and daddy had that fight after dinner two nights ago when they were fussing about his lack of attendance in their lives. It was big and almost suffocating. Rin whimpered in fear hoping to get him to calm down because he was starting to scare her.

Sesshomaru's thoughts were interrupted when he heard his pup's whine, stating that she was afraid. 'I need to stop this. The last thing I need is for my pup to fear me.' He whine softly back in a calm and soothing manner as to calm her down before addressing her.

"I apologize, pup. I did not mean to scare you. Daddy's just a little upset."

Rin tipped her head in curiosity, "Upset about what Daddy? Did daddy and mommy have a fight again?" Rin stared at him, eyes shining with unshed tears. She never liked it when her parents fought. Her mommy would be real sad and depressed and daddy would leave for almost the whole day.

Sesshomaru collected his thoughts together before answering her.

"No, it wasn't with your mother. Do not worry." Rin, obviously satisfied with his answer, wiped her eyes and giving her daddy a big smile, turned her attention to the window watching the scenery fly by in wonderment.

Sesshomaru continued to stare at her though the rear view mirror. It still amazed him how she could mirror her mother. By looking at her, he could tell he was going to have a rough time handling the boys who were going to 'try' and court her as if he would let that happen. He would kill them.

Turning his attention back to the front, he realized he would need to straighten out this Ryu issue with Kagome. That demon just did not sit well with him and he was not about let this person damage his already fragile relationship with Kagome. With his face set in determination, he sped home hoping to assure his conscience that Kagome was there waiting for his return.

Sango and Kagome were having a blast!

From popcorn fights to pillow fights (which were all started by Kagome, all because Sango said the Brad Pitt was ugly! Brad Pitt Ugly! Those words did not go in a sentence together, no way.) One of their pillow fights got so violent that one of the pillows busted on impact causing a flurry of white feathers to grace the surrounding area. All it took was a glance before they busted out laughing.

Grasping her sides, Kagome tried to gain some composure before speaking. "Listen we better clean this up before Sesshomaru has a fit."

Sango nodded humorously before getting up. She bent over picking up the popcorn bowl that had somehow ended up on top of the lamp. Sango briefly wondered why the lamp did not tip over from the weight.

Kagome straighten up her rumpled clothes before hurrying to the kitchen for the broom and dustpan. Bending over to grasp said object, she hurried back towards popcorn and feathered covered living room. Just as she was passing the garage door in the kitchen, she faintly her the dulling roar of her husband's Dodge Charger.

Kagome returned to the living room to inform Sango of her husband's arrival.

"Sango, Sesshomaru just drove up. We need to clean up this mess quick. I doubt he'll like the smell ofbutter in his couch."

Sango agreed.

Kagome went to get the broom and dustpan before starting on the floor. They were just finishing up as the sound of the door unlocking drifted to their ears. Sango hurriedly put the trash in the trashcan before turning to retreat only to come face to face or in her case face to chest with the man of the house.

Sesshoumaru pulled into the garage slowly before coming to a gentle stop. Rin had fallen asleep during the trip so he did not want to wake her. He turned the car off before stepping out of the car and grabbing Rin out of her car seat, he closed the door before turning around and heading towards the house. Sesshoumaru was not about half way up the garage steps before he felt the present of another in his home.

Walking faster to the door, he made sure Rin was secure in his arms in case of sudden danger. Opening the door quietly, he walked up behind a form that was bending over by the trashcan. Using his senses, he clearly deducted that in was a female human.

'Must be one of Kagome's friends,' He thought.

As the human rose up and turned, she almost ran into his chest but stopped suddenly in front of his imposing figure.

Sesshoumaru felt sort of a smug arrogance that he could incite such unstableness in a person. As he was about to speak he was interrupted by Kagome, who had just worked in the kitchen after hearing the door close.

"I'm finished San-n-g-o...oh! Hey, honey how was your day?" Kagome was taken by surprise at his sudden appearance. "You remember Sango, right?"

Sesshoumaru's eyebrow rose in question as he glanced in between the two women. Glancing at the unfamiliar women for a second, he could vaguely remember her face from one of their wedding pictures.

Sango, sensing the slight tension in the air, cleared her throat. She forgot how intimidating Sesshoumaru could be at close range; she did not know what to do.

Kagome was slightly nervous and she knew he could tell. It was not until a few moments ago that she noticed in the living room that one of the ceramic pots that Sesshoumaru had imported specifically from the Middle East had somehow managed to tip slightly and land on the wall. Of course the impact did not break it but...what was she to say about the piece that chipped off the smooth and fragile piece of art.

They might as well dig her grave now. The sudden quiet in the kitchen worked her nerve making her ring her fingers, uneasily.

Sango raised her hand as if to speak, when...

*Beep! Beep! Be-ep!*

Sango eyes widen in disbelief. She could not believe her luck. Doug had arrived. Oh yeah, she will have to reward him for his perfect timing. Hm...maybe I could do that special dance he likes tonight.' Sango, knocked out of her thoughts by a second round of honks, hastened her attempts to retreat.

"Well, it seems my husband is slightly impatient." Sango laughed nervously at the sudden cold, calculating stare directed in her direction by Sesshoumaru. Gradually, she began backing her way to the front door. Once the door was within sight, she quickly twisted to knob and hurriedly rushed out, while calling over her shoulder.

"Talk to you soon, Kagome. Nice seeing you again Sesshoumaru." With added adrenaline, Sango sprinted to the car making a haste escape from her 'doom'. Glancing at her husband, she noticed the inquisitive look directed at her. Shaking her head, Sango simply said, "I'll tell you later."

Obviously that was enough for him because he nodded "and" started their journey home. Sango could not help but feel somewhat bad for bailing out on Kagome. 'Oh, well, I'm sure she can handle herself. After all she has been married to him for five years now.' Sango sighed, feeling better of her earlier actions.

Kagome stared at the front door in disbelief. 'I cannot believe she left me to take the heat!' Kagome glared heatedly at the front, silently hoping that Sango would feel the heat of her anger. Kagome, realizing the pointlessness of it all, began to slowly turn around and face her doom.

She nervously made eye contact with Sesshoumaru, her body stiff and hesitant. Oh, she hoped he never notice it.

Sesshoumaru was unimpressed. He knew when she got nervous like that she did something he didn't like. So the question now was what.

"What did you do?" Simple question.

"Nothing." That would have been a simple answer. However, as you learn with time, nothing was simple when it came to Kagome.

Sesshoumaru stared at her, seemingly bored. 'She did something, but right now I need to take care of something else'. Giving her one contemplative glance, he turned and continued his trek toward the stairs to lay Rin to bed.

Kagome realizing that he had let it go for now, sighed thankfully. Her eyes followed him as he headed towards the stairs. 'He must be putting Rin to bed. She must have had a busy day.' Deciding to wait for him downstairs, she began straightening to kitchen.

Sesshoumaru tucked Rin in after changing her into her pajamas and not once did she stir so deeply asleep you would think she were dead. Sesshoumaru, like every other parent, feeling slightly uncomfortable with said thoughts, glanced at Rin one more time for reassurance. Once satisfied, he rose to leave. Once he reached door he was halted by a sweet sounding, "Go' night daddy."

A small smile touched his lips. "Good night, pup."

With that, he walked out making sure to leave the door crack so as to not repeat yesterday's performance. He wanted to make sure that if his pup ever needed him that he would be able to hear her call. He headed back down stairs to confront his wife. This had to be taken care of now.

Kagome was just finishing the last of the dishes when she heard Sesshoumaru enter the kitchen. Turning around she went to embrace him. She nuzzled him in the neck, inhaling the wonderful male scent that permeated from his body. She felt his arm circle around her waist encasing her in a feeling of love and security. She released him back up to look him in the eye. It was then she noticed his thoughtful expression.

"Sesshoumaru, what is wrong?" To Kagome, Sesshoumaru seemed worried about something.

Sesshoumaru glance at her with a soft expression before doing something he would normally consider completely unrefined and improper. He sighed.

Now, Kagome knew something was wrong.

Sesshoumaru grabbed her arm and pulled her along with him to kitchen island chairs to sit. Once they were both seated, he started.

"I ran into your 'friend', Ryu, today." He said, watching her expression carefully.

Kagome eyes widen, with slight apprehension.

Yep, she remembered what happened the last time Ryu and he met. "Oh, lord. You didn't kill him did you?! Sesshoumaru you cannot go to jail! Please tell me you did not kill him! Oh god! Oh Go-.."

Sesshoumaru reached over grabbing Kagome by the back of her neck, yanking her forward to kiss her.

He slowly released to give her air.

'God, I love when he does that.' Kagome thought before getting herself together. Panting slightly,she glared at him in mock irritation as to not show that she actually enjoyed it.

"Humph, if you wanted me to shut up, you could have just asked." Kagome crossed her arms in slight irritation, but still slightly aroused.

Sesshoumaru chuckled. "Where's the fun in that?"

Kagome rolled her eyes before deciding to get back to the subject. "O-okay, so you saw Ryu and...?"

"We 'talked' about you. There is something about him that does not sit well with me."

Kagome glanced suspiciously at Sesshoumaru. "What are you trying say?"

Sesshoumaru glanced at her before getting up. Back straight and face set in determination; Sesshoumaru said something that would set off a whole round of problems for their relationship.

"You are not to see Ryu anymore."

With that, he turned and walked out the kitchen, leaving Kagome staring after him mouth agape.

'He can't do that!' Kagome thought, angrily. 'Oh, no. this is not over.'

Kagome intently followed Sesshoumaru. She was getting to the bottom of this once and for all!

So, so sorry people. Life was calling and I had to answer. An arrangement of things are going on in my life. Mother has cancer, Full-time Job, Full-time Student all wrapped in a box with a pretty little bow. Yeah, so not much time for anything else. But I am trying to make time, so please bear with me.

I haven't forgotten you my fair readers. I'm working as hard as I can!

D-lover